Mariners Fans, Sound Off Part 2!

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Jun 28, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Firework show after the game between the Seattle Mariners and the Chicago Cubs at Safeco Field. Seattle defeated Chicago 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Welcome to 2014, Seattle Mariners fans!

We are now only 94 days away from the first pitch of the 2014 season for the Mariners and there are plenty of reasons to be excited about this year. With the major acquisition of Robinson Cano and the key additions of Logan Morrison and Corey Hart, the Mariners are only a couple of pieces away from being serious contenders in the AL West. Do the M’s have another big free agent in mind?

Sources have the Seattle Mariners and the New York Yankees being the prime candidates to land Japanese pitcher Masahiro Tanaka. All of the rumors are just speculation but you have to feel that the Yankees and Mariners will be competing in the free agency market if Tanaka ends up going elsewhere.

Both teams have a significant hole to fill in their starting rotation. Which led me to believe that if Tanaka does go elsewhere, we will now be looking at competing with the Yankees on bringing in the next best free agent pitcher. Those free agents come in the form of Ubaldo Jiminez, Matt Garza, Ervin Santana, and maybe A.J. Burnett.

Jiminez represents the pitcher with the highest ceiling. Garza is the most dependable. Santana will cost the most, and Burnett would obviously be the cheaper, most short term solution. My question for you is, if we cannot get Tanaka, who would you rather have?

Would you rather see this money being spent elsewhere? Like signing Nelson Cruz or bringing back Kendrys Morales? Or do you believe our best bet is to trade youth for talent?

On to another note Mariners fans, tickets have gone on sale at the Peoria Sports Complex for Spring Training. Tickets are available for purchase through the Seattle Mariners official website. I look forward to meeting some of you Mariners fans who will be making the trip down to Arizona this spring. A lot of great things are happening for our beloved organization so don’t miss a minute of it!