MLB Tribune

Will The Seattle Mariners Make The Playoffs?

by Scooter on 02/07/2010 in MLB News

GM Jack Zduriencik and the Mariners had the most productive off-season in baseball, by far. In 2009 they finished with a record of 85-77 and will more than likely add a few more wins in 2010.

The Mariners have acquired some needed reinforcement in 2009 with the acquisitions of;

Cliff Lee (SP), Felix Hernandez (SP) – Resigned for 5 years, Chone Figgins (3B), Casey Kotchman (1B), and Franklin Gutierre (OF)

Other additions include; Erik Bedard, Ryan Garko, Eric Byrnes, and Brandon League. The Mariners are hoping to get production from these players.

The Mariners were also successful in dumping their overpaid pitcher, Carlos Silva.

Steve Henson writes – “The Mariners were outscored 692-640 last season, meaning their finish eight games above .500 was partially the product of good fortune. No one in their lineup is projected to hit 30 home runs. Second baseman and cleanup hitter Jose Lopez belted 25 last year and is due for a regression. Ichiro Suzuki and Figgins might become the best top-of-the-order duo in baseball, but they might be stranded quite often.”

The Mariners will be competitive as they have the best one-two punch in baseball with Felix Hernandez and Cliff Lee, but after that, it’s all downhill.

Jack Zduriencik was busy in 2009 and made some great moves, but not as good as the moves Brian Cashman made in 2008.

Seattle Mariners Transactions – http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/sea/transactions