Mariners Going to Kansas City

I got inspired for the title by the song by Fats Domino. In fact, I am listening to it right now. Someday I hope to go there and meet a pretty woman.

Ok let’s get onto the topic of the Mariners. They are on last road trip of the season, and on the second leg playing the Royals, and then finish off with the Angels in Anaheim. The Royals already have made the playoffs; however, the Angels who likely won’t make it the Mariners can put a soar note on their season.  If the Mariners can win two of three against both the Royals and Angels they will then be two games below five hundred.

All of Mariner fans can agree it has been a disappointing season to say the least; however, if they win the remaining series and go 81-81 at the very least we can have a little satisfaction. At the end of the season we could have something to look forward to next season.

The Mariners have had a pretty good season playing on the road being over five hundred; it would be really nice if they could have duplicated the same at home. In fact, they may have made the playoffs if they had. On another positive note since there is not many of them the Washington Nationals who many thought the Mariners might face in the World Series won’t make it either. Right now they are 78-71 so they will have a winning record it looks like; however, the Pittsburgh Pirates have 90 wins right now and the Chicago Cubs at 88 wins so they look to be the two wild cards in the National League.

The positive side of the Mariners is the success of Felix Hernandez, Nelson Cruz, and the resurgence of Franklin Gutierrez. Also, the second half season of Robinson Cano, and Kyle Seager. If the Mariners could have had a first half season for both Cano and Seager close to their second halves the Mariners have been the race. Of course, we can’t go with what it may have been. I am sure both of them will have better first halves next season. The Mariners will need to have some good productions out of both Cano and Seager. We can’t expect Cruz to have another season like 2015; however, if other players can make up for it the better.

Although he had his ups and downs the future of TaiJuan Walker looks very good. He could be the second starter to Felix. I would like the Mariners to go and get another starter whether Iwakuma resigns or not. The team needs depth since they can’t count on James Paxton. If he can come back next season, and have a good productive season the Mariners will be blessed with his presence but they can’t hope on him pitching enough innings.

I have mentioned it a few times and I am sure the Mariners brass including the new general manager look into getting another outfielder. I like the platoon on Seth Smith, and Franklin Gutierrez in either left or right field. The Mariners will need to go after either a centerfielder or a corner outfielder. Actually both would be nice; however, it would be difficult to get both. I like Brad Miller and Shawn O’Malley as utility players both infield and outfield. They would both be adequate in centerfield if they can’t trade or sign a free agent; however, they both would be better sharing the other outfield position opposite of Smith and Gutierrez. I like Marte playing shortstop and leading off with Miller giving him a day off once in a while. Having Marte, Miller or O’Malley in the lineup each game gives the Mariners the needed speed especially in Safeco Field.

I am sure all of us diehard Mariner fans will enjoy the rest of the season , and look forward to the changes during the off-season going to spring training. Go Mariners!