R.I.P. 2008 Seattle Mariners

What’s wrong with the mariners?

The Mariners are now 13-19 and tied with the Texas Rangers for the worst record in the American League. Almost every so-called baseball “expert” had the Mariners pegged at least a 2^nd place finish, or competing with the Angels for 1^st place. Shoot, Mike and Mike even had the M’s in the World Series. THIS STINKS! Is the season still too early? My answer is yes. However, if something isn’t fixed, or if players don’t start playing to at least their average expectations, the Mariners won’t be going anywhere. I’m starting to think we’re worst than last year. Maybe those PECOTA projections have some meaning to them after all.

Erratic Offense

-Kenji Johjima was recently in a 0-20 slump on the road. And he broke it 2 games ago with an infield single. So theoretically, Kenji is still in a slump. He is sitting with a .190 average (sounds like Richie Sexson last year). The more Kenji falters at the plate, the more I hate Bill Bavasi for his stupid decisions in the front office. What is the point of signing a veteran catcher whose production is falling when you have one of the best catcher prospects in the Major Leagues? I have confidence Kenji will turn it around, and maybe some home games will solve some problems for him.

-Currently the Mariners have only one player hitting over .300, Raul Ibanez. Nope, Ichiro isn’t even batting .300. I think Ichiro will get it going for sure; he’ll without a doubt get his 200 hits. The key to this lineup is having Lopez and Ichiro hitting above .300, because if they can get on base, Sexson, Beltre, and Ibanez all will have chances to drive them in.

Bullpen (What’s wrong with Putz?)

Putz is having some command issues. Some serious ones. Although, I think that “command issues” is an excuse for hitters being able to finally figure JJ Putz out. I believe the key to his success will be sticking with his firepower (fastball and split finger) and mixing those in and being fearless. I think his command issues can be attributed to his fear of someone getting a hit off him. He needs to realize that he won’t strike some one out every single time. Some advice for JJ: give your defense a chance (although after that Yankees game, I wouldn’t) and trust them.

Strength: Starting Pitching

Felix Hernandez- Great, run support needed

Erik Bedard- Awesome, run support needed

Carlos Silva- He is human after seeing that Yankees game, however he is an inning-eating monster, and he’s been saving the bullpen from further distraught

Miguel Batista- As long as you only give up 3 runs, you keep this team in it, unless of course your offense is the Mariners

Jarrod Washburn-See above, however you are indeed washed-up

At least our Manager Cares

I was glad to hear the news of McLaren getting angry at his team. Or maybe his players should be getting angry at him, instead? No. It’s the player’s faults right now; hopefully he lit a fire under them to make them realize that their errors, poor hitting, and poor pitching will not get them anywhere. I commend McLaren for taking responsibility for his team’s current performance, but he has no control of the out-of-character JJ Putz, the slumping Kenji, or the poor defense through and through.

And I didn’t even get to our bad defense or the rest of our bullpen…..

If some of these issues are addressed I think the Mariners will still be able to contend for the AL West crown. If you’re a Mariners fan, don’t give up hope yet, but don’t go out saying we’ll go to the World Series.