The 2017 Mariners just finished a series with the Tampa Bay Rays and not only swept them, but they pummeled them. The Mariners outscored the Rays 28-7 in the three game series. Despite how dominant the Mariners looked, they are still below .500 at 28-30. However, I believe this to be a team of destiny: a team that refuses to lose and will end a postseason drought.
The last time the Mariners had a playoff drought this long, it was to start their existence. Nineteen years it took to make the postseason, from their inception in 1977 to the magical year of 1995. I think this team has a big chance to compare well with that team of 1995. Here's what they have in common:
- Dominant left-hander to lead the pitching staff (1995: Johnson, 2017: Paxton)
- Sweet swinging left-handed hitter to hit 3rd with some pop (1995: Griffey, Jr., 2017: Cano)
- Arguably the game's best designated hitter (1995: Martinez, 2017: Cruz)
- A speedy outfielder that could steal a base at any time (1995: Coleman, 2017: Dyson)
- Infielder with a surprising amount of (clutch) power: (1995: Blowers, 2017: Motter)
The problem with the 2017 team is they haven't been able to get healthy. For a stretch in May 4 of the 5 projected starting pitchers were on the disabled list. Paxton has returned, with Felix next in line to return in a week, maybe two. Kuma and Smyly set to return near the All-Star break. Once this rotation is healthy, they will have an incredible amount of depth, thanks to guys like Christian Bergman, Sam Gaviglio, and Ariel Miranda getting experience.
There's no reason this team shouldn't go on a run. There is veteran leadership. Their is an influx of young talent. Let's not forget Mitch Haniger coming back fairly soon. Mike Zunino is finally tearing it up. They have a dynamic young closer that, when he has command, is virtually unhittable. A bullpen that is proving itself more and more, with guys like Pazos, Vincent, Zych, and Rzepczynski proving more than capable. There's speed in the outfield and veteran gold glove winners in the infield. What more do the Mariners need?
The key of course is staying healthy. Segura just went on the DL for the second time this year. But if the pitching staff can hold its own and the hitting can avoid any major slumps the rest of the year, this team has a real shot. The Astros are indeed going to be tough to catch. They currently stand at 41-16, best in the majors by FIVE GAMES. However, lest we not forget there is the AL Wild Card, and two spots up for grab there. The Mariners are only 2.5 games behind the 2nd wild card spot.
Yes, it's just the beginning of June and the Mariners are only 28-30, but what I've seen out of this club this season I haven't seen out of them since, well, 2001. Camaraderie. Emotion. Determination. A refuse to lose attitude. I hope to look back on this post come October and see that my gut feeling in June was right. This team just needs to beat teams, beat them soundly, and don't feel bad about it. You've missed the playoffs the last 15 seasons, it's your damn turn already. Mariners players, GET IT DONE. WHATEVER. IT. TAKES.
Well, the Mariners failed again to make the playoffs. They couldn't maintain any sort of winning streak or consistency all year. Perhaps if they upgrade their pitching they could make a run.
No comments:
Post a Comment