So let's thik about this...what are the big sources of negative-pulling uncertainty in my current projections.
1) I have assumed that both Rob Johnson and Adam Moore are capable of producing a average-solid levels. It's probably more likely that even though, objectively, I like both of my projections...something goes wrong for one of those two.
2) I have assumed that when Kotchman sucks horribly, the Mariners will adjust quickly enough to get at bats to either Sweeney or Garko, who I believe are better hitters. If they stick with Kotchman because they like him stylistically, then things could really be painful at first base.
3) I haven't severely penalized Jose Lopez for his defensive questions at third. He could turn into Russ Davis on us.
4) I've given significantly more playing time to Matt Tui around the infield than to worse options like Jack Hannahan and Josh Wilson. If the Mariners obsess too strongly about defense, then Tui might gt the shaft and the Mariners might be worse for it. This despite my projection for Tui's bat being barely above margin.
5) I'm optimistic about Figgins' walk trend making his offensive value from 2009 closer to his true abilities than what he produced in 2007/2008. If he reverts, there is room for some backsliding, espeically without the +10-15 run third base defense.
So let's recast the offensive projections in the most negative light I can imagine as a reasonable projection that isn't colored by a sincere desire to have no cheering in the press box.
CATCHERS: 1.1
Adam Moore: 1.0
Rob Johnson: 0.3
Scrubs: -0.2
FIRST BASEMEN: 1.4
Casey Kotchman: 0.6
Ryan Garko: 0.6
Mike Sweeney: 0.2
SECOND BASEMEN: 3.6
Chone Figgins: 3.7
Jose Lopez: 0.1
Matt Tuiasosopo: 0.0
Jack Hannahan: -0.2
THIRD BASEMEN: 2.0
Jose Lopez: 2.0
Jack Hannahan: 0.0
Matt Tui: 0.0
SHORTSTOPS: 0.4
Jack Wilson: 0.5
Matt Tui: 0.3
Jack Hannahan: 0.0
Josh Wilson: -0.4
OUTFIELDERS: 12.5
Ichiro!: 5.0
Franklin Gutierrez: 4.6
Milton Bradley: 2.3
Eric Byrnes: 0.8
Langerhans/Saunders: -0.2
DH/SCRUBS: 0.5
Ken Griffey Jr.: 0.2
Mike Sweeney: 0.5
Milton Bradley: 0.6
Scrubs: -0.8
TOTAL: 21.5 wins + the 48 from the margin and we're at 69.5 wins...with the most negative projections I can reasonably justify. Before we deal with the pitching. I'd say a inning season is IN THE BAG (numerically and barring disastrous injuries of course)...with upside to spare.
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