The most exciting moments of the 2005 season came after Aug. 3 -- the date teenage right-hander Felix Hernandez was promoted from Triple-A Tacoma.
Hernandez's high-90s fastball, sharp-breaking curveball and tantalizing changeup gave the Mariners and the rest of the American League an indication of why the 19-year-old started the season as the highest-rated pitching prospect in all of baseball. As long as he can stay healthy and focused, he could become the best pitcher in franchise history.
The Mariners batted .500 when it came to signing high-profile free agents. First baseman Richie Sexson bounced back from an injury-shortened '04 season with the Diamondbacks to become one of the most productive run-producers in the AL, while third baseman Adrian Beltre struggled in his first year in a new league.
But while his offense lagged -- at least compared to his monster year in '04 -- Beltre's defense was Gold Glove caliber.
Record: (69-93), fourth in AL West.
Defining moment: An extra-inning loss to the Athletics in Oakland on April 30 marked the beginning of a nosedive that saw the Mariners go 1-11 and fall from second place in the AL West to last.
What went right: Signing Sexson as a free agent turned into an offensive bonanza. He probably exceeded expectations, becoming the first Mariners player in two years to drive in at least 100 runs. Sure, he struck out a lot, but in the long run, his big bat in the middle of the lineup was a huge plus.
What went wrong: Each starter in the rotation went through a prolonged slump during the season, which prevented the team from being able to go on an extended winning streak. Lack of consistency in the starters was the team's Achilles heel.
Biggest surprise: Rookie shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt, who arrived in 2004 from Cuba, was so good defensively that he reminded people of former Mariners defensive whiz Omar Vizquel.
STATISTICAL LEADERSBattingAverage: Ichiro Suzuki, .303Doubles: Sexson and Beltre, 36Triples: Ichiro, 12Home runs: Sexson, 39Runs: Ichiro, 109RBIs: Sexson, 121Stolen bases: Ichiro, 33
PitchingWins: Jamie Moyer, 13Losses: Ryan Franklin, 15ERA (starter): Moyer, 4.28ERA (reliever): (min. 10 appearances) Eddie Guardado, 2.72Saves: Guardado, 36
FORECAST FOR 2006Lineup: The majority of the starting lineup that ended the '05 season is expected to return in '06. All of the starters are either signed to multiyear contracts (Ichiro, Sexson, left fielder Raul Ibanez and Beltre) or too young to be eligible for free agency or salary arbitration.
Rotation: The top priority heading into the offseason is adding a starting pitcher that could fill one of the top three spots in the rotation. Hernandez is a potential ace, but perhaps not in '06. The organization is expected to offer 42-year-old Moyer an incentive-laden one-year contract, possibly with an option year. Don't be surprised if Franklin, eligible for salary arbitration, isn't tendered a contract. Right-handers Joel Pineiro and Gil Meche are huge question marks as far as returning in '06, as either could be traded for a productive left-handed hitter.Bullpen: The organization has until a week following the end of the World Series to pick up the '06 option on closer Guardado for $7 million. If they don't, he could re-up for $4.5 million, and that is unlikely to happen and he would become a free agent. Say goodbye to relievers Jeff Nelson and Shigetoshi Hasegawa.
Biggest need: One would think that a team ranked near the bottom of the AL in runs scored would need more hitters. But a top-of-the-line starting pitcher tops the list of needs, followed closely by a productive left-handed hitter. The Minor League system is stocked with good middle infielders and that could be one way to get either a potential starter or productive bat.
Prospect to watch: Right-handed pitcher Clint Nageotte was signed as a starter, moved to the bullpen a year ago, and now is getting another crack at starting. He has lost weight and gained experience, and becoming the No. 4 or No. 5 starter is a possibility. The best of the Minor League prospects already have arrived.