Seattle Mariners Friday: Top 5 at 5

Feb 23, 2014; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher

(18) stretches during camp at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

It’s another Friday and our second installment of Top 5 @ 5 is here at Sodo Mojo.

The Mariners are hosting the red-hot Texas Rangers for a 3-game series this weekend, with lots of in-game things to watch for. And lots of peripheral activity that could go a long way in defining the rest of the season for this squad that’s struggling early.

Let’s jump in.

Apr 19, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman

(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.

Feb 20, 2014; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners outfielder

(16) poses for a picture during photo day at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

2. Is Cole Gillespie the RH outfield bat the M’s need?

In a flurry of moves the last few days Erasmo Ramirez and Nick Franklin were sent down to the Minor Leagues.

With those moves, Cole Gillespie was called up from Triple-A Tacoma to play in this weekends series against the Rangers.

In 16 games for Tacoma Gillespie was batting .362/.456/.741 with 5 home runs, 5 doubles, 1 triple, and 14 RBI.

Gillespie will likely play right field, where he has more defensive experience and skill than Nick Franklin. And if his bat translates to Major League pitching, he will replace a position that has provided a .247/.298/.390 line thus far in the season.

It’s a lot to ask him to be the missing cog in a team that is already falling apart with so many holes in the lineup.

But he could prove to be a bright spot early in the season, and provide more right-handed stability in the lineup.

Sep 18, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Seattle Mariners pitching coach

(48) talks to starting pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma (18) against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

3. Kuma’s (Final) Rehab Stint

Hisashi Iwakuma, the Prince to Felix Hernandez‘s King, is set to start on Sunday for the Rainiers. If all goes well– my fingers have been crossed since March– he could be with the team, pitching his first Major League game of the season in New York against the Yankees on Friday.

After injuring the middle finger on his throwing hand in January, Iwakuma has been coming along slowly as the finger healed.

But now that he has thrown with tennis balls, had bullpen sessions, and thrown simulated games, it’s time for the rehab start.

And after the rehab, hopefully a start for a team so desperately in need of his pitching prowess.

Keep an eye on the Rainiers stat tracker on Sunday. If Iwakuma gets through the game without any major hiccups or injury setbacks, he should be back in a Mariners uniform before the end of next week.

Apr 16, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Mariners manager

(23) pulls starting pitcher Felix Hernandez (34) during the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Rangers defeated the Mariners 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

5. A Series Victory

It’s hard to see a team start out so hot then fizzle so quickly in a matter of three and a half short weeks.

Sitting at 8-13 the season is not yet lost. With a series victory against the Rangers the M’s would be 10-14. A strong following week and the M’s could be back at .500.

All offseason experts and casual fans flirted with the idea of the Mariners making the playoffs. That is still a distinct possibility despite the abysmal 8-game losing streak.

This team needs to stay around .500 for as long as possible. Then, when the cavalry (starting pitching) has arrived, have a couple of solid weeks in August and be in position to fight for a wild-card birth.

That sort of season needs to start this weekend with at least two wins over the division leading Rangers. Losing this series would push the Mariners at least 6 games back of the division lead. And moreover, it would cripple the already bruised confidence of this young team.

Keep your eyes peeled for all the action this weekend! Check in with Sodo Mojo and all our social media outlets throughout the weekend. Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts too on what may be the most important things too look for this coming week.