The 2014 season is officially underway and the Seattle Mariners are off to a hot start as they are 5-3 and only a half-game out of first heading into a three-game series with the division leading Oakland A's. There’s no doubting the Mariners are an improved team, but are they true contenders in the strong AL West?
The Mariners have been known for their pitching success due to the King Felix Hernandez who is one of the most elite pitchers in baseball. Last season Hisashi Iwakuma also provided the M’s with phenomenal starts and hope for the future.
Unfortunately he’s currently on the disabled list after spraining the tendon on his middle finger of his throwing hand before spring training. The lefty was unable to even grip a baseball until late March. There’s no known return date for Iwakuma, but when he joins the rotation, the M’s pitching staff will improve.
Seattle also received some disappointing news on Wednesday afternoon as they placed James Paxton on the 15-day DL with strained muscle behind his left shoulder. Paxton was 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA after his two starts this season. It’s unknown when he’ll be able to start throwing, but he’ll be missed in the rotation.
When it comes to hitting, the M’s have added some key players who are capable of delivering a big hit, something they’ve lacked in the recent past.
Most importantly is the addition of superstar second baseman Robinson Cano. He’s one of the most well known names in baseball for a reason, and so far he hasn’t disappointed in a Mariners uni. He’s batting .300 with two RBI thus far and with him batting in front of Justin Smoak the power hitter is able to get some better pitches which works out for both of them.
Smoak is swinging a hot bat, hitting .300 with two homeruns and nine RBI’s while the season is still young.
When you look at the rest of the Mariners typical lineup, there are no numbers that stand out. Cano and Smoak are clearly the big hitters on the roster. Granted it is only April and the season just started, but those two provide the most pop in the lineup.
The Mariners haven’t had a winning record since 2009 mostly because they’ve struggled with both hitting and pitching. This year they’ve made improvements in both areas and the team will show improvement, but won’t be making the postseason.
A winning record isn’t out of the question for Seattle, and the Mariners will play spoiler for many teams in the American League. They shouldn’t be taken lightly, but they aren’t quite there to contend for the division. And the injuries don’t help their case this season, either.