MARINERS 101

Here's a look at the Seattle Mariners outfield by position.  There are a few sure things and some options to play with so it will be fun evaluation this portion of the starting nine.  

Right Field

 

 There's no question about who will start in right field for the Mariners in 2012.  Ichiro Suzuki has been the guy since 2001 and the gold glover will continue to hold the position down. Even though last season his numbers were down (still better than most) Ichiro is poised to have a bounce back season and a new spot in the order might help him do that.  

Looking at his age Ichiro (38) realistically probably won't get back up to the .350 batting average and maybe not even the 200 hit mark but he will still be productive.  Besides Felix Hernandez he is the teams most valuable asset.  Whether you like him or not, that's just how it is.  One thing is for sure, he's durable. In 11 seasons Ichiro has only missed 43 games, that is 3.9 games a season.  

Center Field

If he's healthy, Franklin Gutierrez is a sure thing in center. He is defensively, the best outfielder on the team.  Offensively however he has not yet been able to produce like Mariners fans and front office had anticipated.  The report on Franklin this offseason is that he is healthy and looking good.  

 

 Michael Saunders has been the go to guy in the past to back up Gutierrez but this year that guy might be Casper Wells.  Saunders has struggled to hit at the major league level while Wells is just waiting for the chance. In just over 100 at bats since coming over from The Detroit Tigers last season, Wells went yard 7 times. At that rate over a full season Wells could be a 30 HR guy.  

Trayvon Robinson is another guy to keep on eye on. Last season he showed that maybe he's not quite big league ready, but he'll definitely get another look at some point this season.  Robinson has some serious tools and upside but needs to focus on becoming a better contact hitter.   His K/BB ratio was horrible last season, 61/8 in 143 at bats.

Left Field

Going into spring training left field is still up for grabs.  Wells again comes into the equation as maybe the most natural fit, but who plays left will depend a lot on whether Jesus Montero will be the every day catcher.  If Montero does catch, that leaves room for Mike Carp to DH.  Carp, a natural fit for the 1B position has shown that his bat is extremely powerful, something the Mariners lineup needs.

Wells swings from the right side, Carp from the left, so matchups can be played here allowing these two to split time.  Carp and Wells will both get their first shot at a full big league season this year and expect production from both.  Where they fit into the starting nine however, is still to be determined.  

 

Tags: Baseball, Casper Wells, Franklin Gutierrez, Jesus Montero, Mike Carp, MLB, Seattle, Seattle Mariners

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