Seattle Mariners 2016 Lineup Preview

With the start of Spring Training, each of the Mariners’ strengths, weaknesses, and roles will become clearer. Here’s my ideal Mariners lineup.

Marte only spent 57 games in the majors in 2015, but during those games he posted a .283 average with a lot more promise. Last season in the minors, Marte batted .304 with an OBP of .335 and his previous seasons show consistent numbers. He’s a young player with good baseball knowledge and knows how to get on base. If he can continue finding his way to first, he is followed by 3 big bats who can bring him in.

2. 2B Robinson Cano

Despite the opinions of the more critical fans, Cano had a season any player could be content with in 2015. It’s an impressive accomplishment to bat above .300 in the MLB and an accomplishment that pitchers make you work for. Cano was just below that mark at .287. This was only the third time in Cano’s career hitting below the .300 average. Last season Cano was out of his element hitting in the 3 spot and occasionally cleaning up at 4. I think Cano was too concerned about picking up the extra slack for the team in the home run area, which lead to his early season struggles. You can expect Cano to be back at full capacity this season as he settles in.

3. 3B Kyle Seager
All of Seattle loves Kyle Seager and he has certainly earned it. With a career average of .263 and 96 home runs, Seager always seems to be there when we need him most. There’s not much to say here as we can expect Seager to produce the same reliable numbers he always has since 2011.

Sep 22, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Seattle Mariners third baseman Kyle Seager (15) connects for a solo home run in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

4. DH Nelson Cruz
Nelson Cruz earned his keep in 2015. 44 home runs and a .556 slugging percentage makes Cruz the ultimate candidate for the cleanup spot. This veteran slugger proved to be worth his contract and then some. Cruz arguably had his best season since 2010 and there’s no reason for his momentum to be slowed down in 2016. At 690 career RBI, Cruz poses a major threat to opposing teams if his leadoff hitters can find their way on base.

5. 1B Adam Lind
A new member to the team, Adam Lind will provide another big bat to the lineup. The lefty hit 20 home runs and knocked in 87 RBI during his last season with Milwaukee. Coming into the league in 2006, he has had 5 seasons with 20 or more home runs. Lind is 32 and not getting any younger, but his last season proved he’s as healthy as ever.

6. RF Franklin Gutierrez
After being absent from the 2014 season, Gutierrez’s returned to the lineup late last season and showcased his talents. A showcase may not be the proper word to use, considering he has been with the organization since 2009, but his future was certainly in question. In 59 games, Gutierrez dropped 15 home runs and 35 RBI. The Mariners have plenty of depth in the outfield, so it will be a battle for the position, but Gutierrez is the strongest option at this point.