Mariners Spring Training quick hits

[Porter]

Source

Projected batting order
1. CF Ichiro Suzuki:
.322 BA, 9 HR, 49 RBI in 2006
2. 3B Adrian Beltre:
.268 BA, 25 HR, 89 RBI in 2006
3. LF Raul Ibanez:
.289 BA, 33 HR, 123 RBI in 2006
4. 1B Richie Sexson:
.264 BA, 34 HR, 107 RBI in 2006
5. DH Jose Vidro:
.289 BA, 7 HR, 47 RBI in 2006
6. RF Jose Guillen:
.216 BA, 9 HR, 40 RBI in 2006
7. C Kenji Johjima:
.291 BA, 18 HR, 76 RBI in 2006
8. 2B Jose Lopez:
.282 BA, 10 HR, 79 RBI in 2006
9. SS Yuniesky Betancourt:
.289 BA, 8 HR, 47 RBI in 2006

The Lineup could have been dangerous if this was circa 2001-2002. But Vidro and Guillen have seen the better days. There is a lot of potential for power in this lineup from 2-8 (1 to 8 if Ichiro decides to start hitting for power). Beltre had a really good 2nd half for the M's but really needs to get his pre-walk forum soon.

Projected rotation
1. LHP Jarrod Washburn, 8-14, 4.67 ERA in 2006
2. RHP Felix Hernandez, 12-14, 4.52 in 2006
3. RHP Miguel Batista, 11-8, 4.58 in 2006
4. LHP Horacio Ramirez, 5-5, 4.48 in 2006
5. RHP Jeff Weaver, 8-14, 5.76 in 2006

Ill be frank. Unless Jeff Weaver pitches like the World Series, this team's rotation is horrible. Ramirez is injury prone but could be a effective pitcher but Jarrod Washburn and Miguel Batista are not near their good days right now. Felix has to improve on his 1st full season as the starter.

Projected bullpen
Closer: RHP J.J. Putz, 36 saves, 2.30 ERA in 2006
RH setup man: Chris Reitsma, 8.68 ERA in 2006
LH setup man: Arthur Rhodes, 5.32 ERA in 2006

I want my Putz-Soirano duo back. The bullpen won't be this teams strength this year like it was last year. Putz is morphing into one of the best closers in the AL, but can they get the game to Putz?

[Sound2TheBay]

Once again, the Mariners are full of potential, and should be a good team.

I'll let you pick out the keywords in that statement.

[Porter]

They have been for two or three years right now. That potential needs to be realized.