The Mariners made the move we all pretty much expecting, keeping Jason Bay as the fifth outfielder and designating Casper Wells for assignment.

There actually a series of moves (below). Perhaps the most curious at first glance is the selection of right-hander D.J. Mitchell to the 40-man roster. The reason for this is simple. By selecting Mitchell, the Mariners were able to designated Wells for assignment. Because Wells is out of options, and under spring training rules, the Mariners would have to release him had they simply taken him off the 25-man roster.  But because they made the roster move …

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For the past few seasons, the questions and concerns have been all about the Seattle Mariners’ offense or complete lack of anything resembling an attack.

Why can’t the Mariners hit?

Why can’t the Mariners get someone who hits?

Are the Mariners ever going to hit?

During that time of lamentation and frustration, the pitching staff went about its business. Even at its worst moments, the pitching was still overshadowed by the anemic offense, which was viewed as the root of all Seattle struggles.

To be fair, the Mariners ranked fourth in the American League in earned-run average at 3.76 last …

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The facts

Forty-seven days since pitchers and catchers reported, the Mariners have finally wrapped up a lengthy spring training with a win to finish with a 21-11 record. . As a whole, the spring has been outstanding for Seattle. The team has avoided major injuries, played well and seemed to have a legitimate offense. With two more homers, the Mariners finished the spring with 58 homers. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, only the 1999 Chicago Cubs hit more homers in a spring training with 62. Of course, those numbers won’t guarantee success in the regular season …

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The Mariners roll out what will likely be their opening day line-up on Monday against lefty Brett Anderson in Oakland. While most of the starters are in, they probably only play two to three innings.

Not sure when the Mariners will make the final roster move with Casper Wells. It could come postgame or they may wait till tomorrow morning in Oakland. Either way, Jason Bay is in and Wells is out. The rules are different in spring. The Mariners will have to release Wells. If they hope to keep him, they will have to re-sign him. …

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I know I’ve promised to do this in the past, but since I’ve got a two-hour flight to Salt Lake City, I figured I could knock a few out of the park …. see what I did there.

I actually could call this … “Answers to BBNate420′s questions …” He definitely comes close to blog commenter of the year award, but since “wabubba67″ bought me a fantastic burger at Cheese Burgers and Cold Beers in Scottsdale yesterday, he’s leading the race for blog commenter of the year award.

From BBNate420: Do you think Erasmo replaces Beavan once his arm issues are …

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The facts

The Chicago Cubs played their final game in HoHoKam Stadium in Mesa. It was fitting that the Mariners were the final opponent, since they were the Cubs first opponent in HoHoKam on Feb. 28, 1997. A crowd of 11,365 filled the place. Since that first game in 1997, the stadium has had 2,610,736 fans attend games. Unlike that first meeting, the Mariners prevailed.

Play of the game

Michael Morse set a Mariners record by hitting his ninth home run of the spring, eclipsing the record held …

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We were hoping the Mariners would make a decision on who won the competition for the last outfielder spot between Casper Wells and Jason Bay sometime today. Wells and Bay were probably hoping for the same thing.

But it won’t be happening today or tomorrow or possibly even Saturday.

“I know you are anxiously awaiting a decision,” general manager Jack Zdurienick said. “But at this moment in time, we don’t have any information except to say that we don’t have to have the rosters set till Sunday so what we are going to do is let itself …

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The facts

The Mariners wrapped up their home schedule of the Cactus League with a win and a nice ovation from the 8,852 fans in attendance.  Michael Morse (above) hit his eighth home run of Cactus League, blasting a two-run homer to left off Dodgers’ starter Clayton Kershaw. The eight homers ties a Mariners’ spring training record set by Mike Wilson in 2009. Morse’s homer gave the Mariners a total of 55 this spring – most in baseball.

Play of the game

Nate Tenbrink isn’t …

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