Category: Brad Miller

2017 30-1 MLB countdown team previews: #25- Tampa Bay Rays

2/25/2017

The Tampa Bay Rays seem to always be the darlings of baseball this time of year. The PECOTA ratings always predict this will be a good season for them. And while there is talent on this roster, I have a hard time believing in a team that just traded one of their best offensive players and one of their top starting pitchers. The problem with the Rays is fact that they just do not have the resources to go all the way in. They were very fortunate to draft very well and take advantage of a deep farm system to be postseason bound for many years. Because of that, they were able to move players out, knowing they had suitable replacements coming up from the minor leagues. They also benefited from making some savvy trades, adding to their series of younger players in their farm system.
At some point, penny pinching is going to catch up with you. Eventually, every team is going to have a bad draft. Sometimes a trade does not net a team what it is expecting to get in return. That is where the Rays are right now. They are coming off of three consecutive losing seasons after playing postseason baseball in four of the previous six. Their General Manager, Andrew Friedman, and Manager, Joe Maddon, have long left the organization. Sure, the Rays still have their franchise player in Evan Longoria and their top three starting pitchers could compete with anyone in baseball, but it is hard to state exactly how the ground attack will look like that can legitimately compete with the Boston Red Sox and other top teams in the American League.
The Rays traded up and coming star second baseman Logan Forsythe to the Los Angeles Dodgers for pitching prospect Jose DeLeon. They then moved left handed pitcher Drew Smyly to the Seattle Mariners for two minor leaguers and Mallex Smith. Their off season then consisted on adding free agent catcher Wilson Ramos, coming off a season where he hit .307 and set career highs with his 22 home runs, 80 runs batted in and an .850 on base plus slugging. Though Ramos will not start the season healthy, himself batting back from an ACL injury suffered at the end of 2016 with the Washington Nationals, it marked a seemingly wise investment by the Rays. They then in outfielder Colby Rasmus and made the decision to bring back first baseman Logan Morrison. Incumbent first baseman Brad Miller, coming off a 30 home run season, will be moving to second base to occupy the spot vacated by Forsythe.
Offensively, the Rays should still have a decent amount of power in their lineup with Miller's 30 home runs, in addition to Longoria's 36, outfielder Corey Dickerson's 24 and the potential for outfielders Rasmus and Steven Souza to have more productive seasons. Center fielder Kevin Kiermeier is a great defender but brings less to the table offensively than he did last season. Of course, he is still an asset but it is only assuming he can maintain the all world defensive ability. The thing the defensive saber-ers fail to mention is defensive ability depreciates every year and it is very uncommon for a player to maintain the metrics Kiermeier has had for a long period of time. And we should find out this year is he is just a one dimensional player, if he is, he better maintain his all world defense in center field.
When the Rays traded left hand pitcher Matt Moore to the San Francisco Giants last season, they gained third baseman Matt Duffy in the deal. Duffy has shifted over to shortstop and the Rays are hoping he can perform to the level of his rookie season in 2015 where he hit .295 and drove in 77 runs. Morrison will likely not play against left hand pitchers, meaning projected reserves Tim Beckham and Nick Franklin should get some playing time. Miller could likely return to first base against left hand pitchers. While they wait for Ramos to make his Rays debut, Luke Maile and Curt Casali will be the catchers. Veteran Michael McKenry is worth a look and maybe can earn some everyday time. The lineup I would go with is Kiermeier CF, Longoria 3B, Miller 2B/ 1B, Dickerson DH, Duffy SS, Rasmus LF, Souza RF, Casali/ Maile C, Morrison/ Franklin/ Beckham 1B/ 2B. Smith, brought over in the Smyly trade, should be a solid fourth outfielder and will continue to develop as a future regular. Tampa native Rickie Weeks is in on a minor league deal and should be able to help out at multiple positions.
The Rays best starting pitcher, Chris Archer, is coming off his worst professional season. But it does depend on how you look at it. He did make 33 starts, pitch just over 201 innings and strike out 233 batters. His record was just 9-19 and he gave up 30 home runs, one more than his teammate, Jake Odorizzi. Odorizzi put up solid numbers, making his 33 starts and pitching just over 187 innings. Archer paid the price for going deeper into games, having just five no decisions while Odorizzi had an astounding 16. Alex Cobb is expecting to return to form as he has made just five starts since the end of 2014. Blake Snell should be in a position to have a great season in 2016, striking out 98 batters in the 89 innings he pitched last season- his age 23 season. Matt Andriese gets the first crack at the number five spot in the rotation with De Leon eventually getting a chance to earn his spot for good.
Alex Colome had a break out 2016 season as a closer (2 wins, 4 losses, 37 saves, 1.91 earned run average, 71 strikeouts in just under 57 innings pitched. The Rays were looking to trade Colome, but teams are getting tired of sending top prospects to the Rays and Colome was 27 years old last season. Brad Boxberger saved 41 games for the Rays in 2015, but missed a lot of time last season due to injury. Erasmo Ramirez and Danny Farquhar provide solid set up options as right hand pitchers and former Nationals left hander Xavier Cedeno is the prime southpaw. Former major leaguers David Carpenter, Cory Rasmus and Dana Eveland are on minor league deals trying to make the team.
Within the next calendar year, the Rays should welcome a couple of their top prospects into the mix. Shortstop Wily Adames, acquired in the Detroit Tigers trade involving David Price, is very close as are pitchers DeLeon and Brent Honeywell. First baseman Jake Bauers, himself acquired in the deal that sent Wil Myers to the San Diego Padres, may be ready to make an impact by the end of this season.
The issue I have with the Rays is they are simply not as deep as the other teams in the American League East. I like their potential starting rotation, especially if Cobb is healthy and Snell takes the next series of steps to become a top pitcher. I do not think their offense is deep enough and when you are expecting a lot out of guys like Morrison and Rasmus, you are asking for some disappointment. Las Vegas felt the same way, as a 75.5 number for Tampa's over/ under is not on par with the PECOTA rating system. I still have to take the under, I have the Rays finishing 2017 with a 71-91 record, last place in the American League East division.

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2016 30-1 MLB countdown team previews: #5 Seattle Mariners

3/29/2016

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One of the most important things a new executive can do when joining a new organization is to get a sense of what direction the team is going. Perhaps more important for a new general manager or team president is for that person to use his own talents and have that come out in his players. In other words, a new GM needs to put his own stamp on the team. Sometimes that takes years to do, such is the case with the Atlanta Braves, a team that is in a complete rebuild. If the expectation is to win right away, the emphasis may be to add the big time player as opposed to a complementary piece.
Nobody has backed up the definition of putting their stamp on their team like Seattle Mariners general manager Jerry DiPoto. DiPoto has built a reputation as one of the game's up and coming executive though he dealt with an uncomfortable situation at his last job in Los Angeles. DiPoto has been big on analytics. A philosophical difference between him and manager Mike Scioscia led to his resignation from the Angels. One of DiPoto's first decisions was to replace manager Lloyd McClendon with longtime aide Scott Servais. The Mariners then signed free agent outfielder Norichika Aoki (.287 batting average, 5 home runs, 26 runs batted in, .733 on base plus slugging in 93 games) to a contract to be the team's everyday left fielder. Aoki has been the definition of consistent as in his four big league seasons he has finished with batting averages of .288, .286, .285, .287, respectively, which by itself, is amazing. DiPoto then set out on a series of trades to acquire first baseman Adam Lind (.277, 20, 87, .820), center fielder Leonys Martin (.219, 5, 25, .576) and catcher Chris Iannetta (.188, 10, 34, .628). DiPoto also acquired two starting pitchers, Boston Red Sox left hander Wade Miley (11 wins, 11 losses, 4.46 earned run average, 147 strikeouts, just less than 194 innings pitched) and Tampa Bay Rays right handed pitcher Nate Karns (7-5, 3.67, 145, 147). Completing the overhaul, the Mariners traded for right handed relievers Joaquin Benoit (6-5, 2.34, 63, just over 65 with the San Diego Padres) and Evan Scribner (2-2, 4.35, 64, 60 with the Oakland Athletics and signed free agents Steve Cishek (2-6, 3.58, 4 saves, 48, just over 55 with the Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals) and Joel Peralta (3-1, 4.34, 24, 29 with the Los Angeles Dodgers).
The Mariners return three huge core pieces in 2016, including second baseman Robinson Cano (.287, 21, 89, .779). Starting pitcher Felix Hernandez (18-9, 3.53, 191, just less than 202) continues to be one of the best in all of baseball. Designated hitter Nelson Cruz (.302, 44, 93, .936) continues to defy the odds by finishing with career highs in runs scored, hits, on base percentage, slugging percentage and total bases at age 34.
Cano and Cruz are joined by third baseman Kyle Seager (.266, 26, 74, .779). This will constitute the middle of the order, though the addition of Lind will help out a lot. Outfielder Seth Smith (.248, 12, 42, .773) can be a wild card in the potency of the Mariners offense. If he can take his game up a level, which scouts have always said he has the ability to, as an offensive player, the Mariners lineup got a little deeper. Smith has had as good of a spring as any player in the sport, hitting over .500 with 20 spring training hits. Shortstop Ketel Marte (.283, 2, 17, .753) takes over everyday with incumbent Brad Miller dealt to the Rays in the Karns deal. Marte is a strong defender with an ability to be a solid hitter in regards to average, though he does not possess much power. The lineup I would go with would be Aoki LF, Marte SS, Cano 2B, Cruz DH, Lind 1B, Seager 3B, Smith RF, Iannetta C, Martin CF.
The Mariners do not have much of an expanded or deep bench. However, catcher Steve Clevenger (.287, 2, 15, .740) served as a quality backup catcher for the Baltimore Orioles last season and may be able to balance out the offensive handicapped Iannetta. Infielder Luis Sardinas is in from Milwaukee and can play shortstop, second and third base. Veteran Franklin Gutierrez (.292, 15, 25, .974) is back with the Mariners after putting up solid numbers last season. The so called center fielder of the future has played the role of the figure in the game of operation, as injuries have threatened to ruin his career. Waiver pickup Dan Robertson is also another option for the bench, as is non roster invitees Ed Lucas and Mike Baxter.
The Mariners biggest strength will be their starting pitching, led by Hernandez and veteran Hisashi Iwakuma (9-5, 3.54, 111, just less than 130). Left hander James Paxton (3-4, 3.90, 13 starts, 67 IP) was on the rise in 2014, but injuries plagued his 2015. Though he has had a rough spring, it seems as if he is in the right health to make an impact in the rotation. His presence may not initially be needed with the addition of Miley and Karns. The Mariners have also been waiting for right hander Taiwan Walker (11-8, 4.56, 157, just under 170) for a while now, but there seemed to be signs last season that the former top prospect has finally turned the corner. Karns gives the team a solid one through five, with left hander Mike Montgomery (4-6, 4.60, 16 starts, 90 innings) likely to play the role as long reliever. Perhaps Paxton is in the same role, but I expect to see Paxton to get his share of starts. I would not even rule out Seattle going to a six man rotation for a short period of time.
The Mariners bullpen is the one part of this team that has over gone a major overhaul. Cishek will serve as the closer, with Benoit and Peralta serving as the bridge. Left hander Charlie Furbush (1-1, 2.08, 33 games, just less than 22 IP) will miss the start of the season and is extremely valued, leaving lefty Vidal Nuno (1-5, 3.74, 81 Ks, 89 IP) as a pitcher the Mariners will expect a lot out of. Scribner should be back by the end of April. Look for the Mariners to use Tony Lych, Donn Roach and Casey Coleman to hold temporary spot until Scribner, Furbush and Montgomery are used as the last three relievers. Of course, there is no sign that any Mariners starting pitcher (knock on wood) will miss opening day, so the longtime Royals and Rays prospect is ticketed to start the season in Seattle's bullpen.
Top prospect Alex Jackson needs probably another season or two in the minor to develop. He should be watched this season as a player who can break out in the minors. He is clearly looked as a regular outfielder for the Mariners in the future. Infielder DJ Peterson is another to watch in the same way. Shortstop Drew Jackson hit .356 last season and could get a little bit of a more serious look this season. Right hander Edwin Diaz may be on the horizon for a September call up after averaging over a strikeout an inning. On the major league roster, look for Marte to take a big step and be a solid MLB regular shortstop by the end of the season.
I liked the Mariners last season and was proven wrong, mostly because of injuries to Iwakuma and Paxton. Both have returned and the team did add Karns, which gives the Mariners one of the most underrated starting rotations in all of baseball. The biggest question, which I have asked about many teams, is how the new pieces will work out together. The Mariners have brought in a lot of new players, most of whom have never played together before. I like the fact that most players brought are of the complementary variety, meaning the three most impact full players are looked at as being figure heads in the clubhouse. The use of analytic stats led by DiPoto and Servais fit pretty well with the influx of players brought in. I can see the Mariners taking a big step from the 76 win season of a year ago. Las Vegas puts the Mariners at 83 wins for their over/ under, so I think odds makers are seeing a similar improvement. I have the Mariners doing even better than that, finishing at 89-73, first place in the American League West division. I pick the Mariners because of their talent but also because the lack of a front runner in the division and my predicted digressions (albeit temporary in some cases) of the Texas Rangers, Houston Astros, and Angels.

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2016 30-1 MLB countdown previews: #24 Tampa Bay Rays

3/1/2016

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It is that time of year again, with spring training getting under way in both Arizona and Florida. All sorts of outlets have produced their predictions for the 2016 season, with some varying based on the amount of computer generated statistics generated. In other words, fansgraphs and the PECOTA system, the two outlets that think baseball is a computer game and their computer generated stats are going to replace the players playing the game of baseball on the field, throw a bunch of data together and determine how all 30 teams will do. Many others simply look at what happened the season before and similarly repeat the teams that made the playoffs the previous season. Those sites looked terrible last season as six of the ten teams to make the playoffs in 2015 did not make the postseason in 2014. My theory has always been to respect all different type of predictions and judge their merit based off the reasons that are given.
In year five of johnpielli.com's 30-1 MLB countdown previews, I take pride in the fact that I look at not only what the team did last season, but whether the team is on the rise or in decline. I also look at each team's previous off season and judge whether they improved or got worse. I study the minor league system and look at which players will come up this season and in the future. Will the team have players emerge as being better than they are? What injured players will either impact the team or be expected to and not back it up? In the end, I use the Las Vegas over/ under number to decide whether I think the team will finish above or below that number. And finally, I come up with 30 different win/ loss records, which if you add up all the teams wins and losses, the difference will be zero.
I have made it to team number 24 and the first one that should be a little controversial. The Tampa Bay Rays were picked using the PECOTA system to win 91 games this season. Fangraphs also had them winning the American League East. The Rays of 2015 finished at 80-82 under first year manager Kevin Cash. They made a couple of trades, dealing left hand pitcher Jake McGee to the Colorado Rockies to get outfielder Corey Dickerson. They also added shortstop Brad Miller and designated hitter Logan Morrison from the Mariners, sending right hander Nate Karns to Seattle in the process. Outside of signing free agent first baseman/ outfielder Steve Pearce as a free agent from the Baltimore Orioles, the off season was relatively quiet.
The Rays have one big strength and perhaps this is the reason the other outlets have the Rays doing so well. The Rays starting pitching staff is very good and when it is all completely assembled, they have the makings of one of the best in all of baseball. Chris Archer had 252 strikeouts and made the American League All Star team last season. Right hander Jake Odorizzi pitched to a 3.35 earned run average and averaged nearly a strikeout an inning. Left hander Drew Smyly, acquired in the trade that sent David Price to the Detroit Tigers, has pitched to a 2.52 ERA in 19 starts since joining the Rays. Left hander Matt Moore, winner of 17 games and made the All Star team in 2013, is in his first full season back from Tommy John surgery. Right hander Alex Cobb, who was an emerging star through the 2013 and 2014 seasons, will likely be out until August as he recovers from the same operation.
Adding to their strength will be left hander Blake Snell, who won 15 games, lost just 4 and pitched to a 1.41 ERA in 2015 in minor league action. Snell could break through and give the Rays an even bigger strength at the top of their starting rotation. Right handers Erasmo Ramirez (11-6, 3.75) and Alex Colome (8-5, 3.94) will round out the rotation until Cobb and Snell are ready.
While I understand why the Rays are getting a lot of respect, starting pitching has turned into a six inning game. Any team that has a great set of starting pitchers needs to have a dependable bullpen to back them up. The trade of McGee to the Rockies has weakened a weakness. The thought that teams not expecting to contend do not need a closer applies to the Rays, who in 2015 used Brad Boxberger (4-10, 3.71, 41 saves, 74 strikeouts in 63 innings pitched) in that role. Boxberger has proven to be a dependable relief pitcher, but is not a major league closer. Right hander Danny Farquhar (1-8, 5.12 in 43 games) comes over from Seattle in the Morrison/ Miller trade and is hoping to return to his 2014 form (3-1, 2.66, 81 K, 71 IP). The emergence of left hander Xavier Cedeno (4-1, 2.09, 63 games) allowed for the Rays to trade McGee, a fellow left hander. In order for the Rays to have a top bullpen, three things need to happen. Boxberger has to pitch to a level he has never pitched to before. Farquhar needs to repeat his 2014 and Cedeno needs to repeat his 2015. Unfortunately, the chance of all three of those happening is about the same chance that Ohio Governor John Kasich or retired neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson will become the next President of the United States. Sadly, the drop off after Boxberger, Farquhar and Cedeno is very steep with Colome and former Indians right hander Ryan Webb (1-0, 3.20, 40 games) the next in line.
The Rays will, as usual, have a difficult time scoring runs. However, it was the performance of one player on the defensive side of the ball that got more attention than has even been seen for a defender. Kevin Kiermaier hit an average .263, 10 HR, 40 RBI but did have 12 triples and 18 stolen bases. It was his defensive metrics that were off the charts as he was responsible for an unbelievable 42 defensive runs saved for the 2015 season. He led the American League with a Defensive Wins Above Replacement of 5.0, a total zone rating of 24 as well as 15 outfield assists. However, similar to a player winning the triple crown, hitting .400 or any other statistic that is not commonly reached, it cannot be expected that Kiermaier repeats those same numbers going forward. Outside of other reasons, players generally depreciate each season as a defensive player, making it very hard to repeat those defensive stats. And many will agree that Kiermaier is a borderline starting offensive player, meaning if it was not for his defense, his offensive stats may not be quality enough to continue to be in the everyday lineup.
Center fielder Desmond Jennings could do a lot to close the gap in the quality of the Rays offense. However, Jennings has battled through a series of injuries and under performing play over the past five seasons that has puzzled the organization. If Jennings can prove to be a late bloomer, than he stands to take starting time away from right fielder Steven Souza (.225, 16, 40, .717 on base plus slugging) and even the immortal Kiermaier. He has to step his game up though. Dickerson (.312, 24, 76, .931) had a huge 2014 season for the Rockies and hit over .300 with 10 HR in 65 games last season. Third baseman Evan Longoria (.270, 21, 73, .764) and breakout second baseman Logan Forsythe (.281, 17, 68, .804) will lead a very top heavy offense. Dickerson could be an ideal lead off batter, but in Tampa Bay will need to bat towards the middle of the order. Shortstop Miller (.258, 11, 46, .740) is a younger, strictly left hand batting version of the 2015 Asdrubal Cabrera (.265, 15, 58, .744), who is off to the New York Mets. Morrison has struggled to become the power hitter the Florida Marlins though he would be when he came up as a top prospect in 2010. Perhaps the Rays can point to the fact that he hit the most home runs in a season for Seattle in 2015 (17) since his 2011 total of 23 with the Marlins. First baseman James Loney did hit .280, but his slugging percentage of .357 was almost lower than any regular player in the American League and was only higher than teammate Rene Rivera, whose .178, .213, .275 slash line was as atrocious as could be imagined. The Rays did bring in catcher Hank Conger (.229, 11, 33, .729) from the Astros. Curt Casali (.238, 10, 18 in 101 at bats) is the backup and will battle with Rivera and Conger for a spot on the team.
The lineup I would go with is Kiermaier/ Jennings CF, Forsythe 2B, Dickerson LF, Longoria 3B, Morrison DH, Loney 1B, Souza/ Jennings RF, Conger C, Miller SS. The Rays do have some depth on their bench with infielder Richie Shafer and shortstop Tim Beckham ready to make an impact at the big league level. Perhaps both can take some playing time away from Loney and Miller. Outfielder Brandon Guyer (.265, 8, 28) is a solid forth outfielder, but will be the Rays fifth outfielder. Pearce is likely to make the team with former prospect Nick Franklin trying to make a case for the Rays.
Snell and right hander Brent Honeywell are two top strikeout pitchers ready to make an impact in the big leagues. Snell will be up after he passes the Stupor, I mean Super Two eligibility. Honeywell could possibly be a September call up. Actually, because of the way the Rays run their business, we will not see Honeywell until 2017. Shortstops Daniel Robertson (acquired in the Ben Zobrist trade of a year ago) and Wily Adames (acquired in the Price trade) look to both be solid future infielders. Both need at least another season or two in the minors though. Right hander Jake Guerrieri is about another year away, but looks to be a plus pitcher as well.
Las Vegas put Tampa's over under at 78, below their 2015 win total of 80. When I look at the young pitching the Tampa Bay Rays possess, I think of the 2015 New York Mets. When I think of the potential woes I foresee with this team as hitters, I also think of the 2015 Mets. The Tampa Bay Rays will not get themselves a Carlos Gonzalez to help their offense out, even if they were a Car-Go away. And while I will not assume that the Rays will trade Archer, Moore and/ or Odorizzi, I also cannot assume they will add a bat. It is obvious they would not do it anyways, as it may keep the owner from reporting a profit in his business. I have the Rays at 73-89, last place in the American League East division.

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2015 30-1 MLB countdown previews: #3 Seattle Mariners

3/16/2015

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The Seattle Mariners have found themselves a window where they now have the opportunity to become the elite team in the American League. Part of it has to do with their strong starting pitching and another part of it has to do with the addition of Nelson Cruz (.271, 40, 108) as a free agent from Baltimore. The third reason has to do with the reduced state of the American League, particularly with the AL East division being as weak as it is right now. If the Mariners can push the right buttons, an AL Pennant is for their taking for the first time in their 38 year history (39 including their 1969 season as the Seattle Pilots).
The Mariners starting pitching looks to be as strong as any team in the American League. Led by Felix Hernandez (15-6, 2.14, 148 Ks, 236 IP), the team has the perfect combination of youth and leadership that should keep them in most games. RHP Hisashi Iwakuma (15-9, 3.52, 28 starts) is the one concern as he did struggle in the 2nd half of last season. However, he does seem healthier this spring and pitching through injuries may have been a key to his struggles. LHP James Paxton (6-4, 3.04, 13 starts) had a very impressive stretch for the Mariners and along with top pitching prospect Taiwan Walker (2-3, 2.61, 8 games, 5 starts), provides the balance of youth and leadership. Both young pitchers should benefit from having Felix as the staff ace as well as Iwakuma and 5th starter JA Happ (11-11, 4.26, 26 starts). Happ was acquired in a deal with Toronto for OF Michael Saunders.
The Mariners also have LHP Roenis Elias (10-12, 3.85, 29 starts) and RHP Erasmo Ramirez (1-6, 5.26, 14 starts) which will be insurance in case there is an injury. Hope is, though, that the Mariners can run their five starters out similar to the Cincinnati Reds of 2012. If that is the case, it will be an indication the Mariners have arrived. If that is not the case, veterans Kevin Correia and Joe Saunders are in camp as NRIs.
The Ms offense features 2B Robinson Cano (.314, 14, 82), Cruz and 3B Kyle Seager (.268, 25, 96). The most intriguing thing about the Mariners lineup will be the potential platoon options manager Lloyd McClendon has. McClendon himself was a platoon player during his days with the Pirates under Jim Leyland. Among the potential platoons include RF, LF and 1B. The Mariners traded for OFs Seth Smith (.266, 12, 48) and Justin Ruggiano (.281, 6, 28) from the Padres and Cubs, respectively. This has the potential to be their most effective platoon with both players hitting the opposite arm particularly well. Add the HR and RBI and the Mariners will sign up for 18 HR and 76 RBI out of their RF. The other two platoons are a little more confusing, as they really do not have to be platoons. If McClendon wants to play the percentages, he can use LH 1B Logan Morrison (.262, 11, 38) against righties and former top catching prospect Jesus Montero (4-17, 1 HR) against lefties. Montero has had some issues with the Mariners brass and has served a suspension for the use of PEDs. Montero did hit .286 with 16 HR in AAA and has seemed to come into camp in pretty good shape. If not a platoon, I can see one or the other playing 1B everyday with the other being in more of a reserve role.
The other spot is a little more confusing. LF Dustin Ackley (.245, 14, 65) has struggled to live up to potential, mostly because he has batted about .200 against left hand pitchers. While the Mariners do not have a conventional platoon partner for Ackley in LF, perhaps former Brewers 2B Rickie Weeks can be the answer. Weeks looked better in a platoon role last season with Milwaukee (.274, 8, 29). Weeks has never played another position in the field other than 2B, but Seattle has played him out there in ST.
CF Austin Jackson (.256, 4, 47) came over at the trading deadline in the David Price trade involving Detroit and Tampa Bay. He was terrible for the Ms last season, hitting just .229 with 59 Ks in 54 games. Though he does play very good defense, which is an asset to the pitching staff, he does need to his 2011 to 2012 form, or at the very least 2013 form- which the Mariners will settle for. If not, I can see the Mariners putting a supposedly healthy Franklin Gutierrez out there or maybe even James Jones, the defensive minded OF who played more games in CF than any other Mariners player last season. SS Brad Miller (.221, 10, 36) is likely to lose the job to Chris Taylor (.287, 9 RBI in 47 games). Taylor has a track record for hitting for a higher average and is the superior defensive player. C Mike Zunino (.199, 22, 60) will be the starter behind the plate with Jesus Sucre being the backup. The Mariners lineup I would go with would contain the platoons, but doesn't have to. Jackson CF, Ackley/ Weeks LF, Seager 3B, Cano 2B, Cruz DH, Smith/ Ruggiano RF, Morrison/ Montero 1B, Zunino C, Taylor SS. The Mariners bench is led by the platoonees, Willie Bloomquist and Sucre.
The Mariners bullpen is one of the weak spots on the team. Closer Fernando Rodney (1-6, 2.85, 48 saves) has been too up and down from year to year and the team does not necessarily have many options to back him up. I like the depth on the roster but that same depth does not exist when it comes to the bullpen. RHPs Danny Farquhar (3-1, 2.66, 81 Ks in 71 IP) is their next best option with RHPs Tom Wilhelmsen (3-2, 2.27, 57 games) and Yoervis Medina (5-3, 2.68, 66 games) also part of the crew. LHP Charlie Furbush (1-5, 3.61, 67 games) the lone lefty with Lucas Luetge and veteran Rafael Perez also trying for a spot.
3B DJ Peterson headlines the Mariners top players in the farm from 2014. He hit .297, 31, 111 in A and AA last season. Another 3B prospect, Patrick Kivlehan, put up some solid numbers at A and AA last year (.295, 20, 103). As far as this season goes, the biggest MLB impact will be felt by Walker, Paxton and Taylor.
The Mariners were given a Las Vegas O/U of 86 1/2. I have them finishing better than that, at 89-73, 1st place in the AL West and best record in the American League. I think the Mariners will be able to score runs, though every position in the batting order will be productive. McClendon's NL managerial style will be put to the test as he has the ability to get more out of this group by platooning. The pitching staff should speak for itself and Felix will soon be joined by another star in coming- Taiwan Walker. Lets see if the Mariners can get to the World Series for the first time and their history. If that happens, that will leave just the Expos/ Nationals as the only team to have not made it to a World Series. Hmm...

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2017 30-1 MLB countdown team previews: #25- Tampa Bay Rays

2016 30-1 MLB countdown team previews: #5 Seattle Mariners

2016 30-1 MLB countdown previews: #24 Tampa Bay Rays

2015 30-1 MLB countdown previews: #3 Seattle Mariners

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