What should we be most excited about this year with the Mariners? Young players' development?
-- Lonnie G., Olympia, Wash.
In a word, yes. The speed of center fielder Mallex Smith, who stole 40 bags for the Rays in 2018. The power potential of left fielder Domingo Santana, who hit 30 homers for the Brewers two years ago. The transition of Yusei Kikuchi from Japan. The progress of athletic young shortstop J.P. Crawford and the ongoing development of Mitch Haniger and Marco Gonzales. This year is going to be all about the progress of that younger nucleus.