Los Angeles Dodgers which the
Mariners needed to win at least
one game turned out to be a sweep
and a disaster. In fact they should
have won at least one game.
The Mariners had their best month
ever in August by winning 21 games.
Right time to continue on in the
playoff race in September they are
5-11. It isn't over yet however they
do need to get back to success of
August.
Probably the Mariners biggest Achilles
Heel is scoring with the bases loaded.
They lost Saturday when they loaded
the bases in the bottom of the ninth.
The game was zero to zero and only
needed one run to win however didn't
score. The 10th inning they could only score one run after the Dodgers scored
one. In the eleventh inning the Dodgers
scored five runs to make it hard on
the Mariners to win. They only ended
up scoring one run.
On Sunday the Dodgers scored one run
in the first inning followed by three in
the second. The Mariners were able
able to get one run after loading the
bases with JP Crawford driving in
Eugenio Suarez. Julio who didn't
have a hit on the day could have
caused more damage but wasn't
able too. Even if the Mariners couldn't
have tied the game at 4-4 it would have
been more interesting still with at least
one more or two runs.
The Dodgers were able to add another
run in the fourth and eighth innings.
Final 6-2. Though the pitching hasn't
been what it has been a lot still hangs
on the offense especially when the
bases are loaded. Whatever happens
further the Mariners will need to
make changes to the lineup and how
it is used.
First thing they need to strengthen
the bench. If they want to continue
platooning and pinch hitting for that
matter they will need a better bench.
Personally I have mentioned on
several occasions they need to stop
pinch hitting for the most part. It
hasn't had much success.
I hope the Mariners will be able to
resign Teoscar Hernandez to a new
deal. In fact to put us to ease let's
do it over the next ten days. If the
M's are not able to resign Hernandez
or don't want to they will need to go
out and get another right handed bat.
The Mariners have Jarred Kelenic and
Dominic Canzone who both bat left
handed then there is Cade Marlowe
is as well.
Even resigning Hernandez getting
another right handed bat would be
nice. Dylan Moore though he can
play the outfield he still shows he
lacks in the hitting department.
The same goes for Sam Haggerty.
Jose Caballero hasn't hit as well
in the second half however his
season has shown him as a good
possibility to platoon at second
base if Josh Rojas is the right
choice to start against righties.
Ryan Bliss a prospect they picked
up in the Sewald trade has batted .251
with eight home runs bats right handed
could platoon at second base as well.
Bliss is 23 so he could play regularly
and not start against a very good right
hander.
Mike Ford has done an OK job as dh after
most of the first half was dismall. The
chances are the Mariners will go another
direction. Canzone could dh at times
next year especially if Hernandez returns. Of course Hernandez could dh some like
he did this year.
It may not mean Ty France won't be on
the team however the Mariners could
upgrade at first base. Canzone could
play some first base but I wouldn't call
that as part of an upgrade. It certainly
be interesting to see where the Mariners
will go to improve their weaknesses.
Go M's.
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