Go M's

[Bobaphat]

Looks like the M's intend to compete this year with the signing of 2 premium bats in Sexson and Beltre.

I am trying not to get too excited, but I can't wait to see this line-up:

Ichiro RF Best lead off hitter in the game
Randy Winn CF, fast on the base paths and a very consistant hitter
Adrian Beltre 3B if he lives up to his last year, 40+ hr potential
Richie Sexson 1B another big bat with 40+ hr potential
Bret Boone 2B who will be able to relax now that he's not carrying the entire offense. Expect him to hit 30+hr and 100+RBI this year while maintaining his gold glove fielding
Raul Ibanez LF A solid left fielder who hits well at Safeco. Expect 25 hrs out of him.
Bucky Jacobson, DH This kid is relatively unproven but can hit somethin' fierce. If he gets to play everyday, expect between 25-35 hrs
Miguel Olivo C a cannon for an arm and a decent bat if he can work [B]out the kinks. He can hit between 15-20 hrs in a full year.
Jose Lopez, SS at only 20, he has some growing up to do, but he has quick wrists and is going to be an all-star someday.

Our Pitching stands to improve substancially this year too, now that the pitchers won't have to be afraid to let up a run or two. Moyer is still a great pitcher and I think he will be able to stage a good comeback this year, 15 wins no problem. Joel Pinero is healthy again and the boy can pitch. Meche has a wicked curveball and Madritch has alot of grit. If the M's can add another decent starter then we will be sitting pretty with Franklin back in the bullpen working long relief. If not, Franky can start and expect to get a little more run support this year. That guy has had no luck with that the past 2 years and its a shame because he's a decent pitcher. Eddie Guardado will be healthy and maybe Soriano will be able to come back and play set-up man.

They'll have a good strong veteran bench with some talented rookies to round out the bench. We may not be the best in baseball, but I'll be surprised if we lose 99 games again. Now we just need to worry about those Angels...

[HeAtHeN]

I'm with ya Bobaphat. After last season... we need offence. Good to see the M's adding some bats.

[canuckguy]

why would they get sexson, i would have gone with delgado, probably the same money and a even bigger bat, of course watch me type this, and then they sign him too! damn the mariners are reloading, tough division now, looks like oakland is rebuilding and texas, well last year was a fluke imo.

[FlatLand Flyer]

It is about time taht the M's sign some big name, realtivley young talent instead of watching them get signed away like usual.

[bravosnakeeyes]

yea and the A's made it easier for them to win the west by trading Hudson

[goddfather40]

I hope Belly flops in Seattle (because he's jilted the Dodgers and because I don't want the Mariners challenging my Angels). Just remember M's fans that you're paying nearly 13 mil a year for someone who is only one year removed from hitting .240 and striking out 103 times. I'm glad the Dodgers didn't give into to Boras (and I'm also glad the Angels didn't give in and sign Carlos Beltran to a huge contract).

[thrsn0730]

The AL West should be amazing this year. And while getting Beltre is certainly big for the Mariners, I'd still have a little concern about the fact he's had pretty much 1 great year in his entire career. If they just signed last year's Beltre, they're set. If they signed the Beltre from any other of a number of years, it's trouble.

[Bobaphat]

You have to remember that Beltre had his appendix burst, which basically ruined what could have been a good building year for him. His numbers may be higher than we should expect in coming years, but not dramatically so. He's only 25, he's not even in his prime yet.

[thrsn0730]

Beltre's just 25? Wow -- that's amazing. It seems like he's been playing forever. Of course, that's probably because the Dodgers signed him before he was eligible.