It will be so nice when we can see and hear the crack of the bat from the Mariner players. It is nice that we will see some young players in training camp that will be up this season or the next couple of years.
The Mariners are expected to sign another potential starting pitcher or two before heading to Peoria. It seems they have a lot of utility players on the roster. Actually, they have five that will fight for two spots depending on whether they go with an extra outfielder or not. With Mitch Haniger out four to six weeks at the beginning of the season they could go with three outfielders and three utility players.
Austin Nola who played a lot of first base last year along with a little at second base will be the Mariners backup catcher to Tom Murphy. He may play some first base as well along with an occasion at second base. It may depend on whether Dee Gordon sticks around. Gordon would be considered one of the utility players since he is not expected to start at second base. Right now the Mariners are planning to have Shed Long at second. Gordon will be the backup at second base well as shortstop. We could call him an extra infielder as well.
The four candidates for the Mariners outfield for now are Mallex Smith, Kyle Lewis, Jake Fraley, and Braden Bishop. The Mariners will have other guys trying to make it for the outfield too. Lewis, Fraley, and Bishop are no sure thing to make the opening day roster. At least two of the three should be on the roster though. Who doesn't make it likely will be one not hitting well in training camp then will be sent to Tacoma. Even if one of them doesn't start the season we will probably see them at some point in the season. We wish Haniger as a quick healer. Go M's.
No comments:
Post a Comment