Mariners Weekly Rundown: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not

The Mariners are playing their best baseball of the 2016 season right now.

The Seattle Mariners recovered from being swept by the Los Angeles Angels by winning 5 of 6 on the road this past week, including their last 4 games. The Mariners remain in first place in the American League West, 1.5 games up on the Texas Rangers. Most impressive of all, the M’s currently boast a season high 71.9% chance of making the postseason according to FanGraphs.

The week began with the Mariners embarrassing the Baltimore Orioles, winning 10-0 in the series opener. The O’s evened the series with a 5-2 win, but the Mariners won the finale to take the 3-game set. Next, the M’s walked all over the Cincinnati Reds, sweeping the 3-game weekend set at Great American Ball Park.

Seattle won in every way possible this past week. They won with home runs, they won with small ball, they won with pitching and they won with defense. Overall, the Mariners scored 6 runs per game and surrendered just 2.33 runs per game. Based on these numbers and the fact the M’s went 5-1, Seattle is playing their best ball of the season right now.

Today we will discuss which payers were hot this week, and which players struggled to produce. Obviously, the scale is slightly lopsided in the “hot” department and I doubt many fans will complain about that.

We will begin by discussing the remarkable week Leonys Martin had.

Next: Leonys Flexes his Muscles

King Felix Quiets the Reds’ Bats

Felix Hernandez was his typically dominant self when he took the mound versus the Cincinnati Reds this weekend. The 30-year-old right-hander cut right through the Reds’ lineup, pitching 6 shutout innings while allowing just 4 hits. Hernandez struck out 5 and issued 3 free passes. He limited the Reds to a .190 batting average and 1.17 walks/hits per inning.

This week’s win pushed King Felix over the .500 mark, as he now boasts a 4-3 record with a 2.21 ERA across 9 starts. He has struck out 47 and walked 25 through 57 innings pitched this season. The opposition is hitting just .205 against Felix, and he has posted a respectable 1.19 WHIP.

A lot has been said about the drop in Felix’s fastball velocity and his increase in walks. The numbers don’t lie and he has regressed somewhat in 2016. However, Hernandez is still getting the job done. As long as he keeps the opponent off the scoreboard, does it really matter how he does it? I don’t think so.

Next: Aoki Continues to Disappoint

Aoki Continues to Disappoint

Nori Aoki had another tough week for the Seattle Mariners. The 34-year-old left fielder slashed .238/.238/.238 with 0 home runs, 0 RBI and 5 runs scored. He did not swipe any bases, and posted a 2:0 strikeout to walk ratio in 21 at bats.

Aoki was the definition of consistency during his first 4 seasons in the big leagues. The Japanese import posted a batting average between .285 and .288 every season, but that number has dropped to .234 this year. His .320 on base percentage is also 30 points below his career average.

Hopefully Nori can turn things around this week at Safeco Field.

Next: Cruz is Cruising

Cruz is Cruising

Nelson Cruz was once again the top run producer for the Mariners this week. The veteran outfielder hit .333 with 2 home runs and 8 RBI across 6 games. Cruz posted a .481 on base percentage and slugged .667 through 21 at bats. He also tied Kyle Seager for the most walks with 6.

The Dominican born slugger was in the running for the triple crown at this time last season. Cruz may not be having quite the same type of season in 2016, but he remains one of the most feared hitters in the league. Cruz is slashing .275/.380/.503 with 9 home runs and 29 RBI across 42 games.

If we as fans do our job, Nelson Cruz should find himself representing the Mariners for the second consecutive year at the All-Star Game. Click here to vote for Cruz and the rest of his teammates.

Next: Nuno is 'Vidal' to the M's Success

Nuno is “Vidal” to the M’s Success

Vidal Nuno is quickly establishing himself as one of the top left-handed relievers in baseball. The 28-year-old was perfect across his 3 appearances this week, striking out 3 while not allowing a walk or hit in 3.1 innings.

The National City, CA product bounced between the starting rotation and the bullpen last season with the Mariners, but he appears to have found a home as a reliever in Seattle. Nuno has posted a 1.29 ERA through his first 17 appearances in 2016. He has registered an incredible 16:1 strikeout to walk ratio in 14 innings. Nuno has also limited the opposition to just 0.86 walks/hits per inning.

Charlie Furbush is likely to rejoin the Mariners at some point in June, but Vidal Nuno has done a commendable job serving as the M’s top lefty specialist so far in 2016.

Next: Iannetta Falls Through the Safety Net

Iannetta Falls Through the Safety Net

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Overall, Chris Iannetta has had a bounce back season with the Mariners in 2016. However, the Mariners everyday catcher went off the rails this week. He went 2 for 15 with 1 double, 1 RBI and 1 run scored. Iannetta posted a .222 on base percentage and slugged .200 in 4 games.

The 33-year-old UNC alum is now slashing .222/.336/.361 with 4 homers and 10 RBI across 35 games this season. Iannetta has posted a 28:18 strikeout to walk ratio though 108 at bats. As long as Iannetta continues to get on base and play great defense, he will have nothing to worry about in regards to his starting job.

Next: Hawt-Corner Stays Hot

Hawt-Corner Stays Hot

Kyle Seager has turned his season around in May, and his torrid play continued this week. The All-Star third baseman went 7 for 22, good for a .318 batting average with 1 double, 1 home run and 5 RBI. Seags also posted a .464 on base percentage and slugged 500 through 6 games.

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The University of North Carolina alum is hitting .359 this month, and he has raised his season batting average by nearly 100 points in the process. Overall, Seager is slashing .256/.337/.500 with 8 home runs and 26 RBI across 42 games in 2016. He has tallied 11 doubles, 2 triples, and scored 22 times in 160 at bats.

Some worried about Seager after his awful start to the season in April, but it’s nice to see that he has bounced back in May. I expect his average to hover in the .260 range for much of the season while he continues to be a force in the heart of the Mariners’ lineup.

Next: Fear the Beard

Fear the Beard

Nick Vincent was an afterthought when the season began, but he has now become one of the most effective righty relievers in all of baseball. The 29-year-old posted a 0.00 ERA across his 3 appearances this week for the Mariners. Vincent allowed 1 hit while striking out 4 and walking none in 3.2 innings of work.

Black Beard is 2-1 on the season with a 1.40 ERA with 1 save through 20 appearances in 2016. Vincent has posted a sparkling 24:2 strikeout to walk ratio across 19.1 innings, while limiting the opposition to just 0.67 walks/hits per inning. Most impressive of all, right-handed hitters are a combined 5 for 44 this season against Vincent.

Next: Leonys Martin Ties Career High with 8th Homer

Vincent saw some time as the Mariners setup man this week, and I think we could see more of that as the season progresses. Considering the M’s landed Vincent for a player to be named at the end of spring training, Dipoto is looking pretty smart right about now.