Just like the players and coaches
baseball fans are getting prepared
for spring training which for Seattle
begins on February 12 for pitchers
and catchers.
It is interesting for fans since snow
fall just happened in Seattle. Like
players who may already be in Arizona
some Mariners fans maybe to who
have a second home there.
It has been a disappointing off-
season for the fans and those who
are in media in Seattle since nothing
has been done for the most part as
far as trades go. The Mariners signed
a couple free agents that will get in
playing time in the infield. Most fans
were hoping to get one or two in trades
that were significant.
This last few days the Mariners
resigned Jorge Polanco who this
time around is expected to play third
base. A month earlier or so they
signed infielder Donovan Solano
who played last year for the San
Diego Padres. One thing we know
he knows the spring training facility
since the Mariners share with the
Padres.
Solano might be platooning at first
base with Luke Raley. With Polanco
in we may see him at second some
and could see him at the third on
occasion. This could come down to
whethermTyler Locklear makes the
team to or he begins in Tacoma.
The Mariners have 16 pitchers and
15 position players invited to spring
training at this time. This is above
the 40-man roster as well. The regular
season the roster is 26 until September
when they expand to 28. This means
most of these non-roster invites won't
be on the team. We could see one or
two pitchers make it and maybe two
position players to.
The Mariners don't have many many
spots open on the 26 opening day roster.
The roster is made up of 13 pitchers and
13 position players. The starting rotation
is pretty much set with five. Only injuries
would slightly change that. They will go
with eight relievers in the bullpen. There
isn't many spots opened there
either.
The position players there are eight
spots in the in the infield, outfield and
starting catcher. That leaves five bench
players that will include the dh and the
backup catcher. The dh will have a role
in the infield or outfield and catcher.
Cal Raleigh is the opening day catcher.
Mitch Garver right now is the backup
catcher who may on occasion dh as well.
We may see Cal dh on occasion to when
he isn't catching. This means the Mariners
will have three other bench players besides
the dh and who isn't catching.
As of now we have an extra first baseman,
Dylan Moore as the utility player and Solano.
Solano though could be the extra first
baseman. At this point Mitch Haniger
looks to be the extra guy. He could be
considered the dh. This means two more
spots if my math is right. We could see a
trade or another signing during camp.
Next time on the Mariners we will look
at the bullpen. As far as the non-roster
invitees there are five catchers who may
end in Tacoma or the double-A team.
They have five top prospects in camp
too. Harry Ford fits both as a catcher
and top prospects. The pitching has
five lefties in the group. The bullpen
will go with one or two lefties. Only
two prospects among the the pitchers.
Most of the 16 will not make the
opening roster and if one does it
will be a surprise.
Until next time on the Mariners
may you be ready for baseball.
Go M's.