half with a record of 48-43. We usually
look at the first half during the all-star
break.
Having a record with five more wins
then losses is better then we expected
even with all the injuries. The Mariners
have had more then 51 players on the
roster during the first half.
We should say Yusei Kikuchi should be
the biggest surprise for the starting pitchers.
He made the all-star team and is considered
the ace of the team right now. Though he
is at the all-star game representing the
Mariners it doesn't look like he is going
to play. As far as healthy pitchers who have
played all season Chris Flexen has done
a good start at 8-.3. Actually he has two
more wins then Kikuchi.
All the injuries especially to the starting
rotation began when James Paxton went
down in his first start. Marco Gonzales
who was considered the Mariners top
pitcher went down late in April and hasn't
been the same. Marco has a record of
1-5 with an era of 5.88. Besides the loss
of Paxton we could say Marco has been
the biggest disappointment. Of course,
then there is Justus Sheffield who hadn't
been good at all during the first half of
the season. He had a record of 5-8 with
in era of 6.48. Right before the all-star
break went out on the injured list and
won't be back for some time according
to manager Scott Servais. Could you
see where the Mariners would be if
Sheffield and Gonzales records were
reversed in the first half.
The Mariners have been out with Justin
Dunn for several weeks as well. He
was doing well in the first half before the
injured list. Probably number three behind
Kikuchi and Flexen. Of course, there is
rookie Logan Gilbert who has done a
fine job as well in his own right. In his
last outing Gilbert pitched a one hitter.
We hope for better things in the second
half. The Mariners are now going with a
five-man rotation which is a good thing
with the health of the group. I am sure
Dipoto will be looking to bring in another
starter.
What has helped the pitching and wins for
that matter has been the bullpen. There has
been disappoints well as injuries that has
made it hard on the relievers but for the
most part have to give them an A or at
least a B+. The biggest disappoint has
been Rafael Montero who began as a
closer then being ruffed up is now in
the state of being used to get his act
as you may call it to get back to being
where he was.
Currently Kendall Graveman is the
closer with Drew Steckenrider and
Paul Sewald as the setup men and
on occasion saving games. Beginning
of the season Steckenrider came in
during the sixth inning or sometimes
earlier. Paul Sewald wasn't even on the
team.
Keynan Middleton who the Mariners
signed as a free agent has had a good
season for the most part though he
was sent down to Tacoma for a brief
moment. He saved some games as
well. Now we will see him on occasion
later in the games depending on the use
of Steckenrider and Sewald which is
a good thing.
Kendall Graveman who started the season
as a setup man along with Middleton is
now the Mariners closer. Graveman has
eight saves on the season with outstanding
era of .95. He to spent some time on the
injured list as well. Right at the all-star
break Will Vest was designated on
assignment. He had a good April but
after returning from the injured list he
hasn't been the same. He often was the
first pitcher out of the bullpen. Now
JT Chargois has that role. He has done
outstanding job though I get a bit scared
when he comes in. I am not sure why since
he has done a fine job.
Right now looking at the bullpen the
Mariners still look good going into the
second half. Of course, we never know
how things will go but I am hopeful.
Position players there is no doubt JP
Crawford had the best first half followed
by Mitch Haniger and Jake Fraley.
Haniger was the best player in April
however Crawford has done well ever
since. You have to say the offense goes
through Crawford. Also, Crawford is
having another outstanding season in
the field. Haniger has been inconsistent
at the plate since May though he does
have 20 home runs and got hot right
at the all-star break.
Fraley began the season on the injured
list however since arriving on the scene
he has done a good job getting on base
primarily with walks and hitting timely
home runs. We can't forget Ty France
in the group as well. He had a good
April then when he got hit he wasn't
the same and then had to go on the
injured list. He has played well at
first base with the absence of Evan
White who went on the injured list
as well. At this point White may be
out the rest of the season.
Kyle Seager has had an ok season
being second in home runs and rbi's
to Haniger. His batting average has
been in the low 200s though his
fielding good as usual. Seager missed
out at the end of the first half so not
sure how healthy he will be when the
second half begins.
Other loss is missing Kyle Lewis for
most of the first half. He may return
in August so will help in the second half.
The bottom of the batting order hasn't
been good though they have had their
moments winning games. Currently the
Mariners have two outfielders in Mitch
Haniger and Jake Fraley so they have
used other players like Shed Long Jr
and Jake Bauers in the outfield. Taylor
Trammell who has had his moments at
the plate and done quite well in the
outfield was demoted to triple-A Tacoma.
So Fraley for the most part is the center
fielder. When the second half begins we
may see Jarred Kelenic return for the
second time. We hope for the rest of
the season with better results.
Dylan Moore has played solid defense
at second base but his hitting for the
most part hasn't. He will still play
second depending the health of Seager
coming out of the break. His best role
is as a utility player it seems. It would
be nice if the Mariners could pick up
a second baseman before the trading
deadline but they do have other priorities.
Later today we will look at the draft picks
eleven through twenty. Tomorrow we
will look to at what the second half may
look like. May look at more of the teams
prospects or go on that on Thursday. Go
M's.
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