How will the various injuries affect the team?
From the outset, it certainly gives Seattle the advantage considering that John Lackey (strained right triceps) and Kelvim Escobar (sore shoulder) combined to win 37 games and that the Mariners improved drastically by adding Carlos Silva and Erik Bedard. Scot Shields’ choppy spring and arm issues are certainly an issue and Gary Matthews Jr. will not play the year at 100 percent because of left knee and right ankle issues. There is a good chance that even though the Angels have more talent, Seattle could steal the division.
