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Seattle Mariners: Sights From Spring Training
Feb 21, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher
Hisashi Iwakuma(center) warms up during camp at Peoria Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
It’s a pleasant sight to see Hisashi Iwakuma out on the field and taking part in warmups. After being hurt before even stepping onto the field last spring, the Mariners are hoping that a full season of a healthy Kuma will push them over the top and into the playoffs in 2015.
I wonder why he’s the only one with his arms in the air in that picture. Oh well, just DON’T HURT YOURSELF MAN!
Next: The One True King
Feb 21, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher
Felix Hernandez(34) warms up during camp at Peoria Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
What spring in Peoria would be complete without checking in with King Felix Hernandez. Felix had a Cy Young-caliber season in 2014 and looks to improve on those numbers in 2015.
While his ERA may go up slightly, his win total should go up with the projected additional run support from an improved lineup.
And while he may have lost the quarterfinals of the #FaceOfMLB contest (to a freaking reliever from Oakland) he is definitely numero uno in the hearts and minds of Mariners fans.
We can’t wait to flood the King’s Court on Opening Day!
Next: Closing Time!
Feb 21, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher
Fernando Rodney(56) throws to first base during camp at Peoria Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
What will the Fernando Rodney Experience bring Seattle in 2015? Who knows. Most people don’t believe that he will save a league-high amount again in 2015. Some even say that the Mariners will trade him by the All-Star break, especially if Carson Smith appears to be ready to step up.
There are other in-house options available to close as well, but my feeling is that Smith is the heir apparent to Rodney. And if the Mariners can get some value for the soon-to-be free agent Rodney, they’d be stupid not to move him.
All I know is that the 9th inning was always a bit too uncomfortable for my liking last season. I’m just glad I don’t have high blood pressure to begin with.
Next: Someone Has To Catch The Pitches
Feb 21, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher
Mike Zunino(3) catches bullpen during camp at Peoria Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Seattle Mariners catcher Mike Zunino will be under scrutiny this season. His .199 batting average in 2014 was an embarrassment to an otherwise solid season.
Zunino hit 22 homers and drove in 60 runs in 131 games in 2014. He also led the American League in HBP with 17. Still, if he is going to take that next step forward in his 2nd full season as the Mariners backstop, he’ll need to get that average up – at least to .230.
If he does, he may crack the Top-10 Catchers Right Now list on MLB Network in 2016.
Next: The Men Running The Show
Feb 21, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners manager
Lloyd McClendon(21) and general manager Jack Zduriencik talk during camp at Peoria Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Seattle Skipper Lloyd McClendon takes a second to chill with GM Jack Zduriencik in his golf cart. Mac led the Mariners to a surprising 2014 and with the moves GMZ made this offseason, all eyes are on Mac and his club to be even better in 2015.
And at least on paper, it seems as if they will. But the games aren’t played on paper – no matter what sabermetricians tell you – so…is it Opening Day yet?