Predictions

The Seattle Mariners begin their 29th campaign this Monday at Safeco Field against the Minnesota Twins. Last year, the Mariners went a healthy 63-99, their worst record since the heady days of 1992, when Alex Rodriguez was still playing high school ball and Sweet Lou Piniella still managing the Reds. Actually, the 1992 team won 64 games; the Mariners haven’t been quite this bad since 1983. In the offseason, the Mariners added Adrian Beltre (yippee!!!), and Richie Sexson (yay, as long as I don’t have to pay for it), along with Pokey Reese and a couple others unworthy of mention. Also, rookie Jeremy Reed takes over center field. The Ms should be a lot better than last year at first and third, and significant improvement at 2nd and catcher isn’t out of the question. My predictions for 2005:

Record: 78-84, 4th in AL West
Adrian Beltre Home Runs: 34
Ichiro Batting Average: .343
Felix Hernandez Call Up: July 14
Felix Hernandez wins: 4
Jamie Moyer ERA: 4.21
Jamie Moyer wins: 12
Gil Meche starts: 16

So shall it be.