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Spring Training is here. Projecting the Mariners Opening Day roster.

Photo via Joe Camporeale - USA Today

Alright M’s fans, it's that time of year. The Mariners are reporting down in sunny Peoria, and us fans are eagerly awaiting news of our favorite players, the surprises of camp, and the disappointments. Without further ado, here is the Sodo Scoop roster projection (assuming no additions) that the GOMS will break camp with.

C- Tom Murphy (1), Luis Torrens (2) -- Very easy here. Barring injury, these will be the two catchers the Mariners bring out of Peoria. I don’t expect an addition to challenge these two. 1B- Evan White (3) - Again, very easy. Gold Glove defender who will be better with the bat in year two than year one. Don’t expect any addition to challenge the kid from Kentucky. 2B- Shed Long (4) - Here is a position that a decision has to be made for the Mariners. I think the spot goes to Shed (with Dylan Moore occupying an everyday utility role). Shed has shown flashes, and I think the organization owes it to itself to see if they have a player or not here, this is the year to do that. With that in mind, this is a spot where I could see a veteran addition to create competition. SS- JP Crawford (5) - Again, not a tough decision. JP is clearly a part of the organizational plans and he is coming off a decent season offensively and a great one defensively (I hear Gold Gloves are good). I don’t expect any additions here, unless it’s of the backup variety. 3B- Kyle Seager (6), Ty France (7) - I put both these players here because I think France plays more third than we think. France and Seager will both be everyday hitters this year, and my assumption is that as we get into the month of September, we may see France getting his reps at third in preparation for taking the reins next season. OF- Kyle Lewis (8), Mitch Haniger (9), Dylan Moore (10), Jake Fraley (11) - Definitely some intriguing situations here that the GOMS have to figure out. Again, this is my prediction, but a lot of things could affect this outfield position. If Shed Long isn’t the 2B, it likely is Dylan Moore, which opens a spot for someone like Braden Bishop, Jose Marmolejos, or...Jarred Kelenic. I don’t anticipate the Mariners starting Kelenic in LF, but the fan in me is hopeful. In terms of Fraley, this is his chance. I think he comes in and wins a job and platoons with Dylan Moore in left, who will also see time in the infield. Utility- Sam Haggerty (12) - With this last spot for a position player, again, there are intriguing options. Marmolejos (1B/LF), Donovan Walton (SS/2B), and then a non roster invitee like Sam Travis (1B/LF) can each provide something different for the roster, but I believe Haggerty’s speed and ability to handle LF/RF/2B will be more appealing to the roster construction than those other options. His ability to play the outfielder will help as he can be the 4th OF as Dylan Moore takes his turns in the infield. Starting Pitchers- Marco Gonzales (13), James Paxton (14), Chris Flexen (15), Justus Sheffield (16), Yusei Kikuchi (17), Justin Dunn (18) - Lots of options here to decide between for the 6th spot, and I think an addition may be added to compete. However, I think Justin Dunn is the guy who will win the job over Nick Margevicius. Reports are that his first bullpen down in Peoria was 93-95mph, which is a nice little jump from where he sat last year. If he hasn’t figured out his control, then that 6th spot will be Margevicius or a veteran addition we haven’t seen yet. The first 5 options are basically set. Bullpen- Will Vest (19), Nick Margevicus (20), Anthony Misiewicz (21), Kendall Graveman (22), Brandon Brennan (23), Yohan Ramirez (24), Rafael Montero (25), Keynan Middleton (26) - This is the position group that I have the lowest amount of confidence in predicting because there are a lot of what if’s that we just don’t know yet. Can Yohan Ramirez live more in the zone? Is Brandon Brennan healthy? Do the Mariners want Margevicius to be a starter in Tacoma if he isn’t in the Seattle rotation? There are options here if any of these guys falter, but right now, this is my guess as to the makeup of the bullpen. Reminder - Andres Munoz will be added this summer. Ok. There you have it. Below are my “next ups”, in other words, the last guys I cut off my list. C - Cal Raleigh 1B - Jose Marmolejos INF - Donovan Walton, Sam Travis OF - Jarred Kelenic, Braden Bishop, Taylor Trammell SP - Logan Gilbert, Ljay Newsome RP - Sam Delaplane

-Kyle

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Fire Mather

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Resetting the Mariners Offseason

The Padres have taken the top off the offseason over the last 24 hours, providing a natural spot to evaluate where the Mariners are at. 

So far the Mariners have re-signed Kendall Graveman, signed Chris Flexen, signed Keynan Middleton and traded for Rafeal Montero. Flexen provides some starter flexibility, but it is anticipated that he will start as a long inning reliever for the GOMS.

So where do the Mariners go from here? They still need to add starting pitchers, relievers and another bat. 

Below is a list of our favorite options:

Joe Musgrove 

The Pirates are reportedly shopping Joe Musgrove. Mariners fans likely will remember Joe from his time with the Astros. Joe is 28 years old and controlled though 2022 providing two years of club control.

Joe has put together back to back solid seasons starting 31 games in ‘19 posting 3.3 WAR and 8 games in 20 with a career high of 12.48 K/9 up from 8.3 in 19. 

Joe is young and fits the Mariners window. More importantly the cost is likely not huge given the way the market has been moving this offseason. The Mariners could likely acquire Musgrove for a Brandon Williamson type piece.

Blake Treinen

As mentioned in the Sodo Scoop offseason preview, Treinen is a top target for the GOMS who are in desperate need of bullpen help. Blake was lights out for the As in 18 throwing 80.1 innings, posting a 11.20 k/9 and racking up 3.6WAR. Treinen came back down to earth in 19 due in large part to an increase in walks. Treinen regained form for the Dodgers in 20 cutting his walks back down 2.8 bb/9 and increasing his ground ball rate to 64%. Treinen has been linked to the Mariners this offseason and signing him to a short term deal would solidify the backend of the pen. 

Joc Pederson 

Joc makes a lot of sense for the Mariners. Joc is a power lefty bat that could slot into the middle of the Mariners order. Joc also provides a bit of position flexibility for the Mariners. Joc is a corner outfielder who could play 1b in a pinch (1b not recommended). While we anticipate Haniger will be ready for the 21’ season, adding Joc now would provide much needed security in the outfield. Once Kelenic is ready to go, Joc would likely become the primary DH.  

Mariner Moosings 

The Padres are in the process of completing a trade for Cubs ace Yu Darvish. In return the Cubs are acquiring Zach Davies (a good pitcher) and four prospects outside of the Padres top 10. Yu is coming off a dominant 20’ season in which he finished second in the NL CY Young race. The return for Yu seems a little light and signals that the Cubs are looking to save money following the pandemic shortened season. 

The Cubs currently have Javy Baez and Kris Bryant on one year deals. Given the fact that the Cubs are looking to cut payroll, they might be willing to part ways with these guys while they can still get prospects for them.  The Mariners have the pieces to make a deal happen, and based on the return the Cubs got for Darvish, the asking price likely won’t be too large. 

While it is highly unlikely the Mariners cut a deal to acquire a player of the caliber of Baez or Bryant, both players fit the Mariners needs and window moving forward. Dare to Dream.

GOMS

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