Seattle Mariners

Losses: 3B Adrian Beltre, 1B Russell Branyan, OF Wladimir Balentien, OF Endy Chavez, C Kenji Johjima, P Miguel Batista, IF Bill Hall, P Carlos Silva

Gains: 3B Chone Figgins, P Cliff Lee, 1B Casey Kotchman, UT Ryan Garko, OF Milton Bradley, OF Eric Byrnes, P Chad Cordero, C Josh Bard, OF Ryan Langerhans

Analysis: A lot of ins and outs for the Mariners. Lotta strands in old Junior's head. They got rid of Carlos Silva, a magnificent plus, but at the expense of bringing in Milton Bradley. Which Milton Bradley they brought in remains to be seen. They let Adrian Beltre go in favor of Chone Figgins. Figgins is already likely headed to 2nd base with Jose Lopez switching over to 3rd. Despite a big power year, Russell Branyan was set afloat. He did end the year on the DL. Seems the Mariners were doubtful of his recovery. In his stead, Casey Kotchman and Ryan Garko could create a solid platoon at first base. Kenji Johjima heads back to Japan. Rob Johnson got over 250 ABs last season, but was unimpressive. They also trade in some loose outfield change, aka Endy Chavez (APT loves him) and Wladimir Balentien (APT loves his name). They took back an idea in Eric Byrnes and, likely, a minor leaguer in Ryan Langerhans. Chad Cordero could prove to be an interesting addition, as he is a couple of years removed from a string of successful seasons as a closer for the Washington Expos (including 47 saves in 2005, a year where in the first half of the season, the Nats won every game by one run it seemed). He could end up being a significant improvement on Miguel Batista or could simply get hurt again. The big acquisition of the winter, of course, is Clifford Lee. Just one year removed from a Cy Young, which he followed with another dominant season (after a rough first two starts). Lee has proved he can pitch in both leagues and be right up with the best in the league. Overall, you have to like what the Mariners did this winter, if for Cliff Lee alone. Most of the departed players had run their course in this town anyway (save maybe Russell Branyan), and they bring in some fresh blood and some interesting talent.

More moves: The Mariners need a left-hander in the pen. We shall see if they act on it. They could also an idea to back up either 2nd or third. Hanging onto Bill Hall could've been interesting, but APT understands the choice not to. Jack Hannahan is okay, but I'd like to see something else.

2010 Thoughts: The line-up projects to be pretty average. They are definitely becoming one with the stadium they play in. Safeco field is one of the more noted pitchers parks in the Major Leagues, so the Mariners sport excellent defense in 7 of the 8 starting positions (save Milton Bradley). With Cliff Lee on the mound, you can make that 8 of 9 (even if he's not actually looking at the ball when he catches it sometimes). This line-up is really going to hinge on whichever Milton Bradley shows up. If MB the Cub appears, it could be a long year for the offense. If his Ranger self graces us with his presence, he could drive in 140 runs. The Mariners are going to start each game, likely, with 3 leadoff hitters, in Chone Figgins, Franklin Gutierrez and Ichiro Suzuki. Perhaps we will see Ichiro adapt more of a run-producing role. This would be the year to do it with the substitution of Figgins for Beltre. Then Milton Bradley, Ken Griffey Jr and Jose Lopez (off a breakout year) will try to make something of it. The starting rotation could end up really bringing it. The Mariners are taking another chance with Erik Bedard (though not nearly as costly this time). If he can stay healthy, the 1-2-3 of Felix the King, Clifford Lee and Erik Bedard could be as good as any 1-2-3 in baseball. That would leave Ryan Rowland-Smith and Ian Snell to try to pitch slightly above average ball to finish a stellar rotation. Rowland-Smith and Snell both showed signs of being productive and signs to the contrary. The bullpen is interesting. David Aardsma emerged as a premier closer (38 sv in 42 chances), which the Mariners desperately needed. The 8th inning could potentially be shut down by Cordero if he's healthy. The rest of the bullpen has to prove itself. Mark Lowe and Sean White have shown signs and Brandon League is strong every other year (this would be a good year). Jason Vargas is a long man, and that is what will be asked of him. The Mariners need a lefty in the pen, however. Vargas is the only lefty, but he is not a specialist. Maybe the M's decide to go with Doug Fister in the 5th spot and Rowland-Smith back to the pen, but APT see's more promise from R-S in the rotation. Joe Beimel is out there for the taking if Seattle wants to give him a shout. Overall, the Mariners' hopes are really pinned on Milton Bradley and Erik Bedard if they plan to truly contend in the West.

Prediction: APT doesn't see the chances working out for better than 3rd place in the AL West.

-APT