Second Base

There are two ways the Mariners could go this year at second base beginning on opening day.

We could see Chone Figgins as the opening day starting second baseman which would mean Dustin Ackley would be seeing a little bit more time in the minors to work on a few more things.

Chone Figgins

Chone Figgins was the Mariners starting second baseman all of last year. He was one of the big acquisitions for the Mariners prior to the 2010 season. Last year he made $8,500,000 and this year he will be making nine million dollars. That is a lot of money for someone that hit only .259 and had only one homerun!

Looking at 2010, Figgins’ numbers were very disappointing. Looking onto 2011 there is no reason why Figgins can not get back to his old self. He increased his average nearly every month last year.

I do think that Figgins will put up much better numbers next year and could possibly be a candidate for comeback player of the year; but I don’t think he should be the opening day second baseman.

Dustin Ackley should get the nod at second base on opening day. This young man was drafted by the Mariners 2^nd in the 2009 draft right behind Stephen Strasburg. He was drafted out of North Carolina as an outfielder but Seattle has been transitioning him into a second baseman.

Ackley started off his first full MLB season at AA where he didn’t put up the prettiest numbers. He hit .263 which was disappointing but this didn’t stop the Mariners from calling him up to AAA Tacoma after 289 at bats in 82 games. Ackley put up better numbers while playing for Tacoma which is where he finished out the 2010 season.

Let’s take a look at Ackley’s overall numbers from all of last season: He posted an average of .263. He recorded 7 homeruns, 51 RBI, 10 stolen bases in 13 attempts, 75 BB, .407 SLG, and a .368 OBP in 587 plate appearances.

Ackley really began to take off offensively recently in the Arizona Fall League. He was awarded the MVP after leading the league in average (.424), walks, SLG, OBP, OPS, and runs. These numbers appear promising but AFL stats don’t always translate to success at the big league so we can’t get too excited!

Dustin Ackley

Ackley appears ready offensively but may be holding him back is his defense. He has greatly improved his defense at second base over this season. It is still is a work in progress but I think by opening day he will be even better defensively.

Ackley stated he was confident with his throwing and his ability to field grown balls. What he thinks needs most improvement before opening day is turning double plays and his footwork.

While some people think Ackley should have a little more polish at AAA, I think he should be the starting second baseman opening day. Figgins could then be moved to his original position at third base.

Ackley is a fantastic young hitter. He has been working hard all year and it is time for him to get some much needed rest before spring training begins. I think it is his time to shine in Seattle starting opening day. Let the Ackley era begin!