All-time Seattle Mariners Bullpen/Bench

By Kshell

The past two days I've talked about the great Mariners hitters and starting pitchers in the franchises history. Well today I'm going to fill out the roster on the remaining 11 players. Now I did the roster like an all-star team instead of an actual team. If I had a real team I'd have great all around players like Mark McLemore. For my bullpen I would have included a long reliever instead of closers and set up men. I decided to go with five bench hitters and six relievers. So when you add it all up I would have 14 hitters and 11 pitchers on my staff. The bullpen will feature five of the six guys who pitched for the Mariners this decade proving how awful the Mariners bullpen was in the past. While the hitters has four of the five guys who played this decade as well. The Mariners although an old franchise will have just four guys on my 25 man roster who played for the team in the 1980's. So I hope you enjoy my bullpen and bench hitters. I'll start with the bench hitters first since hitting is cooler.

The Bench:

Jay Buhner - RF:

Career statistics as a Mariner: .255/.360/.497 . Had 1,255 hits, 307 HR's, 790 runs, 951 RBI's, 6 SB's

Career achievements as a Mariner: 1996 All-Star, 1996 Gold Glove, hit for the cycle in 1993, finished fifth in MVP in 1995

Best season: 1996 where he hit .271/.369/.557. Had 153 hits, 44 HR's, 107 runs, 138 RBI's

The Mariners once traded Ken Phelps for Jay Buhner of the New York Yankees. With that trade the Mariners landed their right fielder from 1988-2001. That trade also became famous in an episode of Seinfeld where George Costanza dad complained over the years about how the Yankees traded away Buhner. While for the Mariners Buhner brought plenty of clubhouse chemistry and remember was the guy who said screw the wild card in 1995. Buhner was also known for his Buhner Buzz cut nights and home runs. Buhner had a three year period from 1995-1997 where he hit 40, 44 and 40 home runs. Yes Buhner was an easy choice for my all-time Mariners team and if not for Ichiro he would be starting for sure.

Mike Cameron - CF:

Career statistics as a Mariner: .256/.350/.448 . Had 554 hits, 87 HR's, 353 runs, 344 RBI's, 106 SB's

Career achievements as a Mariner: 2001 All-Star, Two-time Gold Glove winner, hit four homeruns in one game in 2002

Best season as a Mariner: 2001 where he hit .267/.353/.480. Had 144 hits, 25 HR's, 99 runs, 110 RBI's, 34 SB's

When Ken Griffey Jr. forced the Mariners hand into trading him the Mariners brought back Mike Cameron. Cameron had the tough task of replacing a legend in centerfield. First week on the job Cameron robbed Derek Jeter of a homerun and he immediately won the fans over. The Mariners during Cameron's four years with the team won 90, 116, 93 and 93 games. Cameron was a huge part of that success with his excellent defense in centerfield and solid hitting. Cameron may have struck out some but he also had some power and speed. Cameron was also a good clubhouse hero and if this was a real roster obviously would be a defensive replacement in left field.

John Olerud - 1B:

Career statistics as a Mariner: .285/.388/.439 . Had 709 hits, 72 HR's, 353 runs, 405 RBI's, 3 SB's

Career achievements as a Mariner: 2001 All-Star, Three-Time gold glove winner, hit for the Cycle in 2001

Best season as a Mariner: 2002 when he hit .300/.403/.490 . Had 166 hits, 22 HR's, 85 runs, 102 RBI's

When the Mariners brought in John Olerud there was a big emphasis on defense. Olerud brought the defense to the Mariners and a solid bat. Olerud although didn't have great power was a doubles machine which fit in perfectly for Safeco Field. With Edgar Martinez and Olerud the Mariners used to chase starting pitchers out of the game after the fifth inning since both those two typically had OB% of over .400. Olerud was the ultimate pro for the Mariners as he never made excuses and I never saw him get mad. He was also a Washington State Cougar so he was a local guy as well. One of the few Cougars that every Husky fan had no problem cheering.

Kenji Johjima - C:

Career statistics: .268/.310/.411 . Had 431 hits, 48 HR's, 166 runs, 198 RBI's, 7 SB's

Career achievements: Fourth in Rookie of the Year in 2006

Best Season: His rookie season of 2006 where he hit .291/.332/.451. Had 147 hits, 18 HR's, 61 runs, 76 RBI's, 3 SB's

Every team needs a backup catcher and no offense to Dave Valle but Kenji Johjima was a better catcher. His final two years in Seattle were a disaster but his first two rivaled that of Dan Wilson's best seasons. Johjima some pitchers didn't like how he called a game but nothing was proven that he called a bad game other than some pitchers(Washburn) were ignorant. Johjima did provide power at the catcher position the team hadn't seen since Wilson hit 18 home runs exactly 10 years prior. Johjima may have only played four seasons but he did provide power and his 2006 season was the greatest season a Mariners catcher ever had.

Harold Reynolds - 2B:

Career statistics as a Mariner: .260/.326/.345 . Had 1,063 hits, 17 HR's, 543 runs, 295 RBI's, 228 SB's

Career achievements as a Mariner: Two-Time All-Star, Three-Time Gold Glove winner

Best season as a Mariner: 1987 when he hit .275/.325/.370 . Had 146 hits, 1 HR, 73 runs, 35 RBI's, 60 SB's

Back in the day second baseman didn't have power and teams often played small ball. For the Mariners the Medford, Oregon product Harold Reynolds was a perfect example of that. His career stolen bases almost equal his RBI total. His best season he ever had he had 25 more stolen bases than RBI's. Reynolds was a terrific defender and a great stolen base guy for the Mariners. He hit for a solid average but mainly was great at steals and playing defense. Reynolds also is the only member on my bench who played for the Mariners in the 1980's.

The Bullpen:

Now that I brought up the bench hitters I'll focus now on the bullpen. For my bullpen I will have four closers and two terrific setup men. On the 116 win team four of my six guys were on that roster which should tell you why that team won so many games. The bullpen cost the Mariners a potential World Series in the 1990's and that is because they traded away one of the guys on this list. Well I hope you enjoy my all-time Mariners bullpen which will have six members.

Kazuhiro Sasaki - RHP:

Career statistics: 7-16(.304),3.14 ERA, 1.08 WHIP. Threw 223.1 IP, 242 K's(9.8 K's per 9), 129 saves

Career achievements: Two-time All-Star, 2000 Rookie of the Year, recorded save in 2001 All-Star game

Best Season: 2002 he went 4-5, 2.52 ERA, 1.05 WHIP. He threw 60.2 IP, struck out 73 guys(10.8 K's per 9) and recorded 37 saves

The Mariners never had a good bullpen and especially in the 1990's they were horrible. When the Mariners brought in Kaz Sasaki he finally gave the Mariners a solid bullpen in 2000. Sasaki also had a big contract and walked away from eight million dollars in 2004 after he was injured in 2003. He was no longer the pitcher he was and did the honorable thing. From 2000-2002 Sasaki was the second best closer in the American League behind this guy named Mariano Rivera. In the 2001 All-Star game Sasaki also recorded the save. Once the Mariners got Sasaki instead of holding their breath in the 9th inning they knew the game was about to be over.

J.J. Putz: RHP

Career statistics as a Mariner: 22-15(.595), 3.07 ERA, 1.15 WHIP. Threw 323 IP, 337 K's(9.4), 101 saves

Career achievements as a Mariner: 2007 All-Star

Best season as a Mariner: 2007 he went 6-1(.857), 1.38 ERA, 0.69 WHIP. Threw 71.2 IP, 82 K's(10.3 K's per 9), 40 saves

When I think of J.J. Putz I think of two things: Fire and Thunderstruck. Putz showed his emotions and was what you think of as a closer. He was a big guy who was the leader of the clubhouse from 2006-2008. Remember when Ricky Vaughn in Major League didn't mess around and just threw the heater? Well that was Putz when he was in his prime he could just throw the heat. Putz had the greatest season any Mariners closer has ever had. He had a two year dominance in 2006 and 2007 where he struck out 186 guys in just 150 innings. Putz in a short time was a great closer for the Mariners and in 2007 there wasn't a closer who was better than him in baseball.

Mike Schooler: RHP

Career statistics as a Mariner: 12-29(.293), 3.30 ERA, 1.29 WHIP. Threw 267.1 IP, 232 K's(7.8 K's per 9), 98 saves

Best season as a Mariner: 1990 when he went 1-4(.200), 2.25 ERA, 1.12 WHIP. Threw 56.0 IP, 45 K's(7.2 K's per 9), 30 saves

Mike Schooler proves why closers life span is so short. Schooler came onto the scene at the age of 25 in 1988 and by 1993 when he was 30 years old he was done with baseball. He spent five of his six seasons in baseball for the Mariners where he was primarily the closer. Schooler is my only bullpen guy who pitched for the team in the 1980's while the rest of my guys pitched in the 2000's. Schooler when he was healthy was the Mariners first great consistent closer for more than a few seasons.

Arthur Rhodes - LHP:

Career statistics as a Mariner: 28-16(.636), 3.05 ERA, 1.04 WHIP. Threw 283 IP, 315 K's(10.0 K's per 9), 9 saves

Best season as a Mariner: 2001 where he went 8-0(1.000), 1.72 ERA, 0.85 WHIP. Threw 68 IP, 83 K's(11.0 K's per 9), 3 saves

The Mariners had some bullpen problems in the 1990's and they solved those problems by signing Sasaki and Rhodes. Rhodes was the left handed setup man the team had never had before. Rhodes pitched for the Mariners from 2000-2003 and again in 2008. Rhodes was a veteran and in his 30's when he signed with the Mariners in the 2000 season and last year he made an all-star team for the Reds. For the Mariners they won a ton of games because they had Rhodes who can get those key left handed batters out late in the game. As you can see with the Mariners not only did Rhodes win a lot of contests but he had a low ERA with high strikeouts. That shows that Rhodes pitched in a ton of close games and could get out of many key jams due to his strikeout ability.

Jeff Nelson - RHP:

Career statistics as a Mariner: 24-23(.511), 3.26 ERA, 1.30 WHIP. Threw 447.1 IP, 471 K's(9.5 K's per 9), 23 saves

Career achievements as a Mariner: 2001 All-Star

Best season as a Mariner: 1995 he went 7-3(.700), 2.17 ERA, 1.08 WHIP. Threw 78.2 IP, 96 K's(11.0 K's per 9), 2 saves

No pitcher has pitched in more games in a Mariners uniform than Jeff Nelson has. Nelson has pitched three different stints with the team first from 1992-1995 then he was dealt to the New York Yankees along with Tino Martinez in your classic terrible Mariners trade. The Mariners brought back Nelson in 2001 where he made the all-star team. Nelson was key for that 116 win team as he was the primary right handed setup man in the seventh and eighth innings. Nelson again was traded to the Yankees in 2003 only to come back to the Mariners for one last stint for the 2005 season. Nelson was the classic guy that you loved when he played for you but hated when he was against your team. His fist pumps when striking out Derek Jeter at Yankee Stadium used to get me excited. With Nelson he wasn't afraid to show off his emotion.

Norm Charlton - LHP:

Career statistics as a Mariner: 14-21(.400), 4.03 ERA, 1.33 WHIP. Threw 275 IP, 282 K's(9.2 K's per 9), 67 saves

Best season as a Mariner: 1995 he went 2-1(.667), 1.51 ERA, 0.81 WHIP. Threw 47.2 IP, 58 K's(11.0 K's per 9), 14 saves

Another Mariners pitcher who had three different stints with the team. He pitched for the Mariners in 1993 then was picked up off the waiver wire in the middle of the 1995 season. Charlton was amazing in 1995 as you can see and he pitched with the team through 1997 where he was horrible. It appeared Charlton was done with baseball but he signed with the Mariners again in 2001. In 2001 Charlton posted a 3.02 ERA and was the second lefty out of the bullpen on the 116 win team. Charlton was also great in the 1995 playoffs where he went 2-0, had two saves, pitched 13.1 IP, had an ERA of 1.35, 0.67 WHIP and struck out 14 guys. In fact in his career for the Mariners in the postseason Charlton is 2-0 with two saves. Has pitched 19 IP, 0.94 ERA, 0.73 WHIP and struck out 19 guys. Charlton was big time for the Mariners and is a big reason why Safeco Field is still around.

Well that completes my all-time Seattle Mariners team. I have my all-time starting nine, starting rotation and now I gave you the bench plus the bullpen. The all-time Mariners team is now complete which saw four guys who played mainly in the 1980's which means the other 21 guys were either in the 1990's or this present decade. Hopefully in a few years from now some guys on this current roster can be added to this all-time team. Just like some guys from this past decade were added to the all-time team. I'm sure there are some guys I left off that you might have put on. I hope overall you guys can agree with my list and most importantly remember the good times of the Seattle Mariners franchise.

All-time Seattle Mariners starting pitchers

By Kshell

Yesterday I posted the all-time starting hitting lineup for the Seattle Mariners. Judging by the feedback and the number of views that was a successful post. Today I'll be dealing with the five man starting rotation which features some big names but not as explosive as the hitters were. The Mariners pitching staff today features one pitcher who is on the all-time staff already and has a few who can crack the rotation some day. Like I did with the hitters this list is strictly what you did as a Seattle Mariner so no Cliff Lee or Gaylord Perry on this list. All five of my starting pitchers made an all-star game wearing a Seattle Mariners uniform which is pretty good. Just like with my hitters some of these pitchers have quite the hardware as well. My pitchers are all connected as three of them were involved with trades with each other. One pitcher was teammates with three of the remaining four pitchers. One pitcher grew up idolizing another pitcher wearing his same number. While two pitchers went up against each other in one of the biggest games in Mariners history. Well I'll start now with my five man starting pitching staff in order of how I'd put them if I was setting up a staff.

1. Randy Johnson - LHP

Career statistics as a Mariner: 130-74(.637), 3.42 ERA, 1.25 WHIP. Threw 1,838.1 IP, 51 CG, 19 SHO, 2,162 K's(10.6 K's per 9), 2 saves

Career achievements: 1995 Cy Young award winner, Five-Time All-Star, Two-Time All-Star game starting pitcher, led AL in K's four times, won ERA title in 1995, threw No-Hitter in 1990, finished top three in Cy Young four times(runner up in 1993 and 1997)

Best Season: 1995 his Cy Young season where he finished 6th in MVP race: 18-2(.900), 2.48 ERA, 1.04 WHIP. 214.1 IP, 6 CG, 3 SHO, 294 K's(12.3 K's per 9)

When the Mariners traded away ace Mark Langston they received three minor leaguers one of which was Randy Johnson. Johnson the 6'10" wild pitcher nicknamed the "Big Unit" once led the AL in walks three years in a row. Once Johnson learned control in 1993 he was pretty dominant. In 1993 he finished second in the Cy Young race, then in 1994 he finished fourth. In 1995 he finally won the Cy Young. Then he was injured in 1996 only to return in 1997 and again finish second in the Cy Young race. Johnson led the American League in strikeouts four times and at the time of his trade in 1998 was leading the league in strikeouts again. Johnson was a power pitcher and while he went on to win four Cy Young's in Arizona he became a star in Seattle. He also saved baseball in Seattle.

In 1995 there was rumors that the team was going to move to Tampa Bay, Florida. As late as September 19th, 1995(my 10th birthday) the vote for the new stadium was voted down. The Mariners were in their first playoff chase led by Johnson who in September went 4-0 with an ERA of 1.91 and a WHIP of 1.06. He pitched 37 2/3 innings in five starts while striking out 53 batters. Johnson's big September paved the way for the greatest pitching week anyone has ever seen. Johnson in a seven day period would pitch in three games where if he lost the Mariners season would be over and a good chance would be moving. First Johnson faced the Angels in a one game playoff against the guy he was traded for Mark Langston. Johnson would get the win throwing a complete game, allowing just three hits and striking out 12 while allowing just one run. Then on three days rest again the Mariners were facing elimination down 0-2 would face the New York Yankees in game three where again Johnson got the win. Johnson would throw seven innings, allow just four hits while allowing just two earned runs while striking out 10 guys. Then in game five with the series tied at two games and the game tied at 4-4 in the 9th Johnson came into the game on one day's rest. He inherited a first and second nobody out jam and got out of it. Johnson once again got the win in relief pitching three innings, allowing just one hit and earned run while striking out six guys.

Add it all up with the Mariners season on the line in a seven day period Johnson went 3-0 with an ERA of 1.89 while striking out 26 guys in 19 innings. The Mariners didn't get support for a new stadium until after they defeated the New York Yankees in that playoff series. Had Johnson lost just once during that week the team isn't in Seattle today. For that Johnson will always be the staff ace of the Mariners.

2. Felix Hernandez - RHP

Career statistics: 121-88(.578), 3.12 ERA, 1.18 WHP. To date has thrown 1,969 IP, 23 CG's, 9 SHO, 1,857 K's(8.48 K's per 9)

Career achievements: 2010 Cy Young award winner, 5-time All-Star, led AL in wins(19) in 2009, led AL in ERA(2010), finished second in Cy Young in 2009. Threw perfect game in 2012

Best Season: His Cy Young season 2010 where he went 13-12(.520), 2.27 ERA, 1.05 WHIP. Pitched 249.2 IP, 6 CG's, 1 SHO, 232 K's(8.4 K's per 9)

When you look at what Felix Hernandez has already accomplished it is pretty impressive. Then when you stop and remember that he just turned 25 years old it becomes even more impressive. Hernandez has been the best pitcher in the American League since the 2009 season. Hernandez currently this season is leading the American League in strikeouts. While some people may hate him because he doesn't win enough although he has absolutely no control over that. Last year Hernandez was dominant but went 13-12 because the Mariners offense was terrible so was the bullpen.

The sky is the limit for Hernandez due to his age. Randy Johnson for an example didn't become a great pitcher until he hit his 30's. Hernandez someday could be the Mariners greatest pitcher they've ever had. Hopefully the Mariners can reach the postseason so Hernandez can get a chance to show the nation just how great he is. Recently Hernandez was voted as the third best player in baseball. Not third best pitcher but third best player overall. Like I said scary to think that Hernandez is only 25 years old and he has already won a Cy Young plus runner up the year before. The sky is the limit for Hernandez who wears #34 for his idol Freddy Garcia. When Hernandez is done nobody will be wearing #34 in a Mariners uniform ever again.

3. Jamie Moyer - LHP

Career statistics as a Mariner: 145-87(.625), 3.97 ERA, 1.25 WHIP. Threw 2,093 IP, 20 CG, 6 SHO, 1,239 K's(5.3 K's per 9)

Career achievements as a Mariner: 2003 All-Star, Finished fourth in Cy Young in 2001 and fifth in 2003

Best season as a Mariner: 2003 season where he went 21-7(.750), 3.27 ERA, 1.23 WHIP. Threw 215 innings, one CG and 129 K's(5.4 K's per 9)

When the Mariners traded for Jamie Moyer back in 1996 he was supposed to be just a rental. Randy Johnson had got hurt so the Mariners needed some pitching. Moyer would pitch for the Mariners until 2006 and was often the number two starter whether behind Johnson, Jeff Fassero or Freddy Garcia. Then in Moyer's last year the Mariners had an up and coming Felix Hernandez. Moyer is the franchise leader in wins and the ultimate battler as a pitcher. In nine full seasons with the team Moyer won 13 plus games in eight of those seasons. Moyer also won 20 games or more in two separate seasons which is also a Mariners record.

After throwing his shoulder out in his only playoff appearance in 1997 then was injured again in 2000 Moyer finally got another chance at the playoffs in 2001. Moyer was terrific in the playoffs in 2001 as he went 2-0 with a 1.50 ERA and a 0.83 WHIP striking out 10 in 12 innings against the Cleveland Indians. Moyer also won the must win game five to clinch the series 3-2 over the Indians. Then in the ALCS Moyer pitched seven innings, allowed just two earned, four hits and struck out five New York Yankees to win again. In the 2001 postseason Moyer went 3-0 with a 1.89 ERA pitching 19 innings and striking out 15. Moyer finally returned to the postseason and took advantage. He didn't throw very hard but proved that being intelligent is also a gift for a pitcher.

4. Freddy Garcia - RHP

Career statistics as a Mariner: 76-50(.603), 3.89 ERA, 1.29 WHIP. Threw 1,096.1 IP, 9 CG, 4 SHO, 819 K's(6.7 K's per 9)

Career achievements: Two-time All-Star, won ERA crown(2001), winning pitcher in All-Star game(2001), Third in Cy Young in 2001, Second in ROY in 1999

Best season: 2001 where he was the ace on a 116 win team. 18-6(.750), 3.05 ERA, 1.12 WHIP. Threw 238.2 IP, 4 CG, 3 SHO, 163 K's(6.1 K's per 9)

When the Seattle Mariners made the controversial decision to not resign Randy Johnson in 1998 they had to trade him. When they traded Johnson he was dealt to the Houston Astro's for three minor leaguers. Well one of those minor leaguers was Freddy Garcia. Garcia had a big rookie season for the Mariners winning 17 games and throwing over 200 innings. Garcia then became the staff ace for the 2000 playoffs once Jamie Moyer went down. In the 2000 ALCS against the Yankees Garcia went 2-0 with an ERA of 1.54 and WHIP of 1.20. He struck out 11 Yankees in 11.2 IP that series for the Mariners.

The following year saw Garcia start on opening day for three consecutive years. Although bashed on at times by the media Garcia had a productive career for the Mariners. Garcia some fans will remember in 2002 as the pitcher who retired the National League for his final two innings to cause the infamous tie game. Due to that tie game the all-star game decides homefield advantage for the World Series now. Garcia while with the Mariners wore the #34 which is now being worn by Felix Hernandez who looks up to Garcia. Although Garcia wasn't Randy Johnson the Mariners did well snatching a pitcher of his calibar in return for the Big Unit.

5. Mark Langston - LHP

Career statistics as a Mariner: 74-67(.525), 4.01 ERA, 1.37 WHIP. Threw 1,197.2 IP, 41 CG's, 9 SHO's, 1,078 K's(8.1 K's per 9)

Career achievements as a Mariner: 1987 All-Star, Two-time Gold Glove winner, led AL in K's three times, Fifth in Cy Young in 1987, second in ROY in 1984

Best season as a Mariner: 1987 his all-star season he went 19-13(.594), 3.84 ERA, 1.30 WHIP. Threw 272 IP, 14 CG's, 3 SHO's, 262 K's(8.7 K's per 9)

It all comes full circle the pitcher who started turned into Randy Johnson and then Freddy Garcia. Langston was the Mariners first legimate pitcher the franchise ever had. Langston was a power lefty who had four seasons where he struck out over 200 batters in just five full seasons for the Mariners. He led the league in strike outs in three of those seasons and like it was back then when it time for him to get paid the Mariners traded him to the Montreal Expos and received Randy Johnson.

Flash forward to 1995 standing in the way of the Mariners first ever playoff appearance was Langston. Langston who finished second in the rookie of the year in 1984 to teammate Alvin Davis was standing in the way. Back in 1984 fans who actually cared for the team had a vision it was Langston starting big games for the team. Well Langston actually had pitched well as the game was 1-0 heading into the bottom of the seventh. Then everyone remembers Langston's reaction after the fluke Sojo play where he just laid on his back in disgust. Langston was the franchises first great pitcher like Alvin Davis was the first great hitter.

In conclusion, my rotation has three lefties and two right handed pitcher. My list also has two CY Young award winners and all five pitchers had seasons where they finished in the top five of the Cy Young award. For four of my pitchers their game was centered around power and strike outs. For the other like Moyer he pitched to contact proving there is more than one way to be a successful major league pitcher. This would be a tough rotation to face though especially the 1-2 punch of Randy Johnson and Felix Hernandez. I hope you enjoyed my list and the order I put my starting rotation in. I don't feel like I left anyone out as I did my research. My lists feature a ton of recent hitters not because of my age but more to the fact the Mariners weren't a good franchise until the 1990's. I think this list shows that as three of my pitchers weren't on the Mariners before 1995. In fact four of my five pitchers were pitching in the major leagues as of 2009. So let the debate begin either on here or in my group. Just remember the Mariners have had some of the most dominant pitchers baseball has seen.

All-time Seattle Mariners starting nine

By Kshell

In the past week in my Seattle Sports Blog group there has been debates on the NBA all-time team, all-time centers and point guards. Well I figured since we are in the middle of baseball season to do a three part series on the all-time Seattle Mariners team. In this edition I'll focus on the starting nine which includes the DH. I have a few rules which includes what you did as a Seattle Mariner is the only thing that counts so you won't see Rickey Henderson on my list. Another rule I have is you have to have played that position when you racked up your statistics so you won't see me move a center fielder or a right fielder to left field. I also won't be moving Alex Rodriguez to third base either. I also tried to keep emotion out of this which means some fan favorites won't make my starting nine. However, in my third edition I'll go over the bench hitters and bullpen so maybe a few guys that I've snubbed will pop up on the bench. Well like I did with my Seattle Mariners season preview I'll post them in the batting order I'd have if I was the manager.

1. Ichiro- Right Field:

Career statistics as a Mariner: .322/.366/.418. Has 2,533 hits, 99 HR's, 1,176 runs, 633 RBI's, 438 SB's

Career achievements: 2001 MVP, 2001 ROY, 10 time all-star, 10 time gold glove winner, Three-time silver slugger award, Two-time batting champion, All-Star game MVP(2007), all-time hits leader in a single season:2004-262 hits

Best Season: MVP season of 2001: .350/.381/.457. Had 242 hits, 8 HR's, 127 runs, 69 RBI's, 56 SB's

I know if this was a popularity contest some might put Jay Buhner. No disrespect to Buhner but Ichiro is clearly the greatest right fielder in Mariners history. Ichiro as you can see in the career achievements has accomplished quite a bit. He is the franchise's second ever MVP award ever and has never missed an all-star game. He has yet to not win a gold glove although that streak looks likely to end this year. Ichiro is slumping this year which players do but hope that doesn't tarnsih the greatness he achieved as a Seattle Mariner. Take sentimental stuff out of it he is clearly the second greatest Mariner of all-time. That is why Ichiro is my right fielder and will lead off my lineup which is murders row my first four hitters.

2. Alex Rodriguez- Shortstop:

Career statistics with Mariners: .309/.374/.561. Had 966 hits, 189 HR's, 627 runs, 595 RBI's, 133 SB's

Career achievements: Four-Time All-Star, Four-Time Silver Slugger award, batting champion, hit for the cycle in 1997, hit 40/40 in 1998: 42 HR's/46 SB's, second in MVP in 1996, third in MVP in 2000

Best Season: 1996 where he was runner up in closest MVP vote ever. .358/.414/.631. Had 215 hits, 36 HR's, 141 runs, 123 RBI's, 15 SB's

Like I said with Ichiro you can't have a realistic list and leave off Alex Rodriguez. For the Mariners Rodriguez finished second in the MVP race in 1996 and third in 2000. I recently wrote a piece defending Rodriguez so I won't get into that again. Now I decided to bat Rodriguez second in my lineup because as a Mariner he mainly hit second in the lineup. Early in his career he was a terrific hitter who rarely struck out, had good power, and had good speed. Plus as I was going through my all-time team the Mariners didn't really have a number two hitter which is why I went with Rodriguez. For the Mariners Rodriguez achieved great things for the team and so far a pitcher would have a tough first inning facing Ichiro then Rodriguez. The guy I have next would really make life difficult for him.

3. Ken Griffey Jr.- Center Field:

Career statistics as a Mariner: .292/.374/.553. Had 1,843 hits, 417 HR's, 1,113 runs, 1,216 RBI's, 167 SB's

Career achievements as a Mariner: 1997 MVP, fifth in MVP in 1993, second in MVP in 1994, fourth in MVP in 1996, fourth in MVP in 1998, 10-time all-star, 10-time gold glove winner, Seven-time Silver Slugger award, led league in HR's four times, All-Star Game MVP(1992), Three time Home Run Derby Champion(1994,1998,1999)

Best Season: Clearly his 1997 MVP year. .304/.382/.646. Had 185 hits, 56 HR's, 125 runs, 147 RBI's, 15 SB's

This was my easiest pick to make and putting him third in the batting order was a guarantee as well. If you have a problem with Ken Griffey Jr being on this list then just stop talking please. Ken Griffey Jr. is the greatest Seattle Mariner of all-time and will be the first Mariner to wear a Seattle Mariners logo on his hat in the baseball Hall of Fame. Griffey was the best player in the 1990's and was the Mariners first star they ever had. He wasn't some northwest star no he was a national star and the most popular player in all of baseball in the 1990's as he lived on Nike commercials. As you can see with Griffey's numbers, achievements and especially his 1997 season was just simply jaw dropping. Could you imagine facing this lineup so far having to face two MVP's and a combined three batting titles in the first three hitters? So far this lineup could chase some pitchers out of the game pretty quickly. The next guy in my lineup would be a tough out as well.

4. Edgar Martinez- DH:

Career statistics: .312/.418/.515. Had 2,247 hits, 309 HR's, 1,219 runs, 1,261 RBI's, 49 SB's

Career achievements: Seven-time All-Star, Five-time Silver Slugger award, Two-Time Batting Champion, Third in MVP in 1995

Best Season: It was 1995 when Martinez saved baseball in Seattle and finished third in the MVP race. .356/.479/.628. Had 182 hits, 29 HR's, 121 runs, 113 RBI's, 4 SB's

You know how I said Griffey was my easiest choice well Edgar Martinez was just as easy. Hitting Martinez cleanup was a pretty easy decision as well. Martinez was a great hitter having won two batting crowns and as he showed in the 1995 playoffs and later on against the Chicago WhiteSox in the 2000 ALDS he had a feel for the dramatic hit. Martinez always hit cleanup behind Griffey or Rodriguez from 1995-2000 which made life difficult on pitchers. Whenever they would choose to walk the guy in front of him Martinez would make them pay. Martinez if not for injuries could have really racked up some numbers. For a team that doesn't have much history in my first four hitters I have two MVPs and a combined five batting crowns. The Mariners are still trying to replace Martinez as they have yet to find a suitable DH since his retirement back in 2004.

5. Brett Boone- Second Base:

Career statistics as a Mariner: .277/.336/.478. Had 863 hits, 143 HR's, 467 runs, 535 RBI's, 50 SB's

Career achievements as a Mariner: Two-time All-Star, Three-time Gold Glove winner, Two-time Silver Slugger award, Third in MVP in 2001

Best season: That was in 2001 when he finished third in the MVP. Hit .331/.372./.578. Had 206 hits, 37 HR's, 118 runs, 141 RBI's, 5 SB's

As a Seattle Mariner you couldn't get much more production from a second baseman than Brett Boone. Boone in his second stint with the Mariners was pretty awesome winning three gold gloves in four seasons while almost winning an MVP in the other season(2001). Now some people who are sentimental might want to put Harold Reynolds in here but Boone was a power hitter. Boone brought the glove too like I said and probably should have won the MVP over Ichiro in 2001. I put Boone fifth because as a Mariner he would have been a great fifth hitter. This lineup is pretty stacked in the first five hitters. Now there is a steroids cloud hanging over Boone's head but I'm not holding that against him. What he did was a Mariner at the second base position you probably won't see ever again.

6. Alvin Davis- First Base:

Career statistics as a Mariner: .281/.381/.453. Had 1,163 hits, 160 HR's, 563 runs, 667 RBI's, 7 SB's

Career achievements: 1984 ROY(first in franchise history), One time All-Star

Best Season 1984: .284/.391/.497 . Had 161 hits, 27 HR's, 80 runs, 116 RBI's, 5 SB's

For me this was my toughest decision as I barely put Alvin Davis in over John Olerud. Ultimately I had to put "Mr.Mariner" on my all-time team and he also is my only player on the list who played before the Mariners became a playoff contender. Davis was the first real solid player the Mariners had when he won the rookie of the year in 1984 for the club. Hard to judge how good Davis could have been on a good team. As you saw his rookie year his on base percentage was close to .400. In fact he has the second highest on base percentage as a Mariner on this list. He simply didn't get many pitches to hit as he was on some weak linups. The fact he put up the numbers he did without get a ton of pitches to hit shows how good of a ball player he was.

7. Raul Ibanez- LF:

Career Statistics as a Mariner: .284/.346/.464 . Had 967 hits, 127 HR's, 486 Runs, 547 RBI's, 21 SB's

Best season as a Mariner: In 2006 he hit .289/.353/.516 . Had 181 hits, 33 HR's, 103 runs, 123 RBI's, 2 SB's

First of all Left Field hasn't been a very kind position to the Mariners franchise. I kept my word and didn't move Jay Buhner or Mike Cameron to left field because they didn't play left field. I didn't put Rickey Henderson or Ken Griffey Sr. there because as Mariners they didn't accomplish what Ibanez did. For Ibanez his first stint with the team was as a fourth outfielder who can hit right handed pitching. After the Mariners got rid of him they signed him for 2004 when he was a pretty productive bat for the Mariners. In his second stint his average never dropped below .280 and he drove in over 100 runs his final three seasons in Seattle. If Ibanez is your seventh hitter then you have a pretty good lineup I'd say.

8. Adrian Beltre- Third Base:

Career statistics as a Mariner: .266/.317/.442. Had 751 hits, 103 HR's, 372 runs, 396 RBI's, 49 SB's

Career achievements as a Mariner: Two-Time Gold Glove winner, hit for the cycle in 2008

Best Season as a Mariner: In 2007 he hit .276/.319/.482 . Had 164 hits, 26 HR's, 87 runs, 99 RBI's, 14 SB's

Like Left Field there wasn't many candidates to have at this position. I could have put Edgar Martinez but then I'd be forced to have someone like Jose Vidro at DH(gross). I could have had Jim Presley but other than one season his time in Seattle was pretty bad. The biggest myth facing Seattle sports is that the Adrian Beltre signing was a bust. Sure Beltre never lived up to that one season for the Dodgers but when Beltre was healthy he gave the Mariners some power. He also gave the Mariners the best defense they have ever seen at third base. I'd take Beltre's worst season in Seattle over what they currently have. I think when you check sabermetric statistics out it would show Beltre earned his money exactly. Beltre wasn't a bust and is the Mariners best all around third baseman they've ever had.

9. Dan Wilson- Catcher:

Career statistics as a Mariner: .262/.309/.384. Had 1,071 hits, 88 HR's, 433 runs, 508 RBI's, 23 SB's

Career achievements as a Mariner: 1996 All-Star

Best season as a Mariner: 1996 season he hit .285/.330/.444. Had 140 hits, 18 HR's, 51 runs, 83 RBI's, One Stolen Base

For me this was another easy decision to pick Dan Wilson as the catcher and pencil him into the 9th hitter. Wilson played 12 seasons in Seattle and was part of four playoff teams. In his 12 seasons the Mariners had a winning record in seven of them. Wilson was known for calling a good game and he was great at stopping the ball. Then in 1996 and 1997 Wilson displayed some power for the catcher position hitting 33 home runs during that two year stretch. With Wilson in the ninth spot back then he would roll over nicely to the top of the lineup as he had a decent batting average in his prime years.

In conclusion, this was my all-time starting nine for the Seattle Mariners. For a new franchise this hitting lineup is pretty good especially at the top of the order where it is stacked. For tomorrow I'll do one on the five man starting rotation then on Tuesday do the bench/bullpen. I hope this starting nine makes people appreciate what we've had the opportunity to witness. While I also hope this gets people discussing the Mariners once again. I'm sure some people will disagree with who I put in here or even my lineup. Feel free to share your team either on here or in my group. I feel as if a starting pitcher would be lucky to get through five innings against this starting lineup. The current ballclub could use a couple of these guys as well.