In 144 games, Scutaro set career-highs in batting average (.282), on-base percentage (.379), slugging percentage (.409), homers (12), RBIs (60), runs (100), doubles (35), walks (90) and stolen bases (14). That was an impressive feat considering that he’s gotten regular at-bats the previous five seasons.

Although he was primarily a shortstop for the Blue Jays, he’s able to play multiple positions. As a result, certain teams are going after him with the idea that he’ll be a full-time player at a different position — such as third base.

Teams interesting in Scutaro include the Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox. Even though he’s 34, Scutaro is likely to get a multi-year deal worth a good amount of money. It’ll be interesting to see if the native of Venezuela can build off his career year.

Marco Scutaro will be a sought after free agent (Image: Zuma Press)

Post from: Knuckle Curve

Although not much of a hitter, Wilson is great with his glove. The 31-year-old is also known for getting clutch hits and coming ready to play each and every game.

Last season, Wilson struggled mightily at the plate. He hit .255 with five homers, 39 RBIs and 37 runs. In 31 games with the Mariners, he hit only .224 with one homer, eight RBIs and 11 runs. However, Wilson and the Mariners point to injuries as the main reason why Wilson struggled.

The contract Wilson signed with the Mariners is reportedly worth $10 over the two seasons. There are also incentives built into the deal that could push the value up another $500,000.

Jack Wilson - Seattle Mariners (Image: Zuma Press)

Post from: Knuckle Curve

Griffey began his career in Seattle in 1989. He was the Mariners center fielder until 1999 when he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds. After eight and a half years with the Reds, Griffey went back to Seattle for the 2009 campaign.

In his return, Griffey hit .214 with 19 homers, 57 RBIs and 44 runs. He also drew 63 walks and had an on-base percentage of .324. Although those numbers are a far cry from his heyday, the now 39-year-old was a hit with his teammates and got credit for helping the Mariners improve chemistry on and off the field.

In 2010, Griffey is expected to play DH and likely hit in the middle of the lineup again. If he can keep fans interested and provide a little bit of pop, the Mariners will be happy with their investment.

Ken Griffey Jr. - Seattle Mariners (Image: Zuma Press)

Post from: Knuckle Curve

Plate umpire Brian Runge made an obviously mistake on a called strike three. Ichiro responded by drawing a line in the dirt to show that the ball was outside. Runge responded by immediately ejecting Ichiro. After a short verbal confrontation, Ichiro left the field.

Not only has Ichiro never been ejected from a Major League Baseball game, he was never ejected for a game in the Japanese leagues. You can watch the video below to see Ichiro get ejected.

On the season, the 35-year-old Ichiro is having another great year. He’s hitting .353 with 11 homers, 46 RBIs and 216 hits. He has 200 hits in each of his first nine seasons — an all-time record.

Here is the Ichiro getting ejected video:

Post from: Knuckle Curve

Lackey went all nine innings for a five-hit shutout. The win was his tenth of the season and his ERA lowered to 3.53. Lackey now has at least ten victories in each of the last seven seasons. As a rookie in 2002, he had nine victories in 18 starts.

The big hit for the Angels was a two-run blast by Torii Hunter in the fourth inning. In the 7th, Erick Aybar added a run scoring double.

With the win, the Angels now have three straight victories and hold a three-game lead over the Texas Rangers in the AL West. Los Angeles’ record of 84-55 is the secnd best mark in the American League — only behind the 91-50 New York Yankees.

While Lackey may fly under the radar now, he won’t in the offseason. He’s hitting the free agent market and many league experts believe he’ll receive the largest contract of any free agent pitcher.

John Lackey - Los Angeles Angels (Image: Zuma Press)

Post from: Knuckle Curve

Morrow’s struggles are obvious with a quick glance at the stats. He has a 9.72 ERA and his record is 0-3. In 8.1 innings of work, he has given up nine hits and ten walks. While he has held on in 6-of-8 save opportunities, the Mariners obviously won’t a smoother ride at the end of ballgames.

Aardsma is the definition of a journeyman. At just 27 years old, he has pitched for five different teams in each of his five seasons. He started off with the San Francisco Giants, then went to the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox and the Boston Red Sox before ending up with the Mariners.

This season, Aardsma has very good stats. He has a 1.53 ERA over 17.2 innings. He has 18 strikeouts and has allowed only nine hits. Aardsma is already 4-for-4 in save opportunities this year. However, it’s difficult to believe he can continue at this pace. Although he has very good stuff, his ERA in three of his last four seasons was 5.55 or higher. The one season it was lower, he had a 4.08 ERA.

If Aardsma can keep pitching at his current level, he will likely be able to hold onto the job. If not, Wakamatsu may be looking at other closer options soon.

David Aardsma, Seattle Mariners (Image: Newscom)

Post from: Knuckle Curve

Griffey signing with the Mariners reunites Seattle with one of the best athletes in the history of the city. In his prime, Griffey was arguably the best player in baseball. Although at 39 he won’t be able to do what he once was able to do, there’s no doubt that the fans love to see him back in Seattle.

These days, Griffey is best used against right-handed pitching. Against lefties, the Mariners may opt to sit him.

Although Griffey will spend a lot of time in the outfield, there’s also a chance he could become the team’s designated hitter. Given the weakness of the Mariners’ lineup, it’s not inconceivable for Griffey to bat third or fourth in the lineup.

Post from: Knuckle Curve

Griffey, who is now 39-years-old, spent nearly a decade with the Mariners. Beginning in 1989 as an 18-year old, Griffey dazzled Mariners fans with his great play in centerfield and his powerful hitting stroke.

Although Griffey obviously doesn’t fit into the rebuilding the Mariners are going through, his presence on the team could draw more fans to the ballpark and in turn bring in more money for the team. Griffey would get a chance to end his career in the place it started and cement himself as the best player in team history.

No specific numbers are known on the one-year deal Griffey would get from the Mariners, although rumblings insist that it could be a one-year, $5 million contract with some built-in performance bonuses.

Post from: Knuckle Curve

The 30-year-old Heilman has publicly stated that he wishes to be given the opportunity to be a starting pitcher and the Cubs apparently will let him try to win a spot in their rotation. Last season, Heilman pitched for the Mets and all 78 of his appearances were in relief. He finished the season with a 5.21 ERA and had five saves to go along with a record of 3-8.

Olson is a starting pitching prospect who the Mariners could put into their rotation this season. He was acquired early in the month by the Cubs from the Baltimore Orioles in the Felix Pie trade.

Cedeno is a 25-year-old infielder who is capable of playing second base and shortstop. Last season with the Cubs, he hit .269 with two homers and 28 RBIs. Cedeno will likely be used as a utility player for the Mariners but he may be given a chance to win a starting spot.

Post from: Knuckle Curve

Before going to the Dodgers, Ng rose to prominence in a similar role with the New York Yankees. The 39-year-old is one of the hottest names in baseball and most experts in the industry expect her to land a job within the next couple years.

The Mariners could definitely use some new direction. Coming into the season, Seattle had high expectation. However, things didn’t go as planned as the 2008 Mariners became the first team in baseball history to lose 100 games with a payroll of over $100 million.

Is Kim Ng ready to be a baseball general manager? She better be if she’s walking into the Mariners job.

Will Kim Ng be hired by the Seattle Mariners?

Photo: Newscom

Post from: Knuckle Curve