The Seattle Mariners received great performances from Kyle Seager and Alex Liddi in spring training (so far), giving manager Eric Wedge a tough decision when it comes to third base. When the Mariners arrived at Arizona in March, it really seemed like Wedge wanted to give Chone Figgins one last chance to earn the starting spot at third base. Some spectacular hitting from both Liddi and Seager may finally force the team to part ways with Figgins.
I still feel Figgins has something left to offer, but it's hard to look past what the other contenders are doing.
In 15 games this spring, Liddi went 15-for-35 at the plate for a .429 batting average. He had 8 extra base hits, 10 RBIs, and 2 stolen bases as well. Those numbers ended up becoming one of the best stat lines for the team down in Arizona, which is likely why he is currently still on the 30-man roster for the team. I like the power that Liddi brings to the table, but he often has problems striking out too often. If he has that under control, he could become extremely valuable to the Mariners.
Seager was no slouch, either, playing in 12 games and going 14-for-40 from the plate. He had a .350 batting average to go with 3 home runs, 6 RBIs, and 8 runs scored. Maybe he was working on his swing, but Seager didn't have a single walk in those games, but he posted 9 strikeouts. It's a small sample size, but those are odd numbers to see. I really enjoy Seager's versatility on the Mariners' bench, especially because he can play shortstop, and those home run numbers have certainly attracted my attention.
As for Figgins, he played in 10 games for the Mariners, going 6-for-28 from the plate to post a .214 batting average. He did have 7 walks and 5 runs scored, but didn't post a stolen base in two attempts. Those aren't exactly numbers that will blow anyone away, but he is still doing a great job at getting on base. I love that he is drawing a high number of walks, although I keep coming back to the fact that walks may help create runs, but this team needs more players that can drive in runs.
To make things even more complicated, utility infielder Munenori Kawasaki also put together a great spring. He played in 12 games for the Mariners, going 12-for-31 from the plate to post a .387 batting average. He had 10 RBIs, 3 walks, and 7 runs scored, possibly showing that he too deserves a spot on that final 25-man roster. I really like how dedicated he is to the game and that he never gives less than 100 percent. That could become extremely valuable in the clubhouse for this team.
For all the players possibly competing for that third base slot, only two made errors in spring training. They were Francisco Martinez (2) and Vinnie Catricala (1), but neither of those players is likely to see action at the major league level for a while.
The lineups for the opening games against the Oakland Athletics will probably get released soon, with Wedge finally forced to announce who gets the starting nod at third base. I can't wait to find out who makes the final cut and what guys will get penciled in as the starting third baseman and primary backup infielder for the team.
More From YCN:
30-Man Roster Revealed
Mariners At Spring Training
Mariners Sign Carlos Guillen
Casper Wells Ready to Rock
Mariners Payroll Breakdown
References:
Mariners_Pitching_Stats
Mariners_Hitting_Stats
Best_Mariners_Of_All_Time
Seattle_Mariners_Team_Page
*Ryan is a lifelong Seattle Mariners fan who never misses an opportunity to attend a game at Safeco Field. He has been attending games since 1985, and has fond memories of The Kingdome, Edgar Martinez, and the historic 1995 team. Sodo Mojo!
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