la_faker_81

With Kenji Johjima at catcher, how do the Mariners feel about Jeff Clement right now?
-- Gilliland, Marshalltown, Pa.

Some fans raised questions in November when the Mariners inked Johjima to a three-year deal only months after the team used its first-round draft pick on Clement, a left-handed hitting catcher out of USC. Of course, these concerns were unwarranted because, at the time, Clement had just finished his first Minor League season and the Mariners were in desperate need of stability at the catching position.

You might remember that in 2005 Seattle used seven different catchers (by the way, did anyone notice that Miguel Olivo hit 16 home runs for Florida this season?) Anyway, I don't think the Mariners' feelings regarding Clement have changed at all, even with the emergence of Johjima, who hit 18 home runs and drove in 76 runs this season.

Clement continues to move quickly through the Minor League system. He hit .288 in 15 games at Double-A San Antonio and .257 in 245 at-bats with Triple-A Tacoma. Clement -- who had a combined six home runs -- hasn't displayed the power many thought he would but, as is often the case, players may not develop power until later on. Clement will likely begin the season at Tacoma, where he'll be given a full season in a veteran league to hone his skills.

I have followed Mike Morse's travels between Tacoma and the Mariners. I think that he has great talent and work ethic. What are the chances he can land the right-field job in 2007?
-- Richard B., Edmonds, Wash.

When Ichiro informed the Mariners, specifically manager Mike Hargrove, that he would continue to play center field next season, it opened up the opportunity for the Mariners to fill right field with ... Well, that's the big question: Who will play right field?

There's a chance they could stay in-house and look at candidates like Chris Snelling and Morse, who hit .372 in 43 at-bats after a promotion from Tacoma. However, as general manager Bill Bavasi said, it's easier to find a left fielder or right fielder -- through trades or free agency -- than it is a center fielder. This means that if the Mariners are looking to beef up their offense in 2007, they'll likely find a player who can play either left or right field. Of course, this doesn't preclude Morse from winning the starting job. But you have to remember that Morse is a converted shortstop who is still learning the position.

Morse played some outfield in Tacoma and did so again in Seattle, where he worked on his defense with first base coach Mike Goff. He's getting there, though the Mariners might feel that Morse's best strength is his versatility. He can play anywhere in the infield and both corners in the outfield. And his bat has played well at the Major League level, hitting .293 over his first 273 Major League at-bats. With a good showing this spring, Morse could well win a roster spot.


Having Ichiro in center gives the Mariners options, but it may push Jeremy Reed to the bench. (Ed Zurga/AP)

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la_faker_81



GO ANGELS

Well he's kind of had it in me ever since i accidentally ran over his dog. Actually, replace "accidentally" with "repeatedly" and replace "dog" with "son".

Ghost

Jeff Clement will be a All-Star catcher by the end of Kenji's contract.

gambitnut

I was happy with the play of Kenji last season, but Clement is definitely our future at catcher.

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Daniel

I think that Kenji should play at catcher next season, too.

I'm not familiar with Clemments, though Marinners have to establish a regular catcher.

So, Kenji is much more eligible than others at catcher because he played over 100games thorough last season and gave a great impression from both aspects, catcher and bat.

I think manager has to see how Kenji's play in next season goes. He must get used to playing at Major League thorough this season, and I'm pretty sure he will make his marks much more in next season.

However, I would like to know about Clemment, so please give me comments regarding to Clemment.

Ghost

Jeff is a potential 40 Homer player with a .280+ average, he is a lefty which is Key for Safco, he is a middle of a order bat, his defense is improving and he is good at calling games, in the lure of Catching prospects he is a notch under Joe Mauer

CenterFielder17

Well said, and I agree with you on that 100%. But Clement is yet to see Major League action. Sure his game calling will still be top notch, but I don't think his bat will be anything like Joe Mauer's was this year.

Ghost

He has a lot more power than Mauer, but he will never hit .350