Mariners Analysis: M’s Are Right On Last Year’s Pace

May 23, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Fernando Rodney (56) gestures upward as he celebrates with first baseman Logan Morrison (20) after the Mariners defeated Toronto Blue Jays 3-2 at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

The Seattle Mariners fell a game short of the playoffs last year with 87 wins. Through 45 games last year, the Mariners were 22-23 and still trying to find their groove. Sound familiar? This year Seattle got off to a slow start and have stopped digging their hole and are now trying to slowly climb out of it.

They are at 12-11 so far in the month of May. This is after a 10-12 April. People forget that last year’s team had a 10-14 April and 16-14 May. Very mediocre numbers. The Mariners are showing signs of coming together. They are also 11-6 since losing a series to the Angels earlier this month.

As the Mariners are right on pace for last year’s record, 87 wins might actually get them a playoff spot this year. It seems as if the standings in the American League are not as deep this year. Teams that got off to hot starts that were not supposed to (see Yankees) are starting to come back to earth.

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The Mariners are far from out of it. They are 7 games out of first place and 4 games out of a Wild Card spot. Of the four teams that won the Wild Card last year, the Kansas City Royals were 23-23 at this point and the Pirates were 20-26. Things can happen. The Astros might fall back to earth. The Angels could still not find a way to hit. This division is still up for grabs. The Mariners have more offensive firepower than last year. Take heart, Mariners fans!

Next: Mariners Game Recap: Kyle Seager Tallies 6 RBI's, M's Win 7-6

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