M’s face big question mark at leadoff spot

By Josh Kerns

While the Mariners have made a number of key moves during the winter to improve the offense, a big question mark remains at the top of the order.

With just two weeks left before the start of the season, the leadoff spot remains in uncertain. And that’s got Bob Stelton and Dave Grosby worrying about who’ll fill the spot, and what that means for the rest of the lineup.

The M’s have tried a handful of players at the top of the order including Dustin Ackley, Michael Saunders, Franklin Gutierrez and even Jason Bay.

“I think it’s fair to say right now this is something that could be a problem for this team,” said Groz on today’s post-show video discussion below. “You’ve got your three and four guys finally. They need guys to knock in. They need guys on base.”

The guys also talked about the lack of a leadoff hitter with Seattle Times beat reporter Geoff Baker, who suggested manager Eric Wedge might have to go with a committee to man the top spot unless someone steps up in the next two weeks.

Listen: Seattle Times reporter Geoff Baker on the search for a Mariners’ leadoff hitter

“Unless someone emerges I don’t see how he’s got a choice. There’s not an obvious answer there,” says Bob.