The 2005 Seattle Mariners did not even come close to resembling the 2001 squad that managed to win a record-setting 116 games.  The baseball world barely even noticed this team that went 69-93 in 2005 despite acquiring 2 marquee power hitters in Adrian Beltre and Richie Sexson.  Mariner fans find themselves asking:  "What in the world happened to this team?"

Let's look at Seattle's chances in 2006:

     Key additions:  Jarrod Washburn-SP, Matt Lawton-OF, Carl Everett-OF

Will this be enough to turn this team around?

Outfielders:  The last time I checked, each team is only allowed to start 3 outfielders.  Overlooking this MLB rule, Mariners management decided to acquire 2 more outfielders by landing Matt Lawton and Carl Everett.  Lawton managed to play in over 150 games, and for 3 different teams.  He numbers were not terrible, considering his situation and steroid scandal.  He hit 13 HR and had 18 SB.  Expect those numbers to increase slightly.  Carl Everett is now wearing a championship ring, but had a meager .251 average for the season.  Everett did manage to hit 23 HR.  Ichiro returns as the face of the Mariners after hitting .303 in 2005.  To compare, Ichiro hit .372 in 2004.  Jeremy Reed returns after his mediocre rookie season, but he did show some signs of progress.  He will add some speed to this lineup.  Raul Ibanez was right on target with his career numbers, which meant a .280 BA and 20 HR.  Expect much of the same this year from Ibanez.

Infielders:  This year's infield features 2 power hitters and 2 question marks.  Adrian Beltre is due for a bounce back season after hitting 19 HR in 2005.  Beltre had exploded for 48 HR the year before.  Richie "I want your" Sexson was the most consistent run producer on the team, racking up 121 RBI.  Youngsters Yuniesky Betancourt and Jose Lopez will battle Fernando Vina, who just signed a minor league contract, for playing time at 2B.  Willie Bloomquist will likely spend some time at shortstop unless Mike Morse has a big spring.

Catchers:  It's suprising that the Mariners did not attempt to deal for a proven catcher like Ramon Hernandez, who is now a member of the Orioles.  Rene Rivera and Kenji Johjima are both rookies, and this pitching staff could use an experienced signal caller.  Both could see action, but neither has shown what they can do at the MLB level.

Starting Pitching:  If this team is going to be successful, "King" Felix Hernandez must prove to be the staff ace.  Perhaps the best pitching prospect in baseball last year, King Felix posted a 2.67 ERA in 12 starts while picking up 77 strikeouts.  Newly acquired Jarrod Washburn had his lowest win total of the last 3 years, but managed a 3.20 ERA.  Jamie Moyer is the Greg Maddux of this rotation, though his pitching days are numbered.  Moyer's greatest value to this team will be mentoring the young hurlers.  Gil Meche will probably be a fixture in the rotation, even with a 4.70 career ERA.  Joel Pineiro will also get a starting nod, and will be hoping to return to his 2003 form that saw him pick up 16 wins.  Jesse Foppert, Travis Blackley, and Clint Nageotte could also compete for a starting spot, but each have a lot to prove against MLB hitters.

Relief Pitching:  Besides Eddie Guardado, this may be the biggest collection of MLB players that you've never heard of.  In addition to being unknown, none of these relievers have quality MLB experience.  Pitchers like Julio Mateo, Marcos Carvajal, Luis E. Gonzales, and Jake Woods will not provide much help in the late innings.  I predict that this will be the biggest weakness for the Mariners.

Secrets to success:  Bullpen help, the real Adrian Beltre, and the Mariner Moose.  If the Mariners hope to contend (and that's a big if), they will need some quality relievers added to this roster.  Not even "Everyday" Eddie can save this group.  There should be enough prospects in this organization to trade for a good set-up guy.  Remember how good this bullpen was with Jeff Nelson and Arthur Rhodes?  Adrian Beltre will more than likely post better numbers than last year.  He has never been terribly consistent, but Beltre is capable of being a solid run producer.  If all else fails, the Mariner Moose will be responsible for fan happiness.  Heaven knows that Mariner fans will need it.

So is this team really that bad?  Well, yes.  The Angels and A's will be at the top of the division again.  Even the Texas Rangers have made moves to improve their squad.  The Mariners will have some interesting trade bait...Dare I say, Ichiro?  Let's hope they are wise with their moves.  That being said, there are enough pieces here to build around.  If nothing else, Mariner fans may be watching one of the best young pitchers in the game any time King Felix takes the mound.  However, if history repeats itself...the King may be soon to leave the building.  (See Randy Johnson, Ken Griffey Jr., Alex Rodriguez)