In 2013 the Mariners were
characteristically awful again in most offense categories and have begun this
off-season with a plan very similar to years past, right handed power. The Mariners are very left-handed heavy and currently have lefties at 1B (Smoak is a switch hitter but can't hit right-handed), 2B, SS, 3B and CF. After
failed experiments in Mike Morse and an unknown in Jesus Montero the search
continues for an impact bat from the right side.
On Wednesday the Mariners agreed to terms with Corey Hart, a right-handed hitter coming off of two knee surgeries. Hart is reportedly fully healthy after missing all of the 2013 season and will be playing the majority of his time in the outfield. Hart is a proven hitter who has hit 30+ home-runs in two seasons, 2010 and 2012. Could he be the right-handed power bat the Mariners have coveted for years.....? Signed to a one year deal, there is very little downside in this deal for the Mariners and while Hart could have chosen a more hitter friendly home ballpark for his comeback season Safeco did see a significant increase in long balls in 2013 (116 to 170).
As you can see from the graphic above, the dimensions of Safeco Field are actually more favorable to power hitters than Miller Park, the only home ballpark Hart has known. If Hart can hit 30 home-runs while playing his home games at Miller park then he should be able to at Safeco. I am not suggesting that he will hit 30 but I believe 25 is an accurate projection and would be seen as a success by the Mariner's organization.
Steamer projects Hart to hit 23 home-runs, 74 rbis and a triple slash of .257/.325/.456 in 2014, making Hart essentially a right-handed Kyle Seager (22 homeruns, 69 rbis, .260/.338/.426 in 2013). I would be fine with that from a guy who hasn't played in over a year but I'm not sure he's the right-handed savior Mariner's fans are looking for. In the end the game is played on the field and could be another Mariner bust but at the very least he can't be any worse than Mike Morse.
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| Home-runs hit in 2013 at Safeco Field with an overlay of Miller Park www.espn.com |
Steamer projects Hart to hit 23 home-runs, 74 rbis and a triple slash of .257/.325/.456 in 2014, making Hart essentially a right-handed Kyle Seager (22 homeruns, 69 rbis, .260/.338/.426 in 2013). I would be fine with that from a guy who hasn't played in over a year but I'm not sure he's the right-handed savior Mariner's fans are looking for. In the end the game is played on the field and could be another Mariner bust but at the very least he can't be any worse than Mike Morse.
