Five days from start of the season
Seattle Mariners Bench boss Eric Wedge has given enough clues for the lineup on Monday night…right?
Spring Training has been nothing less than exciting for the Mariners, something that has not been said around Seattle for quite some time. With plenty of wins and a spring home run record, a breakout year is more likely that ever.
So, who will the M’s role out with against the A’s on Monday, the uncertainty has been half the fun, but it is time to get real.
First thing, we know who will be the starting pitcher, and everyone knows why. SP Felix Hernandez will make the opening day start once again, facing the A’s Brett Anderson in Oakland.
How will the rest of the lineup shape up?
Well, here it is.
*Note: Raul Ibanez will play consistently against RH pitching, this lineup is for Monday against a LH pitcher, whom Ibanez will probably only play a third of the time against.
Starting lineup, order, and position
Leadoff: CF Franklin Gutierrez
A surprise already! Although Dustin Ackley has been touted as the face of the franchise and last year’s predominant leadoff hitter, it is time to take some pressure off of him. Manager Eric Wedge wants to get a hot bat at the top, because the M’s are facing a lefty (Anderson), Guti will leadoff. When the M’s play a righty, Michael Saunders will lead off.
2-hole: 3B Kyle Seager
This was the biggest debate for me, because Saunders would flourish in this role, but Seager has been hitting second consistently this spring. Seager’s slow spring may encourage Wedge to put him up in the order to show confidence in the young 3B, but with his 2-out RBI specialties and Saunders speed, expect a switch before too long.
Morse hit a home run farther than anyone in Peoria has ever hit a ball yesterday. So, there’s that.
(Soon, Guti and Saunders will split hitting 1 and 2 depending on matchups).
Third: LF Michael Morse
Morse hit a home run farther than anyone in Peoria has ever hit a ball yesterday (his 7th of the spring). He’s healthy and ready.
Cleanup: DH Kendrys Morales
The offseason trades for Morse and Morales could be considered a great success if spring stats counted for anything. If the trend continues, both players will be leading a barrage of hitting Seattle hasn’t seen in awhile.
5: 1B Justin Smoak
I consider the 4, 5, and 6 hitters interchangeable for the M’s, but I expect Wedge to throw the beloved offseason/September/spring darling Smoak into the heart of the order opening night. Let’s hope he stays there.
6: C Jesus Montero
He had an infield single and a triple in Spring Training, I guess those offseason-running workouts paid off! In all seriousness, Montero is quietly having a monster spring and should be on everyone’s radar as a breakout candidate in the American League.
7: RF Michael Saunders
Saunders will hit leadoff as well, but on Monday he will hit 7th and solidify a great defensive outfield with a healthy Guti and Morse.
The all-WBC player will get to show the league his speed more this season by bringing up his OBP.
8: 2B Dustin Ackley
This sure looks like a demotion, but it should encourage fans everywhere. This kid can play, and he is bound to hit well at some point, if it is batting 8th for the M’s, then the team is doing pretty good.
9: SS Brendan Ryan
Is there any question here, Ryan is a sure thing; the best glove in the league and an average at best hitter.
EXTRA BREAKING TWEETS!
Judging by clubhouse reactions, Beavan and Maurer have made last 2 rotation spots. Happy guys.
— Greg Johns (@GregJohnsMLB) March 27, 2013
Elated Brandon Maurer earns rotation berth with #Mariners. Here’s his reaction and the rest of the moves. gregjohns.mlblogs.com
— Greg Johns (@GregJohnsMLB) March 27, 2013
What do you think?
Cheers and Go M’s!
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