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Sodo Mojo’s Mariners Round Table #4: Ichiro, Unsung Heroes and More!

By ColPatnode |
SEATTLE, WA - APRIL 15: A general view of Safeco Field as Felix Hernandez
SEATTLE, WA - APRIL 15: A general view of Safeco Field as Felix Hernandez
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We are back at it with our fourth edition of the Sodo Mojo Mariners Round Table. This week, we take a look at the first week-plus of games. Who has been underrated, who is disappointing, and what the heck do we do with Ichiro?

We will discuss all of this as the Mariners battle it out against the Astros at Safeco Field. Seattle currently has a record of 8-5, and are in 3rd place in the AL West. With the choppy schedule behind them, the Mariners are now playing 14 consecutive days. With all that in mind, let’s get started.

Question 1: How Would You Grade Felix Hernandez 4 Starts Into 2018?

SEATTLE, WA – APRIL 15: Felix Hernandez
SEATTLE, WA – APRIL 15: Felix Hernandez /

Ty Gonzalez:

He’s had two great starts, one average start, and one absolutely abysmal start. For that, I’ll give him a B. Felix’s command has been a bit wonky, even in the games he pitched well in.

Walks have been a consistent issue, but he finally showed the ability to put hitters away in the Oakland game. That’s not an easy lineup to do that against, either. He’ll never be as dominant as he used to be, but if Felix can continue to build confidence in his command and limit the walks, thus lowering his pitch count, he’ll find success. The stuff he has is still good. It’s all about command for him.

Michael Johnson:

Hard not to like what we’ve seen out of Felix through his first four starts. He came out on Opening Day, a decision many thoughts was made more out of respect for what he has done rather than what he has left to give, and looked like the ace he once was. Felix followed that up with a forgettable outing against the Giants, giving up 8 ER in a loss down in San Fran. But since then, he’s looked solid and despite taking the loss on Sunday, Felix looked as good as he has in years.

His fastball command has been much improved and has been the key to his successful outings. He’s throwing his curve for strikes and locating it down and out of the zone in pitcher’s counts. The change-up is diving in on righties and away from lefties. And most importantly, the swagger is back. Felix is “the King” when he is pitching with confidence. In his first four starts, he’s looking like a guy who knows he can win every pitch. That’s been missing in recent years. Early season grade: B+.

Jeff Nooney:

I would give Felix a solid B. Look, we all know the miles out on his arm. He’s never going back to being 2011 Felix Hernandez. I expected his final stats to be about 150 innings of 4.25 era. He pitched great in his last start, but he will be rocked again. Felix is doing as well as can be expected of him.

Colton Swanson:

I’d give Felix a solid 7 (of 10). His stuff on Sunday was really encouraging and his Opening Day start also looked really good. He hasn’t been awful and if you take out the game in San Francisco, the King looks like he may have figured out how to work around hitters even when he doesn’t have overpowering stuff. It’s certainly hard to have anything bad to say about Felix and I applaud the effort he has given so far.

Colby Patnode:

I’d give Felix a B-. His recent start against Oakland A’s was his best of the year, and we saw the blueprint for success going forward. More sliders and 2 seam fastballs, fewer sinkers. Throw the changeup for strikes, and then expand the zone. If Felix can use this formula going forward, he could be the solid number 2 starter the Mariners need.

Dan Clark:

Felix Hernandez this year has been a smaller version of, dare I say it ‘The Fernando Rodney Experience’. In saying that though his last two starts have been great. I’ve loved what Felix has produced in 3 out of 4 starts. He is building my confidence and felt more like old Felix with the result of losing a 2-1 game but saying that at the moment I’m giving Felix the grade of B+.

Question 2: Who is the Mariners Unsung Hero Thus Far?

SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 21: Dan Altavilla
SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 21: Dan Altavilla /

Ty Gonzalez:

Mitch Haniger, of course. One would assume I chose Mitch because of his go-ahead homer against the A’s on Friday. No, it’s because of how well he filled in for Nelson Cruz as the cleanup hitter. While the team struggled occasionally on the road trip, Haniger was a constant threat for this offense. Now tied for the American League lead in RBI (as of Sunday), Haniger has cemented himself as one of the premier sluggers on the Mariners.

Michael Johnson:

As a baseball guy I know to never talk about the no-hitter. It might be the most well-known unwritten rule of baseball. So as I type these words out, I do so with some hesitancy… okay, A LOT of hesitancy. With that in mind, as so many of us have done before, sitting in the dugout, far away from the man who is currently dealing on the mound, communicating indirectly with teammates about what is going on here, I will answer this question in a similar way.

With the offense performing the way they have (up until yesterday at least), I can’t help but read the word “unsung” and think of the guy who is having the best season of any Mariner thus far, but is being overshadowed by the hot starts of Dee Gordon, Robinson Cano, Jean Segura, and recently Kyle Seager. And look, I get it. The guy has only gotten in 7 innings of baseball. But it’s time to recognize the greatness that is taking place.

Not naming names here, but 7 IP, 0.00 ERA, 0 R, 1 H, 1 BB, 14 SO, and 6-for-6 in save opportunities is as good as it gets. In fact, again not naming names here, but I think that stat line is as sweet as “Sugar.” Again, not naming names though.

Jeff Nooney:

The Mariners Unsung Hero award has got to be Dee Gordon. The attitude he brings to the clubhouse is infectious. Watching him beat out a throw for an infield single and giving a little dance afterward had me all excited. When a player scores, he is usually the first one to give a high 5. He has changed the culture in the locker room for the good, plus he has been on fire this season. No doubt it’s Dee Gordon.

Colton Swanson:

*Clinches teeth* Don’t you dare say anything about Daniel Vogelbach Colton. Dan… Altavilla has been nearly unstoppable in the pen and has made himself into a go-to reliever late in games. Honestly, if Diaz was to get injured, Altavilla might be the go-to guy in the closer role during that time.

Colby Patnode:

To me, it absolutely has to be Dan Altavilla. The Mariners bullpen has been disappointing, outside of Edwin Diaz and Altavilla. Altavilla is often the first man out of the pen, typically coming into high leverage spots in the 6th and 7th inning. He has only allowed 1 run in 7 appearances, striking out 9 along the way. He has been the bridge to the Mariners 7-8-9th inning pitchers and has helped the team locked down several wins already.

Dan Clark:

In my opinion, the Unsung hero award goes to Robinson Cano. His hot start, in my opinion, has helped the Mariners get off to a hot start so far. Although he is still looking for his first HR of the year he has been hot at the plate. The top third of the order has been electric so far and having Cano in the 3 spot has helped make the others around him better.

Question 3: What Do You Do With Ichiro When Ben Gamel is Ready?

SEATTLE, WA – APRIL 1: Ichiro Suzuki
SEATTLE, WA – APRIL 1: Ichiro Suzuki /

Ty Gonzalez:

While the logical decision is to DFA him, that’s not what’s going to happen. In a popular move (or non-move) to the casual Mariners fanbase, Ichiro will remain on the team for the foreseeable future, and one of Guillermo Heredia (a much younger, better player), Andrew Romine, or a reliever will be on the move when Gamel is activated.

That would be the wrong move, for obvious reasons. The Mariners should NOT do this. But they probably will.

Michael Johnson:

I know what I want the Mariners to do. Inform the fans they plan to recall Ben Gamel from his rehab assignment on Wednesday and a pregame ceremony will be scheduled for Tuesday night. I am pretty sure we’d all understand what was about to happen. At the said ceremony, allow Ichiro to take the podium and thank the fans of Seattle for bringing him into the league… and for ushering him out.

He’s never been much of a talker, so you shouldn’t need to schedule too much time but give him as much as he needs. Instead of inlaying the No. 51 into the dirt behind the second base bag per the Safeco Field norm, mow No. 51 into the right-field grass. For this night only, move Dee to the bottom of the lineup and insert the name Ichiro into the leadoff. Start Haniger in left field and send Ichiro out to the right-field grass one last time.

There, he can go through his pregame routine acknowledging his fans in the right-field seats with a tip of the cap and squatting into the infamous Ichiro stretch. I can already see the Ichi-meter lady’s tears. Then, after leading off the bottom of the first inning with a slap single into left field – which he no doubt will do – pinch run Guillermo Heredia and send Seattle’s beloved Ichiro into retirement. On Wednesday recall Gamel and get one step closer to a fully healthy roster.

Jeff Nooney:

If I was Jerry, I wouldn’t have signed Ichiro in the first place. But, since he did, and Gamel comes back this week, the baseball guy inside says you have to DFA Ichiro. But, they won’t. When Zunino comes back, either Frietas or Marjama will go down. They could send a reliever down for Gamel since they’re carrying 9 bullpen guys or Taylor Motter. That’s the route I think they will go.

Colton Swanson:

What do I do with Ichiro? That’s the hardest question so far in 2018. I think Jerry put himself in a really hard situation when the time comes. I don’t think he can be released. But he also doesn’t have a spot on the roster unless the M’s keep fewer relievers. I do like Ichiro as a pinch hitter late in games but 5 outfielders are a lot to have. In the best case scenario, to keep things from getting ugly, Ichiro would retire and go out as an M. But also, we can’t rule out the fact that with the Mariners luck, one other Injury will arise that will allow them to keep Ichiro, even if it just for a bit longer.

Colby Patnode:

Cut him. Release him. DFA him. Terminate your relationship. Mutually part ways. Hand him a pink slip. Escort him off the premises. But do it in the nicest possible way. There is no space on this roster for him. He can’t hit for any power. He is not a good defender. And nobody should be kept on a 25 man roster to be a “pinch runner”, especially since Ichiro has lost several steps over the years.

In short, he provides no tangible value to your team. And save your BS argument about his leadership skills. First of all, you have no way of knowing how he works in the clubhouse. Second, in what world do the Mariners lack leadership? Are Nelson Cruz and Robinson Cano just terrible leaders? Please.

Stop trying to make Ichiro fit. He doesn’t. He is the worst player on the 25 man roster, maybe even the 40 man roster. So of course, the Mariners will jam him into the roster, and might even give up on a younger, talented player to make it happen. The whole thing is a joke. There, was that subtle enough for you?

Dan Clark:

The Mariners painted themselves in this corner and I have a bad feeling it is going to divide the fan base in a big and negative way. I actually put up a poll on my twitter account (which is @danclarkmariner btw) which asked this very question. With 62% of people saying DFA Ichiro, which is my answer and the obvious baseball first decision. I’m not sure how they can do it but that’s the smart decision. What surprised me is 20% of people said Heredia to AAA is ludicrous. Heredia is, at this stage a lot better player and helps this team so much more.

Question 4: Which Mariner Would You Deem The Biggest Disappointment?

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – APRIL 04: Felix Hernandez
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – APRIL 04: Felix Hernandez /

Ty Gonzalez:

Marco Gonzales. I said on our podcast that he had earned my confidence with the way he handled himself in Spring Training against good offensive talent. He has proven me wrong.

In his last two starts, Marco has been no less than an inconvenience for the Mariners. He has only pitched 5.2 innings while giving up eight runs in that time.

The first game led to a 10-0 blowout loss, while he was bailed out by the hot bats versus Oakland on Saturday. That kind of offensive performance should not be expected every fourth night of the season, therefore Marco has to turn this thing around or prepare to be sent down. He’ll get plenty of chances from Dipoto and Servais to do so, though.

Michael Johnson:

It would have to be the bullpen – well, most of the bullpen. Outside of Eddie Diaz, Dan Altavilla and Chasen Bradford (who would still be in Tacoma if it weren’t for injuries), the bullpen has been less than impressive. But the guy who has led the charge of disappointment in the ‘pen has been Marc Rzepczynski. Since the season-opening series against the Indians Marc has made three appearances, totaling 1 IP, 4 H, 1 BB, 3 ER, 13.50 ERA and a massive 8.06 FIP. Not a good look for your lefty specialist.

Jeff Nooney:

The biggest disappointment for me this season is Juan Nicasio. Nicasio has given up a run is what seems to be every outing. His velocity has been down from last year, so you have to wonder if there is a bigger issue there. Granted, he’s never pitched in the American League before, so there is a transition period. I’m not worried about him quite yet, but I am watching him a bit more closely.

Colton Swanson:

If I had to pick just one player that has been the biggest disappointment, I’d have to give the honor to Ryon Healy. He has plenty of time to turn that around obviously, and he needed more time coming back from hand surgery but he looked like a Double-A player facing Major League pitching for the first time to start the season. He looked as if he may have made some adjustments and got his timing down and then he ended up on the DL.

This time, on his way back, the M’s need to keep him on a rehab assignment until they are 100% sure he has his timing back. There is no doubt in my mind that Healy is going to get it figured out and be a big part of the lineup. But so far, he’s been tough to watch.

Colby Patnode:

The team has, in large part, exceeded my expectations. However, if forced to choose somebody, I’ll have to go with Juan Nicasio. We have watched him struggle with both his command and velocity at times this season. It is early, but his groundball rate has dropped 20%, and his HR/FB rate stands at 20%.

Logically, we can expect both of these numbers to even out, but it doesn’t help to struggle early when you are new to your team. The Mariners need a good bullpen to stay in the race beyond April, and Juan Nicasio might be one of the biggest x-factors in determining the success of 2018.

Next: Jackie Robinson Day: What It Means to Me

Dan Clark:

The biggest disappointment for me so far in 2018 has to Marc Rzepczynski. He struggled last year in the second half and that has continued so far this season. He needs to be better and quickly otherwise he will be out of a job real soon.

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