Slow start or a season long malaise?
The birds are singing, the sun is shining, and summer is approaching. Yet, the Seattle Mariners seem to be in prime spring training form. The Mariners have started the season at a very tepid 4-8. While it’s still early, it is concerning with the Mariners’ history of not making the playoffs, losing seasons, and general ability to squander what little good comes to the franchise. Moreover, the constant articles of trades and complaints about budgets from ownership and the front office mean the slightest of losing seasons could definitely lead to the Mariners throwing their hands up in the air and blowing it up before they even really get started.
Last week, we asked if the Mariners should be worried that the offense has been mostly absent to start the season. The Mariners stand at 4-8, dead last in the west. An uninspiring start to the season, to say the least. Moreover, the Mariners are 11-91 with runners in scoring position, so things are not looking good. Seems that most of you agree:
Kyle Thele
Something has got to change. The results do not match up with the talent on the roster. I think it’s too soon to say they’re cooked, but with how the season is going, who knows?
With the state of the offense, one has to wonder if the Mariners really do have what it takes to win the division. I wonder if they can, even with 82 games as predicted. But I’ve never been one to let early season struggles define a campaign, and I’m sure as hell not gonna start now. What do you all think? Are the Mariners capable of going far this year, or is this season a lost cause? Let us know in the survey and the comments below.
Despite all that, there are still things to be optimistic about this season. Jorge Polanco, in particular, has seemed to have turned a corner for the Mariners, much to everyone’s surprise:
Kyle Thele
Polanco has been crucial for the Mariners to start the year, and the hope is this isn’t just a flash in the pan. Polanco playing well consistently would be huge for the Mariners, a team that we all know has desperately needed several more quality hitters in the lineup.
Speaking of quality hitters, the Mariners will lose Victor Robles for at least the next two months. If they’re lucky, he’ll be back before the all-star break, but for the time being, his fill-in looks to be Dominic Canzone. Canzone originally came over in the Paul Sewald trade and has certainly had his moments for the Mariners but, for the most part, hasn’t done much of note. Although he has had a good start to the season in AAA, it begs the question: Do you think Canzone can fill in for Robles effectively? Let us know below and in the comments.
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