It was a time to take a good, long look at the youth in the system to learn what's what and who's who.
And lots a looks they got...
- 18 different rookies started
- 13 rookies made their major league debut
- 59 games were started by rookie pitchers
My thoughts on what some of our "baby M's" have the chance to become...
SUPER STARS
He pitched much better and much more than anyone expected and, one gets the feeling that he is the type that will totally live and learn from adversity in his pursuit of stardom.
* Dustin Ackley
He look like he belongs in the bigs - despite finding himself there after only one + seasons in the minors. AND, he certainly appears comfortable at his new position ... pretty much like he's been playing it for years.
CONSTANT CONTRIBUTORS
Amazing what some can do when given a chance to play everyday.
* Justin Smoak had a heartbreak season...
How much can one guy take? After a hot start, personal tragedy struck when he lost his father. Then, he suffered a thumb injury and just when he was getting back into the swing, a ground ball hits him in the face, breaking his nose and cheekbone. Only way to go is up.
* Blake Beavan seems to have been a bit overlooked...
Granted, his ERA is not much to write home about but, that was elevated from a couple of really bad outings. Overall, he had a pretty solid freshman year - averaging over six innings/game and posting 11 quality starts out of his 15 total (including a stellar outing vs. the Rangers: 8 innings, 4 hits 0 runs)
RELIABLE ROLE-PLAYERS
* Josh Lueke had some growing pains...
Mostly against the A's (three of his really bad outings came against Oakland) but he definitely showed progress so it will be interesting to see how a year of experience under his belt and a more defined role will help.
* Kyle Seager was up and down and up in more ways than one...
His first cup of coffee didn't go so well. Then, after tearing the cover off the ball in Tacoma he was up again and began to do the same in Seattle. He showed a bit of versatility - playing mostly 3B but had a handfull of games at short as well.
And, there were some nice surprises as well...
37 saves is a decent amount no matter how you slice it but, for a team that only won 67, it's down right heroic. Sure, Brandon had a few blips but he always rebounded nicely - what doesn't kill ya makes you stronger.
* Brenden Ryan played some pretty fancy shortstop...
and, despite being new to the team and not exactly a wily vet, showed a great deal of leadership in the clubhouse. Heal that neck fast and well, BR!
* Tom "the Bartender" Wilhelmsen was a great story...
Slinging drinks in an Arizona bar one spring, slinging pitches from a major league mound the next.
And, of course, the old favorites....
but, he's still a star, very much a leader and THE Ace of the Seattle Mariners
* Jason needs to be more consistant...
but, he has definitely proved durable and was always willing to talk - win or lose.
* Ichiro obviously wasn't his typical self and it will be interesting to see if he is able to bounce back or if 2011 was the beginning of the end
* Guti had a really rough season...
His health issues were finally diagnosed sometime in May and it took him awhile to come around, which he was just starting to do when he strained his oblique and missed most of September. I'm thinking he's going to come back stronger than ever (at least he knows what he's dealing with now, unlike the mystery he had to deal with all last off season)
* Shawn had a great return from surgery late in the season...
and, would it be a huge lift for the 'pen if he is able to pick right back up where he left off come this spring.
Looking forward to the off season to see what Jack Z has up his sleeve to improve this team...
Will there be a big splash? Or just a couple of ripples? Realistically, no matter the volume of water movement under the Good Ship Mariner this winter, it's still going to take some time before they are under full sail.
But, as always, I have faith and patience.
