M’s Hart feeling better, ready to contribute

SEATTLE — Corey Hart knows the bigger tests for his surgically-repaired knees still lie ahead but, at this point, all signs are positive.

“I’ve ramped up everything,” he said Sunday when the Mariners concluded their two-day FanFest at Safeco Field. “I’ve been running bases and doing baseball stuff.

“I haven’t gotten on the field yet to do fly balls, but I’ve been doing simulated ground balls to work on my footwork and agility. It’s been progressing. I’ve been able to do everything. It’s been nice.”

There might be no aspect of the Mariners’ upcoming spring camp that will be more closely watched or more crucial to their success than Hart’s ability to handle the daily grind on his knees after missing all of last season.

“Does he hit the ground running?” general manager Jack Zduriencik asked. “We’ll have to find out. He’s certainly talented. He could be a really good piece for us.”

The Mariners gambled $6 million to sign Hart, who turns 32 in March, off the free-agent market. The bet is he can regain his pre-injury form: .270 with 30 homers and 83 RBI in 149 games for Milwaukee in 2012.

The move sought to address the club’s still-pressing need to add right-handed pop to a lineup that leans increasingly left after adding Robinson Cano and Logan Morrison in other offseason moves.

Most clubs saw Hart, who is recovering from surgeries on both knees, as a logical fit as a first baseman/designated hitter, but the Mariners are hoping he can log significant time in the outfield.

Hart believes he can do that … eventually.

Club officials say they’re willing to wait. Zduriencik and manager Lloyd McClendon talk of a three-man rotation between Hart, Morrison and Justin Smoak between first base and DH.

Morrison and Hart (at some point) can also play the outfield.

“I think it’s going to give you a chance to give some guys a rest,” Zduriencik said, “and give you a chance to match up your club a little bit better (against opposing pitchers).”

Even so, Hart figures to play, somewhere, as much as possible because, as a right-handed bat, he helps to balance the lineup. And one thing he isn’t worried about is his ability to regain his timing at the plate.

“Nah, you come back to spring training (every year) after missing six months,” he said. “It just takes a little bit. It might take me all spring, or even a bit into the season, but I’ve done it enough.

“I’m not worried about having a rough two or three weeks (at the plate) because I’m confident it will come. Even if I start slowly, it always ends up well.”

His knees, and how they hold up, are his only concern.

“I’ve got to show people I can do some stuff,” Hart said. “I totally understand that. I’ve got to prove that to myself because I’ve missed a full year because of my knees.”

He expects there to be pain.

“I’ll have to figure out if it’s pain because of injury,” Hart said, “or just soreness from muscles that I haven’t been using. I know I’m going to have to go through that.

“But having missed a year, I want to make sure I don’t rush things and have any setbacks. So far, it’s been great. My workouts have been great. Everything has been encouraging.”

FanFest numbers

The Mariners set a record by drawing 21,019 for their two-day weekend FanFest at Safeco Field. The previous best in the event’s 16-year history was last year at 17,952.

Crowds topped five figures on both days: 10,903 on Saturday, and 10,116 on Sunday.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

A look at the top prep boys basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.