More like a possibility of something happening. Like what this Seattle Post-Intelligencer article is talking about:
Mariners Notebook: M's could start 2 catchers next year
Scenario could create slots for Burke or Johnson
It can't be 2009 soon enough for the Mariners, the better to wash away the grime of a 101-loss season.
They have a new front office, led by first-time general manager Jack Zduriencik, and a new manager, first-timer Don Wakamatsu. And for the first time in years, they are likely to have two catchers in the starting lineup.
Wakamatsu said both Kenji Johjima and Jeff Clement figure to be in the lineup regularly. Clement, the Mariners' 2005 first-round draft pick, probably will serve as the designated hitter when both are starting.
With Johjima and Clement getting little scheduled rest, the Mariners are likely to carry three catchers in 2009.
"We're talking about it," Wakamatsu said. "And as we go down the road, Jamie Burke isn't out of the question. Rob Johnson is a possibility, too."
Clement ('05) and Johnson ('05) were both Timber Rattlers.
Johnson, who hit .305 at Triple-A Tacoma before a late-season promotion, is a solid defensive catcher who has upped his stock with his offensive production with the Rainiers.
"We could go without a third catcher, yes," Wakamatsu said. "But would we be comfortable in that situation? No. If we could sign a Willie Bloomquist-type (utility player) who could back up a lot of positions in an emergency, that would make it easier to carry a third catcher."
Lookout Landing and USS Mariner just had their heads explode.
No comments:
Post a Comment