Seattle Mariners Pre Season Report:

Starting Lineup

C- Split

The catcher position will be split with Ben Davis, future full time man getting more experience while starting against lefties, while veteran Pat Borders will once again be seen behind the plate any time a right handed pitcher starts the game. Hopefully Borders will help the youngster out with any problems that should come along the way.

1B- John Olerud

Hands down the starter this year, and probably until he retires. One of the best defensively in the game, and there sshouldn'tbe much getting through by him. Also very consistent with the lumber, look for Olerud to be a big part of the season.

2B- Bret Boone

Has become a fan favorite over the years, and this season will be no different. Boone is one of the few players on this team who has the ability to hit 35+ homers and can drive in 100+ RBIs. BooBoone'say can make or break this team.

3B- Split

Cirillo will get the start against lefties since he is a man who can hit for contact good against them. He splits time with John Mabry who has a cannon for an arm. Hopefully this will work out for the best and something good can finally come at 3B for the Mariners.

SS- Split

McLemore will be sharing time with youngster Carlos Guillen. Both will be hitting 9 in the order and even though Guillen is a great SS, his hitting isnisn'tat veteran Mark McLemore is. Guillen will none the less be starting against lefties.

LF- Randy Winn

Hands down at this position, the speed and good contact will make Winn a solid starter. He also can hit 20+ homers, and with his speed look for quite a few doubles from Winn this season.

CF- Mike Cameron

His contact leaves something to be desired, but the power is why he made it to the big leagues. Hopefully he will put up some decent power numbers and make up for the low average that is expected.

RF- Ichiro

Ichiro has become one of the most well known OF in the game today and shouldn't have many problems finding a job on anyones team. He will lead off for the Mariners, and hopefully do so very successfully.

DH- Edgar Martinez

Yes, one more year for Edgar in Seattle, doing what he does best, getting hits. Martinez, along with Boone, the best power hitters for the Mariners. The only real question with Martinez is, will he stick around if Seattle ddoesn'twin it all?

Starting Rotation-

Moyer, Garcia, and Meche are the big three in Seattle. They are going to be the main focus, and as long as they do well, we shouldn't have many problems. With Rhodes doing well in the test sim, he will be penciled in at the 4 spot. Kent will round out the rotation with a strong showing in the test sim as well. Look for Soriano, Pineiro, and possibly Hasegawa to step in if needed.

Relievers-

The key will be Sasaki, if he stays healthy, the 9th will be an easy inning. With Charlton and Nelson taking care of the 8th, it will be up to Pineiro, Soriano and Hasegawa to take care of anything in between. As long as they all stay healthy, I am satisfied with them taking care of a game after the starters are done.

Overall Prediction- 1st Place ALW

Hopefully the Mariners can make a couple moves where needed, and pick up a decent player in the draft to make the run at the world series a good one. Look for some excitement out of the Mariners this year