• 11:41 PM ET  02.25
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We didn't go out and make any big time pick-ups, but I think this team will be a lot more competitive.  Here's what I'm thinking as far as lineup and rotation goes.  Let me know what you guys think!

Lineup:

1.  Ichiro RF

2.  Gutierrez CF

3.  Lopez 2B

4.  Beltre 3B

5.  Griffey LF

6.  Sweeney 1B

7.  Clement DH

8.  Betancourt SS

9.  Johjima C

 I think if Griffey and Sweeney can stay reasonably healthy (a big if, I know) we can have a decent offense.  Those guys should be able to split DH time, with Morse and Endy Chavez seeing a lot of time as defensive subs and when they needs days off.  Clement and Johjima will probably platoon on those days, depending on who is pitching.  I'd like to see Clement have a breakout year and keep Johjima on the bench...

 Starting rotation:

1.  Hernandez

2.  Bedard

3.  Morrow

4.  Rowland-Smith

5.  Silva

 To hell with Washburn.  If he can't earn a starting job, won't accept a long relief role out of the bullpen, or an assignment to AAA, then cut him.  Everybody is losing money these days, so it shouldn;t be that big of a deal.  The M's lost money by releasing Sexson and Vidro last year, so it's not like it'll be the first time. 

 I'd like Lowe or Corcoran to win the closer job this spring.  Lowe has better "stuff" but Corcoran has the stones and mentality for the job.  I don't want Batista anywhere near the mound...whoever wins the job is just keeping it warm for Fields anyway.

February 28, 2009  04:26 PM ET

I think that Griffey will have a BIG year at the plate,
and the team will be back in the hunt for a 80 - 90 wins. Will he be number 24 again?

 
March 1, 2009  03:12 AM ET

Yep, he's got #24 again.

I think if he stays healthy he can put up some pretty good numbers. 61 wins last year, but the starting pitching SHOULD be a lot better. Bedard is healthy, Silva lost 30 pounds, Felix has another year under his belt, Morrow finally gets his chance to be a full time starter, and we get a full season out of RRS. I like the moves Z and Wakamatsu have made so far, it looks like there is going to be more accountability and less whining (always keys to not losing 100 games!)...

I think a 19 win improvement to get to 80 wins is pretty reasonable.

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