I've gotten a better look at the cards we have on the table...the Mariners have acquired a few extra pieces...and I think it would be appropriate to now re-examine where the team is statistically (using conservative projections for offensive and defensive wins). At each position, we'll break down the likely playing time pecking order assuming no catastrophic injuries (we will try to project for ordinary injury likelihood).

Le's start with the catchers:

ADAM MOORE: .740 (.265/.330/.410)

Moore scouts as an outstanding defensive receiver, but in my research of catching defense using PCA, I have found it EXCEPTIONALLY rare for a catcher to be an impact fielder in his first big league season. Why? I think it has to do with learning about the base runners in the new league, learning the hitters and their tendencies and getting comfortable in the new environment. A reasonable projection would be for zero-impact league average defense from Moore this year.

ROB JOHNSON: .700 (.250/.330/.370)

I fully expect Johnson's hip health to be improved enough that we should see an increase in his power, though I still think he's capped in Dan Wilson territory in that regard and limited in his contact skill by a bit of a slow bat. He will work counts (his 4.0 P/PA from June to August last year attest to this) and draw some walks though. Defensively, he's got value that won't show up statistically as a game-caller, but the reviews are mixed wrt his catch and throw game. I'll stick with a zero-impact league average defensive projection.

JOSH BARD: .680 (.220/.290/.390)

He's still got some pop and, if he gets any significant playing time (I expect this to be very limited if he even accepts a minor league assignment and comes up as a reserve), he will hit the occasional dinger. His age and mediocre health are catching up with him when it comes to his ability to make consistent contact. Defensively, he's probably an albatross at this point.

Position Summary (Player: PA, RC, WAR)

Moore: 380, 45, 1.7
Johnson: 220, 25, 0.8
Bard/Alfonzo: 30, 3, -0.1

POSITION TOTAL: 2.4

I'll be doing these one position at a time for the whole team, so stay tuned.