The 3 Keys to a Successful Seattle Mariners April

Apr 2, 2017; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Opening Day bases lay on the field prior to the game between the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2017; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Opening Day bases lay on the field prior to the game between the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 10, 2017; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners center fielder Jarrod Dyson (1) swings at a pitch against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Peoria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2017; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners center fielder Jarrod Dyson (1) swings at a pitch against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Peoria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

3. The Outfield

The Mariners outfield could be a deadly force this year. A mixture of power and speed. The Mariners outfield could be a complete disaster this year. A mixture of blown potential, and injuries.

Only one of the Mariners projected outfielders has played a full season in the Majors, and that’s Leonys Martin.

That’s the same Leonys Martin who saw his season get off to an absolutely fantastic start last year, before getting injured and getting rushed back. After the injury, Martin was never quite the same.

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So which Leonys will we see in April? The one who has power and speed, and will be a tremendous source of runs for the Mariners? Or the Leonys Martin of after the injury?

However, really the two biggest question marks are Mitch Haniger and Jarrod Dyson. Dyson has never reached 300 at-bats in one season.

He’s always been a part-time player. If he can be as effective as a full-time player as he was a part-time player, he will be a tremendous source of value for the Mariners.

When Mitch Haniger was acquired, he quickly became everyone’s favorite Mariner. He solidified that with an incredible Spring Training. But turning a spectacular spring into a solid season isn’t as easy as it may sound.

Will Haniger live up to his hype? Will the Mariners outfield be a force to contend with or a never ending cycle of players trying to fill in?

Next: Series Preview: Mariners Vs. Astros April 3rd-6th

If the outfield can just post consistent numbers, and stay healthy in April, it will be another piece of the puzzle to making an early run and starting out hot.