Mariners Roundtable: Can the M’s Make the Playoffs in 2016?

Mar 30, 2016; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano against the San Diego Padres during a spring training game at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 30, 2016; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano against the San Diego Padres during a spring training game at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 4, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Mariners third baseman Kyle Seager (15) rounds the bases after hitting a home run in the second inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Mariners third baseman Kyle Seager (15) rounds the bases after hitting a home run in the second inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

Nick Lee – @NickLee51

AL West Standings
1. Houston Astros
2. Seattle Mariners
3. Texas Rangers
4. Los Angeles Angels
5. Oakland Athletics
Mariners record: 85-77

The Mariners should be much improved from last year’s fiasco. They look faster and more built to succeed at Safeco Field. The only concern is the health and depth of the bullpen. If they can maintain a steady bullpen, this should be a team that will play meaningful games into September. GM Jerry Dipoto seems to have built the team smarter not sexier, like last season. If the team improves their on-base percentage and gets offensive production from more players than just Nelson Cruz and Kyle Seager, this team will compete at least for a Wild Card spot. There are a lot of “ifs” this season but my pick is that they will make the playoffs and it will be via the Wild Card game.

Next: Chad also sees the M's playing in the wildcard game