Seattle Mariners catcher Kenji Johjima came over from Japan and had a very fine rookie season (.291-18-76 with 3 SB in 144 games).

2006 Finish: 78-84 (.481), last in the AL West (15 GB)

Team Statistic: Only one American League team (Tampa Bay) scored fewer runs than the Mariners in 2006.

Noteworthy: Ichiro Suzuki has averaged 225 hits, 10 homers, 60 RBI, 112 runs and 39 stolen bases in six major league seasons.

Key additions: DH/2B Jose Vidro (WSH), OF Jose Guillen (WSH), 3B Sean Burroughs (minor league free agent), LHP Arthur Rhodes (PHI), RHP Chris Reitsma (ATL), RHP Sean White (PIT), LHP Jim Parque (out of baseball last year), RHP Miguel Batista (ARI), RHP Jeff Weaver (STL), LHP Horacio Ramirez (ATL).

Key losses: OF Chris Snelling (WSH), 1B Eduardo Perez (CWS), C Guillermo Quiroz (TEX), RHP Rafael Soriano (ATL), RHP Emiliano Fruto (WSH), RHP Francisco Cruceta (TEX), RHP Yorman Bazardo (DET), RHP Joel Pineiro (BOS), RHP Gil Meche (KC).

Overall Strengths: This is a team that likes to run. Last season they were fifth in the AL in stolen bases with 106. Ichiro obviously tops the list, but they have a few players who will swipe a base every now and then—guys like Adrian Beltre (11 SB in '07) and Yuniesky Betancourt (11 SB). They should also have decent power with the additions of Jose Vidro and Jose Guillen. Of course, that's assuming Vidro and Guillen can actually stay healthy.

Overall Weaknesses: Despite playing half their games in pitcher-friendly Safeco Field, the Mariners posted a very average 4.60 ERA. Incidentally, the Texas Rangers posted an identical 4.60 ERA while playing half their games at hitter-friendly Ameriquest Field. What does that tell you about the quality of Seattle's pitching staff? The bullpen is also a major question mark heading into '07 after the departure of setup man Rafael Soriano.

Rookie Sensation: RHP Jon Huber. There are key spots to be had in the Seattle bullpen and the 25-year-old Huber should figure prominently in the mix for a spot as a setup man. His promising, albeit brief, stint in the big leagues last September (2-1, 1.08 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, 11K/6BB and .172 BAA in 16.2 IP) merely capped of a very good campaign. Prior to his promotion, Huber was a combined 3-4 with a 3.44 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 57K/14BB in 65.1 IP at Double-A San Antonio and Triple-A Tacoma. He was quite good at Tacoma (3-1, 2.61 ERA and 38K/10BB in 41.1 IP) just before the call up. Chris Reitsma figures to serve as the primary setup man for J.J. Putz, but with a good spring, Huber could have a shot at claiming a job alongside. If Putz were to suffer an injury, Huber could be a darkhorse candidate for saves.

IN THE FIELD

Projected lineup

1. Ichiro Suzuki, CF
2. Adrian Beltre, 3B
3. Jose Vidro, DH
4. Raul Ibanez, LF
5. Richie Sexson, 1B
6. Jose Guillen, RF
7. Kenji Johjima, C
8. Jose Lopez, 2B
9. Yuniesky Betancourt, SS 

CATCHER: Kenji Johjima came over from Japan and had a very fine rookie season (.291-18-76 with 3 SB in 144 games). In fact, he set an AL record for most hits in a season for a rookie catcher with 147. At 30 years of age, there is no reason to think he cannot duplicate those numbers in 2007 and again be a top 10 catcher.

FIRST BASE: Safeco Field has put a bit of a damper on the production of Richie Sexson, but he has still managed to average .265-37-114 over the past two seasons. A change of scenery would certainly do him some good, but it probably will not happen until July, if it happens at all this season. Look for another typical season from the big slugger.

SECOND BASE: Jose Lopez got off to a fast start last season (.280-9-58 with 2 SB in 350 AB) and was rewarded with an All-Star Game appearance. However, the then 22-year-old saw a drastic dip in his production the second half (.285-1-21 with 3 SB in 253 AB). Since he is just 23 years old, there is a pretty good chance that he will improve upon last year's numbers, but do not expect significant improvement. Lopez should be toward the lower end of the top 15 or so at his position in mixed leagues.

THIRD BASE: Though he has yet to produce at the five-year, $64 million level that the team expected when they signed him after the 2004 season, Adrian Beltre's 2006 season (.268-25-89 with 11 SB in 156 games) was certainly better than 2005. The 28-year-old really thrived while batting second in the lineup last season (.310-13-50 with .941 OPS in 61 games) and that is exactly where he is expected to bat again this season. Expect numbers very similar to those he posted a year ago, but also realize that he still has the potential to put up 30 HR and 100 RBI.

SHORTSTOP: A defensive wiz certain to win a few Gold-Glove awards before his playing days are over, Betancourt does not offer a whole lot from a fantasy perspective. His modest offensive production (.289-8-47 with 11 SB with .713 OPS in 157 games) gives him some value in AL-only leagues though.

OUT IN THE GRASS

LEFT FIELD: What are the odds that a 34-year-old whose previous career high in homers was 24 and who has only twice had seasons of 20 HR or more would hit 33 HR? Well, that's exactly what Raul Ibanez did in 2006. He also set career highs in RBI (123) and runs scored (103) in what was without a doubt the best year of his career. Expect him to come back down to earth and return to the .285-20-95 type of player that he has been over the years.

CENTER FIELD: Any team in baseball would be thrilled to have Ichiro Suzuki on their side. There are not many outfielders in the game today who are as consistently stellar both offensively and defensively as this 33-year-old. He is expected to spend most of his time in center field this season, but that should not have an impact on his production. Bank on more of the same from Ichiro in 2007.

RIGHT FIELD: Jose Guillen missed most of 2006 with an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery (.216-9-40 in 241 AB), but he is expected to man right field and bat sixth for the Mariners this season. While he has been known to battle the injury bug from time to time, it is hard to argue with his productivity when healthy (.289-26-90 in 148 games per season in 2004-05). Something along those lines is very possible in 2007 if he can stay healthy.

DESIGNATED HITTER: Nobody has ever question Jose Vidro's ability to hit. His lifetime .301 batting average and .821 OPS illustrate his ability to swing the bat. Vidro's problem, particularly over the past three seasons (323 games combined over that span), has been staying healthy. The Mariners are hopeful that making him their designated hitter will help in that regard. Do not expect a repeat of his 2002 season, but there is a good chance he will have his best season since 2004. He is a decent late round pick in mixed leagues.