Wednesday’s weather was sunny and fairly warm and while I was at the city pool gathering some information on the upcoming district swim meet, I noticed some kids on the baseball diamond getting their arms loosened up and taking some early-season hitting practice.

Dedicated Little League baseball and softball players can’t wait for the season to begin.

The same is true in the major leagues and in less than two weeks, pitchers and catchers will be reporting to such venues as Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Fla., or Mesa, Arizona’s, HoHoKam Stadium to begin preparations.

There is always a lot of speculation as to which two teams will be playing for all the marbles in the World Series and general managers have been tweaking their lineups with trades and free agent signings during the off season.

Like many people of all ages on Whidbey Island, I have been keeping a close eye on some of the “moves” the Mariners have made and scratching my head in bewilderment. I’ll tell you what, I don’t expect the lads who call Safeco Field home to be in the running for a playoff spot.

“Worst to First” isn’t going to happen in 2009.

Examining the facts and delving into the trades and free-agent signings the team has made, not much has changed from 2008’s season of 101 losses.

The pitching staff is one big question mark, just like last year. They still need a regular first baseman and who on the team, other than Adrian Beltre, has the capability to hit the long ball.

In addition, the Mariners let two players slip away that are truly going to be missed.

First was Raul Ibanez, the team’s home run and RBI leader last year, and the other is Willie Bloomquist.

Ibanez now is with the Philadelphia Phillies along with Jamie Moyer, another guy the Mariners let slip away, and Bloomquist signed a two year deal with Kansas City.

Bloomquist was the kind of player you could hand a glove to and point to a position, and he’d get the job done. Ibanez could DH, play left field and also first base, but the most important asset was he could hit the heck out of the ball.

There are all kinds of trade and signing rumors involving obtaining Bobby Abreau from the Yankees or maybe even Adam Dunn, but such a deal would have to involve a bunch of money the Mariners don’t have to spend. Unless, of course, they unload one or more of the overpaid, underperforming members of the pitching staff.

The major sticking point with that idea is, who in the heck wants them at the salaries they’re being paid?

On the topic of pitchers, Seattle also needs a new face to take over the closing duties since J.J. Putz has been dealt away.

Also, who will be the designated hitter in 2009 is another big question.

According to the team’s depth chart, Russell Branyan, Jeff Clement and Kenji Johjima are all in the running to fill the position.

The problem is, Branyan is also listed as a first base candidate and a backup to Beltre at third base, while Clement and Johjima are both catchers who can’t hit.

Which brings up the subject Ken Griffey Jr., who said he wants to come back to Seattle.

He would be a darn good designated hitter, could also give you some games in the outfield and maybe put a few more fans in the stands as well.

I don’t expect new manager Dan Wakamatsu’s slogan for the team, “A New Day, A New Way,” is going to pan out this year.

As for me, my new way, new day, will be trying to crank up the velocity in my Sirius radio and trying to dial in the San Francisco Giants games. Randy Johnson, another guy the Mariners let go because he was too old, will be throwing “Mr. Snappy” for the Giants this season.

You know, I’ll bet “The Big Unit” will still be able to record double-digit strikeouts every time he takes the mound.