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Seattle finished in fourth place in the AL West in
2008, but even though they were unable to reach the
playoffs, they were still able to continue the
development of several of their young players.
Seattle’s collection
of young and talented players were able to gain
experience at the big league level a year ago,
experience that will go a long way towards their
development as they adapt and succeed at the Major
League level.
First-year Manager Don
Wakamatsu begins his first season at the helm of the
Mariners, after spending his entire coaching career
in the American League West. With a brand new
coaching staff, “Wak” will look to get the most out
of his players as they work together to put a
winning team on the field in 2009.
Eight-time All-Star
outfielder Ichiro Suzuki who led the Majors in hits
for the third consecutive season will help lead a
core of young players, a group that includes four
probable starters down the middle of the field that
are 27 years of age or younger.
The Mariners might be
a young team, but the players themselves are
veterans of the league. Jose Lopez and Yuniesky
Betancourt are two of those players that while still
young, they have been a part of the big club for
parts of the last four and five seasons
respectively.
Just like Lopez and
Betancourt grew up together, several more will have
that same opportunity when the season kicks off in
Minnesota on April 6th. Homegrown
catcher Jeff Clement, outfielder Wladimir Balentien
and off-season acquisition Franklin Gutierrez will
also get that same chance as they look to become
part of the team’s nucleus for years to come.
A “five-tool”
outfielder coming up through the minor leagues,
Gutierrez will look to establish himself in
centerfield and deliver on the promise that made him
one of the best prospects in the league. His
combination of speed, power and arm strength make
him an ideal fit for the Mariners in the outfield.
Gold Glove winner
Adrian Beltre will once again anchor the infield
this season and will be joined by first baseman
Russell Branyan who was signed as a free agent this
off-season. Branyan has played in parts of 11 Major
League seasons and will provide the Mariners with a
home run threat as he gets his first chance at
extended play at the highest level.
An already young team
will have an even younger pitching staff as three of
the possible rotation members, Felix Hernandez (22),
Brandon Morrow (24) and Ryan Rowland-Smith (26) will
be in their early to mid-twenties when the season
kicks off. Last year, Hernandez provided all-around
production, Morrow nearly tossed a no-hitter and
Rowland-Smith became one of the best left-handed
starters down the stretch and all will enter the
season with an eye towards taking the next step in
their development.
It will be an exciting
year for the Mariners, as they will have veteran
players like Ichiro and Adrian Beltre as well as top
prospects in their everyday lineup. You’ll be able
to see the present and the future of Mariners
Baseball all together on the same field!
You won't want to
miss any of the action this spring as the club works
towards its goal of returning to the postseason.
View the
Seattle Mariners Spring Training Game Schedule
Visit the
Seattle
Mariners Team Page
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