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I've been a Mariners fan since the 2001 season when I began to follow Ichiro's adventures in Major League baseball. There's nothing quite like coming in at the top, as I did with that unbelievable team. NHK-TV broadcast almost every game so I got a very rapid grounding in Mariners baseball. Since then it's been a rocky road downhill but I find myself still emotionally invested in the team despite their bitter fall from grace.
Over the last couple of years I've become a fan of SSI which seems to have the most intelligent discussion of all things Mariner. It's far more analytical that most blogs without the rather didactic point of view of  blogs like USS Mariner. At least here, difference of opinion is not simply dismissed with a condescending wave of the hand. So finally, I've decided to join (occasionally) in the conversation with the full realization that I lack the depth of baseball knowledge that I have admired in many of those who have posted here. I'm a casual fan but not a fair weather one. Anyone who has stuck with the Mariners over the last ten years can hardly be accused of that.
I do have one thing that I have been thinking about that I'd like to put out for other's opinions. What's the chance of moving Seagar back to his natural position, 2nd, and putting Ackley in centerfield. I believe he played the outfield in college and the thinking was to leverage his batting ability at a glove position, thus his move to 2nd. Centerfield is also considered a glove position. Could he hack it out there? That would leave Robinson and Wells to fight it out for LF/4th OF. That would also free up 3rd base, perhaps giving Catricala a shot - that is if they can work with him on his defense until it is at least acceptable. They might platoon him with Figgins, that is he can ever figure out a way to beef up his lightweight batting skills. Anyway, that's a notion that struck me and I'd like to see if others think there might be some merit in going in that direction.