Dependable Jarrod Dyson

Going into Wednesday night’s game the Seattle Mariners were looking to sweep the Rangers in Texas however the pitching of Ariel Miranda did the Mariners in. Actually it was him giving up three home runs to the Rangers that cost the Mariners the game. In his post-game press conference manager Scott Servais mentioned the three home runs and specifically that the Mariner pitchers are leading the majors in giving up home runs which doesn’t surprise me either. In fact if you took the home runs away the Mariners era would be lower and the Mariners likely be leading the wild card.

On Wednesday night Jarrod Dyson had another outstanding throw for an assist getting former Mariner Sin Soo Choo at second base. It was his tenth assist on the season. Also Leonys Martin threw out Andrus at third base. Second day in a row that a Ranger was thrown out at third base since Dyson did so from center field.

Thursday night the Mariners will start a four-game series in Kansas City against the Royals. This will be an important series considering the wild card race. I am sure that Dyson will show off his skills to the crowd in Kansas City to let them know he still has it and is dependable. He was very popular in Kansas City so I am sure the fans will give him a loud applause. The Mariners will be facing right handed pitcher Trevor Cahill so Dyson should be in the lineup and playing center field. Ben Gamel who had the day off should be in left field and Leonys Martin in right field.

The outstanding outfield the Mariners has besides Dyson in Gamel, Martin, Haniger and Heredia they may not resign him during the off-season. The way he has been playing though someone should give him a nice contract. I am sure there is a team that will be looking for an outfielder whether centerfield or one of the other two spots. The Royals look like a team though they may get in the playoffs will be looking to rebuild next season. Dyson could be good veteran leadership to help them out so he could return next season.

Having four solid outfielders who can play every day the Mariners could trade any of them to help pick up a starting pitcher.  Outside of Paxton and we are never sure about his health the Mariners will need to get another top starter. At this point we are not sure how Felix will do either. I have heard of fans wanting to trade Felix but that likely won’t happen because of his salary. Another team would only take Felix if they think he could get close to his old self and I am sure the Mariners are hoping for that too. The Mariners would have to eat some of his contract as well and what he has done for the team it will likely won’t happen.

The loss of Iwakuma for most of the season and not seeing that he will return the Mariners may look to fill his spot. The only way he would return if he takes a lower salary with incentives. Regardless the Mariners will need to get a number two or three starter. They may go with one of their younger starters as four and five. Erasmo Ramirez who the Mariners reacquired last week could end up being the fourth or fifth starter or be used in the bullpen and the same could be said of David Phelps. They both may be effective in the bullpen. This is especially true of Phelps. Right now he is good pitching in the seventh or eighth inning. A lot depends how much Nick Vincent is being used since he has done an outstanding job pitching in the eighth. Edwin Diaz who was named AL reliever of the month for July will stay in that spot. Can’t forget that James Paxton was AL pitcher of the month for July; good for both of them. The Mariners will need both to have the same for August to for them to have any chance to get into the playoffs. Go M’s.