Ryan's job as a starter is safe: The Seattle Times reports that the Mariners are still looking for a shortstop on the free agent market, but any acquisition would be a backup to Brendan Ryan. This includes Munenori Kawasaki, a Japanese shortstop who announced on Wednesday night that he was becoming a free agent, but that the only major league team he wanted to play for was the Mariners. Ryan hit .248 with 13 stolen bases in his first season with Seattle. (Updated 12/01/2011)
Injury Report
Neck - Probable for start of spring training (Updated - 1/5/12)
Fantasy Analysis
Between prospects Nick Franklin and Carlos Triunfel, and now Kawasaki, it would appear that Ryan would have some competition for his starting job, but the Mariners look to be committed to keeping Ryan as their regular shortstop heading into 2012. Though he is known more for his superb defense, Ryan has the potential to hit for a decent average and provide a few steals, so he has some value for owners in AL-only leagues. (Updated 12/01/2011).
01/27/2012 03:08 2012 Fantasy outlooks: Seattle Mariners
The Mariners are obviously in a rebuilding phase, but have they done enough to improve the worst offense in baseball? Al Melchior takes a closer look at Seattle in a Fantasy team outlook.
After being traded from the Cardinals to the Mariners after the 2010 season, Brendan Ryan earned the starting job at shortstop and batted .282 with 17 RBI over the first two months of the season. That's the highest his average would reach as njuries hindered him down the stretch. Still, he posted career marks in RBI (39) and walks (34), and recorded more than 100 hits for the second time. He also hit three homers and slugged .326. The 29-year-old is expected to bridge the gap until prospect Nick Franklin is ready to join the majors so he will likely begin 2012 as the starter once again. He might be able to put up some decent numbers with a full season of at-bats, but considering his minimal power and .256 career average, leave Ryan for AL-only formats on Draft Day. (Updated 2/9/12)
Actual 
AccuScore Projections) Note: Points are rounded down.
