The Mariners were thought to be a contender for the playoffs going into the 2008 season. During the 2009 season many thoughts will be given to the farm system. Players like Greg Halman, Philipe Aumont, Michael Pineda, Carlos Triunfel, and Adam Moore are of great interest.
If the Mariners can hold on to current players such as Felix Hernandez, Brandon Morrow, Ryan Rowland-Smith, and many of the minor leaguers, they can be dominant. The key is to solidify the areas by one or two players so that when the prospects become players they know how to handle the Majors.
As for pitching, Brandon Morrow and Felix Hernandez could be the next Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling. Morrow has been stellar in his first partial season as a starter, and Felix Hernandez is only 22 and was putting up all-star-worthy numbers.
Ryan Rowland-Smith has a little to prove but he will be a winner along with Michael Pineda, and Philipe Aumont. Gaby Hernandez is also a future option.
For the outfield, Jeremy Reed, Mike Morse, and Mike Wilson are all young and can do a great job producing everything imaginable near the warning track. Wladimir Balentein has a place on the roster but will likely take the reins at DH when he becomes a regular everyday player. Mike Wilson has the potential to be like Ryan Ludwick was this season.
Jose Lopez would be great to build an infield, if not a team, around. Matt Tuissappo will hopefully be at third once Adrian Beltre becomes a free agent. Carlos Triunfel will be a major part in the infield. First base will be covered by Bryan Lahair if the rumored Yuniesky Betancourt for Billy Butler trade doesn't work out.
Betancourt could have a break-out season. He is not spending this offseason with his family, but with Raul Ibanez in Florida practicing batting mechanics and discipline at the plate.
The bullpen is one of the most productive all season with Roy Corcocan, Sean Green, Mark Lowe, and J.J Putz solidifying it. If Putz can return to his 2007 numbers under Don Wakamatsu they will be continuing dominance.
Behind the plate there are many catchers waiting for their turn in the spotlight. Kenji Johjima, Jeff Clement, Jamie Burke, Rob Johnson, and soon Adam Moore are in need of a makeover. Trade Kenji Johjima and Jamie Burke and we have a productive team.
Don Wakamatsu and Jack Zduriencik are off to a terrific start and I foresee a strong connection between the two.
The team would be:
C Adam Moore
1B Billy Butler/ Bryan Lahair
2B Jose Lopez
SS Carlos Triunfel/ Yuniesky Betancourt
3B Matt Tuissappo
OF/DH Greg Halman
OF/DH Mike Wilson
OF/DH Mike Morse
OF/DH Jeremy Reed
SP Felix Hernandez
SP Brandon Morrow
SP Ryan Rowland- Smith
SP Michael Pineda
SP Philipe Aumont
RP Sean Green
RP Roy Corcocan
RP Mark Lowe
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about 1 month ago
I like your sentiment Ben, but I just don't see it happening with the roster you laid out. You just never know how prospects will pan out. None of the offensive prospects outside of Triunfel looks like a future star to me. The starting rotation looks a bit more promising, as Felix and Morrow will be a great 1-2 punch, but the 3-5 spots are still up in the air. I'd say it'll be a few years past 2010. The whole thing just makes me curse the Bedard trade even more...
about 1 month ago
Greg Halman has amazing numbers. Bedard had one fluke year don't murder him. Mike Wilson is the next Ludwick. it is a great team. look at the numbers.
about 1 month ago
"Don Wakamatsu and Jack Zduriencik are off to a terrific start..."
Honestly tell me what they have done so far, they have signed two independant league players, i would not call that a terrific start. Not to say this offseason is going to be a waste because i think Zduriencik will make pleanty of moves to turn this team in the right direction. I just think saying that they are off to a terrific start is just jumping the gun a bit in this situation.
about 1 month ago
pulling up greg halman, mike wilson. putting together the staff for scouting, setting finanical department. it takes more than a lineup to run a baseball club buddy.
about 1 month ago
This is an absurd right up..
Jose Lopez worth building a team around? He's a league average player.
Mike Wilson = Ryan Ludwick.. wishful thinking
Did you really attempt to make an argument that Jerermy Reed and Mike Morse are going to be two starters on a title winning team.. wow.
Halman, Pineda, Aumont, and Triunfel probably wont even start 2010 in Seattle.. let alone be winning a title.
This is the most ridiculous write up ever
from about 1 month ago
Jose Lopez is 26, His numbers keep going up. By the time he reaches the average prime (28) he could easily be a 25 home run, .315 hitter.
Mike Wilson is still only 25. He has a lot of power, some average. I'm not saying this year but he has strong signs of being the next Ludwick.
Mike Morse led the majors in average with .492 during spring training. Jeremy Reed is an elite defense and still has offense. I don't think you understand that most of these guys are still basicaly prospects.
Halman is going to have a job THIS season. He will probably share a position but he will still be playing over 50 games THIS season.
Pineda, Aumont and Triunfel are projected to be in AAA some time this season. They could easily find them seles at safeco during September.
Remember Geovany Soto last september? Minor League for most of the season, then a september call up for Henry Blanco. Started this year and won ROY.
You really need to start looking at the numjerous upsides the Mariners have.
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