Richie Sexson officially is an ex-Mariner, and hopefuly he can find his power somewhere else (hopefully for him it’s in a bandbox where the left-field seats are easily reachable).
Who plays first for the Mariners?
Since word came out three weeks ago that the Mariners were planning to get rid of Sexson, the plan was to give Class AAA Tacoma Rainiers first baseman Bryan LaHair a chance in the big leagues. The problem with LaHair is that he just came back from missing a week because of a foot injury.
Still, I wouldn’ t be surprised to see LaHair with the big club this season. He’s a left-handed hitter with power, an inviting combination at Safeco Field. He’s also had a hole in his swing for the breaking ball, although scouts and team officials I’ve spoken with say he has improved in the past year.
Deeper in the minors is Marshall Hubbard at Class AA West Tennessee. He has six home runs, 35 RBI and a .329 average in 164 at-bats. Doubtful we’ll see him this year.
It’s not like the Mariners are hurting for people to play first on their own roster. Jose Vidro can play there (just hold your breath), but it doesn’t look like he’ll deliver many more hits than Sexson has lately. Vidro, in fact, could be the next one out the door.
There’s also Miguel Cairo, another guy who won’ t hit much but will bring solid defense to the field.
And don’t forget Kenji Johjima, who has resisted any such move but may be forced to consider this first-base thing because of Jeff Clement’s ascent to the No. 1 catching job.
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