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The Seattle Mariners are something of an enigma for the time being. When looking at their team from top to bottom, defensively and offensively, you must think of them as a contender. Yet, the downfall of this team is whether they have the pitching to compete in the both the league and the west division. When one thinks of the Mariners, the word 'Ichiro' immediately comes to mind. A lot of people are questioning the Mariners asking him to move from right field to center field, but rest assured he'll be fine. Not only is he one of the top defensive outfielders in the major leagues, but he has experience playing center as well as left from his time playing professionally in Japan. Many would say the move is for the best. Not only does it open a spot for another outfielder to step in and produce, but why wouldn't you want your best defensive player to hold the captain's spot? Offensively, this team looks solid. It's another year of Ichiro doing what he does best: getting on base. Hitting behind him in the lineup is Richie Sexson and Adrian Beltre. Adrian had a rather pedestrian year in 2006 compared to his numbers in 2005, and should produce big this year after making the transition from the National league to the American league. Raul Ibanez is coming off a career year in which he cranked a monstrous 33 round trippers, as well as crossing home plate 103 times with 123 RBI to boot. You may not see those type of numbers in 2007, but he'll definitely be his usual productive self.

The Mariners don't suffer offensively and that isn't where games lost; it comes down to pitching and defense. When you look a the Mariners from a defensive perspective there aren't any glaring negatives. Their infield is a little suspect, they made a combined 48 errors in 2006, but that's good enough to win games in the major leagues. Their outfield looks great. Ichiro has perhaps the strongest arm in the major leagues, and undoubtedly can throw anyone out from anywhere on the field. In addition to his offensive numbers, Raul Ibanez had a strong defensive year committing 2 errors total and contributing 11 assists. Manning the tools of ignorance is Kenji Johjima, a very good catcher who calls a solid game, works well with his staff, and has an above average arm. He's expected to play a larger role this year, of course its hard to do that when you stayed healthy for 144 games the season before.
The Mariners Achilles heel is their pitching staff. At first glance, it seems like a collection of journeyman. Their starting five consists of Jarrod Washburn, Felix Hernandez, Jeff Weaver, Miguel Batista, and Horacio Ramirez. Felix Hernandez led this staff in wins in 2006, when he compiled a 12-14 record with a bloated 4.52 ERA. It doesn't get much better up and down the rotation. The staff is loaded with questions, not only the starting rotation but middle relief as well. If the Mariners can manage to get the ball into J.J. Putz hands with a lead, they should be able to rest easy.
The key to the Mariners success in 2007 will be the response of their pitching staff. This year looks like an improvement on last year, but that really isn't saying much. If their starting five can manage to keep them in games early you would have to think they can compete with just about anyone. You still have to play the game however, and the funny thing about baseball is anything can happen. Mariners fans are hoping for a contender, and you can bet that spring training hasn't exactly been encouraging. What does spring training really mean though? Let's hope it's nothing besides the boys getting in gear for the regular season, and not another premonition of a forgettable season.

Learn more about this author, Ben Zander.
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