Corey Hart is Mariners’ right fielder…for now
By Matt Fisher
Much was made of the Mariners’ decision to sign both Logan Morrison and Corey Hart while they still had Justin Smoak at first base. Smoak has been told that first base is his job to lose, but what becomes of Morrison and Hart?
Morrison is likely the starting left fielder for Lloyd McClendon’s club, but Hart? Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune has this from McClendon:
McClendon says Corey Hart's ability to play RF on a steady basis in the regular season won't be determined in spring training. Quote: …
— Bob Dutton (@ByBobDutton) March 10, 2014
"As of right now, he’s going to be in right field. During the course of the season, it’ll be a day-to-day thing."
— Bob Dutton (@ByBobDutton) March 10, 2014
It seems inevitable that Hart will see time as the Mariners’ designated hitter, but this quote from McClendon seems to imply that Hart could get extra rest or could see time at first when Smoak needs a breather.
Hart, almost 32, is a natural right fielder, having played 741 games at the position during his time with the Brewers. At the end of his last full year with Milwaukee, 2012, Hart saw over 100 games at first base however, as Prince Fielder had signed with the Tigers. Hart is coming off of two knee surgeries, and it has been speculated as to how much stress will be put on his knees playing in the outfield.