Mariners Series Review: M’s Take 2 of 3 from New York

Apr 16, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Seattle Mariners shortstop Ketel Marte (4) beats the throw to New York Yankees catcher Austin Romine (27) for a run in the fifth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Seattle Mariners shortstop Ketel Marte (4) beats the throw to New York Yankees catcher Austin Romine (27) for a run in the fifth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 16, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Seattle Mariners left fielder Luis Sardinas (16) steals second base in front of New York Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius (18) in the third inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Seattle Mariners left fielder Luis Sardinas (16) steals second base in front of New York Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius (18) in the third inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /

Speed is Starting to Play

The Mariners added a number of speedy players this offseason, and they were amongst the most aggressive teams on the base paths in spring training. However, the M’s combined to swipe just 1 base and committed a number of miscues on the bases through the first 9 games of the season.

Seattle opened things up a little bit this weekend against the Yankees. Ketel Marte may be off to a slow start with the lumber, but he flashed on the bases in the Bronx. The electric 22-year-old shortstop stole his first base of the season during the series opener on Friday night. The following day he hustled home to score from first base on a Robinson Cano single to center field. Marte was moving on the pitch, but the ease in which he rounded the bases was a thing of beauty. I also want to praise Manny Acta for having the guts to send Marte on the play.

Luis Sardinas is another young infielder with speed to burn, and he used his wheels effectively on Saturday afternoon. After reaching on an error to open the 3rd inning, Sardinas put himself in scoring position by stealing second base. The Mariners were unable to cash him in, but it was nice to see Luis causing problems for the opposing pitcher.

Next: Mariners Weekly Rundown: Who’s Hot & Who’s Not

The Mariners are an athletic group, and hopefully they continue to put pressure on the defense with their speed. If nothing else, all the chaos on the bases makes the game far more entertaining to watch.