1. Felix Hernandez- As the 2009 Cy Young runner up, Felix Hernandez posted career highs nearly across the board. Toss in a top ten GB% (53.4), elite defense backing him, top 10 FB velocity on average (94.1 MPH) with an increased K/9 and decreased BB/9 and you have a legitimate #1 starter. It's only a plus that he's only 23 years old. A slight regression is possible in 2010, but he'll still be an excellent number one.
Fantasy Baseball: Top 5 Seattle Mariners for 2010
2. Cliff Lee- What’s not to love about a pitcher who will likely put up a BB/9 of under 2 and give you over 200 innings. In 2009, Lee had a slightly elevated BABIP, which would indicate his higher than normal whip. But Lee also had an FIP of 3.11, when he had an ERA of 3.11. I’m not sure Lee will strike out enough guys to be a number one starter, but he should have a fairly decent ERA is he keeps his peripherals in order.
3. Ichiro- Nearly a lock to hit .310, Ichiro brings the ability to be a consistent producer in stolen bases and is nearly a lock to score at least 90 runs. Due to a .384 BABIP (.357 career) I wouldn’t expect another .350 season in 2010, but .320 seems fairly reasonable.
4. David Aardsma- Aardsma took over the closer role in 2009 after Brandon Morrow walked the world. Graham over at Lookout Landing doesn't necessarily see a large regression from Aardsma in 2010. Aardsma finished the year with a 25% GB rate but in a spacious Safeco Field, that may not matter. If you're looking to hold out on saves until the later rounds, Aardsma could be of great value.
5. Chone Figgins- In 2009, Chone Figgins had a career year for the Los Angeles Angels, scoring 114 runs while hitting nearly .300 (.298.) Figgins is definitely moving to a less potent offense and if you're drafting him in hopes that he will repeat, I'd stay away.
Sleeper alert. Adam Moore- Moore is a favorite of the front office in Seattle and will likely have an opportunity to grab the starting catcher role in Spring Training. In 2007 in Single A, Moore hit 22 home runs with 102 RBI, while hitting .307. Moore’s got a power rating of 74 by TheBaseballCube.com and if given the starting job, could provide a decent waiver wire pickup.
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