Mariners Weekly Rundown: Who's Hot & Who's Not

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Sep 20, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano (22) celebrates his three-run home run with third baseman Kyle Seager (15) against the Texas Rangers during the fifth inning of a baseball game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

The Seattle Mariners are not going to make the playoffs in 2015. It’s sad to admit, but the Mariners simply have not played well enough to warrant their first postseason birth in nearly 15 years. However, now that the pressure is off, the M’s are finally starting to play up to their ability.

Seattle opened the week taking two of three against the Los Angeles Angels at Safeco Field. The Mariners followed up by winning two of three versus the Texas Rangers this weekend. The M’s finished the week with a 4-2 record.

The hitting has been strong for a while now, but the pitching finally caught up this past week. The Mariners plated an average of 4.83 runs per game, and allowed just 3 runs per game.

The Mariners Weekly Rundown is an opportunity to focus on individuals who stood out this past week. I will highlight a few players who excelled, and a few who struggled.

We will begin the list with Ketel Marte, who had a huge week for Seattle hitting out of the leadoff spot.

Next: The Ketel is Boiling

Sep 7, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners shortstop Ketel Marte (4) throws to first for an out in the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

Ketel Marte – Hot

The 21-year-old shortstop put together arguably his best stretch as a pro this past week. Ketel Marte went 10 for 24 with 5 doubles and 3 RBI. He worked 2 free passes and struck out 4 times. Marte’s .462 on base percentage and his .625 slugging percentage both ranked third on the team over the last 6 games.

The Mariners have missed far more often in recent years than they have hit when it comes to their top prospects. However, Marte has been a true difference maker since his promotion on July 31, hitting .285 with 14 doubles and 12 RBI. His speed is exciting out of the leadoff spot, and he has racked up 7 steals this summer.

It is hard to predict the future when it comes to the M’s, but it sure looks like they have finally found a player capable of manning shortstop for years to come.

Next: Kuma Continues to Dazzle

Sep 16, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma (18) throws against the Los Angeles Angels during the fifth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Hisashi Iwakuma – Hot

Kuma only made one start this past week, but he was brilliant for the Mariners. The 34-year-old right-hander went 1-0 and posted a 1.50 ERA. Iwakuma registered a season high, 9 punch outs and did not walk anyone in his start against the Los Angeles Angels. He held the opposition to a .190 batting average, and allowed just 0.67 walks/hits per inning.

The Mariners have been rewarded for their patience with Hisashi Iwakuma. After getting off to a sluggish start, Kuma has found himself this summer. Iwakuma is 3-1 with a .259 ERA, 24 strikeouts and 6 walks over his last 4 outings.

Hisashi Iwakuma is a free agent this offseason, and it will be interesting to see how the next Mariners’ GM handles this situation.

Next: Smith's Struggles Continue

Sep 15, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners right fielder Seth Smith (7) slides home to score a run against the Los Angeles Angels during the fourth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Seth Smith – Not

Seth Smith finds himself in the “not” category for the second consecutive week. Smith posted a .211 batting average this week, which ranked last amongst the regulars. The Ole Miss alum went 4 for 19 with 1 double, 1 home run and 4 RBI across 5 games. He struck out 6 times and nursed 1 walk.

The 32-year-old has been one of the M’s more consistent threats at the plate this season, but the past couple weeks have really hurt his numbers. Smith is hitting .247 with 11 home runs and 41 RBI in his debut season in Seattle. Those numbers are pedestrian at best, but he ranks third on the club with 30 doubles, and leads the team with 5 triples.

Smith has one year left on his contract, and I expect him to be back with the Mariners in 2016. He is not a superstar, but he does a lot of things well. Smitty is a very useful offensive player, especially against right-handed pitching.

Next: Guti is a Beauty

Sep 15, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners left fielder Franklin Gutierrez (30) hits an RBI-single against the Los Angeles Angels during the fourth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Franklin Gutierrez – Hot

Guti was only given limited opportunities this week, but he made the most of every chance he got. Franklin Gutierrez went 4 for 10 this week with 3 home runs and 4 RBI. He struck out 4 times and walked once this week. Gutierrez’s .500 on base percentage and 1.300 slugging percentage were both tops on the team.

In a season filled with disappointment, Franklin Gutierrez’s resurrection has been one of the few encouraging storylines. The 32-year-old is hitting .315 with 15 home runs and 35 RBI since his call-up in late June. Guti posted a .369 on base percentage and slugged .692 across 50 games this season.

Gutierrez is another player whose future with the M’s is anything but certain. His contract expires next month, and is set to hit the open market. Guti will draw interest from a number of clubs, but his home is here in Seattle. I think he would be a perfect platoon partner for Seth Smith in left field next season.

Next: Lord Farquhar reigns supreme

Aug 18, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Danny Farquhar (40) pitches against the Texas Rangers during the game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Mariners defeat the Rangers 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Danny Farquhar – Hot

Danny Farquhar has been a disaster for much of the 2015 season, however he was superb this past week. The 28-year-old right-hander hurled 4.2 perfect innings in relief for Seattle. Farquhar struck out 4 and walked 0 across 4 appearances.

Lord Farquhar has not had the same success in 2015 that he had in 2014. Farquhar was one of the better setup men in baseball a year ago, but he has spent the majority of the summer in Tacoma. On the season, he is 1-4 with a 4.67 ERA through 38 appearances. His strikeout to walk ratio has dropped from 3.68 in 2014 to 2.41 this season.

This season has really hurt Danny’s bottom line. He is eligible for arbitration for the first time this offseason, but based on his lackluster numbers, he is unlikely to cash in.

Next: Vidal Nuno

Sep 9, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Vidal Nuno (38) throws against the Texas Rangers during the first inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Vidal Nuno – Not

Vidal Nuno only made one start this week for the Mariners, but it was memorable for the wrong reasons. The 28-year-old southpaw was lit up by the Texas Rangers, allowing 5 runs on 5 hits through 3.1 innings. Nuno struck out 3 and walked 4 en route to picking up the loss. The opposition hit .357, and Nuno allowed 2.70 walks/hits per inning.

Despite his rough week, Nuno has been a very pleasant surprise this season with the M’s. Considered an afterthought in the Mark Trumbo trade, Nuno has gone 1-3 with a 3.64 ERA across 29 appearances. He has been much more effective working out of the bullpen, as he sports a 1.91 ERA through 37.2 innings as a reliever.

Vidal Nuno is a very versatile pitcher who should factor into the Mariners’ 2016 plans. Nuno has demonstrated an ability to be a spot starter, a swing man, a middle reliever and a lefty specialist. I expect he will supplant Joe Beimel as the M’s second southpaw next season in the bullpen.

Next: Cano Cannot be Stopped

Sep 18, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano (22) singles during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Robinson Cano – Hot

Robinson Cano’s strong second half continued this week, as he went 7 for 19 with 1 double, 1 home run and 6 RBI. The superstar second baseman struck out 4 times and nursed 4 free passes. Cano posted a .478 on base percentage and slugged .579.

There were rumblings when Robby hit .236 through the first 65 games that his best days were behind him. Thankfully, he has had a remarkable turnaround in the second half, proving his doubters wrong. Cano has posted a .326 batting average with 11 home runs and 39 RBI since the All-Star break. He has also hit safely in 27 of his last 30 games.

Cano’s awful first half really hurt this ball club, but their resurgence in the second half would not have been possible without his effort. I am very confident that Cano will produce an MVP type of season in 2016, and hopefully, lead the Mariners to the playoffs for the first time since 2001.

Next: Prince Tai

Sep 14, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Taijuan Walker (32) throws against the Los Angeles Angels during the third inning at Safeco Field. Seattle defeated Los Angeles, 10-1. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Taijuan Walker – Hot

Prince Tai turned in yet another strong start this week for the Mariners. The 23-year-old right-hander allowed 1 run on 4 hits through 7 innings of work as he picked up his 11th win of the season. Walker struck out 7 and did not issue any walks.

2015 has been Walker’s first full season in the big leagues, and he has fared reasonably well. His 4.56 ERA is impressive, especially when you take into account that his ERA was 7.33 in late May. Sky Walker has made 29 starts, pitched 169.1 innings and stayed healthy the entire season.

I think 2016 will be Taijuan Walker’s breakout campaign. He has flashed All-Star ability, but consistency will be key next season. For the first time in his career, Walker enters the offseason with a guaranteed spot in the Mariners’ rotation next year.

Next: It's Not Miller Time Right Now

Sep 15, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners center fielder Brad Miller (5) watches a home run by Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (not pictured) go over the fence during the sixth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Brad Miller – Not

Crazy Legs has had a rough go of it during the last week, going 3 for 13 with 1 double and 2 runs scored. Miller struck out 4 times and did not work any walks. His .231 on base percentage and .308 slugging percentage left plenty to be desired.

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