Looking good, but still seeking some final resolutions

The Mariners have an outfield anchored by Ichiro and Franklin Gutierrez with Milton Bradley like to round it out in Left, but Corey Patterson, Ryan Langerhans, and Bill Hall could see some action as well. Depends on how well Bradley clicks in Seattle, if Patterson or Hall can find their swings again, or if Langerhans can reinvent himself as more than an off the bench kind of guy. The dark horse here is Michael Saunders, but Toronto didn't even want him and his lack of offensive production last season sets him back a ways on the depth chart.

Griffey will handle a large amount of the designating hitting, but Bradley will more than likely find himself taking cuts against lefties in this spot. Again, if Hall finds his swing, he will fill in against the southpaws as well.

Rob Johnson is the favored to be the starting catcher, especially if he works as well with Lee as he has with Felix. The long term goal is to get Adam Moore some starts, but with the additions of Josh Bard and Eliezer Alfonzo, there are plenty of options to fill this spot.

The bullpen is looking the best it has in years. David Aardsma will close and be setup by Mark Lowe, Brandon League, and potentially Chad Cordero, if Cordero manages to return to health this season. If Cordero can return to complete form, prior to the injury sustained in 2008, Aarsdma better watch his back. Shawn kelley is coming off a productive enough rookie season and should fit in as a long reliever, and of course, Shawn White was having a terrific season (second on the team with 15 holds) before season ending tendinitis, but with enough rest in the off season he should return for a successful 2010 campaign. The only thing lacking is a left hander reliever, but Jason Vargas and Garrett Olson are sure to get chances to prove themselves, and if Luke French doesn't make the starting rotation, he's sure to end up here.

Speaking of the rotation, it hasn't had this kind of punch since... ever. Of course, 2009 Cy Young runner-up Felix Hernandez and 2008 Cy Young winner Cliff Lee are what's got everyone in the American League paying attention. Following them will be Ryan Rowland-Smith and Ian Snell, both decent enough 3rd and 4th starters if Rowland-Smith can stay healthy and Snell can continue to build on what he started in Seattle last year. Doug Fister, Luke French and Yusmeiro Petit will duke it out for the 5th spot, with Gaby Hernandez a potential challenger from the minor league system, but this will probably come down to post-Spring Training decision with one or more of these guys find their way into the bullpen.

Jack Wilson is THE shortstop and Chone Figgins should play third, with Jose Lopez at second, but. Adrian Beltre has still not found a new home, and as more and more teams have found their third sackers, it still remains possible for the Mariners to bring him back. Only Boston still appears interested in Beltre, though they hit a snag when a trade to send their current high paid thirdbaseman Mike Lowell to Texas fell through. Plus, the signings of John Lackey, Mike Cameron, and Marco Scutaro have packed on millions to already giant collective team salary that will undoubtedly force Boston to pay a penalty for passing the 225 million dollar threshold. Potentially, Beltre could be back at a lower salary. Other possibilities on the roster include Bill Hall and Jack Hannahan, but Figgins is assured to be the everyday starter if Beltre goes elsewhere.

It still waits to be seen if the Mariners and Russell Branyan can come up with an agreement for next season. Branyan wants to make Seattle more of a permanent location while the front office is hesitant to sign him for more than a year. If they cannot figure something out there are some free agent options:

Fernando Tatis: Right handed and has had power potential, but has been ravaged with health issues throughout his career. His career on-base percentage .346, isn't bad though. Plus,
he can fill in at third base from time to time.

Hank Blalock: Plenty of power, especially if he can stay healthy, and one of the youngest players available. Not right handed, so would be able to find the stands in Safeco, but minus points for being a Scott Boras client.

Mike Jacobs: Another younger, power hitting firstbaseman. Batting average and on-base have dropped in the last few years. Lefty.

Adam LaRoche: If Branyan doesn't bite, LaRoche would make a great replacement. He can hit for power, get on-base and field like the best of them.

Who knows what still lays ahead. Get stoked!