The Newest Mariner: Infielder Brendan Ryan

The Mariners have acquired Brendan Ryan from the St. Louis Cardinals for pitching prospect Maikel Cleto.



Brendan Ryan



This is a smart move by the Mariners. Cleto, 21, doesn’t have much working for him. He throws hard but his command his poor and he does not have any movement on his fastball. He is still a few years away and he is most likely a reliever. The Mariners have plenty of young relievers in their system so they did not lose much. Cleto was on the 40 man roster so Ryan will take his place.

The Mariners have been searching for another shortstop as well as a second baseman to fill in if Ackley is not ready for the big leagues. The defensive minded Ryan will provide the Mariners with all of those things. He is 28 years old and 2011 will be his 5^th season in the majors. Ryan will be a very cheap option for the Mariners and he could turn out great. This is his first year arbitration eligible and he is under team control for 3 more years.

Ryan has zero offensive power but he is capable of hitting for a good average. There has been a pattern to his career offensively thus far and if it continues, things look good for the Mariners. His average has bounced up and down each year. He hit .289 his first season but it then dropped to .244 in his second season. In 2009 he posted his highest average of .292 but he again saw it drop in 2010 where he hit .223. He did have wrist surgery prior to 2010 which might explain for the dramatic drop in his average. He has had plenty of time to heal so hopefully he is back to hitting around .280-.290. He may show a little speed and post around 10 stolen bases which he has done through out his career.

He has shown great fielding at every position he has played in his career. Ryan has played both MI positions, 3^rd base, and he has also seen a very small amount of time at all three outfield positions. Ryan led all of baseball in UZR for shortstops last year with 11.5. For those not familiar with UZR it shows a fielders range.

I really like this trade for the Mariners. They filled a need that they could not afford via free agency and they gave up very little for Ryan. Worst case scenario is he hits for a poor average but he will be a very good utility man. The best case scenario is that we see him playing regularly and posting a solid average with his great defense. Jack Zduriencik stated that Ryan will be able to compete for a starting job and that he will be talking with Figgins, Ryan, and Wilson in the upcoming days to discuss where people will play.

My predictions are that he is the opening day starter for opening day at second base. I think the Mariners will want Ackley to see 1-2 more months at AAA. Once Ackley is up I think we will see Ryan and Wilson splitting time at short. Ryan would also be able to help Ackley as a fielder and fill in for both Ackley and Figgins.

Final Predictions: He hits .272 with 26 RBI, 3 homeruns, 14 stolen bases all in 368 at bats