5 Mariners that Need to Step Up in the 2nd Half

Jul 9, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners first baseman Logan Morrison (20) celebrates with second baseman Robinson Cano (22) after defeating the Los Angeles Angels 7-1 at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

It is hard to dispute the notion that the first half of this season has been a colossal disappointment for the Seattle Mariners. Many baseball pundits had the Mariners winning the American League West, and more than a few had Seattle taking the World Series. Unfortunately, the M’s have failed to meet expectations thus.

Through the first 89 games of the 2015 season, the Mariners are 7 games under .500 at 41-48. Despite the ugly win-loss record, Seattle still has an outside chance of making the postseason for the first time since 2001. The M’s are 7.5 games back of the AL West leading Los Angeles Angels, and sit 7 games out in the wildcard race. MLB.com paints a bleak picture, as they give Mariners just an 8.2% chance of making the playoffs. However, I don’t put much stock in their projections.

With the trade deadline looming, Jack Zduriencik is sure to tinker with his roster. There are a number of players available via trade who help catapult the M’s into contention, but today we will take a look at 5 players currently on the roster who have to step up in the second half of the season.

I will get the most obvious name out of the way first, and star the slideshow by discussing Robinson Cano.

Next: Robinson Cano