Awards, Rumors, Etc

With Albert Pujols announced as the NL MVP for a second year in a row, the MLB awards have all been dulled out. Unfortunately, Felix Hernandez was not able to pick up the Cy Young, but instead, came in a strong second to Zac Grienke. Can't blame the sportswriters for this pick, as Zac Grienke had an amazing season on a team that finished 32 games under the .500 mark and 21.5 games out of first place in the central division. Besides, Hernandez is young and has something more to shoot for next year.

The only Mariner to add to the trophy case this year was Ichiro. He picked up his 3rd Silver Slugger award for setting a new record with 9 consecutive season of 200 hits or more and he picked up his 9th straight gold glove, which ties the club record set by Ken Griffey Jr. Essentially, Ichiro added yet a few more reasons to make him a first ballot hall of famer when the time comes.

On a side note, former UW pitcher and San Francisco Giants phenom Tim Lincecum won his second straight Cy Young Award. Yep, that kid from Bellevue that the Mariners past over in the 2006 draft. Having routed for the Giants many years, I'm happy for their success, but when you think about the difference he could have made in Seattle's rotation, it's a little bittersweet.

Meanwhile, the season of free agency continues and so far, there are no new major developments on that front. The Mariners made some roster changes that resulted in the losses of pitchers Chris Jakubauskas and Robert Manual. Still unsigned are free agents Endy Chavez (OF), Erik Bedard (SP), Adrian Beltre (3B), Miguel Batista (RP), Mike Sweeney (DH), and Russell Branyan (1B), but it appears that only Branyan is in any kind of negotiating process with the front office. Josh Wilson, the rookie shortstop of last year that filled in for Jack Wilson towards the end of the season, refused his minor league assignment and also becomes a free agent.

Rumor wise, the Mariners have their eyes on some potential bats, since they ended the 2009 season last in batting average (.258), runs scored (640), runs batted in (631), and on base percentage (.314). At times, the Mariners have been linked to Red Sox Outfielder Jason Bay, but being that Bay is the most sought after free agent this post-season and has interest from just about every team that can afford him, the rumor is pretty weak. The only indication that Mariners would be towards the top of his list of potential clubs is that Bay's residence is on the west coast and he has mentioned that he'd like to play closer to home.

More attention has been paid to Curtis Granderson of the Detroit Tigers. Granderson hit 30 homers, stole 20 bases, and could easily fit in as a great offensive force for the Mariners' lackluster offense. There have been talks between Detroit and Seattle to move Granderson with starting pitcher Edwin Jackson to Seattle for some prospects. In addition to Granderson's offense, Jackson could potentially fill out spot in the rotation with experience that some of the other potential starts lack. However, these talks have slowed down as it appears Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik doesn't want to foot the bill with his organization's biggest prospects.

Though, no one should fret yet, because Outfielder Dustin Ackley, the Mariners' #1 draft pick of this year, is getting some training at second base this off season meaning that Mariners' front office could be looking for an offensive outfielder. Hell, we need it. Anything to drive in some runs and give the pitching staff a break.

Heres a look at the potential starters for the 2010 Mariners. Keep in mind, this is with how the roster looks currently:

Catcher: Rob Johnson/Adam Moore
Firstbase: Russel Branyan/Mike Carp
Secondbase: Jose Lopez
Shortstop: Jack Wilson
Thirdbase: Jack Hannahan/Bill Hall/Matt Tuiasosopo
Leftfield: Michael Saunders/Ryan Langherhans/Bill Hall
Centerfield: Franklin Gutierrez
Rightfield: Ichiro Suzuki
Designated Hitter: Ken Griffey Jr./Russell Branyan/Bill Hall

Starting Rotation:

Felix Hernandez
Ryan Rowland-Smith
Carlos Silva
Ian Snell/Brandon Morrow/Doug Fister/Luke French

Relievers:

Mark Lowe
Sean White
Shawn Kelley
Garrett Olson
Yusmeiro Petit

Closer:

David Aardsma



Happy Thanksgiving all and hopefully by Christmas, we'll be closer to soldifying that lineup which will bring us the series!