Mariners vs Athletics: Why overlooking this year's Athletics could be dangerous

Mariners vs Athletics: Hitters to watch

As a team, the Athletics are sitting at a slash line of .221/.299/.391, which ranks 26th/26th/15th. The two names to watch out for at the plate are Shea Langeliers and Brent Rooker. Both of them are sitting right there with Cal Raleigh at nine home runs on the season. The Mariners have obviously shown an ability to shut down the best teams in baseball, but are also just coming out of a series where literally everyone got rocked.

I'm always wary of speed, and if Esteury Ruiz is feeling it, watch out. He led the American League last season with 67 stolen bases, so don't let the four for seven number fool you from this season.

This came out of nowhere, but Abraham Toro (former Mariner) is hitting an impressive .293/.351/.447 with three homers and eight doubles for them through his 36 games played. Toro was never able to figure it out for the Mariners, or the Brewers, but seems to have found his stride in Oakland. We love seeing most former Mariners succeed, but let's hope he waits until after this series to continue doing so.

JJ Bleday is the last guy we're highlighting today. With four homers and ten doubles, he's giving them surprising pop in the outfield. A slash line of .246/.329/.431 is worthy enough to get the job done, and he can end up on second base before you realize it if you aren't careful on the mound.