Mariners Who’s on First?

The only player the Mariners are returning this spring training who played any at first base is Jesus Montero. He is my choice to be the right handed hitting platoon player to go along with Adam Lind who the Mariners picked up from the Milwaukee Brewers during the off-season. Lind likely will play the majority of games at first base being a left handed hitter. Lind has the power and on-base percentage the Mariners have been looking for some time. They have gone through disappointed players at first base. Depending upon his health Lind may be designated hitter on occasion as well though Nelson Cruz will be the primary designated hitter. Depending on his health Cruz may play some in right field too. I think it would be nice if the Mariners could try Cruz at first base however I have the feeling that won’t happen.

The Mariners primarily picked up Lind for his bat. I am not sure how good a first baseman he is because while in Toronto he mostly was the designated hitter although played occasionally at first base. If he can play first base as well as Mark Trumbo the Mariners will be OK.  Though Jesus Montero has limited range playing first base I believe he can improve. We will see this coming spring training. If Montero makes the ball club he may be the designated hitter when not playing first base. He is out of options so the Mariners will need to put him on waivers if he doesn’t make the ball club. I would not be surprised if another team picked him up especially one needing a designated hitter. The key for Montero is whether he can lay off the breaking pitches that gave him so much trouble with last season. I am sure we will see because a lot of pitchers are going to throw those to him during spring training. What I like about Montero is that he has power especially to the opposite field that the Mariners can use along with Nelson Cruz.

Another candidate the Mariners general manager mentioned will have a chance to play first base is Stefen Romero. Like Montero he has power as well and he can play the outfield along with the infield except short stop. Versatility for Romero may give him an advantage over the other candidates the Mariners have trying to be the right handed platoon player at first base. The Mariners could use someone that can play in the outfield as well. Romero has to show that he can hit major league pitching consistently.

Two other candidates are Gaby Sanchez who played in Japan last year and Ed Lucas. It is hard to know what chance either of them has however I am sure all the candidates the Mariners will give each a lot chances to be the one. It will be interesting to see how it works out along with the utility position. All the other positions are pretty well set. All the action starts in about three weeks. Go Mariners!