5 Need, 5 Wants Fans Are Looking For From The 2017 Seattle Mariners

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Sep 21, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez (34) reacts after the final out of the seventh inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

Felix Hernandez NEEDS To Give The Mariners 200 Quality Innings.

If the Seattle Mariners are going to make the playoffs in 2017, they will need a healthy “King” Felix. Hernandez was a major disappointment in 2016 and is as responsible for the team missing the playoffs as anybody.

The team needs the King to be his 2015-self, to stabilize the rotation and give the team a chance to win every five days. A repeat of 2015 would require 200 innings of 3.33 xFIP and 8.5 K/9. Not unreasonable for the future hall of famer.

We WANT Felix Hernandez To Return To His 2014-Self.

If Felix can come close to repeating his 2014 season (236 IP, 2.14 ERA, 248 K’s) the Mariners go from playoff contender to a World Series favorite.

Hernandez is working hard this off-season to return to his Cy Young form. He is strengthening his lower half, which should help with his endurance and perhaps velocity.