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Mariners Spring Training: Three Players to Watch

By Ben Renner

Aug 26, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Yovani Gallardo (49) pitches against the New York Yanlees during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 26, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Yovani Gallardo (49) pitches against the New York Yanlees during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Spring Training
Dec 7, 2016; National Harbor, MD, USA; Seattle Mariners manager Scott Servais speaks with the media on day three of the 2016 Baseball Winter Meetings at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

The Mariners start Spring Training on Valentine’s Day, only four days away. After another off-season of upheaval, which three players should you keep an eye on in Arizona?

Spring Training is almost here! Let that sink in. During this momentary lull in the sports calendar (especially with the Cougars and Huskies basketball teams near the Pac-12 cellar–particularly Washington), we all need something to look forward to. Fortunately, the Mariners, who could be the most intriguing team in Major League Baseball this season, are here to provide a light on the horizon.

With many new faces, some young and some old, the Mariners head to Spring Training with a new lease on life after just missing the playoffs last season. General Manager Jerry Dipoto has once again wheeled and dealed, putting a premium on defense and leaning on a few young players to produce and bolster the established team core of Felix Hernandez, Robinson Cano, Nelson Cruz, and Kyle Seager.

Pitchers and catchers report on Tuesday, with full workouts starting the following week. Which players will need to show manager Scott Servais and his staff something to stay on the team and/or cement themselves in the roles Dipoto envisioned for them?

The following are three such players who enter Spring Training as question marks, either because they are unproven at the Major League Level, or due to injury and ineffectiveness concerns. Dipoto is not shy about moving on from ineffective players and finding replacements. These three players could be replaced as soon as Opening Day if they don’t play well in Spring Training:

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