SEATTLE MARINERS
2009: 85-77 (3rd)

So Long: P Miguel Batista, 3B Adrian Beltre, 1B Russell Branyan, OF Endy Chavez, 3B Bill Hall, P Chris Jakubauskas, C Kenji Johjima (Japan), P Brandon Morrow, P Carlos Silva

Welcome: C Josh Bard, OF Milton Bradley, OF Eric Byrnes, 3B Chone Figgins, 1B Ryan Garko, 1B Casey Kotchman, P Brandon League, P Cliff Lee, OF Corey Patterson, 2B Chris Woodward

Projected Starting Lineup (courtesy of rototimes.com)
1. Ichiro Suzuki, RF
2. Chone Figgins, 3B
3. Franklin Gutierrez, CF
4. Milton Bradley, LF
5. Jose Lopez, 2B
6. Ken Griffey, Jr., DH
7. Casey Kotchman, 1B
8. Jack Wilson, SS
9. Adam Moore, C

Rotation - Felix Hernandez, Cliff Lee, Ian Snell, Ryan Rowland-Smith, Doug Fister
Setup - Brandon League, Mark Lowe
Closer - David Aardsma

Much has been said about Seattle's drastic changes in player personnel this offseason. Will the upgrades help? Hey, any time that you can bring in arguably the best starting pitcher of the last two seasons, you're improving your club. Cliff Lee will obviously slot in for a tremendous one-two punch with Felix Hernandez. But really, after their top two starters, does anyone on this pitching staff make the Rangers and Angels shake in the knees? Doug Fister? Ian Snell? And David Aardsma is anchoring the 'pen? What is this, his fifth team in seven years? Last year was a career season for Aardsma, but the jury is still out on if he can repeat those 38 saves.

I know I'm beating a dead horse here, but good luck with Milton Bradley. Ken Griffey Jr. has been an amazing player over the last two decades, but even he can't negotiate this mess. There are a lot more white people per capita in Seattle than there are in Chicago. If the first two months do not go well, will Uncle Milton start pooping on the floor of the clubhouse again and crying about racism? God bless the patience of Don Wakamatsu.