Pivotal Series For The Mariners In 2017

In 2017 the Mariners are going to be under the microscope of nearly every baseball fan. The M’s went all in for this year. Which series will be the most pivotal for this year’s campaign?

This Mariners season has the most potential to be the team’s first playoff year in a long time. Mariners fans are hoping that playoff baseball will return to the Pacific Northwest this season.

In order for that to happen, there are a few key series that the Mariners not only need to win but need to dominate. I’m talking about playing the Red Sox, Indians, Astros, and all interleague series.

Interleague Play

In 2016, the Mariners interleague matchup was the NL Central, arguably the best division in baseball. The M’s finished interleague with an 8-7 record and going 1-2 against the eventual champions of baseball, the Chicago Cubs.

Although interleague isn’t much different than any other series, it can be a good indicator of a potential World Series matchup.

This year, the M’s will be slated to play teams from the NL East, and additionally a series with the Colorado Rockies. According to some baseball people, the Nationals are one of a few teams capable of taking the Pennant from the Cubs.

If the Mariners play the Nats well, that will be a good sign for the season. Playing against powerhouse teams from the other league could mean good playoff fortune.

Something A Little More Familiar

If the Mariners are to win it all, it will be against the odds according to Vegas. Currently, the M’s have a 33/1 shot to take the crown in 2017.

Three teams in the AL will be the ones to give the M’s the most headaches.

Firstly, the Astros are a team we are all too familiar with. Their middle infield along with their revamped rotation and fire-breathing closer Ken Giles will give the Mariners much trouble over the year.

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To say the Red Sox went all in for 2017 is an understatement. They had seven of the top-50 prospects in the MLB, and now they are gone besides the best one. Although, they now have Chris Sale which makes their rotation quite fearsome.

Along with that rotation, the young outfield and the killer B’s, this team looks to take the AL crown.

Finally, the Cleveland Indians. It seemed nothing could stop this team in the postseason. No amount of shaking in their boots or drone accidents could slow this team.

Sadly for the AL, their rotation is young, and they already looked like seasoned veterans. Adding Encarnacion and getting Brantley back makes that offensive a force to be reckoned with. Finally, we all know the legend of the two-headed Indians bullpen. This team is primed to make some noise.

What Does This Mean for 2017?

Winning the Pennant is never an easy task for any team. But the AL wants to make sure that no team has a cake walk to the fall classic.

Although there are some superpower teams in the AL, don’t doubt the Mariners talent either. A healthy Felix Hernandez, along with the explosive offense and young bullpen make them feared. This team won’t be winning 100 games, but from day one they will be in the playoff picture.

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If you love intense baseball games, where every pitch matters and October is a relevant dream, 2017 is your year Mariners fans.