Wedge will try Jack Wilson and Brendan Ryan at both second and shortstop

A relatively slow day for the Mariners activity-wise because of rain has ended with some interesting discussion by manager Eric Wedge about his middle infielders.

Jack Wilson and Brendan Ryan will get a lot of time early in camp at shortstop. The logic is that with Jack Wilson’s history of in

juries, it’s wise to give Ryan plenty of reps at shortstop, which is his better position anyway. Going into camp, the most likely scenario was Wilson at shortstop (as long as he’s healthy) and Ryan at second.

However, Wedge added another dimension when talking about the middle infield equation. In order to give him plenty of lineup options, Wedge plans to try Wilson at second base with Ryan at shortstop at spring training.

Could that be a regular-season possibility?

“I’d say that would be a bit of a reach right now, but it’s still possible,” Wedge said.

Possible enough that he spoke with Wilson about it.

“I told him, ‘I’m not sure how it’s going to play out yet. I’m going to take a good look at the Ryan kid. Both of you will be somewhere,” Wedge said.

Of course, that’s as long as Wilson remains healthy. He has played only 92 games since coming to the Mariners in a midseason trade in 2009.

“Jack’s had some issues staying healthy and he’s got to show us we can count on him physically,” Wedge said. “I don’t know how it’s going to play out, but I want to have options. I think if Jack’s healthy and out there doing what he’s capable of doing, we’ll be in good shape with him. If Ryan shows what we believe he is, he’ll be a good option for us, too. I’m not ready to make that call yet.”

“The first thing we have to do is look at Ryan and Jack at shortstop and go from there. I don’t want to pigeon-hole myself here early on until I see them. Whether they like it or not, I don’t know. But that’s what we’re going to do.”

Wedge stressed that his goal now is to give a good look at every middle infielder in camp – Wilson, Ryan, Josh Wilson, Adam Kennedy, Sean Kazmar, Luis Rodriguez and Dustin Ackley. He not only needs to see who fits best in the shortstop and second base positions but also who can back up Chone Figgins at third and Justin Smoak at first.

Ryan will play some third base in spring training, and Kennedy not only will play second but also first in camp, Wedge said.

Talk to us

More in Sports

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, Nov. 29

Prep roundup for Wednesday, Nov. 29: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Abraham Lucas (72) takes his stance during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Seahawks O-line could stabilize with possible return of Lucas

The Archbishop Murphy product hasn’t played since Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, Nov. 28

Prep roundup for Tuesday, Nov. 28: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Jackson’s Trey Hawkins drives to the hoop during the game against Arlington on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
GALLERY: Jackson boys top Arlington in season opener

Drew Pepin, Ryan Mcferran and Trey Hawkins key the win for the Timberwolves.

Montana State guard RaeQuan Battle celebrates after scoring against Kansas State during the first half of a first-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 17, 2023, in Greensboro, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Community roundup: MP grad Battle ‘devastated’ by NCAA ruling

Plus, Jadyn Edwards joins New Mexico’s Hall of Honor, and Daniel Arias is back with the NFL’s Cardinals

X
Fall 2023 All-Wesco teams

All-league honors for boys tennis, cross country, football, volleyball, girls soccer and girls swim and dive.

Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) celebrates throwing a touchdown to wide receiver Rome Odunze (1) against Washington State during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
No. 3 UW needs offense to start clicking again

The Huskies’ high-flying unit will be key in the Pac-12 title game against Oregon.

Lake Stevens’ Keagan Howard (80) scores during a Class 4A state semifinal game between Lake Stevens and Kamiakan at Lake Stevens High School in Lake Stevens, Washington on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. Lake Stevens won, 48-7. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Lake Stevens advances to 4A state title game with rout of Kamiakin

The Vikings cruise past another playoff opponent en route to Husky Stadium.

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) makes a one-handed catch during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023 in Seattle. The 49ers won 31-13. (AP Photo/Ben VanHouten)
Seahawks’ Smith-Njigba’s confidence ‘sky high’ ahead of Dallas homecoming

The rookie made a spectacular one-handed catch against San Francisco last week.

Washington State quarterback Cameron Ward (1) throws during warmups before an NCAA college football game against Washington, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
State Supreme Court puts Pac-12 ruling on hold

The University of Washington and the Pac-12 made the request after a lower court’s ruling gave Oregon State and Washington State control of the league.

X
Silvertips surge during eventful week

Everett sees its top defenseman return, trades for a forward and beats all three of its opponents, including Portland.

X
Prep roundup for Monday, Nov. 27

Prep roundup for Monday, Nov. 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

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.