Take Me Out to the Ball Game: Our Thoughts on Your 2011 Mariners
Sure, the first official day of spring was a little over a week ago, but we're already due for the next season: Baseball season.
We'll be the first to admit that the Mariners had an awful 2010. About this time last year, there were high hopes for the team. Unfortunately, things quickly started to spiral out of control: Griffey retired early in the season; Cliff Lee was traded to the Rangers; there were clearly some communication issues between manager Don Wakamatsu and the rest of the organization, and the team just couldn't seem to score many runs. The squad's issues resulted in the dismissal of Wakamatsu and an overall record of 61-101.
But, that was 2010. How will the M's fare in the 2011 season?
A glance at ESPN's predictions have everyone but our home team clinching the AL West Division. The Rangers, fresh of their World Series defeat, are generally the favorite to take the division regardless of some gaps in their pitching. The A's and Angels are also strong contenders. Almost by default, the Mariners -- in spite of some strategic offseason pickups and a fair showing in Spring Training -- are prime to finish fourth in what is shaping up to be a competitive group.
Those predictions aside, let's take a look at some of the assets the Mariners bring to the table...
- Felix Hernandez is the reigning AL Cy Young Award-winner, and his performance in Spring Training shows that he is in shape to be a noteworthy hurler in a season where star pitching will be the name of the game in the MLB.
- Speaking of pitching highlights, Erik Bedard is back in the rotation, and comeback kid Tom Wilhelmsen worked hard in the preseason to earn a spot on the roster.
- On the offensive end, Ichiro is poised to have another season proving that he is the face of the franchise -- and rightfully so. His play may lack some fireworks, but consistency is a valuable part of winning games. Chone Figgins, admittedly a bit of a bust last season, has shown signs that he might be ready to play up to his potential this go-round.
There are a few question marks for the team though...
- Last season, the M's had a big problem with offensive output. And while the organization made some strategic acquisitions of young talent in the offseason, they don't seem to have nabbed any power hitters. There is a distinct possibility that the bats will be quiet this year.
- There is a new manager in the dugout: Eric Wedge. A former AL Manager of the Year, there is no doubt that the man knows how to command a team. But, until there are some wins safely in the books, his effect on the Mariners is still a bit of an unknown.
- In the outfield, there could be come concerns. Franklin Gutierrez is starting the season on the DL for an as-yet-undiagnosed stomach issue and Milton Bradley carries some baggage (to put it mildly). Nothing to be too alarmed about, but we'll see.
That said, we're still optimistic about the Mariners in 2011. With the opening day of Mariners baseball just hours away, we're already getting excited for Friday night's game down in Oakland. The home opener at Safeco Field isn't until the 8th, so you still have plenty of time to get your tickets.
