Frankie’s Back

This week the hype is all about the Seahawks, Patriots, and the Super Bowl; however, the Seattle Mariners signed outfielder Franklin Gutierrez to a minor league contract.

Franklin Gutierrez had been the regular center fielder for the Seattle Mariners, but he had injuries and illness that kept him out of baseball in 2014. In fact, he actually retired before spring training had started. He had three years where he spent more time on the disabled list then playing. It was frustrating for him and the Mariners because for most of the time had no idea what was wrong with him. Even when the doctors figured it out the medicines were not taking care of his illness. So last year he decided it was time to look after the illness instead of trying to play the game he loves. Now after taking a year off he has decided to try again one last time.

This winter he played several games in the Venezuelan Winter League to see how he performed and whether any teams would be interested in signing him and inviting him to spring training. He had ten teams besides the Mariners who were interested in signing him. He favored the Mariners because he felt that he owed them. He will go into spring training trying to make the Mariners team but with the long time off he likely will start the season with the Mariners Triple A team in Tacoma. Of course, this will all depend   if he is fully recovered from his illness.  

Before the injuries and illness Frankie was one of the best center fielders in all of baseball and was an all-star along with being very popular players for the Mariners. I have to say he was one of my favorite players. He was so much like the previous two center fielders the Mariners had before him in Ken Griffey, Jr. and Mike Cameron. He played center field like he owned it, and he went after every ball to catch. He made the hard ones look easy just like Griffey and Cameron. He had no problem going into the fence.

I look forward to see him play again whether in Seattle or Tacoma. He is such a joy to watch. Most likely he will not play center field for the Mariners since they have Austin Jackson; however, he will likely play all three outfield positions with occasionally subbing for Jackson. If he starts in Tacoma he likely will play in center field. I look forward to seeing Frankie play again. I do not know him personally but I consider him a great guy. Look forward to spring training in a few weeks. The Mariners have sixteen spring training games on television this year. For me there is nothing like baseball. Go Mariners!