2006 Seattle Mariners Preview

Summary: The Seattle Mariners provided little for fans to become exited about in 2005. Seattle ended the 2005 season posting the 3rd worse record in the American League finishing up 69-93 which was only a 6 game improvement from the previous year.

2005 Overview: The Seattle Mariners provided little for fans to become exited about in 2005. Seattle ended the 2005 season posting the 3rd worse record in the American League finishing up 69-93 which was only a 6 game improvement from the previous year. The Mariners also managed to only score a total of 699 runs all season which ranked 2nd worse in the entire American League behind the Minnesota Twins. The starting lineup for the 2005 Mariners offered very little in the way of offensive spark. Newly acquired 1st baseman Richie Sexson (.263 39 121) proved to become a fan favorite while Adrian Beltre (.255 19 87) also helped. But beyond Raul Ibanez (.280 20 89) and superstar Japanese import Ichiro Suzuki (.303 15 88 33 steals) there really wasn't much offense to speak of on the club. The 2005 starting pitching also proved somewhat spotty with only Jamie Moyer (13-7 4.28) and Gil Meche (10-8 5.89) posting winning records for the season. Starters Ryan Franklin (8-15 5.10) and Joel Pineiro (7-11 5.62) failed to impress only winning a combined 15 games between the two of them. The only real bright spot in the rotation beyond Moyer and Meche was rookie Felix Hernandez (4-4 2.67). Hernandez was brought up in August and posted an impressive 2-2 record with a 1.84 ERA, striking out 45 in 44 innings while allowing a 1.66 ERA to left-handed batters in his debut month. Relief pitcher Eddie Guardado (2-3 2.72 36 saves) also posted decent numbers out of the bullpen by doubling his save total from 2004. Off Season Moves: Perhaps the biggest move during the 2005 off season for the Mariners was re-signing Jamie Moyer to help keep the starting pitching stable. The Mariners wasted no time by resigning Moyer on December 7th. Jarrod Washburn (8-8 3.20) was also picked up in order to help the starting rotation while the Mariners added some offense as well by signing free agents Matt Lawton (.254 13 53) from Pittsburgh as well as Carl Everett (.251 23 87). Seattle also acquired veteran infielder Fernando Vina (.226 in 29 games with Detroit in 2005). 2006 Analysis: New pitching coach Rafael Chaves looks to have Hernandez and Moyer provide some much needed stability to a weak starting rotation. Look for Hernandez to develop nicely with some much needed guidance. Everett and Lawton will help the lineup greatly. Both will provide better protection for Sexson, Beltre and Suzuki making the 2006 offense more fun to watch then the 2005 version. Expect Seattle to score more then 699 runs with this lineup. The Mariners still lack much needed depth in their starting rotation. Hernandez should have a strong 2006 season and fans should be hopeful that perhaps a surprise or two can pull the Mariners from the basement. Kevin Appier was signed to a minor league contract in early January and if healthy may be just what the rotation has been looking for. Appier managed to post 14 wins in 2002, so the Mariners are optimistic that he has a chance to rebound.