Mariners’ Fantasy Preview: August 11 – August 17

Aug 9, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners shortstop

(22) turns a double play against the Chicago White Sox during the fifth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

 Seattle Mariners

It’s probably going to be a rough week for the M’s offense.

Three at home against Toronto and Hutchinson, Happ, and Dickey doesn’t look particularly threatening, but that is followed by a series at Comerica against the Tigers.

Sadly, the Mariners will miss the open spot left in the wake of the Anibal Sanchez injury, meaning that Price, Verlander, and Porcello likely await them.

Mike Zunino

Don’t gamble on the M’s backstop (13.6 OWN%), even as a quick fix. He is certainly a serviceable platoon option against lefties, and the Mariners will see three this week. But these are not the lefties you want to start a fringe fantasy catcher against.

J.A. Happ has been solid in four straight starts, including two consecutive 20 point outings. After that, Zunino gets R.A. Dickey, who has been mediocre overall but still throws that knuckleball that usually more effective against young hitters, and David Price, who with the exception of his Tampa Bay finale against Milwaukee has been outstanding.

If you need a catcher, Jason Castro (34.7%) or Kurt Suzuki (26.9%) are better options, as they face each other in a Twins-Astros series featuring some questionable pitching.

Chris Taylor

The M’s shortstop (1.1%) is also not worth adding, especially at a position that despite a scarcity at the top enjoys a plethora of mid-level fantasy options. Taylor, despite his average, will not even be the fantasy producer that James Jones was, as he shares Jones’ lack of power while also not acquiring any SB points to this point in his young career.

Hopefully, a decent short-term option like Alcides Escobar (78.6%), Jhonny Peralta (79.8%), or Jean Segura (63.7%) is available if like me you still have yet to find a solution to the Troy Tulowitzki injury, but if not Derek Jeter (41.8%) might be worth a try.