Wednesday, April 18, 2007

How to improve the Mariners

Lets start off with the batting lineup.
First off is Ichiro, who can't really get any better. His defense is phenomenal, and his batting average is always great, though subject to hot streaks and slumps. He could be more patient, but we've seen that that doesn't help his average at all, he could hit for more power, but we've seen that he just ends up with solo shots usually, or he could steal more, but with Beltre swinging behind him, 3 of ever 4 sbs are negated because of foul tips.
Next up is Beltre, who has shown flashes of being good. His power stroke is there, but I still think he's a 3 hitter, not a two hitter. The ideal 2 hitter would be a lefty, have a good eye for on base percentage and to allow Ichiro to steal, and have some speed. Hm.. That sounds a lot like Chris Snelling... Oh well. How's Vidro doing? After looking lost, he's shown power and a knack for hitting, making the "mini-Edgar" comparisons semi-valid. I'm liking what I'm seeing, but I don't think the trade was good still.
Next up is Raul Ibanez who for the price can do no better. His defense is still below average, and I'd prefer a great LF in Safeco, but with Vidro as a DH, there's nothing we can do.
Sexson looks to be about what he should be doing, hitting for power. Hopefully he can continue to draw the walks.
Jose Guillen is a lot like Beltre, power potential, not a lot of walks, not great numbers right now, but you can see the numbers that will unravel as the season unwinds.
Next up is Johjima, who is hitting amazingly, and is handling Felix and HoRam quite well. I'm loving him as our catcher for now.
Then comes up Betancourt, who is showing his usual penchant for hitting. His defense is still probably the best in the AL, and his power is looking better, but I'd like to see more walks, and less mental errors on defense.
Lastly is Lopez, who last year through the All Star Break looked amazing, but then decided that HRs weren't for him and groundballs were the way to go. So he hit an amazing shot last night but I'd like to see him let go and play like Beltre, pull-happy and free swinging.
For the Rotation, I'm thinking Washburn could be a decent number two behind Felix, and HoRam and Batista could be decent at the 3 and 4 position. Weaver is a spot holder right now, and I'd call up Jose Campillo right now. I'd eventually replace him with Feierabend or Morrow but Campillo is the most ML ready and he is a solid lefty. The Bullpen is surprisingly good considering our only setup arm left is George Sherrill sucked in Spring Training. Arthur Rhodes is out for the season, maybe forever, after looking great earlier. So our only real set up man is Mateo, which doesn't look good.
Anyways, Felix starts tonight so the Mariners should get a win tonight agains the Twins.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Mike Hargrove blew another game tonight by putting in Mateo in a bases loaded situation when he should've put in an adequate relief pitcher.