Mariners First Half Report Card

RP. Seattle Mariners. THE BULLPEN. F. The bullpen was arguably the Mariners’ biggest strength last year, and a huge reason as to why they were able to sneak up on so many people. This year, that M’s bullpen that locked people down, is letting them right back into games. <p>Last year the M’s bullpen had an MLB best 2.58 bullpen ERA, with 51 saves while holding opposing teams to a .219 batting average. When the M’s turned to the bullpen, opposing teams knew that it was game over and the M’s were going to lock it up. This year, the M’s bullpen has done a 180 degree turn, and they can’t seem to get any big outs. Their bullpen ERA is a staggering 3.81, a full run worse than it was last year. Seattle relievers are also allowing others to hit .253 against them, way up from the .219 batting average last year.</p> <p>Part of the blame can be put on <strong><a href=