What was assumed is now official: Brad Miller is the starting shortstop for the Mariners. Lloyd McClendon has also announced the Nick Franklin has been demoted to Triple-A Tacoma.
Miller thoroughly outplayed Franklin in the spring competition. Miller batted .439 with 17 runs, four home runs and 12 RBI in exhibition play to run away with the position.
"Brad separated himself," McClendon told MLB.com. "I'd be a fool not to recognize that. Brad won the job. Nick didn't lose it."