The Seattle Mariners open spring training for the 2012 season when pitchers and catchers report to the team’s facility in Peoria, Ariz., today. Here are some of the bigger issues facing the team.
ICHIRO SUZUKI
Manager Eric Wedge says Ichiro might not lead off. If he doesn’t hit first, as he has for nearly every game in 11 years, what is Ichiro’s role in 2012 – and how will he accept it? As important, at 38 and in the final year of his contract – and coming off his worst year – how much does Ichiro have left?
CHONE FIGGINS
Figgins became the focal point for fans the last year and a half, booed at Safeco Field nearly every at-bat. In 2011, he batted .188 and played third base with what appeared to be disinterest, then lost his job.
With two years – and $18 million – left on his contract, Figgins will be given the chance to win that job back, and perhaps bat leadoff. All he needs to do is everything he didn’t a year ago.
THE BABES WITH ARMS
In almost every Mariners Top 10 Prospects list published, pitchers Dan Hultzen, Taijuan Walker and James Paxton are in the top five – and all three will be in camp. It’s unlikely any of them makes the team, but it will be the first big-league camp for each, and the first opportunity for the team and its fans to watch them.
JUSTIN SMOAK
Smoak is now 25, coming off a season marred by injury and the death of his father. A switch-hitter with power, Smoak has 775 at-bats in his career – and a .227 batting average, 28 home runs and 103 RBI. Challenged by Wedge, Smoak lost 15 pounds this winter and, trainers say, is quicker and stronger. Smoak will bat in the heart of the lineup. This year, he has to deliver.
JESUS MONTERO
Jesus Montero left the insanity of New York for Seattle, where Mariners fans have heard the man acquired at the cost of Michael Pineda could be their best hitter since Edgar Martinez. He’s also 22 and has appeared in just 18 big-league games. The expectations are immense, and his talents seem inarguably there. Now, all Montero has to do is become a legend.
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