Spring Training is still off in the distance, but it's not too early to start getting excited for the next season of Seattle Mariners baseball. The franchise enters its 34th season still looking for its first trip to the World Series, and folks, I feel we will find ourselves their next October. Along the way, I will chronicle the journey, so with out further ado, let's pickup with what the Mariners have been doing so far this off season.
The first major move the Mariners made was the resigning of Seattle's most popular athlete of all time, Ken Griffey Jr. He was picked up for 2.5 million with incentives and was the initial inspiration behind this blog when he stated that his, "ultimate goal is for the Mariners to get to and win the World Series." His role this season may be a bit diminished as far as actual playing time, but his leadership in the clubhouse is priceless. Plus, 19 home runs and 57 rbis from a guy who played less than 120 games ain't bad.
Also returning is shortstop, Jack Wilson. Jack came over in trade from the Pittsburgh Pirates to give the Mariners a strong defensive shortstop and hopefully, a batting average that doesn't hug the Mendoza line (Sorry, Ronny Cedeno). Wilson was not all the Mariners could hope last season, as he sustained an injury that affected his play towards the end of the season, but with the off season to rest, hopefully he returns to snuff come March.
Not returning is fan favorite and Ichiro's countryman, Kenji Johjima. After losing quite a bit of playing time to injury and communication difficulties with some pitchers on the starting staff, he found himself in a platooning role with Rob Johnson for most of the 2009 season. Not wanting to return as a part timer, Kenji returned to Japan and signed with the Hanshin Tigers. While he was a great defensive asset, his contract (15.8 million over the next 2 years), seems a little steep for the Mariners to pay a part time catcher. In Japan, he will be able to play full time and the M's can free up a chunk salary.
A few free agents remain on the Mariners roster. Firstbaseman and team home run leader, Russell Branyan, has been offered a one year contract which he rejected. He's holding out for a multi-year deal, but it appears the new Mariners front office is a little weary of him getting Richie Sexson syndrome. It would be nice if they can compromise. Also, Thirdbaseman Adrian Beltre, Starting Pitcher Erik Bedard, Reliever Miguel Batista, Outfielder Endy Chavez, and Designated Hitter Mike Sweeney remain unsigned. Of these, Batista has already claimed a, "99.9% chance" that he will not be with the Mariners next year. Bedard and Beltre were injured for long stretches of last season and have yet to live up to their previous contracts, so it seems unlikely they will be back. Endy Chavez was lost to a season ending surgery midseason and with the advent of Franklin Gutierrez it seems unlikely that the Mariners will have a spot for Chavez, especially if he's lost a step from the injury. Sweeney is getting on in years and with the signing of Griffey its uncertain where he'd fit in.
Well that's all for now. I have to clock back in!
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