The first step is complete. Now it’s time for the Seattle Mariners to make their way back to the playoffs for the first time since 2001. That Seattle team won 116 regular season games before losing the ALCS for the second straight year to the Yankees. This year’s Mariners won’t come anywhere close to that amazing campaign, but they definitely appear to be team with a big chance to be playing well into October.
Seattle is going to pitch it well, and if the offense does its job, this team will be a part of the post-season. They appear to be improved over last year’s 87-75 entry and while there are still a few questionable spots, anything less than a playoff spot would be a big disappointment.
Felix Hernandez remains the main man in Seattle. King Felix is en route to a Hall of Fame career and he enters the 2015 season as one of the favorites to claim another Cy Young Award. There’s some solid support on hand as well. Hisashi Iwakuma looks to be in good health, Taijuan Walker and James Paxton are high end prospects ready to make statements and while the fifth rotation spot is shaky, that’s still a very good first four.
Fernando Rodneyis the closer for now, but if he falters, the Mariners can easily go to Danny Farquhar. The remainder of the pen could probably be a little stronger but it’s hardly a disaster area.
The Mariners really helped themselves in the off season with the acquisition of Nelson Cruz. He’s a pure power bat and is great protection for Robinson Cano. Kyle Seager is on the verge of becoming a legit star. Austin Jackson and Dustin Ackley both have a chance to improve offensively this season. Logan Morrison can be adequate at first base, and I expect a better year out of Brad Miller at shortstop. Mike Zunino might never hit for average, but he’s getting rave reviews behind the plate and he’s got power. A Seth Smith/Justin Ruggiano platoon in right field is tolerable, and vets like Rickey Weeks and Willie Blomquist make for a quality bench.
The Mariners are not likely to overwhelm with their offense, but they really don’t need to. This is a team built on a pitching and defense setup that plays well at Safeco, and the fact is they’re very likely to be respectable with the sticks this season. If that’s the case, this team has a chance to wrest the AL West title from the Angels, and looms as a favorite to make the playoffs. I think the O/U is right about where it should be, so no play there, and assuming Seattle is around that number, they’ll play past Game 162.