There’s been a lot of attention on Randy Johnson, the former Mariners’ ace who’s now chasing victory No. 300 while wearing a San Francisco Giants uniform.
Johnson will be pitching against Ken Griffey Jr. and the Mariners tonight at Safeco Field as he goes for No. 299. His numbers (3-4, 6.86 ERA) aren’t great, but the big lefty would certainly fit in on the current M’s roster. There’s a lot of ex-Mariners out there. Some are having outstanding season, and some are struggling. Here’s an all-ex-Seattle team to chew on. Am I missing anybody? (They’ve got to be active players in the majors).
Starting Rotation
Randy Johnson: we’ve already mentioned the Big Unit, who was 130-74 with a 3.72 ERA during his stay in Seattle. He won the Cy Young in 1995
Joel Pineiro, Cardinals: Pienero’s 5-3 with a 3.48 ERA in 54 1/3 innings.
Gil Meche, Royals: He’s sturggled a bit lately and is 2-4 with a 4.42 ERA in 53 innings.
Jamie Moyer, Phillies: Like Johnson, he’s still going. Not very good at the moment (34-, 7,.62), but he’s going.
Ryan Franklin, Cardinals. Yeah, I know he’s now a closer (1-0, 1.53 ERA with 11 saves in 18 appearances) — one of the best in baseball this year — but we’re short on starting pitching so he’s moving back in the rotation. We’ve got plenty of relievers to round out the staff.
Relief Pitching
Rafael Soriano, Indians: Rememeber him? He’s been nails for the Braves (0-0, 1.50 ERA in 18 games) while sharing set-up and closer (3 saves) roles. He’s got 24 strikeouts in 18 minutes.
Brian Fuentes, Angels: His stay in Seattle didn’t last long, but we know him now. The lefty (0-2, 4.30) saved two games against the M’s this week and has 11 saves this season.
JJ Putz, Mets: Not exactly blowing people away (1-3, 3.91 in 23 inning) but not horrible either. Whatever happened to that nasty splitter?
Sean Green, Mets: Came off outstanding year in Seattle, but middle reliever (0-2, 7.50, 19 appearances) has been getting knocked around in the National League.
Here’s five more you could fit into the bullpen: George Sherrill, Orioles (0-1, 3.24, 7 saves), Arthur Rhodes, Reds (0.64 ERA in 18 games; he’s allowed just eight hits and one run); Matt Thornton, White Sox (1-1, 2.30,15 2/3 innings). R.A. Dickey, Twins (1-0, 3.63, 11 games, 22 1/3 innings) and Eddie Guardado, Rangers (0-1, 6.23). On second thought, scratch Eddie.
Catcher
Jason Veritek, Red Sox: .237, 7 homers, 18 RBI. Still calls a great game and he’s showing some pop at the plate.
1B
Raul Ibanez, Phillies: Because of an overload of outfielders and a lack of ex-M’s who played first (where are you Richie Sexson?), Raul gets the call. Have you checked out his numbers? Raouuulllll’s hot! .349, 15 HR, 40 RBI.
2B
Willie Bloomquist, Royals: Mr. Versatility gets the nod here. He’s playing everywhere for the Royals and he could the same for any team in baseball. Oh, yeah, Willie Ball Game’s hitting .320 with a homer and 6 RBI and 8 stolen bases.
SS
Omar Vizquel, Rangers: Yeah, yeah, yeah. He’s the backup in Texas, serving as mentot to Elvis Andrews, but Little O can still play when he gets the chance. He’s hitting .368 (14-38) in 15 games. Only other option is Carlos Guillen, Tigers, and he’s not playing short anymore, plus he’s hitting .200 with no homers.
3B
A-Rod, Yankees: He’s hitting .171, but has five homers and 10 RBI since his return. Besides, who else you gonna put there? Greg Dobbs, Phillies (.143).
Outfielders
Adam Jones, Orioles: Boy, the M’s got fleeced in that Bedard trade. Jones’ numbers .364, 9 HR, 27 RBI don’t lie.
Mike Cameron, Brewers: .287, 8 HR, 21 RBI. What ex-Mariner center fielder who you have gone after in the offseason? Cammy or Griffey?
Jose Guillen, Royals: .299, 3 HR, 19 RBI and a dangerous arm in right field.
DH
Shin-Soo Choo, Indians: If only the M’s had been patient. Shin-Soo’s hitting .300 with 5 HR and 26 RBI
Bench
OF: Randy Winn, Giants, .282, 2 HR, 19 RBI
OF/1B: Jeremy Reed, Mets, 333, 2 HR, 14 RBI in limited playing time.
3B/Pinch hitter: Greg Dobbs, Phillis, .143
C: Yorvit Torrealba, Rockies: .256, 2 HR, 5 RBI
Utl: Rich Aurilia, Giants, .196
Utl: Carlos Guillen, Tigers, .200, 0 HRs, 6 RBI
OF: Scott Podsednik, White Sox, .267
