Willie Bloomquist

Unfortunately for Bloomquist, 2013 was marred by two lengthy disabled list trips. When he played, he was plenty serviceable, as evidenced by his .317 average and .360 OBP. He returned to a familiar place as a free agent during the winter, signing a deal to serve as the Mariners' utility infielder just prior to the addition of Robinson Cano. Bloomquist figures to handle a limited role across multiple defensive positions for Seattle in 2014.

Back injuries held Bloomquist to 10 at-bats after the end of July, and he missed out on a significant run of playing time at short as a result when the D-Backs traded away Stephen Drew. Offensively, his numbers were similar to his part-time results from 2011, but the biggest disappointment was his 7-for-17 mark as a basestealer. Now 35, Bloomquist is best suited to make situational starts against left-handed pitching and for occasional use off the bench, while his value in deeper formats has officially dried up if he's unable to steal 15-20 bases in that role.

Bloomquist spent more time at shortstop than the D-Backs anticipated in 2011, thanks to two Stephen Drew injuries. He did enough in that time to earn a two-year deal during the offseason, but the only significant value he'll provide comes from stolen bases. With Drew working his way back from a fractured ankle and surgery to repair a sports hernia, Bloomquist could see an uptick in playing time out of the gate. Still, it's tough rely on him to be more than a middle-infield filler in deeper formats.

Bloomquist's value stemmed from his stolen bases and multi-position eligibility, but both were wiped out in 2010. He was limited to far fewer plate appearances and ended up qualifying only as an outfielder in most leagues for 2011 and stole just eight bases after swiping 25 in 2009. A free agent at press time, Bloomquist will have to settle for a utility role wherever he lands.

The super-utility man batted .265 with 52 runs scored and 25 stolen bases as he appeared at every position but catcher in 2009. Bloomquist has superb plate discipline, but lacks the pop necessary to be considered for most fantasy rosters. Beyond his limited offensive ability, Bloomquist is a veteran presence on a young ball club and he will likely enter 2010 in the same utility role.

Bloomquist's time as a Mariner might finally be up. The super-utility man made $1 million last year and repaid the Mariners with, drum roll please, one extra-base hit (a ground-rule double) in 165 at-bats -- 31 pitchers had more extra-base hits. His season ended in August with a hamstring injury. Bloomquist will compete with Alberto Callaspo for the second base job after signing with Kansas City, but more likely is used in a utility role. He'll be praised for his "hustle," despite offering nothing at the plate in the way of power or on-base skills.

Bloomquist returns to reprise his super-utility role in the last year of a two-year contract. If the Mariners have learned anything, they'll better spend Bloomquist's near $1 million salary next season. Stop laughing, it's possible. While Bloomquist can adequately play every position save for the battery, he brings just about nothing offensively. Bloomquist's five extra-base hits were the fewest among all major leaguers with at least 175 plate appearances. Five pitchers had as many extra-base hits. He even had more GIDP (seven) than XBH. Although speedy, Bloomquist doesn't even run the bases well, stealing successfully on just 7-of-12 attempts. The Mariners should be able to get this kind of production for the major league minimum.

Various theories abound as to why the Mariners are so keen on Bloomquist: local boy done good; understudy for Mariners mascot; incriminating photos of top brass. One thing is certain, Bloomquist is a near-total liability at the plate. He has no power -- his nine extra-base hits in 2006 were the fewest in the majors among batters with at least 250 plate appearances -- and he doesn't walk much. Among players with at least 250 at-bats, his .619 OPS ranked in the bottom 15. His .320 OBP was a career high for a full season. What value he does bring comes from his versatile glove and his speed. But at nearly $1 million a year, the Mariners could save a few bucks by filling Bloomquist's super-sub role with a player who isn't worse than replacement level.

Bloomquist's value comes in his versatility as he can play just about every position. His bat, however, is another story. He has virtually no power (17 XBH, no homers) and can't draw a walk (11 BB in 267 PA). Bloomquist finally got regular playing time by mid-season last year and hit .316 in July, but regressed to a more Willie-like .248 in August before his season ended with a hamstring injury.

Bloomquist is the quintessential utility player. He played six positions last season and could have played right field as well if the assiduous Ichiro Suzuki would ever take a break. His bat holds him back to a degree, but his unimpressive numbers (.245/.283/.330) might be partly attributable to receiving only 188 at-bats. He hit in 25 of the 42 games in which he received at least three at-bats, hitting .331. Unless he breaks from Seattle, he'll never be anything more than a utility guy.

Bloomquist will be the main utility man for the Mariners this year, as Mark McLemore likely won't be back. He took over the starting duties at third base for a time last season, hitting .330 in 37 games at the hot corner. His defense was solid, too, but the Mariners need more production from the left side of their infield. The Mariners signed Scott Spiezio to get most of the starts at third base, with Carlos Guillen starting at shortstop, and Bloomquist will be the primary backup to both. He may see more than the 196 at-bats he received in 2003.

Bloomquist can play both second base and left field, but he is second on the depth chart at both positions. He will be used a lot as a pinch runner and a defensive replacement.