The Seattle Mariners have struggled to compete in the American League West the past several years, but fans hope that a variety of off-season moves can go a long way to improving the team into something resembling a  viable contender as the 2014 season approaches.With a new manager in Lloyd McClendon, elite pitchers at the top of the rotation in Felix Hernandez and Hisashi Iwakuma, and the signing of a certain big-name second baseman, the idea of at least an improved squad shouldn't sound terribly far-fetched. However, for any sort of meaningful reformation to take place, the complimentary pieces around this strong nucleus will have to outperform expectations.Here are some of the new names that will need to make an impact for Seattle this season. Photo: Otto Greule Jr, Getty Images