Seattle Mariners Top-10 Story Lines For 2015

Dec 8, 2014; San Deigo, CA, USA; Seattle Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon speaks to the media at MLB Winter Meetings at Manchester Grand Hyatt. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

The upcoming season for the Seattle Mariners will garner the attention of baseball fans outside of the Pacific Northwest as well as members of the national media.

Why? Because after missing a one-game playoff for a spot in the postseason in 2014 by one measly game, the Mariners made moves to upgrade their offense and put themselves in a position to make the playoffs for the first time since 2001.

In fact, the Mariners are one of only three teams to have not made the playoffs in the past decade. Only the Toronto Blue Jays have waited longer (1993).

So, as we have now turned the calendar to 2015, let’s take a look at what are the Top-10 potential story lines for the Mariners this year.

But before we get to that, please take a look back at the Top-10 stories – as chosen by you the readers – in 2014.

Now, without further adieu, let’s take a look at the year to come.

Sep 16, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Seattle Mariners players Justin Smoak (17) , Chris Taylor (1) and Brad Miller (5) celebrate after the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

10- Who wins the Opening Day shortstop job?

Seems like we were here a year ago. With the signing of Robinson Cano, Nick Franklin was forced to fight it out with Brad Miller for the starting job at short.

Miller won, Franklin went to Triple-A Tacoma, was called up and failed miserably and was eventually traded to Tampa in the deal that brought Austin Jackson to Seattle.

This year, the Mariners have Miller once again fighting for his starting job. This time against Chris Taylor who had a decent ending to the 2014 season with the big club.

Trade rumors have been swirling around one or the other of these shortstops for months. The New York Mets pop up often as being a possible trade partner for Miller.

Whether the Mariners will trade the loser of the Spring Training competition is yet to be seen, but it seems plausible that either Miller or Taylor could go down a similar road that Franklin faced in 2014.

I’m a fan of Taylor, but I know a lot of fans like Miller. And, if Miller can start the year the way he started or ended last year, then he should win the job and solidify the bottom of the lineup.

Jul 13, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; World infielder Jose Peraza (4) beats the throw to USA first baseman D.J. Peterson (left) in the first inning during the All Star Futures Game at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

9- What rookie(s) will make an impact in 2015?

It’s possible that the answer to this is none. With a seemingly full 25-man roster as it is, there seems to be no room for a breakout rookie performance.

But injuries are likely to befall this club, as they do to almost every club at some point. So, it is entirely possible that fans could see D.J. Peterson, Patrick Kivlehan, Danny Hultzen, John Hicks or some other relative-unknown looking to make their mark.

Given the recent success of Kivlehan, I would be willing to bet he may actually get the call before the lauded Peterson.

In 2014, Mariners fans were introduced to Roenis Elias, James Jones, Chris Taylor and Carson Smith, just to name a few.

Could Ji-Man Choi, Mayckol Guaipe, or Ketel Marte make their mark with the club in 2015 and help them make the playoffs?

We shall see.

Sep 27, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Atlanta Braves left fielder Justin Upton (8) gets congratulations from third baseman Chris Johnson (23) after scoring a run during the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

8- Will the Mariners be active at the trade deadline?

It’s hard to think that far ahead right now, but with the Mariners seemingly-done making moves for the offseason, the speculation can begin on what moves the M’s will or won’t make at the deadline.

The Mariners missed out on a trade for Justin Upton – twice – and now that he is in San Diego, it seems he is less likely to be traded.

But if the Padres are unable to negotiate a contract extension with Upton prior to the July 31 trade deadline, it’s possible that they may look to move him and it shouldn’t take Taijuan Walker to get the deal done this time – if the M’s feel that they need the help.

With so much depth in the minors right now at most positions, it’s hard to picture the Mariners being too active.

One move that could be made however, ties into my No. 7 storyline and that’s whether or not Fernando Rodney will be traded.

Sep 18, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Fernando Rodney (56) celebrates after the Mariners defeated the Los Angeles Angels 3-1 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

7- Will Fernando Rodney end the season as the Mariners closer?

The short and simple answer, you would think would be yes. But the Fernando Rodney Express is not a ride I want to get on when the playoffs arrive.

Carson Smith showed signs of brilliance at the end of 2014 and has potential closer stuff. He will more than likely earn a spot on the roster out of Spring Training and be a setup man to Rodney.

But he also appears to be the heir apparent to the closer job for 2016, or sooner if Rodney struggles.

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Rodney’s stats in 2015 were all over the map. Yes he led the Majors in saves with 48, setting a new Mariners team record.

But he also had a 2.85 ERA – among the 17 players with at least 30 saves in 2014, that ranked 9th. His batting average against and WHIP (.244 and 1.34 respectively) also ranked low in the pack (T-14th and 15th respectively).

It allowed for several butt-clenching moments in the 2014 season. And while he may have saved 48 games, he also blew three saves and lost six games (1-6 record). Among closers with at least 10 saves and 40 innings of work in 2014 – of which there were 38 – only Addison Reed had more losses (7) than Rodney.

If the Mariners feel confident in Carson Smith by the trade deadline, they may field calls on Rodney who is only under contract through the 2015 season.

Then again, I’m not sure what’s worse: Having Rodney possibly implode in the 9th of a critical playoff game, or having an unproven rookie do the same.

Sep 26, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners left fielder Dustin Ackley (13) runs towards third base after hitting a solo home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the fifth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

6- Dustin Att-Ackley or Bust-in Ackley?

This is a do or die, make or break year for several players on the Mariners roster. At least it sure seems that way.

The 2nd overall pick of the 2009 draft, Dustin Ackley has frustrated fans and critics with his hot-and-cold routine of the past few seasons.

Just when fans are ready to give up on him, he earns the nickname Dustin Offensive Att-Ackley and silences the critics.

His first game of the 2015 season will be his 500th Major League game. In his first 499, Ackley has a slash of .245/.309/.366 with 36 homers and 182 RBI.

His 1.9 WAR in 2014 makes him a borderline starter, but like I said, he has shown flashes of brilliance.

In his short career, he absolutely rakes in July and August, by comparison to the rest of the year. He also has struggled against left-handed pitching.

Perhaps, Lloyd McClendon will use the recently acquired Justin Ruggiano not only in a platoon in right with Seth Smith, but also with Ackley in left.

And while Ackley hasn’t played the position since college, it’s possible that Lloyd could use Ackley as a backup first baseman, should something happen to Logan Morrison.

Sep 16, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Mike Zunino reacts after being hit by a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels in the 6th inning during the game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

5- Will Mike Zunino find a higher average?

Is it the Curse of the #3? Ever since a certain roid-taking, money-loving, shortstop left the Emerald City for a division rival, the Mariners haven’t had a lot of luck with players wearing the number 3.

Which is unfortunate for two reasons. 1- I was #3 growing up, I wear it to this day in my adult league. 2- I really like Mike Zunino.

I think he is an underrated catcher. He led all American League catchers in assists in 2014 – 84 – and was 5th in runners caught stealing – 28.

He also hit 22 homers – a new single-season Mariners record. But he hit below the Mendoza line with a slash line of .199/.254/.404.

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It’s right-handed pitchers he has trouble with. In 2014, he batted .176 with 17 of his homers, defining the all-or-nothing mentality. He hit .252 against lefties.

He is still young. About to turn 24 during Spring Training, there is still plenty of time to see Zunino grow. But the Mariners need to see some offensive improvement in 2015, or they may be forced to start looking at other options.

The Mariners reportedly were trying to land Russell Martin this offseason before he signed with Toronto, which tells me that GM Jack Zduriencik is already looking into other options.

The new lineup could help. If Z bats 8th, he will potentially have Ruggiano or Smith and Taylor or Miller on either side of him. If he bats 9th, then he has Miller or Taylor and Austin Jackson on either side.

If Miller and Jackson can bounce back from below-average seasons, it could greatly impact the kind of pitches Zunino gets.

We’ll see how they handle it in Spring.

Sep 26, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma (18) pitches to the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

3- Will the pitching staff stay healthy?

Good question.

With injuries befalling Hisashi Iwakuma, Taijuan Walker and James Paxton early in 2014, the Mariners were forced to use Hector Noesi, Erasmo Ramirez and Brandon Maurer way more than anyone would have liked.

Now, Walker and Paxton appear to be in good shape. Iwakuma is the one that worries me.

Another year older, he returned from injury last year to post some solid numbers before getting lit up late in the year and absolutely torched in the Japan Series.

And *knock on wood* what happens if the Mariners lose Felix Hernandez for any stretch? He pitched a lot of innings in 2014 and should be ready to go – he is after all, the King.

The Mariners do have depth if something does happen. They will have Roenis Elias and Erasmo Ramirez either in the bullpen or in Tacoma. They also signed Justin Germano and Mark Lowe to minor league deals with a Spring invite for additional depth.

If the Mariners rotation can avoid the injury bug in 2015, they could put up even better numbers then they did in 2014.

Watch out American League.

Oct 15, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Baltimore Orioles designated hitter Nelson Cruz (23) reacts after lining out to end the top of the sixth inning against the Kansas City Royals in game four of the 2014 ALCS playoff baseball game at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

2- Will Nelson Cruz duplicate his 2014 numbers?

The Mariners hope they fixed their middle of the lineup power outage with the four-year deal that brought the reigning Major League home run champ, Nelson Cruz, to Safeco Field.

But is it possible that a 34-year old can reproduce career-high numbers?

Probably not, but the Mariners don’t need him to in order to be worth the four-year contract they inked him to.

I wrote an article shortly after the M’s signed him, trying to project what his stats would be in 2015 based on his career numbers in each ballpark he will play in.

The numbers were: .245 avg, 143 H, 584 AB, 72 R, 32 2B, 28 HR, 76 RBI

If this holds true, it would be the lowest full-season batting average of his career (career .268 hitter) with his 4th-highest homer total.

When compared to the production the Mariners got out of the DH spot last year, I’m sure people will take it.

If he can pull even closer to the .271 with 40 homers he hit for Baltimore last year, the Mariners should soar to the postseason.

Sep 28, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez (34) waves to the fans as he walks off the field after being pulled from the game during the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

1. Will the Mariners make the playoffs?

On paper, it would appear they are primed to make their first postseason appearance since the 2001 season. Whether it is as the AL West champs or as a wild-card depends on the rest of the division.

The Athletics appear primed for a down year. The Astros are improved and another year older, but still a few years away from making noise. The Angels will not win 98 games again this year but could still pull 90. The Rangers, if healthy, will make noise but are still less of a team in my opinion than Seattle.

If all goes according to plan, the team stays healthy, the bats come around, the new players contribute the way the team hopes they can, then I see no reason why this team cannot make the playoffs.

They played 162 meaningful games in 2014, having not been eliminated from a postseason berth until the 5th inning of Game 162, at 2:46 pm local time, when the A’s beat the Rangers to clinch their spot.

It was a taste that Mariners fans still haven’t rinsed from their mouths. They want more. And it appears that this 2015 version of the Seattle Mariners, is ready to deliver on that.