That's right, with the 2010 season over, let's plan for the next year. Here's some theories I have on how the M's could piece things together if no moves were made during the off season.
Starting Pitchers:
1. Felix Hernandez - This one's obvious as we all hope that Felix makes another Cy run next year and hopefully gets some run support to back him.
2. Michael Pineda ()- The top pitching prospect among the Mariner's minor league is rumored to get a chance to make the starting rotation, and with the stuff he's shown through all the levels of the Mariner's farm system, he could provide a great 1-2 punch with Felix for years to come.
3. Jason Vargas - Vargas made it through a whole season with nearly 200 innings under his belt and a solid season to show for it. He's one of few Mariners that should win his arbitration case, but since he's been making the league minimum, he'll be a bargain 3rd starter and a lefty as well. He'd also greatly profit from decent run support and improved fielding.
4. Doug Fister - Fister started the year strongly, but after spending time on the DL, he had issues finding the dominance that he began the season with. However, he pitched well enough to earn a spot in the rotation toward the back of the rotation and could have a very strong 2011 ahead of him. Again, improved fielding and more run support will go a long way.
5. Luke French, David Pauley, Ryan Rowland-Smith (2014) - Now, going into spring training will be interesting. RRS has the most experience, but he completely tanked this year and also pitched worse at Triple-A than either Pauley or French. The only thing I believe he has going for him is a strange undying faith from the front office and management. Pauley and French were statistically similar and would make adequate fifth starter material. Maybe go with French because he's another lefty and he's 3 years younger. Otherwise, it'd be nice to get a solid veteran to fill out a rotation where the average age is going to be about 26 going into spring training.
Bullpen:
Closer: David Aardsma/Brandon League
Much speculation has already begun as whether Aardsma will stay or not, due to the fact that he will earn a larger salary after winning his arbitration case. If so, he's got the closer spot locked down. Otherwise, League should take over this spot.
Rest of the pen: Dan Cortes, Anthony Varvaro, Garrett Olson, Chris Seddon, Sean White
Well, one positive is that the bullpen should get young with the team declining to resign Jamey Wright and Brian Sweeney. However, there are the young, relatively unproven guys (Cortes, Varvaro, Seddon) and the near useless (Olson, White). One reason to keep Aardsma would be that League could be used in non-closing situations. Also, RRS may end up here if he doesn't make the rotation.
Catcher: Adam Moore
This year wasn't pretty, but Moore won this spot from Rob Johnson halfway through the year. Towards the end of this season we saw some improved offense and hopefully, Moore can show more of his Triple-A numbers next year in the bigs.
First Base: Justin Smoak/Casey Kotchman
Smoak is definitely ready to take over as far as power is concerned. Next year, his offense should improve. Apparently, the Kotch may still be around too...
Second Base: Dustin Ackley
Yep, they believe Ackley should be ready to by mid-season if not sooner. His bat will be an asset for sure and hopefully, he's got his defense down, too.
Third Base: Chone Figgins
Figgins has said he wants to stay put at second, but his glove hasn't been the best asset and Ackley is the long term plan at second. Besides, Figgs is much better at third and it seems his batting turned around at the end of the season.
Shortstop: Jack Wilson
Kind of hoped that Wilson would retire. He's having issues staying healthy and his defense has slipped. Plus, he's know offensive threat, but he's signed through 2011.
Left field: Milton Bradley/Michael Saunders
Again, with Bradley as it is with Jack Wilson, we have him till 2011 with a high contract, so he'll be utilized. Saunders will get ample time in left as well.
Center field: Franklin Gutierrez
No Surprise here...
Right Field: Ichiro Suzuki
Or here...
Designated Hitter: Milton Bradley/Justin Smoak
Again, if Kotchman ain't release, Smoak will find some time here when Bradley plays the field. Otherwise, Milton will probably spend most of his time here.
Bench: Josh Bard, Josh Wilson, Matt Mangini, Ryan Langerhans
Pure specualtion. It's kinda late....
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