Seattle Mariners: Fantasy Baseball Supreme Court

Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports

After a hot fantasy baseball start to the season, the Seattle Mariners simmered back into ‘mediocre land’ for their second week of baseball.   Returning home to Safeco Field didn’t seem to keep the momentum, as the Mariners ended up winning only two games and dropping three to division rivals LA Angels and Oakland Athletics. The record may not show it, but there were some standouts that improved your fantasy squad this week. Let’s take a look at those performances.

Friday Night Lights took on new meaning for the Mariners this week as it was the first home start for Felix Hernandez.  Safeco Field was dressed in yellow when the fans stuffed it on The King’s Supreme Court Day.  Felix was absolutely lights out finishing the day taking a shutout into the 8^th inning, striking out 11 batters, and getting the big win for the home crowd. Exiting to the song ‘The Man’ seemed quite fitting for The King, as the fans gave him the proper send off waiving their ‘K’ cards in the air.

Felix Hernandez has become the first Mariner to win three games in the first nine games of the season. His fantasy start so far has him 3-0 with a 2.11 ERA, 30 Ks, only 2 walks and an astonishing 0.75 WHIP. This week Felix Hernandez will be taking on the Texas Rangers. Fantasy owners can feel confident keeping their ace in the lineup. Disposing of the battered and bruised Rangers lineup will not be a problem.

WEEKLY FANTASY PROJECTION: FELIX HERNANDEZ

7  IP, 1 W, 9 K, 1.00 ERA and 1.00 WHIP

Robinson Cano was ranked the number one second baseman in fantasy baseball to start the year. He may not have his first home run of the season yet, but Cano’s batting average and timely hits have become the much needed support the Mariners have needed for a long time. He leads all starters on the team in batting average (.316), walks (6), and on base percentage (.409). You can guarantee opposing starters will continue to pitch around Cano until his teammates prove they can drive him in.

Fantasy owners shouldn’t be too worried about the lack of HRs and RBIs from Cano thus far. It is only two weeks into the season with 152 more games to play. Don’t be that guy that benches your first round pick this early in the year, and misses out on his break out day/week (see Ryan Braun owners). Cano is the epitome of consistency and will always keep your Batting Average, Runs, HRs, and RBIs in the leader group for the second base position.

WEEKLY FANTASY PROJECTION: ROBINSON CANO

.300 BA, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 3 RUNS, 0 SB

Our fantasy sleeper pick this week comes from the outstanding start to the season by shortstop Brad Miller.  Ever since beating out Nick Franklin for the starting shortstop role, Miller has been absolutely brilliant.  Batting in the number two spot in front of Cano in the lineup has allowed Miller to enjoy great pitches all season resulting in 6 RBI, 6 Runs, and leading the team with 3 HR.  Yes, I said Brad Miller is leading the Seattle Mariners in home runs. He is currently the 10^th ranked shortstop in fantasy baseball, and his high upside leaves room for even more improvement. Miller is worth a fantasy add this early in the season, and maybe even plug him in as your starter during his hot streak.

SLEEPER PICK WEEKLY PROJECTION: BRAD MILLER

.250 BA, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 4 RUNS, 1 SB

The Mariners had a great start to the season playing hot on the road, but they need to show their home crowd they can continue to win on their home turf. The Mariners are back on the road this week playing in a very offensive friendly Texas ballpark, and young Florida Marlins lineup. Keep the Mariners in your fantasy baseball lineups this week and enjoy the stress free matchups.