the season in late July I figured Kyle Lewis
would be in right field and Mallex Smith be
playing in center field. To our surprise Lewis
was in center field while Mallex Smith was
in right field.
Kyle Lewis showed us he was a better defensive
center fielder than Smith and a better hitter for
that matter. Mallex Smith didn't hit well and before
August was over he wasn't on the Mariners any
longer. We could say it wasn't one of the Mariners
better trades. I did a search on Mallex Smith and
he is in the New York Mets organization. I wish
him the best. Can't deny he is a hard worker but
his defense and hitting wasn't good for the Mariners
on two seasons while Kyle Lewis won the rookie
of the year in 2021 and we wish high things for
him. Lewis showed he can be right up there
defensively with Ken Griffey Jr, Mike Cameron,
and Franklin Gutierrez. Cameron and Gutierrez
are working in the Mariner organization in spring
training so I am sure they keeping an eye on Lewis.
What makes the Seattle Mariners organization on
the major league level now is they have choices in
center field when Kyle Lewis needs a day off in the
field. Whoever wins the job in left field can play in
center field as well. The primary candidates in left
field are Jake Fraley, Jarred Kelenic and Braden
Bishop. All three can play a good center field as well.
The Mariners go with four outfielders then two of
those three will be on roster on opening day.
Last year for much of the season Kyle Lewis was the
only true outfielder on the team. They had to use utility
players like Dylan Moore and Tim Lopes in the out
field. Moore got in a few games in center field He did
an adequate job but wasn't like Lewis or those three
players competing in left field who can move over
to center field when needed and do a good job too.
The Mariners game against Chicago Cubs on Wednesday
ended up in a tie as the Mariners scored two runs in two
runs in the top of the ninth to make it 8-8. Ljay Newsome
started the game going two innings but gave up four hits
and two runs. All the relievers were guys competing for
a spot in the bullpen. There is a strong possibility none
of them will be in the bullpen on opening day.
The Mariners starting lineup were made of reserves for
the most part though Dylan Moore was at second base
leading off followed by Kyle Lewis and Ty France playing
at third. Jarred Kelenic was at dh where he hit a home run
and Jake Fraley in left. The rest of the players were
guys competing for spots on the team or working toward
being on the 2022 team. Go M's.
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