The Seattle Mariners will be going with the same bunch at 2B in 2010
The Mariners have really turned into a solid defensive team except for at 2B. The Mariners tried to trade Jose Lopez over the winter but they never got offered even a fair deal for him. So, the 26-year old righy swinging Jose Lopez returns as he tries to build off of the best offensive season of his career. He played in 153 games for the Mariners last season and he was 167 for 613 (.272 avg, .766 OPS) with 69 runs scored, 25 homers, 96 RBIs and 3 stolen bases. Look for his numbers to improve as the Mariners look like they will have a better lineup around him in 2010. Lopez made 15 errors in 141 games while showing poor range. The Mariners could probably live with the errors as long as Lopez improves his range.
28-year old righty swinging Josh Wilson and 33-year old righty swinging Chris Woodward will probably battle it out this spring to see who the utility infielder is for the Mariners in 2010. Wilson played in 4 games at 2B last season without making any errors while showing outstanding range. Woodward played in 11 error-free games at 2B last season but he showed poor range.
PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE 2B IN 2010: B-
Hannahan will be the utility infielder, not josh wilson or woodward…
Hannahan can’t play 2B or SS. With that in mind I expect Wilson or Woodward to stick.
Chris Woodward not only can play ANY infield position but, ANY outfield position when needed in a pinch. Looking down the road, he also has playoff experience with the Mets.
You are right about Woodward. He reminds me a bit of Willie Bloomquist minus the speed.