Mariners Analysis: Let’s Be Honest With Each Other

Jul 7, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) and first baseman Albert Pujols (5) celebrate after the game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. The Angels won 10-2. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

After failing to capitalize on some relatively good offense and dropping two of three to the Tigers, the Mariners welcome the Angels to Safeco Field for a four-game set.

The Mariners are 9.0 back in the AL West and 7.0 back in the American League Wild Card chase. So, perhaps it’s just my pessimistic Mariners-fandom speaking, but let’s call a spade a spade and say what it is: This series is the Mariners season. If the M’s have any chance to compete after the all-star break, they need to gain some headway now.

Reasons For Mariners Optimism: 

1. The Mariners have been hitting. In the last three games against the Tigers, the Mariners scored five, six, and four runs, which signifies real growth for the team. Five runs a game? I could get used to that.

2. Speaking of hitting, Robinson Cano is heating up. He’s quietly up to .252 and is flashing some power again. He’s hit in four of his last five games and has multi-hit games in four of eight July contests. The M’s need him now more than ever.

3. Mark Trumbo is 5-9 over the last two games. Considering I didn’t think I’d ever see Mark Trumbo get a hit again, I take this as a good sign.

4. The Mariners send Felix Hernandez to the hill in Game 1. It’s a must-win when Felix pitches in a game like this. The M’s need to hit for him. If you send your best in Game 1, you can set the tone for a series.

5. The M’s also send Mike Montgomery and Taijuan Walker to the hill in this series. Hisashi Iwakuma is the fourth starter, and has the potential to help keep the M’s in a game.

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• What if the Mariners traded FOR Tyler O’Neill this time?
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Reasons For Mariners Pessimism:

1. The Angels are playing really well. Like, really well. The Halos have won nine of their last 10 and are now just 1.5 games behind the Astros in the AL West chase. They’ve also won five straight games. I don’t see them all of a sudden getting swept.

2. The Mariners are 3-6 against the Angels just season. That’s just how it goes.

3. Mike Trout. Albert Pujols.

4. Garrett Richards pitches tonight for the Angels. He’s super-tough on the M’s, and he’ll make Felix Day a tough one.

Go M’s!

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

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