5 Bold Predictions for 2017 Seattle Mariners

Sep 23, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Seattle Mariners outfielder Leonys Martin (12) waits on deck in the seventh inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Seattle Mariners outfielder Leonys Martin (12) waits on deck in the seventh inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 29, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners center fielder Leonys Martin (12) hits an RBI-single against the Oakland Athletics during the fourth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 29, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners center fielder Leonys Martin (12) hits an RBI-single against the Oakland Athletics during the fourth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

Leonys Martin Hits 20 Home Huns, Steals 20 Bases

Leonys Martin is instantly becoming both a fan and clubhouse favorite and appears to be a vital member of the 2017 season. We know two things about Martin, he is a great centerfielder and he has a howitzer attached to his right shoulder.

Last season, we saw the dimension of power into his game when he slugged 15 homers in 143 games. Steals will not be the problem in 2017, as Martin has never stolen fewer than 24 bases (100 GP minimum). Could Martin find five extra homers and join the 20/20 club?

Prior to his hamstring injury in late May, Martin was crushing the baseball, slugging .481 in the opening 2 months. After the injury, he never slugged over .400 in any other month.

Is it possible he hits 20 home runs? Yes. But, is it likely? Probably not. But these are Bold predictions, so let’s roll with it.

The Seattle Mariners Send 5 All-Stars To The Mid-Summer Classic

That’s right, you heard me. Five Mariners are headed to the All-Star game. Who are they? Well, let’s start with the obvious.

Robinson Cano and Nelson Cruz will play second base and DH respectively. Joining them is former All-Star Kyle Seager, who will win the “last man in” fan vote after being left out for Josh Donaldson and Adrian Beltre.

Who are the other two? Felix Hernandez perhaps? Maybe Jean Segura? Yeah, maybe it happens. But making their first ever appearances will be Mariners hurlers James Paxton and Edwin Diaz. After

After stellar 1st halves, in which Paxton has a sub 3.00 ERA and Diaz leads the AL in saves, the two youngsters will get to face the best the NL has to offer.