| Andrew Perna. 5th April, 2009 - 2:21 pm
 Here at RealGM our heart beats thanks to the thousands upon thousands of posters that frequent our forums on a daily basis. With the MLB season just days away, what better time than now to check in with the people who care about baseball even more than some of the players on the diamond?
2008 Record: 61-101
Division Standing: 4th
Run Differential: -140
The Answers
1. How would you rate the team?s offseason thus far?
Ex-hippie: Outstanding. Although the improvement might not be immediate, the hiring of Jack Zduriencik and, perhaps more importantly, Tom Tango, indicates that for the first time in its history this franchise will be guided by principles of reason. The moves made thus far, while not radical, have been smart ones. The best personnel move is probably offering arbitration to Raul Ibanez, letting him get his overpriced contract somewhere else, and snagging two draft picks.
Sweezo: Let's go with a B+. The acquisitions aren't anything to get excited about, and seeing J.J. Putz/Ibanez leave has to disappoint fans that thought this team should have been a contender the last couple years.
PhilipNelsonFan: A solid B. This team is not very good, but I don't think we can stress enough how critical it was to get the front office in place before we go forward on another big-budget failure. Zduriencik has impressed almost everybody, and the few skeptics are waiting on the amateur draft to see what the team does.
2. What move do you wish the team made? (i.e. signing, trade)
Ex-hippie: I would still like to have a designated hitter, and I also wish they would work a little harder to find a real shortstop.
Sweezo: I agree with those that wanted Milton Bradley, but there's no way I wanted the M's to top what he ended up getting.
PhilipNelsonFan: Simply put, signing a power bat. This team doesn't have a lot of power.
3. Who do you feel will have a breakout season?
Ex-hippie: Felix Hernandez, of course. No excuses now. He has an improved defense behind him, and should emerge as one of the best in the AL.
Sweezo: Brandon Morrow.
PhilipNelsonFan: I'm going to cheat a bit and say Adrian Beltre. Whether he is worth his contract is endlessly debatable, but I think this is the year where his name is put into consideration among the league's elite third baseman.
4. Who do you see regressing after a strong 2008?
Ex-hippie: Umm, no one really had a strong 2008. Roy Corcoran, maybe?
Sweezo: Jose Lopez, which isn't saying much.
PhilipNelsonFan: This implies that someone progressed in 2008, which did not happen from where I stand.
5. What is the best case scenario for the club in 2009?
Ex-hippie: 84-78. That includes a great draft that brings optimism back to Seattle.
Sweezo: 80-85 wins. If the defense does its job, and the trio of Felix, Morrow and Erik Bedard perform as they should.
PhilipNelsonFan: 81-81, or third place in the AL West. I believe both are attainable.
6. What is the worst case scenario for the club in 2009?
Ex-hippie: 68-94, which would still be an improvement over 2008. (Essentially, the worst case scenario actually happened in 2008, but this team is a little better.)
Sweezo: A repeat of 2008, and Felix blows his arm out.
PhilipNelsonFan: 55 wins, and an explosion of our pitcher?s arms.
Andrew Perna is Deputy Editor of RealGM.com and co-host of RealGM?s Radio Show. Please feel free to contact him with comments or questions via e-mail: Andrew.Perna@RealGM.com |
