Mariner Mailbag

Over at seattlemariners.com, Corey Brock answers questions from Mariner fans. Right out of the gate, he gets one that involves a Timber Rattler favorite:

Do you think Chris Snelling could share time at designated hitter and left field with Raul Ibanez next year? We could platoon them -- one at DH and the other in left to keep them fresh because Ibanez is getting older and Snelling has a history of injury. I think we have to find a way to get Snelling's bat in the lineup. He hits the cover off the ball, shows good patience and would be a perfect No. 2 hitter in our lineup. I can't think of anyone better on our club to be the DH. What do you think his chances are? -- Adam S., Kingston, Wash.

C. Brock: Unless the Mariners make a move to trade Richie Sexson -- this was a hot rumor during the Winter Meetings last week -- and move Ibanez to first base, I don't see Ibanez going anywhere. Let's address Snelling, who looked good at times in his 36-game stint in 2006 -- batting .371 in August -- but was completely overmatched, batting .180 after Sept. 1 with 26 strikeouts in 61 at-bats. The recent acquisition of Jose Guillen likely means Snelling is either headed back to Triple-A Tacoma, will make the team as a fourth outfielder or be used as an option for designated hitter, although left-handed Ben Broussard currently occupies that role. Snelling has been a hitting machine in the Minor Leagues, but struggled last season at Tacoma, hitting .216 in 241 at-bats. He has a lot to prove and a short amount of time to do so. He'll need a hot Spring Training to have a shot at making the team. Stay tuned.