The Mariners were hurt -- or helped, depending on your point of view -- by the World Baseball Classic this spring, with 11 players off at the WBC. Only in the last week of camp did the pieces begin to come together so that new manager Don Wakamatsu and new GM Jack Zduriencik could assess what they had. Overall, the starting pitching looks good, the bullpen looks weak and the offense and defense seem improved. But all the pieces haven't been together long enough to make a rational call.
PLAYER NEWS: --LHP Jarrod Washburn, who took a hard grounder off the calf early in his eight-inning effort against the Twins Thursday, reported to the park Friday with some leg stiffness. He spent extra time in the training room, however, and isn't expected to miss any time.
--RF Ichiro Suzuki took part in a minor league intrasquad game for the second consecutive day in Peoria, Ariz. Friday and pronounced himself ready to start the season. However, he's on the 15-day disabled list and he's not eligible to play for the Mariners until Wednesday. After going 7-for-10 Thursday, he went 5-for-10 Friday, leading off each inning for both teams.
--LF Ronny Cedeno, CF Franklin Gutierrez and RF Endy Chavez started for the Mariners Thursday in Minnesota. It turns out it was the first time in Major League Baseball history that a team has started an all-Venezuelan outfield. The last time three foreign-born starters from the same country comprised a starting outfield was on June 8, 2004, when Dominicans Raul Mondesi, Jose Guillen and Vladimir Guerrero all started for the Angels.
MEDICAL WATCH:
LHP Tyler Johnson (left shoulder surgery in May 2008) started the season in the minors. He is attempting to rebuild his strength.
RHP Chad Cordero (right shoulder surgery in July 2008) signed a minor league deal with the Mariners during the spring, and he wasn't ready for opening day. He could return in May, however, and then would be a competitor for the closer's job.
RF Ichiro Suzuki (bleeding ulcer, excessive fatigue) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 31. He appeared in an extended spring training game on April 9 and a minor league intrasquad game April 10 and is on track to return April 15.
LHP Cesar Jimenez (biceps tendinitis) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 29.
LHP Ryan Feierabend (Tommy John elbow surgery in March 2009) went on the 60-day disabled list March 16.
ROTATION:
1. RHP Felix Hernandez
2. LHP Erik Bedard
3. RHP Carlos Silva
4. LHP Jarrod Washburn
5. LHP Ryan Rowland-Smith
BULLPEN:
RHP Brandon Morrow (closer)
RHP Miguel Batista
RHP Roy Corcoran
RHP Mark Lowe
RHP Chris Jakubauskas
RHP David Aardsma
LHP Shawn Kelley
LINEUP:
1. RF Endy Chavez
2. 2B Jose Lopez
3. LF Ken Griffey Jr.
4. 3B Adrian Beltre
5. 1B Russell Branyan
6. DH Mike Sweeney
7. C Kenji Johjima
8. SS Yuniesky Betancourt
9. CF Franklin Gutierrez
RESERVES:
C Rob Johnson
INF Ronny Cedeno
OF Wladimir Balentien
INF Matt Tuiasosopo
