The 2009 Seattle Mariners Preview

A Look at the 2009 Seattle Mariners Roster and Upcoming Season

Jan 21, 2009

The 2009 Seattle Mariners will be working hard to forget the 101 loss team that embarrassed the city in 2008, as Seattle seeks to be relevant in the AL West again.

When the 2009 season opens for the Seattle Mariners, it will be with some very familiar faces, and despite an off-season that saw the team make very few moves, the excitement of a new campaign will get the fans stirring nonetheless. The outlook for the 2009 Seattle Mariners is a mixed one, as several veterans have departed, but with a talented core, it’s not a stretch to say that this team will be much better than the 2008 team that finished with a record of 61-101.

2009 Seattle Mariners Preview

The Seattle Mariners start the 2009 Major League Baseball season with an opening series against the Minnesota Twins starting on April 6th. It will be the first look at a revamped offensive line-up, and the presentation of a new bullpen set-up for the squad. It is on this day where the Mariners will start either their assention back to respectability, or a slide into a rebuilding phase that could last a couple of years. Such is baseball, but this team has enough talent to compete.

The 2009 Seattle Mariners Infield

First baseman Richie Sexson is gone; leaving an opening at first base that rookie Bryan LaHair will fill. He should provide some much needed power, and be spelled by 1b/DH Russell Branyan if he can't hold down the spot. Returning at second base is Jose Lopez, at shortstop is Yuniesky Betancourt, and at third base is gold-glover Adrian Beltre.

The big loss in the outfield is going to be Raul Ibanez, who left as a Type A free agent to sign with the Philadelphia Phillies. Platooner Jeremy Reed was also traded in a deal that also sent out J.J. Putz. That leaves Ichiro Suzuki, rookie Wladimir Belentien, seldom used Mike Morse, and the duo that were acquired in a trade with the Cleveland Indians (Endy Chavez and Franklin Gutierrez). Look for Ichiro, Belentien, and Gutierrez to get the call.

The pitching staff for the 2009 season should be very familiar, with Felix Hernandez still the ace of the staff, and Erik Bedard expected to rebound from a rough 2008. Carlos Silva is still on the squad with his expensive contract, and finally Brandon Morrow should take over the 4th spot that he has been groomed for. The 5th spot could go to Jarrod Washburn, Miguel Batista or newly acquired Aaron Heilman.

The bullpen could hold surprises for the Mariners this season, after all-star closer J.J. Putz was traded to the New York Mets. Left behind are still the capable arms of Mark Lowe, Ryan Roland-Smith, Ryan Feierbend, Sean White, Jason Vargus, and whoever doesn't get the 5th spot in the rotation. It's not the best bullpen in the business, but there are some key pieces there that will be held together by catchers Kenji Johjima and Jeff Clement. Whoever isn't catching will most likely be the designated hitter.

The 2009 Outlook for the Seattle Mariners

This is going to be a team built on defense, speed, and pitching, with an occasional long-ball mixed in. The outfield of the 2009 Seattle Mariners could hit a combined 10 or fewer home runs, and could be an Achilles heel for this squad. There is definitely some talent here, but the Mariners really need big seasons from Clement, LaHair, and their bullpen to get back into contention.

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