This is a team that has lost its closer, J.J. Putz (traded to the Mets), and its RBI leader, left fielder Raul Ibanez (signed as a free agent with the Phillies).

In neither case do the Mariners have a set replacement, much less one with a proven track record.

The Mariners are counting on young players such as right-hander Brandon Morrow, left-hander Ryan Rowland-Smith, catcher Jeff Clement, outfielder Wladimir Balentien getting better.

They also need older players such as catcher Kenji Johjima, shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt, left-hander Erik Bedard and right-hander Carlos Silva to perform to pre-2008 standards.

Several new additions -- designated hitter-first baseman Mike Sweeney, left-hander Garrett Olson, first baseman-designated hitter Russell Branyan, center fielder Franklin Gutierrez, right-hander David Aardsma and left-hander Tyler Johnson -- are being asked to step up.

It could all come together, to be sure, but it's a lot to ask.

Wakamatsu's prime issue daily is going to be making out his lineup card.

Without Ibanez, third baseman Adrian Beltre is the only proven RBI producer the club has, although second baseman Jose Lopez isn't far behind given his 2008 performance.

Branyan has had good numbers in part-time roles in the past, but he's going to get the chance to play every day and see if his home run swing can survive the rigors of 162 games.

Seattle comes into the spring with Balentien, infielder-outfielder Mike Morse, outfielder Endy Chavez and rookie outfielders Greg Halman and Michael Wilson in the running to be the left fielder, replacing Ibanez.

For any one of those, picking up Ibanez's slack will be a major undertaking.

Right fielder Ichiro Suzuki, of course, sits at the top of the lineup, with another 200-hit season a realistic projection. But he doesn't hit for power, and few of the Mariners do.

Seattle could get power boosts from Branyan and Sweeney, but for the team to win, there will have to be more.

The rotation -- right-hander Felix Hernandez, left-hander Erik Bedard, right-hander Brandon Morrow, left-hander Jarrod Washburn, right-hander Carlos Silva, left-hander Ryan Rowland-Smith and left-hander Garrett Olson -- has seven pitchers for five jobs. The depth the Mariners have there might make this Seattle's strongest point.

Without Putz, Seattle will spend the spring looking for a closer. Morrow (10 saves in place of a disabled Putz last year) is probably the best candidate, but the club prefers to use him as a starter, so the closer job is wide open.

WHERE, WHEN: Peoria Stadium, Peoria, Ariz., First exhibition game is Feb. 25 in Peoria against San Diego (Padres are the home team).

TOP CANDIDATE TO SURPRISE: INF/OF Mike Morse was the top surprise last spring training, leading the team in hitting, but missed most of the season because of a separated shoulder. He's got a chance to land a job in left, at first or as the designated hitter.

TOP CANDIDATE TO DISAPPOINT: 1B/DH Mike Sweeney. The Mariners badly want him to succeed, but he's had three knee surgeries in the last two years, and there is no telling if his legs are up to the challenge.

AUTHORITY FIGURES: Manager Don Wakamatsu (0-0) is a rookie at this job after having coached in Texas and Oakland in recent seasons. His coaching staff also is new to Seattle, and pitching coach Rick Adair and hitting coach Alan Cockrell have their work cut out for them on a team that seriously under-performed last season. General manager Jack Zduriencik also is a first-timer.