AL West Preview: Seattle Mariners

The Mariners have a very young staff stepping forward. Felix Hernandez is the sure-fire ace but people have to watch out for Brandon Morrow is the key youngster that could make a name for himself in the rotation. Also Erik Bedard is lurking in the shadows as the number two on the staff. The Mariners also get a blast from the past with Ken Griffey Jr. who will more than likely play outfield.

The Mariners will be light in the bullpen with the J.J. Putz trade. They got Aaron Heilman, Endy Chavez, and Sean Green for him.

Keep an Eye on: Jeff Clement, c
Clement is a young catcher coming up to fill in for Kenji Johjima who is in the thirties. Clement, last year, played in 66 games for Seattle hitting .227 and only driving in 23 RBIs. In Tacoma, he was batting .335 with 43 RBIs in 48 games.

Projected Lineup
1. Ichiro Suzuki, rf
2. Endy Chavez, lf
3. Jose Lopez, 2b
4. Adrian Beltre, 3b
5. Ken Griffey Jr, cf
6. Russel Branyan, 1b
7. Jeff Clement, dh
8. Kenji Johjima, c
9. Yniesky Betancourt, ss

Projected Pitching Staff
1. Felix Hernandez,rhp
2. Erik Bedard, lhp
3. Carlos Silva, rhp
4. Brandon Morrow, rhp
5. Jarrod Washbur, lhp

Projected Bullpen
Miguel Batista
Roy Corcoran
Ryan Rowland-Smith
Mark Lowe
Aaron Heilman
Jason Vargas

Top Prospects
1. Carlos Truinfel, ss
2. Phillippe Aumont, rhp
3. Michael Saunders, cf
4. Greg Halman, of
5. Juan Ramirez, rhp