The Biggest Reason The Seattle Mariners Are Winning Again

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Apr 29, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano (22) and teammates celebrate their win over the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. The Mariners defeated the Yankees 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

The Feasibility of Winning

What’s next for the Mariners? Charlie pointed out that the M’s are currently predicted to finish in the 81-83 win range, but they’ll likely need 90 to be close to a playoff spot. Getting Walker and Paxton back is definitely going to be helpful, but I think I’ve pointed out that pitching hasn’t really been an issue.

From here on out, the Mariners are looking to get back in the game. They had a very travel intensive April/May schedule, next week the M’s are settling into Seattle for a long home stand, and hopefully they can keep the ball flying out of the park at home.

Continued good seasons from Justin Smoak and Mike Zunino are going to be important, as is getting Kyle Seager back to top form.

The biggest thing the Mariners need to do is win close ball games. Those 29 losses in one-run games last year are unacceptable for any team that wants to compete for a pennant.

As it turns out, last year’s Mariners might not have been as bad as their record indicated. All things being equal (which they rarely are), the Mariners have a shot at converting many more wins this season.

Continuing to edge out the rest of the league in close ball games is going to be key as we move forward. So buy a stack of tickets for the Fernando Rodney Experience, you’re gonna need ’em.

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