Some Mariners Thoughts

With the shortened season thanks to COVID-19, I didn't really make a MLB or Mariners prediction post.  Actually, I did, but I deleted it after realizing the playoff format had changed, plus the MLB season was in jeopardy at that point.  

But with the season a few weeks underway, I'd like to share my thoughts about the Mariners and some players.  I'll talk about certain positions as a whole (like the bullpen) and certain individual players (most hitters).

Austin Nola - He's been... ok?  His defense has been about average for a catcher, which is about as good as you could hope for given he's barely caught in the major leagues.  His offense has been up and down, but he looks like he knows what he's doing.  I'd like to see him get some action at other positions just to keep his versatility.  

Evan White - The bat is definitely a concern.  He strikes out way too much.  But, if he learns from his mistake and our hitting coach works with him well enough, Evan can turn it around.  We wouldn't have drafted him as high as we did if he couldn't hit.  Fortunately, his defense has been outstanding, and he should (already) be in the running for a Gold Glove at first base.

Shed Long - The only way I can describe Shed's play is that it seems like the stage is too big for him.  Even without any fans, he seems to struggle under the big lights.  He hits worse in "clutch" situations, and I've seen him mishandle many routine groundballs and fielding attempts.  He's got the potential to be better for sure, but he needs to get some confidence and get rid of the jitters and just play.  

J.P. Crawford - One of the most likable M's position players.  His defense at times is so fun to watch.  His hitting is a bit inconsistent, but he's done pretty well since he was moved to the leadoff spot.  He's one of the few young position players I really have no concerns about for his future.  He doesn't have much power, but that wasn't expected when we got him.

Kyle Seager - The veteran.  And he has been as good as he possibly could be to start 2020.  I think the M's will hold onto him for a few more years.  He's one of the faces of the franchise right now.  Might as well hold onto him when we try to make a playoff run in a year or two, so long as his play stays at relatively the same level.

Kyle Lewis - There were some "experts" predicting he would struggle to start 2020, but they were clearly wrong.  This kid knows how to play.  He picked up right where he left off in 2019, and he's done so well that if he keeps this up, he will be one of the front-runners for Rookie of the Year.  

Mallex Smith - Just give up on him.  His only asset is his speed, which doesn't matter if he never gets on base.  He hit close to .300 in Tampa Bay, and let's face it, he will not do that in Seattle.  No way.  He is done.  He's lucky that Jake Fraley isn't with the team, but I think it's time to make that switch.

Dylan Moore - He's looked great to his even later start to 2020.  Dylan is just a gamer, and it's fun to see a player that is fast, plays hard, and can play many different positions.  I am A-OK with using him as a utility guy for the foreseeable future.  

Daniel Vogelbach - My god this guy is useless.  He can't hit, he can't field, and he can't run.  His bat has struggled since over a year ago.  He had a few hot months in the early part of 2019, but ever since then he's looked lost.  He generally with either ground out to 2nd base or strikeout.  He does take a lot of walks and has a good eye, but if he can't make more solid contact, he will never be a solid contributor for any MLB team.  

The rotation - Most have looked really solid, especially as of late.  Marco has definitely looked the best.  Taijuan has been decent.  I have a few concerns for our youngsters Sheffield and Dunn.  Graveman looked good at some times before he went on the IL.  Yusei has looked pretty solid as well.

The bullpen - One of the major weak points of the team.  Thank goodness Bryan Shaw was sent down.  I like Carl Edwards Jr. and Matt Magill, but few others.  I think we have some bullpen pieces at a lot of levels, and the bad ones we'll let go and the good ones will stick around.  The bullpen has nowhere to go but up. 

Overall - It's about what I expected.  The M's have looked between awful and halfway decent.  The hitting has as a whole been average, while the pitching has been one of the worst in baseball.  If the pitching can slowly come around, this team will string together some wins.  Especially if they get rid some hitters that are dragging the offense down (Mallex, Vogelbach, get Tom Murphy back).