Deja vu of 2002

All you have to do to make a need's list for the Mariner's new season is take last years list and put 2003 at the top. 1) A good hitter to fill left field-ditto this year. 2) A starting pitcher to fill out the rotation-ditto. 3) A lefty reliever and a long reliever in the bullpen-same needs now. 4) A couple of good backup players for the bench-exactly.

The M's have filled a couple positions on the list, but will likely still be searching for some of the missing components going into Spring Training.

Look Left

Unlike the over-the-hill gang of the past two seasons-namely Al Martin and Ruben Sierra-the Mariners are sporting a younger stud in left field. Through the Lou Piniella deal they picked up promising Randy Winn (28), who hopefully will be a hitting catalyst in the number two position.

In his fifth season in the majors last year, switch-hitting Winn made the American League All-Star team. He hit .298 with 14 HR, 75 RBI and 39 doubles on the year. He also displayed speed with 27 stolen bases. Defensively, he is solid and has experience at all three outfield positions.

While past numbers don't guarantee a good season (remember Cirillo's impressive numbers coming into 2002) Winn's hitting stats at Safeco Field are impressive-15 for 40 (.375).

Any starting pitchers out there?

It seems the Mariner's eternal quest is to find a top-notch pitcher to fill out their rotation. Their choice last year, Baldwin, didn't work out, so they are left lacking again. It doesn't help that they don't have much money left to spend.

Maybe the pitching-heavy Yankees will throw them a discard-like right-hander Jeff Weaver or left-hander Sterling Hitchcock. The Yanks already beat the M's and Red Sox out on a deal with Jose Contreras to pad their already full pitching lineup and they need to get rid of one or two. Don't count on something for nothing though.

In the free-agent market the M's would like to have lefty Chuck Finley, right-hander Dave Burba (a former Mariner) or Jeff D'Amico (RH). It all depends on the price.

If they can't make a deal before Spring Training the M's Rafael Soriano could compete for the number five spot-not the best choice since they may need him to fill a spot in the bullpen.

Relief on the Way

The Mariners hope to fill their bullpen needs from inside. Since Joel Piniero and Ryan Franklin proved themselves to be worthy starters, and Halama is gone, the best candidates to help relieve are lefty Norm Charlton and Soriano.

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