Here are some of the key issues the Mariners have dealt with this offseason:
Hire a general manager: Before the Mariners could address any of their problems on the roster, they had to hire someone to make those moves. Jack Zduriencik, the highly regarded scouting director who helped turn the Brewers into a playoff team, got the job based on his ability to judge talent and use modern-day statistical analysis to his advantage.
Hire a manager, coaching staff: Zduriencik sought a man with energy, passion and the ability to communicate and motivate. He interviewed seven finalists -- none with any major league managing experience -- and hired Oakland A's bench coach Don Wakamatsu. The new skipper then assembled an entirely new staff to the M's -- bench coach Ty Van Burkleo, hitting coach Alan Cockrell, pitching coach Rick Adair, third-base coach Bruce Hines, first-base coach Lee Tinsley and bullpen coach John Wetteland.
Left-handed power: Offense is the Mariners' biggest offseason priority, and Zduriencik's first key signing was left-handed-hitting slugger Russell Branyan, who'll play first base. Mariners fans obviously were suspicious, having experienced last year's flop of Brad Wilkerson, who also was signed to provide left-handed power.
Better outfield defense: The 12-player trade with the Mets and Indians brought seven players to the Mariners, including outfielders Franklin Gutierrez and Endy Chavez. Gutierrez will display his defensive wizardry in center field, where he could be the Mariners' best defender there since Mike Cameron. Chavez also has a stellar glove and would be the starter in left field if the season started today, although the Mariners would like to add a better hitter in that position.
Restock talent throughout the system: The previous regime traded away several highly regarded prospects who wound up in the big leagues the past few years. Remember Shin Soo Choo, Asdrubal Cabrera, Adam Jones, Chris Tillman? All were traded away.
