Yardbarker: Mike Morse

Contrasting the '01 and '08 Mariners

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:00:57 -0500

The 2008 season for the Seattle Mariners could end up to be the worst team ever in franchise history. The 2001 season for the Seattle Mariners marked the best regular season mark for the team in franchise history, and in baseball history. By no means is this a fair comparison, but for the Mariners to reach the playoffs in the near future they need to see similar production to the 2001 team. What will the two teams look like, side by side, comparing offensive position by position? Let's see:

Note (I have bolded each player who is the better out of the two)

Stats (Average/On-Base Percentage/ Slugging Percentage)

Catcher- Dan Wilson '01 (.265/.305/.403)

Catcher- Kenji Johjima '08 (.216/.257/.301)

1st Base- John Olerud '01 (.302/.401/.472)

1st Base- Richie Sexson '08 (.218/.315/.381)

2nd Base- Bret Boone '01 (.331/.372/.578) Ridiculous

2nd Base- Jose Lopez '08 (.309/.330/.442)

3rd Base- David Bell '01 (.260/.303/.415)

3rd Base- Adrian Beltre '08 (.251/.318/.422)

Shortstop- Carlos Guillein '01 (.259/.333/.355)

Shortstop- Yuniesky Betancourt '08 (.259/.273/.358)

Left Field- Al Martin '01 (.240/.330/.382)

Left Field- Raul Ibanez '08 (.287/.351/.482)

Center Field- Mike Cameron '01 (.267/.353/.480)

Center Field- Ichiro '08 (.311/.367/.392)

Right Field- Ichiro '01 (.350/.381/.457) Ridiculous

Right Field- Wladdy '08 (.216/.274/.366)

DH- Edgar Martinez (.306/.423/.543)

DH- Jose Vidro (This isn't fair) (.234/.274/.338)

What can we draw from this?

There are only three players from the 2008 that are better than their 2001 counterparts, Ichiro in Centerfield, Adrian Beltre at 3rd Base, and Raul Ibanez at Left Field. I'd also give credit to Jose Lopez who is up against the best offensive 2nd baseman season ever. Other than that, there are five slots with outright awful offensive performances that will need to be fixed. Here's what I would do to the current lineup:

At catcher, Jeff Clement would eventually put up better numbers than a 2001 Dan Wilson, however he is a defensive liability behind the plate. How about Kenji? The pitching staff doesn't work well with him and he has not bat. I'd start the move of Jeff Clement to 1st base and have the new manager work things out between Kenji and the pitching staff.

We're also screwed at DH, the Jose Vidro experiment or project didn't work too well..Here's an idea, move Ibanez to DH where his horrid defense won't play a factor and keep Wladimir Balentein there. After that, you keep Ichiro in Right Field and keep Jeremey Reed where both have great defense.

The last thing you need to do is trade Yuni. Betancourt doesn't fit for the club, bad defense and a bad bat won't work. I'd totally support having Mike Morse take his position where he could play some solid shortstop.

5-man Bench, 6-man Bullpen?

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 20:47:34 -0500

Could the Seattle Mariners go with a 6-man bullpen and 5-man bench, rather than a 7-man 'pen and 4-man bench? That is the latest rumblings, here's how they could pull it off:

Position Battle Updates: 3/10

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 20:45:23 -0500

Seattle Mariners position battle update: fourth outfielder, long reliever, DH, 2B, bullpen

Thursday Notes: Bench, Baek, Beltre Hurt

Sat, 08 Mar 2008 16:19:50 -0500

Mike Morse still is the frontrunner for the final bench spot, despite a nice game by Greg Norton. Cha Seung Baek will opt for free agency if he doesn't make the big club. Adrian Beltre has an injured thumb.

Bench Battle (Mariners)

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 21:53:08 -0500

Post details the bench competition for the Seattle Mariners, and predicts the two most likely outcomes. A lot of guys going for these spots.. check it out!

Games Start, Pitchers Heal, Other Notes

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 02:46:42 -0500

Spring Training! M's have some pitchers coming off of injuries nicely, potential benchers looking good and Miggy Batista is working on a new pitch.

DH or AAA for Clement; Notes

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 15:59:23 -0500

Clement will either be the starting DH or play in AAA. Brandon Morrow will be Seattle's setup man, not long reliever. RF platoon unlikely but possible.

Q&A with Shannon Drayer

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 03:16:37 -0500

Great interview with Mariner insider. Clement doesn't want to play first, extension for Felix?, Trot Nixon in Seattle?, Brandon Morrow's future and much more.

Bloomquist Could Be Back

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 02:03:11 -0500

Willie Bloomquist is still unhappy as a utility man, but could re-sign with Seattle. He could be looking for as much as $2M if not more. ouch.

Seattle Interested in Tony Clark

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 03:15:58 -0500

The Mariners appear interested in signing Tony Clark to backup Sexson and Vidro. Why this is a bad idea...

Miguel Cairo, Chris Reitsma Sign With Mariners

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 09:42:15 -0500

Miguel Cairo: completely pointless. Chris Reitsma: pointless, but understandable.

Cairo? Really?

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 06:00:02 -0500

The Mariners sign Miguel Cairo to a one year deal. Horrible, horrible move. Does this mean Jeff Clement or Mike Morse are about to be traded?