Seattle Mariners - rise to the top!

[HadlerT]

I've always said "oh maybe I'll post it in the dynasty section" because I'm sure a lot of you guys don't looks at blogs and what not so I've finally decided to post in here. If you follow my blog you'll see everything through the month of April.

Anyway, a little of what to expect, I won't be posting every game and posting box scores or anything. I play every game, but watch parts of it in between. I have updated rosters and sliders (Mizzou/Authentic, thank you)

Anyway, I'll start to post what I have on my blog, and will keep you guys updated for the rest of the franchise.

EDIT: sorry deuce, I might be stealing your thunder just kidding, I will never be as good at you at this, lol.

[HadlerT]

Season Outlook:

I'm feeling very good with the acquisition of all-sta second baseman Robinson Cano, along with the progression if other young guys already in the organization.

Also, I'm really looking forward to the pitching, as we could potentially have not of the best team ERAs ever!

Also, looking forward to the minors and developing guys who will become Seattle legends like Griffey, Martinez and currently King Felix.

[HadlerT]

Mariners top-10 prospects going into 2014:

#1:
RHP Taijuan Walker: AAA Tacoma - ETA: mid-late 2014
A year after being the youngest pitcher in the Southern League, Walker returned to Double-A Jackson to start 2013. Walker fared much better the second time around, pitching his way to Seattle in August for his Major League debut. Walker's youth, athleticism, size and stuff all give him the chance to develop into a front-line Major League starter.
Other Lists: 100 Prospects (#7) | Top 10 RH pitchers Prospects (#1)

#2:
OF Alex Jackson: A High Desert - ETA: 2017
Jackson's standout tool is his right-handed power, which he generates with bat speed and strength. Jackson has enough feel for hitting that he could hit for average in the Major Leagues, though he'll have to be sure to curb a tendency for his swing to get long at times -- which causes him to miss hittable fastballs.
Other Lists: 100 Prospects (#37), Top-10 OF prospects (#4)

#3
1B DJ Peterson: A High Desert - ETA: 2016
The Mariners drafted Peterson out of high school in the 33rd round in 2010, but he chose to attend New Mexico instead. The Mariners didn't miss a second chance at him, selecting Peterson 12th overall. Peterson has a quick swing and an advanced approach at the plate. He showed off his impressive power as a professional, hitting 13 home runs in 55 games after signing. Peterson played third base in college, but his future may be across the diamond. He has a good arm and moves better than his size would suggest, but his defense is adequate at best at third base. Peterson's bat will play anywhere, and it should help him move quickly toward Seattle.
Other Lists: 100 Prospects (#52) | Top 10 3rd base Prospects (#4)

#4
SS Chris Taylor: AAA Tacoma - ETA: September 2014
Taylor has hit better than expected once out of the unfriendly confines of his college home park. He's shown a knack for being patient and he is using all areas of the field. Taylor has gotten a bit stronger, though power is never going to be a big part of his game. He has excellent baserunning instincts, and he has the range and the hands to play shortstop. Some feel his arm might be better at second or for moving around the infield.

#5
RF/LF Gabriel Guerrero: A High Desert - ETA: 2016
There's no question Guerrero has a very high ceiling. He has very good raw tools, including the ability to hit for average and power, though the latter hasn't shown up in games consistently yet. Guerrero is an aggressive hitter, but like his uncle, he tends to make contact more than you think he should -- though some refinement would allow him to tap into that power more. Guerrero runs fairly well, and he has about as strong an outfield arm as you'll find in the Minor Leagues.

#6
LF/RF Austin Wilson: A High Desert - ETA: 2016
Wilson is a physical specimen, and he is the kind of player who "looks the part." He has big-time raw power, can run and he has the arm for right field. At the plate, Wilson can be a little bit of a feast-or-famine-type player, and he'll need to make more consistent contact so he can tap into that power more regularly.

#7
RHP Edwin Diaz: A High Desert - ETA: 2017
Some of it has been physical, with Diaz having put on around 25 pounds of good weight since his high school days. His fastball and slider are his best offerings and there might be more in the tank with the heater as he continues to progress. He's improved his fastball command considerably and the breaking ball is much better than it was, leading to low walk totals and plenty of missed bats. His changeup lags behind, but there is confidence Diaz will master that as well.

#8
3B/1B/LF/RF Patrick Kivelhan: AA Jackson - ETA: 2015
Kivlehan has the tools to be a run-producing third baseman with the ability to hit for average and plenty of power. He runs well for a guy his size, and he brings a football mentality to his game on a daily basis.

#9
RF/LF Gareth Morgan: A High Desert - ETA: 2018
Strong and toolsy, Morgan's raw power is undeniable. He has put on shows in showcase batting practices in the past, and he has the ability to hit the ball out of any ballpark. There are some questions about Morgan's ability to hit enough to tap into that power consistently. He is a solid outfielder with a strong arm, giving him a good profile for right field. The Mariners clearly believed enough in Morgan's bat, and those who dream on him might see a future Giancarlo Stanton type in the future.

#10
SS Ketel Marte: AA Jackson - ETA: 2016
Pushed aggressively, Marte reached the Class A Advanced California League in 2013 at age 19. The Mariners think he can develop into a top-of-the-order catalyst in the future. If the bat can come along, Marte has the chance to be an everyday shortstop, though a career as a speedy and dynamic utility type is nothing to sneeze at.

[HadlerT]

Okay, here's my opening day inrto:
Opening day in my Mariners franchise. I have guys like Peterson, Guerrero, Alex Jackson, and other B-ish prospects stashed in A, I have young guys who are B/C POT in AA (Ketel Marte, etc.). AAA is for guys like Jesus Montero, Justin Smoak, and guys who are MLB-ready and guys who have big league expirience.

Rotation:
Felix
Iwakuma
Paxton
Elias
Chris Young

Guys locked in the rotation all season:
Felix, Iwakuma
Guys who could come up and replace Paxton, Elias, or Young:
Erasmo Ramierez, Taijuan Walker, Blake Beavan

Bullpen
LR Brandon Maurer (so good as a reliever!)
MR Joe Beimel
MR Yoervis Medina
MR Tom Wilhelmsen
MR Charlie Furbush
SU Danny Farquhar
CL Fernando Rodney

Guys who are locked in the bullpen all season:
Maurer, Medina, Wilhelmsen, Furbush, Farquhar, Rodney
Guys who could come up and replace Beimel if he sucks:
Lucas Luetge, Dominic Leone, Todd Coffey, Logan Kensing

Lineup
1 CF Austin Jackson
2 RF/LF Michael Saunders
3 2B Cano
4 DH Morales
5 3B Seager
6 1B Logan Morrison vs. RHP/Corey Hart vs. LHP
(Either could be replaced by Justin Smoak)
7 C Mike Zunino
8 LF Dustin Ackley vs. RHP/RF Chris Denorfia vs. LHP
9 SS Brad Miller (could be replaced by Chris Taylor)

Full-time bench players
C Humberto Quintero (could be DFA'd and replaced by Jesus Sucre)
UTL Willie Bloomquist (will spend all year on the roster)

Cant wait!

[HadlerT]

I have the April report written up, but I'll wait for some of you guys to comment and I'll go from there. I don't want to clog this up other my own stuff, I want discussions to be going on.

Btw, I'll be posting monthly updates. I play every game, so they'll be spaced out. I'll have "special edition" draft-day/ASG/trade-deadline posts as well. I think it'll be really fun for me and hopefully you guys follow along and enjoy it as well.

[Deuce2223]

Looking forward to seeing another M's Franchise on here. 10 more and we will be caught up with alll the Blue Jay's and Cub's ones.

[HadlerT]

Quote: Originally Posted by Deuce2223

Looking forward to seeing another M's Franchise on here. 10 more and we will be caught up with alll the Blue Jay's and Cub's ones.

Lol seriously!
I'm still getting used to these sliders. It won't seem like it in April, but they're pretty hard. I got lucky a lot. Including two walk offs in April alone by Zunino and Saunders. Saunders' was in his first game off the DL.

Couple more posts and I'll drop the April post!

[KingFry]

What Duece said. I'll be following.

I should really just make 5 accounts and make a Phillies 'chise with them so we can get in the game.. I mean if I replace my Sox 'chise with the Phillies we have 2... sounds good right?