2014 Seattle Mariners: Top 5 Hitters on the Season

Sep 26, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners right fielder

(55) and first baseman

(20) celebrate after Saunders hit a 2-run home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the second inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

T-5th: Michael Saunders and Chris Taylor

Had eitherMichael Saunders or Chris Taylor played a full season and maintained their numbers through 500 plate-appearances, they would have been majorly valuable for the Mariners instead of a minimal impact.

Their Numbers:

Michael Saunders: .273/.341/.450 with 8 home runs, 34 RBI in 78 games.

Chris Taylor: .287/.347/.346 with 8 doubles, 9 RBI, and 5 stolen bases in 47 games.

I realize that some people may disagree with Chris Taylor being a top-5 hitters for the Mariners this season, but take into account what Brad Miller was doing offensively at short before Taylor was called up. And Taylor’s BABIP for the season was around .400, something entirely unsustainable for an entire season (at least typically. Even Ichiro’s career BABIP is .340).

Saunders, if he ever stays healthy, can be one hell of an outfielder. He flashes good power, good defensive speed, and smart base running. But every season he finds a way to get himself taken out for a month or two or three. And even though he only played in 78 games, he finished 7th on the team in RBI.