Beltre a Mariner?

ESPN is reporting Beltre is now a Mariner. Reportedly the Mariners shelled out 65 million for 5 years. Beltre is only 25 years old which is a plus, but has only had one All-start season. Lets hope he has figured "it" out and will continue to produce for the next 5 years.

The Mariners line up now looks like this:

Ichiro(L) - RF
Winn(S) - CF
Beltre(R) - 3B
Sexson(R) - 1B
Ibanez(L) - LF
Boone(R) - 2B
Bucky(R) - DH
Olivio(R) - C
Lopez(R) - SS

Bench:
Wilson(R)
Spiezio(S)
Reed(L)
Cabrera(R)
Bloomquist(R)

Clearly the combination of Sexson and Beltre makes the Mariners line-up respectable and very right handed. With Ichiro's OBP of .414 and Winn's .346 the Mariners are primed to score runs. Interestingly Reeds OBP (in only 18 games) was a huge .470.

The Mariners still have holes to fill. I see them making atleast one more deal before spring training. Winn is available and coming off a strong season. With the signing of Beltre, Leone and Dobbs can also easily be moved.

The Mariners could upgrade at short. Lopez is probably still a year away from being a solid major league player, but more importantly they must look at their pitching staff. As it stands now the Mariners have a solid #2 starter and some nice inning eaters.

Pineiro(R)
Moyer(L)
Meche(R)
Madritsch(L)
Franklin(R)

Over the last 5 years the starters have been the strength. Going into 2005 however the starting five have serious questions. Is Pineiro healthy? Does Moyer have one more year? Does Meche have his control back? Can Madritsch continue what he started last year and keep his elbow healthy?

Many questions, but now the questions are worth asking because this spring again brings hope of finally making it to the Series.