Mariners Roundtable: Fresh Faces Add Intrigue to Cactus League Action

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Sep 8, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Steve Cishek (28) pitches against the Chicago Cubs at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 8, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Steve Cishek (28) pitches against the Chicago Cubs at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Brian Helberg (@BrianHelberg) – Steve Cishek

Do we all remember the train wreck that was Fernando Rodney in 2015? The obnoxious arrow slinging right-hander was chased out of town after blowing numerous saves and showing a general lack of care. Thankfully, the Fernando Rodney Experience is now the San Diego Padres’ problem, and Seattle has a new closer in 2016.

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The Seattle Mariners signed Steve Cishek to a two year deal worth $10 million dollars this offseason. The 29-year-old split the 2015 season between the Miami Marlins and the St. Louis Cardinals. It was a down year for Cishek, as he posted a 3.58 ERA and tallied just 4 saves. Despite his dip in production last season, there is still plenty for Mariners’ fans to be excited about.

Cishek has a solid track record as a closer in the big leagues. He served as the Marlins’ stopper for three seasons, recording 88 saves and registering a paltry 2.72 ERA across 204 appearances. Cishek also had an impressive 3.14 strikeout to walk ratio over the course of 198.2 innings pitched from 2012 to 2014.

Next: Mariners Top 20 Prospects: #7 OF Tyler O'Neill

Honestly, Cishek’s wacky delivery is reason enough to watch him toe the rubber this spring. It will also be interesting to see which Steve Cishek shows up in 2016. Will he be the guy who dominated the National League from 2012 to 2014, or will be the guy who was just average last season?