Mariners Take Third Loss In a Row

Right when you think a team is improving but then they lose three games in a row you realize that they are still not very good. The Mariners are that kind of team right now. They are going to have their ups and down the rest of the way. We just hope the ups will be more than their downs.

The positive up Yusei Kikuchi pitched a solid game going seven innings giving up three runs with two being earned. Something we have heard over and over again. It isn’t just the errors that have taken place but other balls the players haven’t gotten to either.

I really question the use of the shift is the best thing for the Mariners.  I think it should be used only against certain batters and the situation going on at the time. I don’t like it when they put the shift on with a runner on base with two outs especially.

I know that Dipoto and Servais are into analytics they can be used too much as well. Since this is a team that is retooling would it make more sense to play the old standard way of defense most of the time. At least this is my opinion anyway. There can be certain players you can put the shift on but not everyone. It is hard to tell what percentage of the time they actually do shift. I just see players that are not getting to certain balls going through the infield that turn into hits. Whether has to do with shift or not I am not sure.

Again the Mariners lost the game in the ninth inning this time with Dan Altavilla giving up two runs making the final score 5-2. He had pitched well in his last couple outings before this game. He walked a couple of batters well as giving up a couple hits.

I wonder to the judgment of the coaching staff when putting in certain pitchers late in games when the Mariners have an opportunity to win. Since they are retooling as they call it the likelihood is they are looking to find out who can and those who can’t do.

One thing we do know is the coaching staff and Jerry Dipoto are trying to find out who will be around next season so the pitchers especially the relievers are in audition. I would be surprised if no more than four will be back next season. With the trading deadline coming up in the next few weeks we probably see the end of a few players as well.

Those who will be gone in August we thank you for being here and best wishes. Marco Gonzales turn to take the mound on Saturday against the Oakland A’s. Go M’s.