Mariners Analysis: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not

Jul 12, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Mike Zunino (3) tags out Los Angeles Angels shortstop Erick Aybar (2) as he slides into home to end the third inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

Stock Down: Mike Zunino

I feel so bad for Mike, I really do, because he works incredibly hard night in and night out, and you can just see his frustration. He was rushed up to the Majors, and the M’s run him out there every night and he answers the bell. However, the results just have not been there for the University of Florida alum in 2015.

Over the past week, the M’s backstop has gone 3-for-22 (.136) with 7 strikeouts and 2 RBI’s. On the year Mike has 40 base hits, to go with his 100 strikeouts, which is absolutely insane to me. I can’t even imagine what it must feel like to walk up to the plate and have 2.5 strikeouts for every base hit. The worst part is that he strikes out in 40% of his at bats, which is terrible.

The M’s have no other option behind the plate right now. Jesus Sucre is even worse offensively, so Mike is going to be the guy. And he should be, as he calls a great game. M’s pitchers trust him back there, and he works hard to keep the ball in front of him. He has raw power, and was one of the better hitters in the draft when he came out. He has the tools, but the M’s will have to pump some confidence in him and get him going.

Next: Felix Hernandez