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Ryan Divish has been with Tacoma News Tribune since 2006, covering the Tacoma Rainiers and high school sports. Divish played baseball at Dickinson State University and also earned a journalism degree from the University of Montana.
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Sunday, January 11th, 2009
Posted by Larry LaRue @ 08:07:31 am
If you think the Seattle Mariners have more catchers than they need, consider the question made famous by Abbott and Costello – Who’s on first?
There are only four legitimate candidates at catcher. At first base? They have at least five men who’ll battle for playing time there, and no one permanent starter is likely to emerge in spring training.
The team gave Bryan LaHair the chance to play last year, but his production = apparently hampered by an ailing back – was unimpressive. Still, he’s spent he off-season strengthening his back, and whatever LaHair has, it’s likely to be on display in camp. LaHair has even volunteered to return to the outfield, where he last played more than four years ago.
At seasons end, the Mariners first baseman was Jose Lopez. Without the range of a true second baseman, Lopez played first base well and continued hitting. Lopez didn’t like the move and wants no part of the position – but that’s not his call.
This winter, the Mariners sent Mike Morse, the shortstop-turned-outfielder, to the instructional league, then winter ball, to learn to play first base. He’s learned, and is healthy and will get a look from the new coaching staff.
To that mix, general manager Jack Zduriencik added free agent Russell Branyan, a left-handed hitter with power who can play first base or serve as the DH and will likely get plenty of time at both.
The Mariners also signed first baseman Chris Shelton to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.
One position, five candidates. In a bit more than a month, the team will begin the process of sorting out who’s on first.
If it were your call, who would start – or would you platoon? How many first basemen would you keep on the 25-man roster?
Categories: General
• 26 comments
COMMENTS:
Well, personally I would platoon Branyan and Shelton as the starters at first next season and then give Morse a spot on the bench while keeping Lopez at second and sending LaHair back to AAA.
This situation could change, however, depending on the moves the M's make the rest of the offseason, as a Orlando Hudson signing could for example force Lopez to shift to first, making Branyan the main lefty bat off the bench...
And under no circumstances should Clement be made the first baseman as it would dramatically lower his overall value to the team...
This situation could change, however, depending on the moves the M's make the rest of the offseason, as a Orlando Hudson signing could for example force Lopez to shift to first, making Branyan the main lefty bat off the bench...
And under no circumstances should Clement be made the first baseman as it would dramatically lower his overall value to the team...
I am with Adam. First choice would be to move Lopez to first and sign Orlando Hudson to play second. If they dont sign Hudson I like Branyan because he has some pop in his bat. Either way I am pumped for Spring Training, which I am going to for the first time.
I agree with Adam. The splits of Branyan and Shelton suggest that the two in a platoon could be effective. Morse should assume Willie Bloomquist's role and be the backup at numerous positions. Bryan LaHair know what it takes to be a major league hitter now, let him go to Tacoma to work on it.
Now who plays left field? DH?
Now who plays left field? DH?
I would like to see Junior, if he's ever going to be brought back signed provided that he'd be primarily a first baseman. He used to take balls a first during BP and looked quite comfortable. His father back in '93 told me he thought Jr. would end his career at 1st. Make the guy a prophet. I think his being older and playing in the infield would allow him to step up and stay on Lopez and Betancourt to keep their heads in the game and provide some leadership which he wasn't comfortable with when he was younger.
Like all things Mariner, it is a conundrum. I am not sure who should play first, but I really don't think
the Mariners' can afford to have Jose Lopez play second.
There is not much point in having a ground ball pitcher if the second baseman can't get to the ball.
As to pitching, i think you have to go with Felix,Bedard,Morrow-who hopefully will shine so that we don't look as stupid for passing on Tim Linceum-then Ryan Rowland-Smith- and depending on how they look in Spring Training either Washburn or Silva with Batista in the bullpen.
Are they ever going to sign Josh Fields?
the Mariners' can afford to have Jose Lopez play second.
There is not much point in having a ground ball pitcher if the second baseman can't get to the ball.
As to pitching, i think you have to go with Felix,Bedard,Morrow-who hopefully will shine so that we don't look as stupid for passing on Tim Linceum-then Ryan Rowland-Smith- and depending on how they look in Spring Training either Washburn or Silva with Batista in the bullpen.
Are they ever going to sign Josh Fields?
Quite frankly after reading this article and other data on this 1stB question I have come to 2 possible solutions:
1)For '09 a platoon at 1stB with Branyan/Morse and have Shelton on the bench as PHer and backup at both 1st/3rdB.
2)Aquire Swisher from the NYYs for say Washburn/Morse and have LaHair or Shelton as backup.
As to the moving of Lopez to 1stB wrong move if you move him anywhere it's 3rdB otherwise leave him at 2ndB.
I love to see Hudson signed his talent allows him to put the pressure on both Lopez AND Betancourt to get the job done or else.
The same would hold true with either Cintron and/or Eckstein as well and most likely at half the price of Hudson.
Futher to the situation at catcher I have solutions there:
Step 1)While there is time open talks with Johjima and see if he'll acccept the following:
Take say half salary for the unplayed '09 season as a contract buyout in return for allowing the M's out of his present deal and the M's help arrange a contract with a Japanese club thus much as Sasaki back in '01 or '02.
Step 2)Convert Clement to either 1stB or strictly DH if that isn't workable trade him for what value can be aquired in return.
One or both of these solves the logjam and I say trade is option with Clement because I don't believe he is the M's future at catcher like many do.
I believe Rob Johnson and Adam Moore are that future plain and simple.
1)For '09 a platoon at 1stB with Branyan/Morse and have Shelton on the bench as PHer and backup at both 1st/3rdB.
2)Aquire Swisher from the NYYs for say Washburn/Morse and have LaHair or Shelton as backup.
As to the moving of Lopez to 1stB wrong move if you move him anywhere it's 3rdB otherwise leave him at 2ndB.
I love to see Hudson signed his talent allows him to put the pressure on both Lopez AND Betancourt to get the job done or else.
The same would hold true with either Cintron and/or Eckstein as well and most likely at half the price of Hudson.
Futher to the situation at catcher I have solutions there:
Step 1)While there is time open talks with Johjima and see if he'll acccept the following:
Take say half salary for the unplayed '09 season as a contract buyout in return for allowing the M's out of his present deal and the M's help arrange a contract with a Japanese club thus much as Sasaki back in '01 or '02.
Step 2)Convert Clement to either 1stB or strictly DH if that isn't workable trade him for what value can be aquired in return.
One or both of these solves the logjam and I say trade is option with Clement because I don't believe he is the M's future at catcher like many do.
I believe Rob Johnson and Adam Moore are that future plain and simple.
defender - good thinking, but unrealistic. swisher is available, but not for washburn/morse. it's been abundently clear this winter, no one wants to take on wash - so he has no value in a trade.
second, joh wouldn'yt accept a buyout. he wants to play here, and has no desire to leave the mariners.
and for now, the mariners insist clement is a catcher until he proves he cannot catch.
nothing is simple for this team.
second, joh wouldn'yt accept a buyout. he wants to play here, and has no desire to leave the mariners.
and for now, the mariners insist clement is a catcher until he proves he cannot catch.
nothing is simple for this team.
AdamTheLord @ 10:58 - Sunday, January 11th, 2009 Well, personally I would platoon Branyan and Shelton as the starters at first next season and then give Morse a spot on the bench while keeping Lopez at second and sending LaHair back to AAA.
This situation could change, however, depending on the moves the M's make the rest of the offseason, as a Orlando Hudson signing could for example force Lopez to shift to first, making Branyan the main lefty bat off the bench...
And under no circumstances should Clement be made the first baseman as it would dramatically lower his overall value to the team...
and what value does clement has on team? He not good catcher period.
Everyone calls for him to be 1B as he has decent defensive but not good enough to be catcher... Let him be 1B as he clearly didnt like DH last year.
This situation could change, however, depending on the moves the M's make the rest of the offseason, as a Orlando Hudson signing could for example force Lopez to shift to first, making Branyan the main lefty bat off the bench...
And under no circumstances should Clement be made the first baseman as it would dramatically lower his overall value to the team...
and what value does clement has on team? He not good catcher period.
Everyone calls for him to be 1B as he has decent defensive but not good enough to be catcher... Let him be 1B as he clearly didnt like DH last year.
On the one hand, Lopez' d is AWFUL at 2nd. But we traded Valabuena (sic?). With the CURRENT roster (which I hope changes significantly) I'd open the competition to 3 players:
Morse
La Hair
Clement
In that order. I see Branyan as an end of the bench player & a wate of money. I hope to see Morse as a mid level star at some position. When he stays healthy he can hit, & based on stories in the media he seems to have an excellent attitude.
Morse
La Hair
Clement
In that order. I see Branyan as an end of the bench player & a wate of money. I hope to see Morse as a mid level star at some position. When he stays healthy he can hit, & based on stories in the media he seems to have an excellent attitude.
What do you think about trading Beltre for Michael Young straight up? Beltre would fill the Rangers hole at 3rd base and we would get young to play either SS or 2B and slide Lopez over to 1st ( or Betancourt to 3B). This also makes sense since Beltre's contract is up after the year and we would be able to have an all-star in Young for another four years.
I would like to respond to bigmike's query by directing him to the following link:
http://www.lookoutlanding.com/2008/12/22/699319/clement-the-catcher
Where "look out landing" does a great job of explaining exactly why leaving Clement at catcher makes the most sense for the team and maximizes his value...
http://www.lookoutlanding.com/2008/12/22/699319/clement-the-catcher
Where "look out landing" does a great job of explaining exactly why leaving Clement at catcher makes the most sense for the team and maximizes his value...
It's really going to be another long season at this rate. Will there be some aquisitions, or are we looking at a "farm club" team? We are releasing players left and right, and not replacing them with anyone worth a tinker's dam.
At least Bloomquist was a career .263 hitter, a clubhouse character, played like his hair on fire with less than most for skills, could steal bases and cost us: nothing in dollars. Raul got tired of playing for us with our ownership/admin settling for mediocrity. Ichiro is not a FRANCHISE player, nor a club house leader...it seems more and more a prima donna and distraction. With the resigning of Johjima, it appears the Japanese tourist dollar is more important than anything else. SO WHAT IS THE DEAL?? CAN WE PLEASE HAVE A TEAM??
AdamTheLord says: "And under no circumstances should Clement be made the first baseman as it would dramatically lower his overall value to the team..."
LOWER HIS VALUE? You mean like using him as a DH? Because that's where he's headed unless you make him a 1B. Face it, Johjima is your catcher for the next several years. Might as well do something useful with Clement by converting him to 1B and sign a readily available DH alternative that is better than the scrubs mentioned above.
I don't know why Seattle has been so complacent with subpar production at 1B and DH the last few years... two spots in the lineup that are supposed to be sources of run production.
LOWER HIS VALUE? You mean like using him as a DH? Because that's where he's headed unless you make him a 1B. Face it, Johjima is your catcher for the next several years. Might as well do something useful with Clement by converting him to 1B and sign a readily available DH alternative that is better than the scrubs mentioned above.
I don't know why Seattle has been so complacent with subpar production at 1B and DH the last few years... two spots in the lineup that are supposed to be sources of run production.
This is what you're looking at unless management pulls their heads out of you know where:
C: Johjima. Better defender than Clement and committed a ton of money. Relax, he will rebound from his 2008 numbers.
DH: Clement. (least "valuable" spot for a young hitter)
1B: Eh, let's just insert a scrub here.
So not only do you settle for a scrub at 1B, but you majorly devalue Clement.
Other than Dunn or possibly Nady, no good players available who can field the position (and neither of those two are great 1B and both will cost you to acquire.) Making Clement a 1B would actually build *UP* his value.
C: Johjima. Better defender than Clement and committed a ton of money. Relax, he will rebound from his 2008 numbers.
DH: Clement. (least "valuable" spot for a young hitter)
1B: Eh, let's just insert a scrub here.
So not only do you settle for a scrub at 1B, but you majorly devalue Clement.
Other than Dunn or possibly Nady, no good players available who can field the position (and neither of those two are great 1B and both will cost you to acquire.) Making Clement a 1B would actually build *UP* his value.
All Mike Morse has done is consistently hit for average and gap power when given the chance to play regularly...did it for Pinella, then was a hurt a bit under Melvin and Mac (thanks for making him an awkward OF).
Morse has a prototypical 1B body, has range (was a SS in the minors), and is a large target (6'4") for his infielders.
The position should, primarily be his with Branyan playing against RH pitchers that Morse either struggles with or Branyan crushes.
Clement becomes a C/DH...more likely DH, as he is the third best defensive catcher on the team (behind Johnson and Burke...in the future probably behind Moore.)
Morse has a prototypical 1B body, has range (was a SS in the minors), and is a large target (6'4") for his infielders.
The position should, primarily be his with Branyan playing against RH pitchers that Morse either struggles with or Branyan crushes.
Clement becomes a C/DH...more likely DH, as he is the third best defensive catcher on the team (behind Johnson and Burke...in the future probably behind Moore.)
Larry thank you for your response to my question I appreicate it.
You're right about Washburn but I figure with the NYYs 10 mil is like 3 mil to alot of other clubs.
Larry I quite frankly believe the NYYs are trying to move Nady and Swisher as a package deal mainly because of the hot stove report the Nationals are interested in aquiring both.What have you heard?
Quite frankly it's good to see that many fans at least here who agree with a long standing suggestion of mine.
That Morse's future with the M's was at 1stB he's hasn't the arm for the OF and because of his height at least on the MLB level.
He's a bit clumsy for mid INF but 1stB his range is perfect and with him being 6'4" gives a excellent target not to mention helps to cut down on errors because of overthrows etc.....
You're right about Washburn but I figure with the NYYs 10 mil is like 3 mil to alot of other clubs.
Larry I quite frankly believe the NYYs are trying to move Nady and Swisher as a package deal mainly because of the hot stove report the Nationals are interested in aquiring both.What have you heard?
Quite frankly it's good to see that many fans at least here who agree with a long standing suggestion of mine.
That Morse's future with the M's was at 1stB he's hasn't the arm for the OF and because of his height at least on the MLB level.
He's a bit clumsy for mid INF but 1stB his range is perfect and with him being 6'4" gives a excellent target not to mention helps to cut down on errors because of overthrows etc.....
We really don't know if Morse can provide comparable numbers to an average (or better) major league 1B. Based on the fact that he hit well over .300 back in 2005 (when he was a rookie) and his hit well when healthy...I would put him first in line to get a shot to display that talent (or lack thereof).
Exactly Morse really hasn't been a fair shot at a given position with enough actual PT to say yea or nay on his ability to produce in that slot.
Give him as much of a shot provided he's healthy as Sexson had.
Let him start there for at least say 50 games see how he handles the need to be solid with the glove and how he produces at the plate.
Tho a RHB Morse knows how to hit in Safeco with success and is a solid gap hitter so the HRs will come with day in day out play.
Give him as much of a shot provided he's healthy as Sexson had.
Let him start there for at least say 50 games see how he handles the need to be solid with the glove and how he produces at the plate.
Tho a RHB Morse knows how to hit in Safeco with success and is a solid gap hitter so the HRs will come with day in day out play.
Well elgringo79 I see where you're coming from with you're idea of inserting Clement as the M's first baseman of the future, however, i again wish to respectfully disagree with this concept.
You see, it is indeed true that Clement would lose value as the everyday DH of Mariners but at the same time the fact that he would play approximately half, if not the majority, of his games behind the plate would immediately help increase his value beyond the value he would give the team as an everyday catcher.
Due to this, I feel that it would behoove the M's to keep Clement as a catcher/DH, at least for another year or two until Adam Moore is ready to take on starting catcher duties or, in a best case scenario, perhaps Clement manages to hold his own defensively behind the plate and remain the Mariners starting catcher in the years ahead...
And so I simply wish for you to understand that moving Clement to first now would at the same time mean giving up on his maximum value and essentially his future altogether; and besides, at least he doesn't quite share the defensive ineptitude of a Mike Piazza...
You see, it is indeed true that Clement would lose value as the everyday DH of Mariners but at the same time the fact that he would play approximately half, if not the majority, of his games behind the plate would immediately help increase his value beyond the value he would give the team as an everyday catcher.
Due to this, I feel that it would behoove the M's to keep Clement as a catcher/DH, at least for another year or two until Adam Moore is ready to take on starting catcher duties or, in a best case scenario, perhaps Clement manages to hold his own defensively behind the plate and remain the Mariners starting catcher in the years ahead...
And so I simply wish for you to understand that moving Clement to first now would at the same time mean giving up on his maximum value and essentially his future altogether; and besides, at least he doesn't quite share the defensive ineptitude of a Mike Piazza...
May the best man win. No more than 2 first baseman on the roster (3 if one will be a DH, but not likely).
I would say Lopez is the man, but if he resists, he may get traded for having a bad attitude. Branyan may have an inside track with Morse as the 2nd man (if Lopez is trade bait).
I would say Lopez is the man, but if he resists, he may get traded for having a bad attitude. Branyan may have an inside track with Morse as the 2nd man (if Lopez is trade bait).
You have Clement under control for six more years. You know he's not the best C option in the system. What are you hoping to do, build up his trade value by playing him there part time for one year? You think anyone is going to be fooled? Start the transition to first base now. DH would be much easier to fill with a quality bat.
I would like to see Garrett Anderson at DH. I think he would slot nicely behind Beltre in the lineup and hit well at Safeco, plus he's cheap and already a West Coast guy.
And the one name that is surprisingly left out of all the discussion so far is the recently acquired Carp. He has shown impressive power in his young career, but I don't know what the scouting report is on him, in terms of contact rate, whiff rate, fielding.
I would like to see Garrett Anderson at DH. I think he would slot nicely behind Beltre in the lineup and hit well at Safeco, plus he's cheap and already a West Coast guy.
And the one name that is surprisingly left out of all the discussion so far is the recently acquired Carp. He has shown impressive power in his young career, but I don't know what the scouting report is on him, in terms of contact rate, whiff rate, fielding.
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