2009 MLB Team Preview: Seattle

In a battle with Mike Morese for the starting position. His power days seems to be long gone (early 2000s). He has struggled with injuries and inconsistency the past few years. A sleeper with a high bust risk.

Groomed by the Mariners to take over first, the fast and athletic Morse has the power to put up 20 to 25 homers and drive in 75 runs. It's just a matter of time before he replaces Branyan.

Lopez hit a career-high .297 in 2008. He will never hit for power, but he does puts the ball in play. Slow of feet and with limited range, Lopez is fast becoming a defensive liability.

He can hit .280 at the bottom of the order but provides minimal power. Betancourt took a step back 2008, posting a .392 slugging percentage. He does turn 27 this year and by now we know what he is, a below-average hitter whose main value is that he gets everyday at bats.

Could be a major bargain in 2009 based on it being a contract-year. Adrian has been on of the most consistent players the past three years while posting 25 homers and 80-90 runs and RBI's. A solid fantasy starter if you can steal him late.

The left-handed-hitting Branyan, who signed with the Mariners in early December, batted .250 with 12 homers and 20 RBI in just 132 at-bats with Milwaukee in 2008. He can only be considered in AL-only leagues but does have pop and could get at-bats at first base or the outfield for Seattle.

The 25 year old top Mariner talent may be primed for breakout year. He has 20 homer power but is not going to help in average (strikes out a lot). He could also get some time at DH when Johjima starts behind the plate.

The 32 year old may not hold off Jeff Clement much longer. He averaged .289 with 16 home runs over his first two major-league seasons, but regressed in 2008. Kenji did hit .333 in September and has a strong track record but if he continues to split at-bats, he is nothing more than a # 2 fantasy catcher.

Ichiro had a down year by his standards last year but looks to rebound and is unmatched when it comes to batting average. The 40 steals per year are nice too

Sweeney had operations on both knees in 2008. The 35-year-old hasn't played as many as 130 games since 2001. Between injuries and diminished production Sweeney is no longer an everyday option, but he can still hit lefties well enough to be useful as a platoon player.

This guy has been pegged as a future star since being called up by the Mariners at age 19. This could be the year he puts it all together

A former first round pick he may end up being the most valuable SP on the Mariners staff. Playing his home games at Safeco Field also helps.

Last year Bedard was picked as a top 5 fantasy SP. This year nobody knows what he will do. High reward could come with this pick.