What We Learned: Mariners have plenty to like with their outfield depth
Mar 7, 2019, 1:14 PM
It wasn’t all that long ago that the Mariners outfield wasn’t anything to write home about.
What We Learned: Félix’s outing, Smith’s view of CF, Sheffield’s mentality
There were former infielders shuttled out there to learn the position, including Rickie Weeks, Brad Miller, Dustin Ackley and even Dee Gordon. There were DHs masquerading as outfielders like Seth Smith and Mark Trumbo. Then there were players who struggled with inconsistency in their time with the Mariners, with Leonys Martin, Norichika Aoki and Guillermo Heredia coming to mind.
The outfield isn’t a problem for the Mariners anymore, however. In fact, it looks to be somewhat of an embarrassment of riches in spring training.
Right fielder Mitch Haniger is an All-Star on the cusp of superstardom who can man center field when needed. Mallex Smith is expected to be the Mariners’ leadoff hitter when he recovers from an arm issue. Jay Bruce is a solid veteran with three All-Star nods under his belt who could bounce back for a rough 2018 in New York. Domingo Santana is one year removed from a 30-homer season who looks poised to take Seattle by storm.
And then there are the prospects.
Kyle Lewis. Jake Fraley. Braden Bishop. Jarred Kelenic. Julio Rodriguez.
The present and the future of the Mariners’ outfield looks bright, which 710 ESPN Seattle’s Danny, Dave and Moore discuss in Thursday’s What We Learned video from spring training in sunny Peoria, Ariz.
More from Mariners spring training
• Drayer: Fraley’s strong impression with M’s goes deeper than spring hot streak
• The story behind Mariners 2B Dee Gordon’s ‘Bigger Than Baseball’ moment
• Brian Kenny: Haniger has been better all-around player than Bryce Harper
• Watch: Mariners release 4 new commercials for 2019 season
• Drayer: Mariners OFs Domingo Santana, Jake Fraley continue big springs
• Injury updates on Mallex Smith, Sam Tuivailala and more
