The Seattle Mariners last MLB playoff appearance came in 2001 but currently have the 2nd best record in the Cactus League. Although Spring Training records are forgotten during the regular season, these Spring Training wins are helping lay a winning foundation for the 2011 season under newly acquired manager Eric Wedge.
The Mariners finished the 2010 season with the American League’s worst record (61-101), but had many positives within the 2010 season. Flame throwing right-handed pitcher Felix Hernandez won the American League Cy Young award, the pitching staff had a 3.93 ERA (3rd best in the AL), Seattle acquired Justin Smoak and three other prospects in the Cliff Lee trade to Texas, and Ichiro Suzuki scored his 1,000th career MLB run. These positives from the 2010 season along with the addition of newly acquired infielder Brendan Ryan and designated hitter Jack Cust intend to get the Mariners back in playoff contention.
Two former NWL stars, Matt Mangini and Sean Kazmar, have a legitimate chance of making the Mariners big league roster. Mangini is currently listed on the 40-man roster while Sean Kazmar is a non-roster invite for the Mariners in 2011.
Matt Mangini played for the Thunder Bay Border Cats in 2005 and was named ‘Top Prospect’ in the NWL in 2005 by Baseball America after his All-Star season. The Mariners drafted Mangini in the 1st round of the 2007 MLB Draft after a successful career at North Carolina State. The 6’4’’ left-handed hitting Mangini spent the majority of the 2010 season with the Tacoma Rainiers (Triple-A) of the Pacific Coast League before being called up to the Mariners in September. While playing for the Rainiers, Mangini hit .313 with 18 home runs, 31 doubles, and 63 RBI’s.
Sean Kazmar was a member of the St. Cloud River Bats in 2003 before being drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 5th round of the 2004 MLB Draft. The athletic middle infielder signed as a free agent with the Mariners this past November and brings Major League experience to the Mariners camp. Kazmar spent 2008 with the San Diego Padres and played in 19 games at the MLB level.
Mangini and Kazmar will both most likely start the 2011 season at Triple-A Tacoma due to a very talented Mariners infield, but are expected to see MLB innings later in the 2011 season. One main reason for starting the season in Triple-A is the Seattle infield has fresh faces all across the infield. The additions of Chone Figgins (2009), Jack Wilson (2010), Brendan Ryan (2011), and Justin Smoak (2010) along with 2009 2nd overall pick Dustin Ackley make for a very crowded Mariners infield. Follow Mangini and Kazmar’s success this season with the Mariners.
