Mariners Analysis: A Message of Hope For M’s Fans

May 6, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Roenis Elias (left) reacts as Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (back) runs the bases after he hits a two-run home run during the second inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

We all know the Seattle Mariners have the pieces to make a run in October. We have also heard that before. Time after time this team has found ways to disappoint the Emerald City. With a 11-17 start, things are looking bleak early for the M’s. It seems like every game it’s something else, the hitting, defense, starting pitching or bullpen. Nothing seems to click at once.

However, there is still reason for hope here. There have been teams with as bad or even worse starts that have gone on to make the playoffs. The Mariners are on a mission to end their 13-year playoff drought. The 2014 Pittsburgh Pirates got off to an even worse start at 10-18 and then went on to make the Wild Card game.

In 2013, the Tampa Bay Rays won a wild card spot after starting 5-10 and 14-18. The other wild card winner that year for the American League was the Cleveland Indians. During that season, they were 5-10, 8-13, and even three games below .500 in mid-June.

The Los Angeles Dodgers won the NL West in 2013 with a 92-70 record. In late June they were 30-42. That is twelve games below .500. They turned it around with a 45-23 second half.

The 2012 Detroit Tigers were six games under .500 at 25-31 (the Mariners are six under .500 in half as many games). They went on to win the division.

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The Mariners’ division rival Oakland Athletics won the AL West in 2012. They were even worse off, later in the year as well. They were, at one point, 26-35.

My point is, all hope is not lost. I am not apologizing for the Mariners’ .236 average or 4.31 ERA. But the playoffs can still be a part of the plan for 2015. The drought can still end this year. The Mariners have the lineup and the pitching staff to turn it around. The talent and personnel is there. Keep going to Safeco Field and supporting these guys. Is it frustrating? Yes. Is this season over, or even half over? No.

Next: Mariners Minor League Report

More from SoDo Mojo

• 2023 Steamer Projections: Teoscar Hernandez could see a drop in Seattle
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• Steamer Projections: Julio Rodriguez to enter rarified air in 2023
• What if the Mariners traded FOR Tyler O’Neill this time?
• Mariners starting pitching is being overlooked by MLB