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5 Ways the Mariners Can Make the Playoffs in 2018

By Colby Patnode

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 01: Carlos Correa
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 01: Carlos Correa /
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5. Everybody Plays Just 5-10 % Above Their Projection, Jerry Brings In Reinforcements

Mariners
SEATTLE, WA – JUNE 11: Seattle Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto watches batting practice before a game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on June 11, 2016 in Seattle, Washington. The Rangers won the game 2-1 in eleven innings. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /

Perhaps the most likely of unlikely scenario for the Mariners is this. Just be slightly better than the pundit’s think, stay in the thick of things, and give Jerry Dipoto a reason to add in July rather than sell.

We saw this with the Kansas City Royals in 2015. The team was good in the first half, and Dayton Moore went out and added Ben Zobrist and Johnny Cueto to help the Royals win their first World Series in 30 years.

In this scenario, Seattle would need to be at least 5 games over .500 in July, or within 3 games with no more than 2 teams to overcome for the wild card, in order for Dipoto to justify such a move.

With a lot of the AL down, it is possible. Considering that the Yankees, Indians, Astros and Red Sox are seen as locks to make the playoffs in 2018, that leaves 1 spot left. The contenders are: Minnesota, Texas, Los Angeles, Toronto, Baltimore, and Seattle.

Next: Previewing the 2018 Mariners Outfield

It’s not hard to write a script where Seattle finds itself in this exact position come July. If they do, we should all implore Dipoto to buy smartly. But if they aren’t, you must be willing to sell.

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