Mariners on the Road Again

The Seattle Mariners start a ten game road trip beginning with Cleveland this weekend then the Red Sox and the Yankees It should be tough trip however the Mariners have done well on the road so far has a record of 11-4 while being 7-11.

I would have to say if the Mariners can go at least 5-5 on this trip it will be a successful road trip. The Mariners will need to get back to scoring runs and not get blown out like they did in the last two games against the Rangers and again against the Cubs.

At least in the outfield, the defense will be better in centerfield with Braden Bishop out of the University of Washington takes over for Mallex Smith who went down to Tacoma.  At this point don't know how Bishop will hit. In his first two games, he didn't get a hit against the Cubs but he was facing pretty good pitching. Bishop is a right-handed hitter so not sure whether he will start against right-handers or not. The Mariners may have Jay Bruce in right field and Mitch Haniger moving over to center field until late in the game. 

Braden Bishop could be outfielder coming late into the game if he does find himself hitting well against lefties when he isn't starting. Much in the same manner, Guillermo Heredia did the last couple seasons. He could be the defensive replacement for Domingo Santana who has gotten off to rough start playing in left field.

Bishop will have to find his way to at least be able to hit against lefties to stick around, and the Mariners will need to trade either Edwin Encarnacion or Jay Bruce where one of them would start at first base. Encarnacion is hitting better than Bruce and he has shown he can play a decent first base though likely would go to a team that primarily needs a dh. Bruce sticks around then he would play first base and be available at dh and first base.

Kyle Seager is expected to go on a rehab assignment soon. He is feeling fine and ready to go. He isn't eligible to come off the injured list until May 25. At that point, the Mariners will need to make a decision to make a trade or send someone down. Ryon Healy who has played a lot of third base can move back over to first base or he may have to be the one to be sent down but he has been hitting the ball well so far with power. A lot for the Mariners to think about. Daniel Vogelbach is in the mix as well. He has done better than expected and the Mariners have to decide what his future is on the team too. He needs to be able to play every day including against lefties. Another reason to move Encarnacion and Bruce for prospects. 

In other local sports, the Seahawks start Friday mini-camp for drafted and non-drafted rookies alike. The mini-camp will last through Sunday. They will have to see who stays and who leaves. 

Next week the Seahawks will be looking at who to bring in as free agents as well beyond the rookies. This will mainly happen at the defensive end position though I am sure we could see a few other players as well to add depth.