Okay - all set....
Rotation
34 Felix Hernández
35 Ian Snell
18 Ryan Rowland-Smith
58 Doug Fister
38 Jason Vargas
Bullpen
53 David Aardsma
23 Shawn Kelley
43 Brandon League
57 Mark Lowe
54 Kanekoa Texeira
46 Sean White
Catchers
32 Rob Johnson
10 Adam Moore
Infielders
13 Casey Kotchman 1B
9 Chone Figgins 2B
4 Jose López 3B
2 Jack Wilson SS
27 Matt Tuiasosopo BN
Outfielders
15 Milton Bradley LF
21 Franklin Gutierrez CF
51 Ichiro Suzuki RF
12 Ryan Langerhans BN
1 Eric Byrnes BN
Designated Hitters
24 Ken Griffey Jr.
5 Mike Sweeney
Disabled List
7 Jack Hannahan, Jack
45 Erik Bedard
36 Cliff Lee
If you ask me, far too many names in that last section. The good news is, those afflicted seem to be healing/rehabbing better/faster than expected, so here's hoping the guys in navy and teal will be at 100% in the not too distant future.
Anxious am I to see this defense in all it's regular season splendor....
~ By all accounts, the big 2B/3B switch-eroo has worked and the super sure hands at SS and 1B should only help the entire infield move forward from springtime experiment to proven success.
~ Obviously, every inch from waaaay left center to the right field wall is covered. Now that area to the left could be a bit of an adventure - have heard that MB isn't necessarily a stellar fielder - apparently he can get to most balls, but his throws tend to be ... somewhat less than accurate. Byrnes will likely get a good amount of playing time there - just cross every appendage you have that as he can keep all of his in tact. Ryan is fully capable and good a late inning defensive replacement.
~ It will be very interesting to see how the catching tandem goes. Rob seems to be healing well after his multiple surgeries and knows he has the utmost respect from his manager (and pitchers) for what he went through last year. Adam is the up-and-comer who is poised to break out, but knows there is still so much to learn and that on-the-job-training is no picnic in MLB.
The rotation and what coulda,woulda, shoulda been - but we got what we got...
~ Between that pesky little MLB suspension looming and that nasty little abdominal strain, we'll have to wait a couple/three weeks on the much anticipated one-two punch of Mr. Hernandez and Mr. Lee.
~ RRS, despite some rocky patches this spring, seems he's ready and rarin' and Jason is lookin' good.
~ But Ian and Doug both had a bit of an adventure this spring but, maybe they'll rebound once the lights come on.
~ Encouraging words lately regarding Erik's progress. Do we dare dream of Felix, Cliff and Erik all at full strength sometime before the All Star break?!?
Small ball anyone?
Ichi-FIg is sure to be a pest on the base paths - gettin' on and running rampant and providing ample RBI opportunities. The question is, make that the questions are...
~ Who will take full advantage of said opportunities?
~ Will Guti build on his breakout season?
~ Will MB keep his head in the game and produce like he's capable?
~ Will our part time DH's, full time jester/dali lamas stay healthy and contribute as much ON the field as OFF?
Yes, that's a lot of questions but, I remain hopeful that the answers will very interesting and even a little exciting.
Last year gladiators, this year .... ?
The bullpen looks to be even stronger and steadier than last season. Everyone knows their roles going in and most of them just throw heat. If the starter can get through 7, or even 6, and offense can manage just a run or two more than the opposition, I certainly like the M's chances.
PLAY BALL!!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment