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Seattle Mariners 2014 MLB All-Stars
Jul 15, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; A general view as grounds crew members prepare the field before the 2014 MLB All Star Game at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
I cannot believe it, today we are officially at the halfway point this season. This summer is going by way too fast. Before I know it, I am going to be stuck school shopping with the kids.
But on the brighter side of the news..
This is a pretty evenly matched game with a lot of good pitchers showcasing their talents in front of a sellout crowd tonight.
We already know that this is Derek Jeter‘s big night but there is so much more to look forward to during this game than celebrating a New York Yankee’s career with emotional tribute videos and awards.
This is a huge night for your Seattle Mariners! This is the first time since 2003 that our team has sent 4 players to the All Star Game!
Let’s enjoy this moment and take a look at who we are sending to Target Field and how they got here..
Jul 14, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; American League infielder Kyle Seager (15) of the Seattle Mariners talks on a phone before the 2014 Home Run Derby the day before the MLB All Star Game at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Kyle Seager, 3rd Baseman
Kyle Seager is quietly having a monster season for the Mariners. He has been absolutely red hot this first half of baseball. Had it not been for his horrific April (19 hits in 83 at bats), I think this guy would have been a no-brainer selection.
Kyle is posting a triple slash of .279/.350/.493. His 63 RBI are tied for 10th most in the MLB.
He also holds the 8th highest WAR (wins above replacement) for position players in the majors at 4.1. That 4.1 is second for 3rd baseman to Josh Donaldson.
Kyle has been a solid defensive presence for the Mariners again this year. He has committed just 7 errors and holds a fielding percentage (putouts+assists/putouts+assists+errors) of .972. To put that in perspective, nearly every single time the ball has come Seager’s way at 3rd, he has done the right thing.
For a guy in his contract year, he continues to do the right thing for the Mariners. Re-signing Kyle Seager will be a huge priority for the M’s front office this off-season.
Kyle is exactly the type of player you want on your team. Hard working and dependable.
This is Kyle’s first appearance in the All Star Game and I guarantee it will not be his last.
Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
Fernando Rodney, Closer
The race for being selected as an All Star pitcher was so jammed with talent this year that Fernando Rodney was nearly left out.
How could you leave out the American League leader for saves? Could it be because he is part of one of the best pitching staffs in baseball?
I think so..
Fernando Rodney has been another ‘quiet riot’ for the Mariners. Since joining the team he has amassed 27 saves on a 1.98 ERA and 1.128 WHIP.
Not bad for a 37 year old who got a lot of criticism and confusion from M’s fans (including me) and the rest of the MLB when the Mariners signed him in the off-season. Boy oh boy were we wrong to doubt him.
I now find myself shooting an arrow into the sky every time this guy finishes a game in dominant fashion. I cannot wait to see him take the mound in tonight’s game.
The (now) two time All Star has vowed to shoot an arrow into the sky at some point tonight.
Jul 14, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; American League infielder Robinson Cano (22) of the Seattle Mariners wears a towel on his head under his cap in the first round during the 2014 Home Run Derby the day before the MLB All Star Game at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Robinson Cano, 2nd Baseman
Say what you want about the quarter billion dollar signing of Robinson Cano this off-season, just know that this guy has been worth every cent of that contract.
This has to be somewhat of a different experience in the All Star game this year for Cano. He has been playing mentor to Kyle Seager as he goes through his All Star game.
He has had great experience being mentored by one of the game’s greats, Derek Jeter. It is interesting seeing how much playing next to ‘The Captain’ has influenced him and changed him as a teammate and a player.
People can talk all they want about who Cano is as a person because of the money he got, but when it comes down to it, he has proved his worth both on and off the field.
Regardless of his mentorship, it has been his consistency at 2nd base that has earned him the start this year. Cano has been right near the top of every major offensive category among second baseman.
Cano holds a triple slash of .334/.393/.462 and is in second place in total hits with 118.
He has a way of making playing 2nd base look so easy. His defense is probably the most underrated part of his game. He holds only 3 errors this entire season. I blame all 3 of them on Brad Miller (just because I can).
This is Robinson Cano’s 5th consecutive All Star appearance giving him 6 total in his career.
Jun 29, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez (34) pitches against the Cleveland Indians during the first inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Felix Hernandez, Starting Pitcher
What can I say about King Felix that has not already been written 1,000 times over again this year.
Felix Hernandez is the best pitcher in baseball.
He has been absolutely dominant this season, again. He should earn the AL Cy Young award, again. He will get MVP consideration, again.
Felix has yet to have a bad outing this year. His two losses had the offense to blame, which has been the story of the majority of his career in Seattle (unfortunately).
He holds a record of 11 wins and 2 losses with a superb 2.12 ERA. Over 144 innings pitched, he’s struck out 154 batters, walked 25 and allowed just five homers.
Over The King’s last 11 starts, he is 7-1 with a 1.48 ERA. In those 11 starts he has gone at least 7 innings allowing 2 or fewer runs. The last person to hold those statistics over that many starts was Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry in 1974.
Felix Hernandez will start the All Star game tonight for the first time in his career. He is also the first Venezuelan pitcher to ever start the All Star game.
Lets hope that this season will be the first time that our 5 time All Star will pitch in the post season. He has earned it and deserves it.