Defense and Base Paths

 

There were two areas that the Mariners were not good at last year except in a few positions and that was the defense. Also again last year they were terrible at times on the base paths as well. It was that way the last couple years before that to.

Last week when the pitchers reported one of the first things they did was working on taking a grounder on the pitching mound and throwing it first base.

Now that the regular players are in camp this week they will be working on running the bases. Though they do have more speed this year it is important to be smart when to run the bases whether it is to steal a base or go from first to third or second to home. Even a little improvement could lead the Mariners to additional win or two.

This can be said for the defense as well.  Robinson Cano had another stellar season last year at second base and I expect that will continue this upcoming season. Kyle Seager made some excellent plays however his defense seemed to be a little off at times last year. I know that he is proud of his defense so I expect that he will be back to where he was a couple years ago. Ketel Marte had an off year at shortstop especially coming off the disabled list a couple times. Now that Jean Segura is the regular shortstop this will improve the infield defense. This could improve the wins for the Mariners for another couple. At first base this is a question mark concerning defense. They say that Daniel Vogelbach looks more agile than he did when he was called up in September. The Mariners should be fine there as long as he and Valencia can match or surpass the defense of Dae-Ho Lee and Adam Lind last season. There is a good possibility whoever wins the utility position for the Mariners will spend some time especially late in games at first base too. This is especially true when Vogelbach starts and could be lifted for a pinch runner late in games.

Leonys Martin played a solid center field last year and I expect that he will do the same again this year. It looks though when he does needs rest or goes on the disable list for a short period like last year the Mariners will be much better position defensively as a replaced. Most likely newcomer veteran Jerrod Dyson will play some in center field as well. This is what makes the Mariners defense in the outfield better is that any of the guys in the outfield can play center field as well. They have all had experience out there. The only outfielder who won’t play centerfield for sure is Nelson Cruz. When Cruz is not at designated hitter he will be in right field. I don’t expect out there much especially in Safeco Field. Of course a lot will depend how healthy he can stay.

It will be nice to see that both left and right field will be played by guys that will be better than those last year. It will be nice to see the pitchers not having to throw extra pitches in some innings. The difference in defense should allow the starters to go a little bit further in the game.

It should be exciting to see the playing of the defense in the outfield this coming season along with running the bases. It would be great to see more hit and runs along with more stealing of bases. Dyson and Segura stole more bases than the whole Mariners team did last year. Also when Leonys Martin arrived in camp on Wednesday he said that he is looking to do more stealing and running the bases than hitting home runs. He feels that is the most important part of his game on the offensive side. He is looking to elevate his batting average well as his on base percentage. If he can raise that ten points on each that would help the Mariners out. 

This coming Saturday on February 25^th is when the spring training games begins. Look forward to seeing the action of the new guys along with the return players. Go M’s.