With the 2012 season almost halfway old, I will take a stand on many issues and questions regarding the Seattle Mariners. Some I will answer briefly, while some I might give elaborate essay-type answers. Here are the questions that need answering:
Should the fences be moved in?
No. You don’t change your park to accommodate your players. You build your roster to accommodate your stadium. Otherwise we’d be bringing in and moving out the fences constantly. The Mariners just need to get some flyball pitchers and speedy outfielders (to cover the vast outfield), and some pop at the corner infield and DH spots to make up for the speedy outfielders’ lack of power.
What should the Mariners do with Ichiro?
Whatever they can. And what I mean by that is they must do as much as they can to demote him as possible. A lot of great players have gotten released towards the end of their careers. But that might be too much. Instead, the Mariners should bench him at least once a week and possibly move him down in the order, depending on how he’s hitting.
Should the Mariners trade Felix Hernandez?
Haha…
Should Eric Wedge be fired?
Again, no. I believe if guys are not producing, Eric will hold them accountable. He has already benched Figgins. Besides, firing Wedge would start the cycle all over again. I’m sorry, but you need to give your managers more than two years. If the Mariners seem to be lost next year, then Eric might be on the hot seat.
So, the Mariners are going to be sellers at the deadline… who should be traded?
The problem is, the only players on the Mariners that would fetch other players of real value are players the Mariners don’t want to trade—ever. Players like Felix, Ichiro, Seager, Montero, and even Ackley. However, here’s a small list of some, who I think the Mariners could live without: Vargas, Millwood, League, Figgins, Carp, and Olivo. But good luck getting much for those guys. If you can’t get a good deal, sometimes it’s best just to stay pat.
What can the Mariners do to hit better at home?
Currently, the Mariners are flirting near the Mendoza line—as a team—at home. On the road however, they are hitting quite well. If you were to just double their road production, the Mariners would be one of the best hitting teams in baseball. Law of averages says that they’ll sort of even out, but at halfway through the season the team averages for road and home games are still 50 points apart. There really isn’t much anyone can do. I know players feed off the fans, so we need to support them and cheer loudly when they get hits. Perhaps they aren’t getting enough home support.
Which Mariner will be the All-Star selection?
Toughest question. I am dead serious. No one is having an outstanding year on the Mariners, although some are playing decently, such as Seager, Saunders, Vargas, and Millwood. Ichiro missed last year’s game and will more than likely miss this year’s as well. Felix has been inconsistent, but has been dominant at times. No one knows Seager, who has not been dominant, so he won’t make it. The Mariners’ best bets are either Felix, Wilhelmsen (who has done well as closer) or Vargas.
