Mariners Spring Training Preview: The Infield

Dec 12, 2013; Settle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano (22) tips his hat as he is introduced at an interview for fans at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Second Base:

This could very well be the most competitive position battle for the M’s….. I couldn’t even try to type that sentence with a straight face.

Second base is Cano’s. He owns it. He could start the year batting .150 and second base will be his. It isn’t his to lose; it is his for the foreseeable future.

That begs the question of his backup.

As I mentioned, I don’t expect Franklin to start the year in Seattle, so that means backup duties again go to Willie Bloomquist. But, I do think there will be occasions where Miller can sub in. Or even, in a pinch, Ackley can scoot in from centerfield to play second.

An aside: write this down: Dustin Ackley is going to have a good season, like .280/.330/.400 season with stolen bases and great fielding in centerfield. You heard it here first.

But with Cano, much like with Seager, we can expect them to play at least 155 games a piece– barring injuries. So I am confident McClendon can tinker with the lineup well enough on days that Cano or Seager may need some rest.

And now to the most uncertain bag in the infield, first base.