Guess who prominently figures into the Seattle story...
As he prepares for his first season as the Mariners' first base/outfield coach, Eddie Rodriguez knows that any outfield that includes Ichiro Suzuki is awfully good, and having him right in the center of all the action makes it even better."The way he gets to balls makes it easier on everyone else," Rodriguez said. "The guy is a superstar in every facet of the game."
A few players with Appleton ties are included...
But things aren't as solidified at the corners. Standing to Ichiro's right most of time in 2008 will be the veteran Raul Ibanez, recognized more for his bat than his glove, but more than just a decent defender. And standing to Ichiro's left -- for the moment, at least -- is Adam Jones.
The trade talk about Jones is briefly recapped. Then, there is a bit on Ibanez (Appleton Foxes '94).
Ibanez, entering the final year of his contract with Seattle, had 10 assists last season, one of only nine American League outfielders to reach double-digits in that category.
"He has done a real fine job out there," Rodriguez said, "but he's better known for his offensive prowess."
After a sluggish start caused by a shoulder injury sustained during Spring Training, Ibanez finished strong, batting .357 with 15 home runs and 44 RBIs in August and September. The splurge enabled the 35-year-old to surpass 100 RBIs for the second consecutive season and third time in his MLB career.
And look who else is in there
The list of potential backups is pretty long, though one of those candidates would move to the forefront if Jones is traded.
Wladimir Balentien, selected as the Pacific Coast League's Rookie of the Year in 2007 after batting .291 with 24 home runs and 84 RBIs, would seemingly be in line to move right in. He's the same age as Jones (23), has about the same amount of pop in his bat and strikes out almost as often.
The biggest difference is foot speed. Jones is much faster.
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