Nick Franklin, Brad Miller will compete for starting job

I thought for sure that the Seattle Mariners were planning on moving infielder Nick Franklin after signing free agent Robinson Cano. But right now, it appears that Franklin will remain with the Mariners after his breakout year with the franchise in 2013.

Now according to Mariners.com, Franklin and infielder Brad Miller will compete for the starting job at shortstop. Cano obviously has second base on lock, so that’s the only job that Franklin has a chance at winning.

"“Nick came in, and we had a great talk. One of the things I told him was, ‘Look, we’ve got a Hall of Fame second baseman, and that’s just the way it is. This is a new chapter in your career. One door is closing; another is opening. It’s an opportunity for you. I’m going into this with my eyes wide open. You have an opportunity to compete for the shortstop position, and I wish you the best of luck.” Seattle Mariners Lloyd McClendon via MLB.com"

Last year Miller started 62 games at short for the Mariners. He hit eight home runs, 36 RBI’s with a batting line of  .265/.318/.418. The 24 year old fielded .972 while playing shortstop, turning 30 double plays, recording 87 putouts, 155 assists and was charged with seven errors.

Franklin provided a little more in the batters box, hitting 12 home runs, 45 RBI’s and a batting line of .225/.303/.382. He played two games at short, but started 90 at second base.

He recorded 139 put outs, 326 assists, 64 double plays and was charged with 12 errors while fielding .975.

This team is going to be set at both second and shortstop this season.