Jobu’s MLB Rankings for 2010: Seattle Mariners

2009 Campaign: 85-77, 3rd place, AL West

In 2009, the AL West was LA and everyone else. The Mariners did, however, come away with a winning season, thanks in large part to ace Felix Hernandez and perennial hit-machine Ichiro. Although there’s nothing to show for their 2009 efforts, management took the necessary steps to add some important pieces like Ian Snell and Jack Wilson prior to the trade deadlines.

Key Arrivals: RHP Cliff Lee (trade w/ Phillies), 3B Chone Figgins (FA), OF Milton Bradley (trade w/ Cubs), 1B Casey Kotchman (trade w/ Red Sox)

Key Departures: Erik Bedard (FA), Adrian Beltre (FA), Russell Branyan (FA), Kenji Johjima (Japan), Brandon Morrow (trade w/ Blue Jays), IF/OF Bill Hall (trade w/ Red Sox)

2010 Outlook: Last year’s AL West division was set before the season even began. The Angels were far and away the best team in the division, with the Mariners, Rangers, and Athletics struggling to be a factor from the beginning. However, after the Angels’ season ended at the hands of the Yankees, they found themselves at a crossroads, and they subsequently had to cut ties with aging veterans like Vladimir Guerrero and free agent players like Chone Figgins and John Lackey. In doing so, they created an opportunity for the Seattle Mariners, who already had several pieces in place, to make some adjustments that have them potentially taking this year’s AL West title. Seattle management answered the bell, and they answered it with conviction.

As I mentioned already, the Mariners were buyers at last year’s trade deadline, wheeling and dealing for a solid # 3 starter in Ian Snell and capable shortstop Jack Wilson, who will be replacing the once touted Yuniesky Betancourt. Seattle also pulled off the first big move at the winter meetings by acquiring speedster Chone Figgins, and he will complement Ichiro nicely at the top of the lineup—expect the table to be set early and often. Even more impressive, they aggressively targeted Cy Young award winner Cliff Lee, and along with Felix Hernandez, may have the best 1-2 punch in all of baseball. Add to these acquisitions a decent DH in Ken Griffey, Jr., who might just be revitalized for a homecoming tour, and 1B Casey Kotchman, who will provide much more contact than feast or famine power hitter Russell Branyan, and this might be a big season for fans in the Pacific Northwest.

In the end, even though Seattle parted ways with some important pieces—Bedard, Beltre, JohJima, and Hall—they more than adequately replaced them, and in many instances, improved.

Jobu Says –Three Jobus for Seattle. They give what they can, Jobu looks kindly upon them by helping them win AL West. (Remember, for more on Jobu rankings, click here.)