Predicting The Mariners Opening Day Lineup

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Sept 1, 2012; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Corey Hart (1) hits a game-winning home run off Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Joel Hanrahan (52) (not pictured) in the ninth inning at Miller Park. The Brewers beat the Pirates 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The underdogs:

Despite the influx of corner outfield types onto the roster, I think Michael Saunders will solidify himself in left field this season. Early last season he was playing well, really well, until a great catch and a wall collision derailed him for some weeks and the rest of the season just wasn’t the same.

With Guti back, and with Corey Hart and Logan Morrison, it looks like the Mariners outfield could be a semi-coordinated carousel this season. But expect the Condor to be the first guy to get the nod in left.

Right field is going to be the real war zone, though. And as of today I give the edge to Corey Hart to come out of the gates as the Opening Day starter.

His knees seem to be in much better shape and he provides the sort of power the Mariners certainly need out in right field. Again this is the underdogs, and it could very well be Guti or even Saunders.