General election, 2008 season: Part 1

Some fans believe the Mariners, who won 88 games last year, will be even better in 2008. Others think they were lucky to win that many last season, and believe they are still mediocre. The answers to the following propositions, written by Seattle Times staff, could determine the team's fate this season.

Key: Seattle Times writers have submitted their answers to each proposition. Baker: Mariners reporter Geoff Baker. Brewer: Columnist Jerry Brewer. Kelley: Columnist Steve Kelley. Stone: Baseball reporter Larry Stone.

Proposition No. 1

Are the Mariners good enough to win the AL West?

Yes: Baker, Kelley, Stone
No: Brewer

The case for: They won 88 games last season despite two black holes in their rotation, since replaced with potential ace Erik Bedard and Carlos Silva. Felix Hernandez and the bullpen should get even better with all that pressure lifted off them. The Angels won't have pitcher Kelvim Escobar until May and did little this winter to increase the six-game gap between them and Seattle. Where do I get my playoff tickets?

The case against: Ever heard of Richie Sexson? Jose Lopez? Aware that singles hitter Jose Vidro is still the DH and cement-legged Raul Ibanez still plays left field? The "Pythagorean expectation" says this was really a 79-win team last year. And it doesn't even have slugger Jose Guillen anymore. The new pitchers won't add many wins in front of players who boot the ball around and can't hit their weight.

Proposition No. 2

Was the bold trade for ace Erik Bedard a good idea?

Yes: Baker, Brewer, Kelley, Stone
No:

The case for: No, it was a great idea. The Mariners needed a top-of-the-rotation pitcher to help avoid the long losing stretches that knocked them out of contention last August, and also to take some of the pressure off Felix Hernandez. They got the right one. Unlike Johan Santana, Bedard didn't require a $137-million extension. He's theirs for two more years, and at age 29 should be hitting his peak. Yeah, the Mariners gave up a nice package of prospects, but it's a long, long step from prospect to established major-leaguer.

The case against: This trade will be a nightmare if Bedard walks away in two years, and the Mariners spend the next 10 years watching Adam Jones play at All-Star caliber for the Orioles. And if one or more of the young pitchers -- Chris Tillman, Kam Mickolio or Tony Butler -- blossom, this could be an epic bust. The deal would be defensible if the Mariners were one piece away from a title, but they've been fooled by last year's 88-win aberration.

Proposition No. 3

Sure, Richie Sexson was terrible last year, but will he bounce back?

Yes: Baker, Brewer
No: Kelley, Stone

The case for: Of course he can. Just look at his career numbers. Until last year, you could pretty much pencil in Sexson for 35-plus homers and 100-plus runs batted in. He was hurt more than he let on last year, but to his credit won't use injuries as an excuse for what he admits was a horrible season. At age 33, Sexson is hardly over the hill, and should put up his usual 35 and 100.

The case against: Seriously, did you watch Sexson last year? His swing is longer than ever, and he just can't get his bat around against good pitchers anymore. His sensitivity doesn't help. Sexson didn't respond well to the booing -- and rest assured, if he struggles out of the gate, the boobirds will be out in full force. Yeah, Richie is just 33, but it's an old 33. It's time to prepare for the future at first base. Hello, Jeff Clement.

Proposition No. 4

Is John McLaren the right manager for the Mariners?

Yes: Baker, Brewer, Kelley, Stone
No:

The case for: Ichiro and the other vets love him. McLaren came within one losing streak of a playoff berth. His aggressive baserunning blueprint and ability to communicate with players of all nationalities will help McLaren squeeze more out of them. He's owed something by Richie Sexson, Raul Ibanez and Jose Vidro for standing behind them last year. Besides, he's got some real coaches helping him out this time.

The case against: Two words: Rick White. McLaren can't manage a bullpen. Nor utilize his bench, or strategize during a game. Talks aggressively, then sits in paralyzed fear for nine innings. The team quit on him when it mattered, dropping 15 of 17 in a playoff race. Lets his veterans dictate playing time and run the team. Jose Guillen was tougher on fellow players than McLaren was. Great bench coach, terrible manager.

Proposition No. 5

Should the Mariners have spent $48 million for pitcher Carlos Silva?

Yes: Baker, Kelley
No: Brewer, Stone

The case for: An underrated gem with as many seven-inning outings as Felix Hernandez last year. A new split-fingered pitch should help him get more lefties out, not to mention playing home games in a less homer-happy ballpark. His No. 3 slotting bumps others back and gives Seattle the best No. 4 and 5 arms in baseball. Silva's final price tag isn't the point. He was the best available free agent and the M's needed him badly.

The case against: At least Jeff Weaver cost only $8 million. Silva can give up dingers just as quickly. A ground-ball machine? That's what Horacio Ramirez was supposed to be. If the fielders can't catch up to them, what's the point? Lefties have destroyed him before and that's not a good fit for Safeco Field. Silva was looking like a waiver wire candidate two years ago. Now he's worth double Miguel Batista's pay package?