I just filled out the application for this year’s Seattle Mariners media credentials and am really excited about their prospects this year. They’ve made some big moves – including signing Cliff Lee who was a post season hero last season for Philadelphia, acquiring first baseman Casey Kotchman from Boston and re-signing Ken Griffey Jr for another season in the DH role.
The Mariners kick off their spring season later today in Peoria, Arizona. Here is the official press release:
The Seattle Mariners will officially open Cactus League play with a 1:05 p.m. MT/12:05 PT spring training game against the San Francisco Giants.
Right-handed pitcher Doug Fister (3-4, 4.13 with Seattle in 2009) will make the start for the Mariners. The Giants will counter with two-time reigning National League Cy Young award winner Tim Lincecum (former University of Washington star).
Also scheduled to pitch in the Cactus League opener is Kanekoa Texeira (RHP), Ricky Orta (RHP), David Pauley (RHP), Mike Koplove (RHP), Jesús Colomé (RHP) and Chris Seddon (LHP).
The game will be carried live on the radio in the Seattle area on ESPN 710 Seattle and the Mariners Radio Network.
Manager Don Wakamatsu has announced the following starting lineup for the Cactus League opener:
| # | Player | Pos. |
| 51 | Ichiro Suzuki | RF |
| 9 | Chone Figgins | 2B |
| 15 | Milton Bradley | LF |
| 24 | Ken Griffey Jr. | DH |
| 4 | José López | 3B |
| 13 | Casey Kotchman | 1B |
| 1 | Eric Byrnes | CF |
| 50 | Adam Moore | C |
| 2 | Jack Wilson | SS |
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| 58 | Doug Fister | RHP |