Mariners Analysis: M’s On Wrong Side of History in Win

I don’t need to consult the actual statistics, so I’m sorry if you want to see that. I want to speak from the heart.

The Mariners don’t hit well. Simply.

And they haven’t for a long time. I feel like it’s been since Ichiro in 2008 or something that I really felt confident in any Mariner to produce.

Again, I don’t need to look up the exact number of years that the M’s have ranked near the bottom of the American League in runs, batting average, and pretty much everything else that matters offensively. I just know it’s been far too long since I’ve felt like the Mariners were a capable offensive team.

I feel ya, Kyle (Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports).

Last night, the Mariners beat Corey Kluber, the same Kluber who inexplicably stole the Cy Young from Felix Hernandez last year. They did so scoring three runs. The Mariners have scored three runs — or less — in 13 straight games now. That’s a Mariners record for futility. You can read about it from Bob Dutton of the News Tribune here.

Last night, the Mariners beat Corey Kluber, the same Kluber who inexplicably stole the Cy Young from Felix Hernandez last year. They did so scoring three runs. The Mariners have scored three runs — or less — in 13 straight games now. That’s a Mariners record for futility.

Short term? It’s great the Mariners won. It’s great the Astros lost. The M’s are just seven games behind Houston in the AL West and that’s within striking distance. Certainly enough to keep us all interested through the summer.

Long term? The offense continues to be an issue. Earlier in the year, it was the Mariners pitching that was really lacking. Now, with the starting rotation doing it’s job, and the bullpen (save the 9th inning) doing it’s job, it’s time for the offense to produce something.

Felix, you were always OK. You’re always great (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports).

OK. I’ll finally break down and look: The Mariners are last in the AL in runs/game… They are also second to last in batting average.

I can’t even find the official stat but I KNOW the M’s have to be at the bottom of most high school leagues in batting average with runners in scoring position.

More from Mariners News

• 2023 Steamer Projections: Teoscar Hernandez could see a drop in Seattle
• Steamer Projections: Julio Rodriguez to enter rarified air in 2023
• What if the Mariners traded FOR Tyler O’Neill this time?
• Mariners starting pitching is being overlooked by MLB
• Baking the Cake: An Adjusted Mariners Offseason Plan

Like they have been for a while, the Mariners hit home runs, and seemingly only that. The Mariners don’t get on base often (.298, perfectly Jose Lopez-esque). They don’t steal bases (11th). They don’t create runs unless through the homer, and outside of Nelson Cruz, Mark Trumbo, Kyle Seager and Logan Morrison??? They don’t have any real longball threats. Mike Zunino, too. But I feel like every Mariners HR is a solo shot anyways, soooooo.

I want to see the Mariners have better approaches at the plate. I want to see them swing at early count fastballs. I want them to lay off breaking balls and sliders in the dirt in hitters counts. I want to see them be aggressive. I want to see them score.

More than three runs. Please.

And start tonight. Thanks.

More from SoDo Mojo

• 2023 Steamer Projections: Teoscar Hernandez could see a drop in Seattle
• Could the Mariners Acquire AL Batting Champion, Luis Arraez?
• Steamer Projections: Julio Rodriguez to enter rarified air in 2023
• What if the Mariners traded FOR Tyler O’Neill this time?
• Mariners starting pitching is being overlooked by MLB

Next: Mariners Draft Recap: Rounds 6-10?