AL West

WARNING: This article is heavily sabermetrics-oriented.

Assuming we don’t get a second baseman in return, which is quite unlikely, we’re obviously going to need someone to replace him.

In Geoff Baker’s recent article on the subject of trading Jose Lopez, he mentions both Orlando Hudson and Placido Polanco as potential free agent replacements, as well as the possibility of Matt Tuiasosopo or Bill Hall filling the void.

2009 Arizona Fall League has ended as the Peoria Javelinas defeated the Phoenix Desert Dogs 5-4 to win the league.

Seven players from the Mariners organization played for the Javelinas and some looked they're close to the big league. Let's review how they've done this fall.

Dustin Ackley 1B/LF

The Mariners drafted Ackley second overall in last year's draft. He did not sign with the club until the signing deadline so he didn't play in the minors.

The O’Hare Hilton in Chicago is once a bustling Mecca of baseball decision-making this week as owners of the 30 baseball franchises meet with the Commissioner and members of the MLB front office. These meetings come just a week after the General Managers met here.

While not formally on the agenda, owners are planning to speak about the length of the post season and what baseball may be able to do to shorten the play-offs. There will also be informal discussions on the use of instant replay and whether to expand the types of calls that can be reviewed.

Mike Scioscia added one more piece to his incredible 2009 season: He is your American League Manager of the Year.

A more appropriate choice there never was.

In a rollicking, emotional season filled with tragedy and triumph, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim won 97 games and another divisional crown, thanks in large part to their sound-minded skipper.

Scioscia's award-winning fate was sealed on Sept. 28, when his Angels clinched their franchise record third consecutive AL West division title.

According to mlbtraderumors.com , the Seattle Mariners signed SS Jack Wilson to a two-year, $10 million contract. Wilson is known as best defensive shortstop in the MLB as he posted best UZR among all shortstops, but his 2010 option was bit expensive($8.4 million) so the Mariners were trying to rework his contract.

This deal gives the Mariners a decent everyday shortstop as they played Yuniesky Betancourt on the opening day last year. The Mariners' already impressive defence looks even better with this move.

Some weeks back I had a spare hour on my hands, and wanting to not get swallowed up by fond nostalgia for the 1995 Mariners, I put together a starting lineup and roster of the best ex-Mariners. These are guys who played however briefly at the Kingdome or Safeco, were traded, signed with other teams, or were simply released, and went on to star elsewhere.