Mariners Third Base: Bill Stein to Kyle Seager

2000-2009

David Bell, who started at second base for the Mariners in 1999, played most of his time at third base in 2000 and 2001. He played fine, though he was no more than a solid role player in the end. Before the 2002 season, Bell was traded to the San Francisco for infielder Desi Relaford, whom the M’s had previously drafted in 1991.

Seattle also acquired Jeff Cirillo from the Colorado Rockies before the 2002 season. Before arriving on the scene for the Mariners, he spent two years with the Rockies and two before that with the Milwaukee Brewers where he hit over .300. With the Mariners, he hit .249 in 2002 and .205 in 2003. He was traded to the San Diego Padres on January 6, 2004.

The Mariners had successful years from 1995 through 2003; however, 2004 was when the wheels fell off. The Mariners ended up with a record of 63-99. The third base position wasn’t great either that season. They had Scott Spiezio, who had been with the Anaheim Angels. He only hit .215 in his time in Seattle, then went on to be a solid player for the St. Louis Cardinals.

During Spiezio’s tenure, the M’s also had several others fill in at third base from time to time. Among them were Jolbert Cabrera, Greg Dobbs, Justin Leone, and Willie Bloomquist. Outside of Bloomquist, I am sure most would not even remember the others.

The Mariners went out and signed Adrian Beltre as a free agent before the 2005 season. He was Seattle’s third baseman for five years from 2005 through 2009. He had some solid numbers offensively but his defense was among the best in baseball for third baseman.

Beltre played 2010 with the Boston Red Sox then went to the Texas Ranger where he played from 2011 through 2018. He announced his retirement after the season. This year, the Rangers are going to retire his number.