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Seattle Mariners Friday: Top 5 at 5
Apr 19, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman
Robinson Cano(22) looks on during batting practice before a game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
1. To Hit, Or Not To Hit?
In honor of Shakespeare’s 400th birthday, that seems to be the question for the 2014 Seattle Mariners.
Last season the team triple-slash was .237/.306/.390, good enough for 15th (out of fifteen teams) in the American League. This season? They’re moving up in the world! with a .222/.277/.359 triple-slash good enough for 14th in the AL ahead of only the lowly Houston Astros. Chone Figgins‘ career triple-slash is .277/.349/.364. Not that they make a fair comparison. But I enjoy talking about Figgins about as much as I enjoy watching the Mariners offense this season.
And here are some other fun numbers: the Mariners are fifth highest in the AL in strikeouts (185), while being last in walks at 51. Oh, and with all the speed and aggression they showed in the spring, the Mariners have only 5 stolen bases– fewest in the AL– and have been caught stealing 6 times.
The Mariners are going up against a Rangers team that just swept the Oakland Athletics. Woof. But, if any team has as many injuries to starting pitchers as the Mariners, it’s the Rangers.
So maybe the M’s can be competitive this series. Look to maybe walk a bit more? Strike out a bit less? And just generally but the ball in play. Even a .250/.325/.375 team triple-slash for the weekend would be a major improvement.