Mariners Weekly Rundown

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Sep 6, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Tom Wilhelmsen (54) celebrates with catcher Jesus Sucre (2) after the win against the Oakland Athletics at O.co Coliseum. The Seattle Mariners defeated the Oakland Athletics 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

This past week has arguably been the best of the season for the Seattle Mariners and their fans. The week started slow, as the Mariners lost in Houston against the Astros on Monday. However, Seattle bounced right back, and reeled off a season high, five consecutive victories. The M’s ended the week on a high point, as they swept the A’s in Oakland for the first time since April 2009.

The Mariners were an offensive juggernaut this past week, averaging 6.67 runs per game. Pitching has been the problem as of late, and that trend continued this week. The M’s allowed an average of 4.83 runs per game.

Typically, this article attempts to highlight a few players who are hot and a few that are not. However, the Mariners have been so good this week that I will just focus on which players are doing well.

Let’s start with Logan Morrison, who is off to a torrid start in September.

Next: LoMo

Sep 1, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Seattle Mariners first baseman Logan Morrison (20) celebrates with center fielder Brad Miller (5) after hitting a two run home run during the eighth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Logan Morrison – 1B

LoMo had a marvellous week at the plate. After essentially being relegated to backup duties in August, Morrison hit .467 with 3 home runs and 10 RBI across 5 games this week. The 28-year-old first baseman posted a .500 on base percentage and slugged 1.133.

Something special seems to happen to Morrison when the calendar flips from August to September. The Kansas City, Mo native hit .342 with 5 home runs and 11 RBI last September, and he is off to another hot start this year. If only LoMo could bottle that and have the same success over the course of an entire season.

Logan is a fan favorite, and I am hopeful this past week is a sign of things to come. He is a non-tender candidate at the end of the season, but a strong showing down the stretch might be enough to warrant another season in Seattle.

Next: The Bartender

Sep 6, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Tom Wilhelmsen (54) pitches the ball against the Oakland Athletics during the eighth inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Tom Wilhelmsen – RHP

The Bartender has excelled ever since Lloyd McClendon inserted him as the Mariners’ closer. Tom Wilhelmsen recorded 4 saves this week and did not allow any runs. It’s rare for a M’s closer to be reliable, but that is exactly what Wilhelmsen was this week. The 31-year-old right-hander fanned 5 and walked 1 during his 4 appearances.

Wilhelmsen has had an up and down year, but he appears to have found a home as the Mariners’ closer. The Tucson, AZ product served as the M’s stopper between 2012 and 2013, tallying 53 saves. He has 9 this season already, and is looking like a strong bet to hold the job heading into the offseason.

Next: Crazy Legs

Sep 6, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Brad Miller (5) hits a single against the Oakland Athletics during the fifth inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Brad Miller – CF

The 25-year-old former shortstop had a great week for Seattle. Brad Miller posted a .500 batting average with 1 double, 5 RBI and 1 stolen base. He also walked twice, and registered a .524 on base percentage through 18 at bats. Crazy Legs is currently riding a 7-game hitting streak.

Miller has had a bit of a bounce back campaign offensively in 2015. The Clemson alum is hitting .253 on the season with 9 home runs, 41 RBI and 12 stolen bases. However, there have also been some tough moments. Miller entered the season as the M’s starting shortstop, but has since played in left field, right field, second base and third base before finally settling in as a center fielder.

There is no question playing in the outfield seems to help Brad Miller on offense. Reports suggest that playing center field is where Seattle envisions him moving forward. A strong finish to the season should give him an edge to be the Mariners’ starting center fielder in 2016.

Next: Smitty

Aug 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Carson Smith (39) delivers a pitch during the ninth inning against the Chicago White Sox at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Carson Smith – RHP

Carson Smith is back to his dominant self now that he has returned to the setup job in the Mariners’ bullpen. Smitty went 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA through 3 appearances this week. The 25-year-old right-hander struck out 5 and walked none.

The Midland, TX product is having a stellar rookie season. Smith is 2-5 with a 2.70 ERA and 13 saves. He has fanned 77 and walked 19 through 61 appearances. Carson has an incredibly bright future, and should get a chance to be the Mariners’ closer again in the near future.

Next: Has Jamaal Charles Lost a Step?

Sep 1, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Seattle Mariners third baseman Kyle Seager (15) runs to first base on a single during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Kyle Seager – 3B

Seags has been tearing the cover off the ball this past week. The All-Star third baseman posted a .476 batting average with 3 doubles, 1 home run, 6 RBI and 1 stolen base across 6 games this week. Seager nursed a remarkable 6 free passes.

On the season, Seager is hitting .270 with 22 home runs and 61 RBI. He has struggled hitting out of the number two slot, but this week he seemed to find his comfort zone. The 27-year-old was mired in a deep slump prior to his recent hot streak, and hopefully he can keep riding the heat wave until the season ends.

Next: Kuma

Sep 6, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma (18) pitches the ball against the Oakland Athletics during the first inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Hisashi Iwakuma – RHP

‘Kuma only had one outing this week, but he made it count. Hisashi Iwakuma allowed 1 run on 5 hits across 6.1 innings en route to earning a victory this weekend in Oakland. The 34-year-old right-hander struck out 3 and walked 1.

The Tokyo, JP native has been pretty remarkable for the Mariners recently. Iwakuma is 5-1 with a 2.98 ERA in August and September. He fanned 40 and walked 11 through 48.1 innings pitched. I was ready to throw in the towel on ‘Kuma in July, but I am glad the M’s knew better.

Next: Shawn O'Malley

Shawn O’Malley – UTL

After spending the entire season in Tacoma with the Rainiers, Shawn O’Malley was recalled from triple-A on September 1. O’Malley has made an immediate impact with the Mariners, recording 6 hits in his first 8 at bats. The 27-year-old super utility man has tallyied 1 double, 3 RBI, 1 stolen base and on Saturday he clubbed his first big league home run. He worked 4 free passes this week, and posted a ridiculous on base percentage of .833.

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