MLB Preview 2015: Seattle Mariners
Seattle Mariners 2014 Record: 87-75
Team Overview:
The 2014 Mainers were one game away from the wild card and for a team that hasn’t made the playoffs since Ichiro was a rookie, this 2015 team may just be the team prepared to take the step forward and break the draught. The team will obviously rely on what they spent the big money on, Robinson Cano. Canos’ power didn’t translate from Yankee stadium to Safeco, but he still was one of the most consistent hitters in the game. They have added Nelson Cruz and the 34 year old should be a full time DH. He had something to prove and a contract to earn in 2014 and he did it. The full time DH role should help his aging and while his power may not translate as well if he can find gaps in the outfield, then he can produce runs. Kyle Seager is coming off of a breakout year and will need to be the left-handed lineup protection behind the two vets. 21 of his 25 came off of right-handed hitters and he has problems to address against left-handed pitchers. The team does have Willie Bloomquist and brought in Richie Weeks and both can play third base but the may be needed for a larger role. Seth Smith, Dustin Ackley, and Brad Miller are also left handed hitters who may need a platoon. Miller is a defensive short stop and may have himself a position battle coming from right-handed Chris Taylor in AAA. Ackley and Smith are the corner outfielders and both Bloomquist and Weeks can play outfield as well as off-season signee Justin Ruggiano. With a busy outfield in the corners a stable centerfielder is what they hope they to have acquired last July in Austin Jackson. Austin Jackson is typically a sound all around player and can do the lead off work for the Mariners and can hold down the outfield. The team also has a platoon option at first base but both Logan Morrison and Jesus Montero come with their set of questions. Firstbase and the catcher position have the biggest question marks, but the two first baseman, and catcher Mike Zunio are all under 27, Zunio being the youngest at 23. Overall there is a lot to be excited about as the core is young and a veteran like Cruz could really round it out.
The pitching potential that the Mariners have may make the lineup look weak. Felix Hernandez who was lights out last season and really has been for his whole career will hold down this rotation. He is one of the five best pitchers in the MLB hands down and I don’t see it ending this season. The addition of Hisashi Iwakuma has proven to be a smart one for the Mariners as he can throw long innings and is never in line for a terrible start. They added a veteran in JA Happ who can eat more innings for this team, as the rest of the rotation is young prospects looking for their break out season. James Paxton and Taiwan Walker have the most 2015 upside to round out the rotation. Walker is only 22 but he has pretty good stuff and pitched for them in 2014 at times. Paxton was set for a 2014 breakout but injuries sidelined that. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if the 26 year old finished the season as the second punch to Felix Hernandez. Roenis Elias, Danny Hultzen and Erasmo Ramirez all are young and have potential to earn starts as well. With young names fighting for jobs, a spot in the bullpen will certainly be filled from one of the names above and that will add to a bullpen that already looks nice on paper. This team may have the pitching that it takes to compete this season.
What to Watch For?
The pitching rotation is too interesting not to note again. In mentioning Danny Hultzen it is that there is a possibility he adds to this rotation. Hultzen is a former top prospect and has been dominant at times. He had rotator cuff surgery in 2013 and hasn’t pitched in over a year. The team has said they don’t plan on him making a debut this season but his progression will very interesting as they ease him back into action. I don’t want to say the Mariners are lying, and I would expect a slow progression, but if it is August and he looks like he has it, who is to say he doesn’t get a call for a spot start or to come out of the pen in the playoffs. It would be a learning experience for him and although the Mariners have depth now you never know. That being said if the Mariners feel comfortable with Hultzen, and the core of Hernandez, Paxton, and Walker, I would expect that if any of the other pitchers produced value that they could be on the trade block. The team also has the depth in the lineup to add to a package that could get this team contending quickly.
Where Do They Rank?
The Mariners have the upside of a team to compete for years to come, but they have the super star that is win now mode. You can tell the Mariners are win-now mode with the tinkering of the depth and the big move on Nelson Cruz. I don’t doubt the Mariners and I think injuries aside they are the strongest candidate out of the AL West on paper. If the pitchers progress according to plan I have as the 1st in the division.
