2009-2010: Improvement

With all the moves made, how has this Mariner team improved over the 2009 edition? Here is some brief analysis of the position players when comparing last years projected opening day starters to 2010.


Catcher: kenji Johjima (2009) vs. Rob Johnson/Adam Moore (2010)

Well, Johjima came into the 2009 season as the long standing veteran and eventually found himself in a platoon with Johnson, thus making Johjima want to leave for Japan where a starting spot existed. Offensively, Johjima's experience made his bat a bit more reliable than Johnson's, though it will be interesting to see if Johnson's swing can improve after his first full year of hitting at the major league level. Johnson did become the favorite catcher of Felix Hernandez and led the AL in Catcher's ERA. If Cliff Lee likes throwing to Johnson as much as Felix does than the CY Young race could be closest among the Mariner's starting rotation. Moore is the rookie that management wants to see in the starting spot in the next few years and he has a stronger bat than Johnson. Also, with the pickups of Eliezer Alfonzo and Josh Bard, the M's have more depth at this position than last year.

First Base: Russell Branyan (2009) vs. Casey kotchman (2010)

Branyan had a breakout year, led the team with 31 home runs and was the only capable offensive producer at times. However, management was worried about his health (his season ended in August last year) and whether or not he'd put up the same numbers again. kotchman is younger, healthier, and wields one of the best gloves at first base. His plate discipline is also better than Branyan's, as kotchman manages to go more than 11 at bats per each strike-out. He may not have the power, but at nearly all other aspects of the game kotchman is the more skilled player over Branyan.

Second Base: Jose Lopez (2009) vs. Jose Lopez (2010)

Lopez put up some career numbers last year and it is doubtful that he will hit as many out of the park this year. However, with the lineup being filled with many on-base threats, perhaps pitchers will be forced to pitch strongly to Lopez. Either way, Lopez may see a slight drop in numbers.

Third Base: Adrian Beltre (2009) vs. Chone Figgins (2010)

Beltre had the glove and the power, though Safeco is not forgiving to right handed power. Figgins also has a glove, but in place of power, has the speed and the ability to reach base. While losing Beltre means less power from the right hand side, Figgins will provide more scoring opportunities than Beltre managed. Playing more to a small ball offense versus a long ball offense, Figgins is an upgrade offensively and at worst, the second best fielding third base the Mariners could have signed.

Shortstop: Yuniesky Betancourt (2009) vs. Jack Wilson (2010)

Betancourt was done as soon as he took out Endy Chavez in a fly ball situation where the infielder yields to the outfielder. Even though Wilson was not spectacular last season, should he be healthy, he's a vast improvement on the field and as a team member. His offense is on par with Yuniesky's, but his hustle is leaps and bounds above.

Leftfield: Wladimir Balentien/Bill Hall/Michael Saunders/Ryan Langerhans (2009) vs. Milton Bradley (2010)

This all hinges on if Bradley will work out with the M's or if he'll get himself released. Some cards in place for him to have a productive season, and it doesn't hurt that he's used to covering more ground in centerfield. At his best, Bradley is better in all facets of the game than any member of the 2009 platoon by far. At worst, get ready to see a lot of Saunders and Langerhans again.

Centerfield: Franklin Gutierrez (2009) vs. Franklin Gutierrez (2010)

Guti's confidence should jump up just a bit, because he;s about sign a rather large extension that will see him in Seattle through 2016. He also will not have to hit in the two-hole.

Rightfield: Ichiro (2009) vs. Ichiro (2010)

Hmmm..., he is getting older right? With more people hitting behind him that can reach base, he should score more.

Designated Hitter: Griffey/Mike Sweeney (2009) vs. Griffey/Bradley/? (2010)

Griffey had his knees scooped and seems to be gearing up for an optimistic 2010. He may play less than 2009, but Bradley is a stronger platoon mate than Sweeney was. Word on the street is that the M's may be in the market for fourth outfielder/designated hitter type still, so we may not even be settled at this spot.