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Although the grass on field is the same, the Seattle Mariners have given most of their outfield a face lift.
While Ichiro will take up his usual duties in right field, general manager Jack Zduriencik said that newcomer Franklin Gutierrez will take over as the everyday center fielder, which leaves left field wide open.
New Mariner Endy Chavez and young talent Wladimir Balentin are expected to split time, but the crafty Zduriencik has been busy stirring up the rumor mill. Seattle is also being mentioned often regarding free agents Bobby Abreu and local hero Ken Griffey Jr.
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Last season, split between the Chicago White Sox and Cincinnati Reds, Junior had a mostly healthy season.
"The Kid" played in 143 games but struggled hitting with only 18 home runs (he had 30, 27 and 35 respectively in the three seasons prior), and his .249 batting average was the second lowest of his career. He also cost the Reds $12.5 million last season.
For the Mariners to sign Griffey, a one-year deal would have to be in the $6-million range since Abreu is only getting $8.5 million offers. Griffey has expressed a lot of interest in returning the club where he debuted 20 years ago.
Seattle fans have been screaming for the return of Griffey, but Zduriencik has shown patience this entire offseason, so there's no reason to think he won't wait until the very last moment before pulling the trigger on signing Griffey.
For now it looks like Chavez and Balentin will platoon, but bringing Griffey back to Seattle would put a lot of fans in the seats.
