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If the Mariners’ anemic offense wasn’t enough to worry about during spring training, how about their bullpen. Brandon League, plus major-league recycles Chris Ray and Manny Delcarmen, are the front-runners for closer.
Ray 29, saved 33 games for Baltimore in 2006 and 19 in 2007, but had Tommy John surgery and missed all of 2008. He struggled in 2009, then found his way to the Rangers, who traded him to the Giants, who left him off their playoff roster.
Delcarmen, 28, split time with Boston and Colorado, going a combined 3-4 in 52 innings with no saves. His ERA was 4.70 in Boston and 6.48 in Colorado.
Manager Eric Wedge told reporters he’s leaning toward one of the veterans rather than going with youngsters Dan Cortes or Josh Lueke as a closer. Seattle Times beat reporter Geoff Baker also says he suspects unless Milton Bradley has a good spring the temperamental outfielder may not see opening day in an M’s uniform. Ouch, eating a $13 million salary.
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Sports Illustrated puts the Mariners at No. 26 in its 2011 power rankings, meaning they think Kansas City, Cleveland and Pittsburgh are worse. The top five, in order, are Boston, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Cincinnati and Texas.
