Mariners Roundtable: Most Surprising Players

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Aug 12, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter Franklin Gutierez (30) runs from second base to score a run on a hit against the Baltimore Orioles during the third inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

Riley Baker – Franklin Gutierrez

We’re just about halfway through spring games, and there are several Mariners finding early success. One of those players is Franklin Gutierrez. He is certainly one of the biggest surprises thus far on this Mariners team.

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Returning to the club on a one year deal early in the offseason, Gutierrez is expected to platoon with Seth Smith in the outfield this year. So far this spring, Guti his hitting .389 with 4 homeruns, a double, and 7 RBI through 8 games.

It has definitely been a sight for sore eyes to watch ‘The Death to Flying Things’ get into this early groove, and hopefully he can sustain it going into the regular season. While he has had trouble staying healthy, he should be able to keep things under control this year not having to play every day.

I’ll be very interested to see if Guti can stay healthy all season and continue to hit well against lefties. If he can even play 65 games in his platoon role and hit .280 with 7 or 8 home runs, I think that will be a successful season for our beloved Franklin Gutierrez.

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