M’s brewing a latte of success for 08. The Mariners were the pleasant surprise of 2007, rattling off 88 wins but falling just short of the playoffs. They’ve retooled, shipping out youth in favor of veteran leadership. While it’s debatable if they’ll repeat last years success and once again challenge the Angels for the division crown, the forecast is anything but rainy for baseball in Seattle.

Bats. It’s hard to have any discussion about the Mariners ability to hit without talking about Iiiiiiiiichiiiiiiiiroooooooooo. The Japanese hitting machine makes the move to center field this season and will silence any critics who challenge his ability to play the position. Ichiro guarantees a batting average well over .300 and a couple dozen stolen bases every season. So while I’m busy trying (and failing) to emulate his batting stance, he’ll be busy hitting gaps and swiping bags. The Mariners two Roger Dorn’s return for another season of inevitable disappointment. Though high priced, Richie Sexson doesn’t bring much talent to the table anymore. And while I’m seeking out the bar in Seattle that prices pints of domestic beers based on Sexson’s batting average, he’ll be busy fanning 150 times and hitting 20 home runs. On the other side of the diamond, Adrian Beltre continues to try and rebuild his image after proving his contract year in Los Angeles a few years ago was merely that and not an actual account of his ability at the plate. Beltre quietly hit 26 home runs last year and should float around there again this season. Read the rest of this entry »