Footprints in the Snow is FanHouse's look at the paths to be forged by MLB teams this winter as they look ahead to 2010.After a disastrous 2008 season that claimed two managers (one interim) and a general manager, the Mariners returned to respectability in 2009. General manager Jack Zduriencik placed an emphasis on bargain players -- Franklin Gutierrez, Russell Branyan, David Aardsma -- while manager don Wakamatsu stressed fundamentals. The result was the Mariners finding a way to 85 wins despite being outscored by 52 runs over the course of the season.
A major factor was how good the defense made the pitching look. Despite injury woes for Erik Bedard and the loss of Jarrod Washburn in a trade at the deadline, the Mariners had an AL-best 3.87 ERA (and it wasn't close, as the White Sox checked in at second with a 4.14). According to most advanced metrics, Seattle had the best defense in baseball thanks to Gutierrez, Ichiro, Jose Lopez and company. Of course, they'll be looking for some firepower as they move to 2010. Last season, only the Padres and Pirates crossed home plate fewer times than Seattle.
Who Might Leave
Adrian Beltre, 3B; Russell Branyan, 1B; Endy Chavez, OF; Mike Sweeney, DH; Erik Bedard, SP; Miguel Batista, RP; Kenji Johjima, C (already gone)
Shopping List
Only four regulars had an OPS+ of more than 100 (which, in layman's terms, means they only had four above-average hitters) last season. Only two hit more than 20 home runs. It's pretty obvious what is lacking on this club: some power. With Beltre likely out the door, the Mariners will probably bring Branyan back. He just had a career year and there is mutual interest. They've already re-upped with Jack Wilson at shortstop.
That leaves possible holes at third base, catcher and in left field. Hideki Matsui would be a logical fit, providing some much-needed punch, but his defensive deficiencies probably aren't desirable and Ken Griffey appears to be slotted in as at least a part-time DH. Jason Bay is also a possibility in left field. He's not a great defender, but the Mariners may need to give a little on defense to gain the power they so desperately need. Do they even have a chance at Matt Holliday? Because he would be the perfect fit. The thinking here is probably not. They aren't likely to pony up the colossal bid and I'm not sure Holliday would want to go back to the AL West after his poor showing in Oakland. Mark DeRosa is an option that could be very intriguing, with holes in both left and at third. They could sign him while still pursuing help at either position, knowing he could be serviceable at either and will provide them with good hustle, attitude and 20 home runs.
There's a lot of names in there, but grabbing one or two would be paramount to making a run at the AL West in 2010.
As far as pitching, the bullpen is in pretty solid shape with young and talented arms behind newfound closer Aardsma. In the rotation, it couldn't hurt for the Mariners to add a No. 2-type behind Felix Hernandez. John Lackey would perfectly fit the bill. It seems unlikely the Mariners could outbid the Yankees for him, but it's certainly possible (see below). They've also been connected to Edwin Jackson in rumors recently and he would be an outstanding fit and would make more sense than adding one or two years of a guy in his mid-30s. Grabbing one of these two would really solidify a promising rotation that also looks to include Ian Snell, Ryan Rowland-Smith and Brandon Morrow. If they can't grab Lackey or Jackson, Rich Harden is a high-upside gamble the Mariners could take and Doug Davis is a cheaper option who has been linked to the team. Money Matters
Look at all that payroll flying off the books. Last season, the Mariners had a payroll of over $100 million. Between Beltre, Batista, Johjima, Bedard and a bevy of other shifting -- also factoring in arbitration raises for Gutierrez, Hernandez, Aardsma and Mark Lowe -- they look to have freed up about $40 million for 2010. Now, that doesn't necessarily mean they'll be spending all of that money on big-ticket free agents or stud players in trades, but they do have great payroll flexibility. It's a unique position in this economic climate when most teams need to shed payroll.
One thing the Mariners should consider doing with their new financial flexibility is locking up King Felix with a huge long-term deal. He's not set to be a free agent until after the 2011 season, but the Mariners likely have little hope of outbidding the powerhouse money clubs (Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs, Mets, Angels, etc.) should they not extend him before then. They need to do whatever it takes to get him to sign. If not, they'll be forced to trade him, and the return they'd get would be a killing. This kid is only 23 and already one of the best pitchers in the majors.
Offseason Goals
As I said above, the Mariners need to generate more offense -- especially in the power department -- without drastically hindering the stellar glovework that made their pitchers look so good last year.
Most of all, however, the Mariners need to continue their current course of developing an entire system instead of overpaying for quick-fix types. The previous administration parted with Adam Jones, George Sherrill, Chris Tillman and two others for 30 starts (over two years) of Bedard. If anything, Zduriencik would rather do the complete opposite and stockpile young talent. They are building a foundation of youth and looking to spot-fill cheaper veterans around them that make sense for the present and future, instead of looking to mortgage the future for a big name.
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
The Mariners' GM is Jack Zduriencik, not Jeff and their manager is Don Wakamatsu, not Ken.