Philly Sports Post - Home of the PSP Podcast

It's a rainy day here in Philly, so I drew closed the blinds, cranked up the Soundgarden, and drifted in a melancholy daze. Once there I cried for a few hours, and then reviewed one of the league's most depressing teams, the Seattle Mariners.

The Seattle Mariners

Last Season’s Result: 61-101. 4th place in the AL West.

Major Offseason Changes

• Added CF Ken Griffey Jr. (Signed from Chicago White Sox)
• Added IF Russell Branyan (Signed from Milwaukee)
• Added 1B Mike Sweeney (Signed from Oakland)
• Added OF Endy Chavez (Traded from New York Mets)
• Lost RP JJ Putz (Traded to New York Mets)
• Lost IF Willie Bloomquist (Signed with Kansas City)
• Lost OF Raul Ibanez (Signed with Philadelphia)

Letter Grades

• Offseason Moves: D The Mariners will certainly miss Raul Ibanez but the additions of Griffey and Chavez will help offset the loss. The main reason I’m down on the Mariners is because they were the worst team in the AL, and they didn’t do much to try and improve the roster.

• Rotation Grade: B The potential is there for a fine rotation. Felix Hernandez is among the league’s best starting pitchers, as was Erik Bedard before injuries derailed him in 2008. Brandon Morrow and Carlos Silva are going to fill out the middle of the rotation, although Morrow has some nice upside.

• Bullpen Grade: D The Mariners lost JJ Putz and are left with a below average bullpen with no obvious closer.

• Lineup Grade: D The Mariners had one of the worst offenses in baseball in 2008. They then allowed their best run producer to leave via free agency, and they replaced him with an aging Ken Griffey Jr. I don’t see this offense even coming close to league average.


Player most closely linked to team’s 2009 hopes: Brandon Morrow. The Mariners want Morrow in the starting rotation, but they are concerns if he can handle the load after being a bullpen arm. If Morrow can stay in the rotation the Mariners will be a lot closer to a decent team.

Biggest Breakout Star Potential: Jose Lopez. Lopez has been in the majors since 2004, but just last season as a 24 year old did he first start to realize his potential. This year he’ll try to improve on his 2008 of .297, 17 HRs, 89 RBIs. A .300, 20, 100 year may be in store.

Best Case Scenario: They get more than they expect from the rotation, and actually stay in it early. If the Angels fall off then this division could go any of four ways.

Worst Case Scenario: The pitching isn’t any good, and the offense doesn’t improve. Once again they could be among the league’s worst teams.

Prediction for 2009: 69-93. 4th place in the AL West.
Local Thoughts
No responses from Seattle fans. Don’t worry the AL Central fans came out in full force.