Spring Training begins in about two months. So what are the Mariners next season - I guess that remains to be seen.
Needs to Be Addressed:
* OF (let's see, they have Michael Saunders and ?)
* SP (one starting pitcher should suffice)
* RP (the bullpen could be improved)
*DH
The Mariners will be a young team next season. Last season I thought they could win 75 games (I guess the bullpen blew at least the difference). This season I will be uncharacteristically optimistic and say 81 wins (or 78 to 84), even though currently the smart money would be a worse performance.
The team is already more interesting to me than last year's. They allegedly signed Willie Bloomquist (to be a mentor to Franklin, Miller?). It will be interesting to see how Nick Franklin, Brad Miller and Mike Zunino do in a full season. There could be one or two shiny newer pitchers in the rotation (I wouldn't bet on it though). As long as I don't have to notice a bunch of starts by Hector Noesi this could be better.
I would guess that with the Detroit/Texas trade for Prince Fielder the market for Kendrys Morales took a big hit.
* I guess Dustin Ackley will be an OF next year (or traded). Then who would be the last outfielder? I like Shin-Soo Choo (but not at his rumored price tag). Just out of curiosity, I would like to see what Carlos Peguero would do with a full season (500+ AB), at least how many times he could strike out.
* I'm not really concerned about Justin Smoak. Though someone like (John) Corey Hart would be an interesting pickup
* If the M's make a trade, there is a strong chance I won't like it (they cannot compete with the Rangers, Angels or A's this year).
Semi-Interesting Non-Tenders (but then again, I'm weird):
* JP Arencibia (does he have any options left?)
* Mat Gamel
* Daniel Hudson
* Lou Marson (back-up catcher type)
* Chris Nelson
* Ryan Webb
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