Updated Feb 22, 2012 - 6:00 pm
What to expect from the new-look Franklin Gutierrez
Comments (2) | 
Print | 
E-mailOriginally published: Feb 22, 2012 - 5:34 pm
You can always count on spring training to provide more than one story about a player claiming to be in the best shape of his life.
Such is the case this year with Franklin Gutierrez. By all accounts, the Mariners center fielder has the bulging muscles to prove it.
Gutierrez arrived at spring training noticeably bigger, reportedly having added 10-15 pounds of muscle over the offseason. With his improved strength and the stomach issues that have slowed him for parts of the last two seasons apparently under control, Mariners manager Eric Wedge thinks Gutierrez is in line for a bounce-back season.
"It's really evident at home plate. It's obviously evident in his stature and the way he's carrying himself," Wedge said of Gutierrez, who hit .224 in 92 games last season. "You see that confidence in his eyes. You see that strength in his persona -- all those things that really will play into him getting back on track. I've said it before, I really feel like he's going to have a heck of a year for us."
Bob and Groz offer their expectations for Gutierrez in the video below.
You can download Wednesday's podcast here.
- Clayton's Cold Hard Facts
More thoughts on Hawks' trade for Kellen Winslow
- Brock Huard
What Kellen Winslow brings to the Seahawks
- Brock Huard's Blue 42
How Keith Price's size affects his ability, future
What's not to like about the Kellen Winslow trade?
After speaking with a beat writer who covered Kellen Winslow during his time with the Buccaneers, Bob Stelton and Dave Grosby agree that there is nothing to dislike about the trade the Seahawks made to acquire the tight end. - What tight end Kellen Winslow brings to the Seahawks
- Tight end Kellen Winslow could help the Seahawks
- One game still sticks in Doug Baldwin's craw
- New offseason rules have long-term benefits for players
- Debating the merits of the Seahawks' QB approach
- Seattle's Baldwin hoping to build off breakout '11
- More Seattle Seahawks »
Injured Seattle CF Gutierrez progressing in rehab
Franklin Gutierrez has taken his first steps in coming back from a problematic foot injury that came when the Seattle Mariners center fielder was trying to recover from a strained pectoral muscle. - Once again the Mariners contain the Rangers offense
- Darvish roughed up in Texas' 6-1 loss to Mariners
- Mariners get best of Darvish, beat Texas 6-1
- Rangers' Feliz put on DL, out at least a month
- Plenty to like about the Mariners' sweep of Colorado
- Rangers round two: How far have the Mariners come?
- More Seattle Mariners »
Eddie and Fredy still building Sounders chemistry
Eddie Johnson is settling in with his new team and is enjoying his partnership with fellow forward Fredy Montero. - Montero scores in 90th, Sounders tie Whitecaps 2-2
- Seattle soccer fans heading to B.C. for NW rival match
- Finding a Rose in Sounders' loss to Real Salt Lake
- Fabian Espindola scores to lift Real Salt Lake
- Sounders ready for first-place showdown
- Seattle D Zach Scott suspended for 1 game
- More Sounders FC »
