in the middle of June until the all-star break.
It started with the sweep of the Tampa Bay
Rays. Having no one to take Yusei Kikuchi
spot on the all-star team from the Mariners
is a good motivation to begin the second half.
I am sure they have the series in Tampa circled
on the calendar at the beginning of August
followed by playing the Yankees as well.
The last several years the Mariners haven't
done well in the second half of the season.
The reason I mention the 14-7 record because
usually they haven't done well in June or July
going to the break. It is amazing the team has
a 48-43 record right now with the injuries they
have sustained in the first half along with obvious
flaws as well.
The Mariners are going with a five-man rotation
in the second half after using a six-man rotation
in the first half. We all know the opener hasn't
worked that is for sure. The healthy pitchers
right now are Yusei Kikuchi, Chris Flexen and
Logan Gilbert. If they stay healthy and do what
they have in the first half then the rotation will
be good there. Marco Gonzales didn't have a
good first half and spent some time on the injured
list. If he can get healthy and be close to how
he has pitched in other years will be an added
plus.
Right now it is hard to know who the fifth starter
will come out of the break. Will Justin Dunn be
ready to go or will they have to begin with an
opener instead. Justus Sheffield looks like he
will be out for some time for that reason going
with a five-man rotation. What the Mariners need
to do is go out and get a starting pitcher whether
by trade or the waiver wire. I would prefer the
trade route before the end of July when the trading
period comes.
The bullpen has done a good job over the course
of the season despite injuries and low expectations
on a few relievers. Rafael Montero who began the
season as the closer has been a disappointment. I
am sure we all wonder how much longer he will
be around if he doesn't correct things. Currently the
Mariners are using him in situations where they are
out of the game. I could see them releasing him in
the next few days.
Kendall Graveman has done a really good job now
being the closer. All he has to do is to continue what
he has done. Drew Steckenrider and Paul Sewald
have moved up to being the primary setup pitchers
to Graveman. They have shown they can close a
game when Graveman isn't able to and needs a day
off.
Right now the Mariners have ten pitchers in the
bullpen, however, when Dunn returns someone
will have to go. Just before the break Will Vest
who did a good job early on as the first pitcher
out of the bullpen was released. JT Chargois has
done a good job in that role for the Mariners
whether he has come in the fifth, sixth or seventh
inning.
Recently Eric Swanson came off the injured list.
Hopefully he can stay healthy because the Mariners
could use him as a long reliever. This is an area the
Mariners have had trouble in all season long. Also,
Hector Santiago can be used as a long reliever to.
We are still waiting on his case when it comes to
being caught for substance on his glove. We may
have the answer today or tomorrow.
Yohan Ramirez is another pitcher who should see
more action in the bullpen. Depending on how
long the starter has gone and what the score is
at the time along with the inning he could be
the first one coming out the bullpen though
he has pitched multiple innings it would be
good to see him go just one inning.
The Mariners are hoping to have Casey Sadler
back soon. Sadler has been out since the beginning
of May. He currently is doing a rehab assignment in
Everett. Sadler had a 1.64 era in 11 games before
going on the injured list. We could see him any
time soon as well. Sadler to can be used as the
first pitcher out of the bullpen as well.
We can't forget Keynan Middleton who the
Mariners signed as a free agent. With a little
time struggling himself he spent in Tacoma
before being recalled. Middleton started the
season as a setup man so along with Steckenrider
and Paul Sewald be a good tantum in the seventh
and eighth innings. He to can close as well.
The Mariners have Anthony Misiewicz from the
left side. He got off to a fantastic start of the
season then struggled for a time. His best role
is coming in at the end of the inning to face
a tough lefty or beginning of the inning to face
lefties as well but not going more then the
required three batters.
So the bullpen looks like the group that should
continue doing well in the second half. Tomorrow
we will look at the position players. Go M's.
No comments:
Post a Comment