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The Mariners had a roller coaster season in 2005. They entered with great expectations and left with hopes for a better future.

After a huge free-agent signing period, the M's started out with two new power studs on the corners, but their offense never developed the way they had hoped. Only the Twins saved Seattle from the shame of being the lowest-scoring club in the majors last year. The addition of two of the heaviest free-agent bats in the 2004 offseason only gave Seattle one extra run from the previous season.

Richie Sexson brought his Paul Bunyan impression to the Great Northwest and proceeded to crush 39 homers (21 of which came at spacious Safeco Field). He proved to be an excellent addition to their lineup, especially after the retirement of Edgar Martinez and the exit of Bret Boone.

Also joining Sexson as a new Mariner was Adrian Beltre, who was coming off an breakout in which he led the majors with 48 homers. Instead of providing that type of punch, Beltre floundered and hit almost 30 fewer homers and 80 fewer batting average points. One thing to consider about the underachieving slugger; his value is probably so shot that you can get him on the cheap. He's going to turn 27 years old one week into the season, so he's certainly in the age range where a major leaguer starts to break out.

The good news that has Mariners fans stepping away from the roof's edge is that teenage phenom Felix Hernandez appears to be the real deal. He struck out 77 major leaguers in just 84 1/3 innings last year. The Mariners intend on taking it slow with the 19-year-old. He'll start the season as their fifth starter behind veterans Jarrod Washburn, Jamie Moyer, Joel Pineiro and Gil Meche.

Their minor league teams aren't well stocked -- especially in pitching -- but they have a ton of shortstop prospects. At some point they will likely have to trade or find new positions for the likes of Adam Jones, Matt Tuiasosopo and Asdrubal Cabrera, who all rank among the team's top six prospects according to Baseball America. Yuniesky Betancourt will hold court at short until one of them emerges.

Spring position battles

Second Base -- Jose Lopez, Fernando Vina and Willie Bloomquist

Lopez returns after unsuccessfully locking down the position last year. This time, he'll fight it out with Vina, a veteran making a comeback from knee and hamstring trouble that forced him to miss most, if not all, of the past three seasons. Vina has a lifetime average of .282 and has scored 80 or more runs in a season four times. Bloomquist's best asset is his versatility in the field, so making him a utility player makes the most sense. At this point, the club is probably hoping that Lopez can step up and make the presence of Vina a moot point.

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