The questions coming into spring training — who’s the closer, is there a reliable power threat in the middle of the order, who’s the left-handed relief specialist, will Yuni Betancourt bunt — are largely unanswered as the Mariners spend their final day in Arizona.
Closer? It’s Brandon Morrow’s job to have, hold and cherish, unless he doesn’t discover his fastball command. He hasn’t so far, although he’ll get another chance Friday or Saturday in Las Vegas.
Middle-of-the-order power? Russell Branyan has hit well, with seven home runs. Branyan has the ability to carry a team and make the hitters around him better, but he’s a notoriously streaky hitter. We’ll see how that develops.
Left-handed specialist? Uh, there’s not a left-hander in the bullpen period. Tyler Johnson is pacing like a lion he’s so eager to fill that role, but the Mariners are being extra careful in his comeback from shoulder surgery.
Betancourt and bunts? Nobody squared to bunt more this spring than Yuni, who had to be under some kind of order to at least show it. He didn’t drop any, but the Mariners are handling Betancourt with a baby-steps approach. They’d love him to bunt (not one sacrifice this spring), walk (none) and run (0-for-2 on steal attempts).
The Mariners leave Arizona with a whole lot of uncertainty, although manager Don Wakamatsu has emphasized that the end of spring training is not the end of their attempt to become a better team. The bullpen, especially, is comprised of young pitchers who will take their lumps but, in Wakamatsu’s eyes, become better with experience. The lineup is a mix of young players and a few newly added veterans like Ken Griffey Jr. and Mike Sweeney who will have a chance to exert their influence.
It’s the Mariners’ final day in Arizona, but the ride is just beginning.
Now, today’s lineup (without Ichiro Suzuki, who is out a third straight day because of “fatigue” after the World Baseball Classic):
Endy Chavez, center field
Ronny Cedeno, third base
Ken Griffey Jr., left field
Jose Lopez, DH
Russell Branyan, first base
Kenji Johjima, catcher
Wladimir Balentien, right field
Yuniesky Betancourt, shortstop
Chris Woodward, second base
Carlos Silva, starting pitcher
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