Overreacting to the Mariners' first week of Spring Training games... Is the season already over?

With the first week of spring training games in the books, it is the time of the year to overreact. Baseball season is here, and every team is now optimistic, well except the Rockies and Athletics. It is that time of the year when you convince yourself that this is your favorite team's year to win it all, and for us Mariners fans, that dream could soon be a reality. While the Mariners certainly are not the favorites to win the World Series, neither were the Texas Rangers last Spring. So let's get crazy, even for just a little bit!

With key injuries, is the season already over?

NO! The season is not over, at least not yet. This whole week Mariners fans have been on pins and needles awaiting news on reliever Matt Brash's news about his elbow injury. We all assumed the worst, in large part due to his usage last season, and for how hard he throws. But Mariners fans were rewarded with some good news, His elbow injury is just inflammation!

Ryan Divish also went on to say that Brash will most likely not be ready by Opening Day, as the Mariners want to be cautious with him. The MRI scan was consistent with his previous scans, so it seems like there is no tear in his UCL. That is the best news the Mariners could have been given with Brash.

As for the newly acquired hired gun Gregory Santos, He is progressing in his throwing program. Mariners GM Justin Hollander would not commit to Santos being ready for Opening Day quite yet, but he noted that reports have been positive. We wrote earlier this week about newly acquired third baseman Luis Urias being hurt, but he actually got into a game on Thursday, and even smacked a triple. He is not ready to throw quite yet, but it is a positive sign that he was able to hit.

Mitch Haniger is back, baby!

I know I was excited to bring Mitch Haniger back home when the Mariners traded for him, and so far in Spring Training, I am still excited. Mitch has already homered, and he looks ready to have a big year. The only thing holding that statement back is his health. Mariners fans know just how good Haniger is when he is healthy, just look at his last fully healthy season (2021): 39 Home Runs, 100 RBI, .253/.318/.485/.804 with an OPS+ of 122. Nobody is expecting him to Hit 39 home runs again, but a fully healthy Mitch Hainger is a weapon the Mariners absolutely need.

The Mariners have only won one game, should we be worried?

No! This is Spring Training, people. Logan Gilbert and Luis Castillo have not given up a run yet, Bryce Miller has only given up 1, and Bryan Woo was bringing the heat even if it was rough. George Kirby struggled, but it was only one start with a key error that extended the inning. He still has plenty of time to ramp up for the regular season.

Bullpen pieces that are expected to make the Opening Day roster have fared well, also. Jackson Kowar, who I have been very critical of the Mariners acquiring, has shown well so far. As had Jhonathan Diaz, who both have not given up a hit in each of their 2 innings.

As for the offensive players, some non-roster invitees have made their push for a roster spot. Infielders Michael Chavis and Brian Anderson have both homered this spring and with the injury to Luis Urias, there could be an open spot for one of them. Infield prospects Ryan Bliss and Cole Young have impressed so far, and there is a real chance that Bliss will make the team out of Spring. Young is still just 20 years old and has not played above High A ball yet. Even with a stellar Spring, he will be sent down.

Should Urias underperform, or still be injured, I expect Brian Anderson to make the club. His career stat line is .252/.336/.404/.740, so he has shown that he can play. He plays third base, but has also played in the corner outfield spots. Scott Servais loves him some positional flexibility, and while Anderson can't play everywhere Dylan Moore can, he has shown to swing a heavier stick than Moore.

As always, Tridents Up and Go Mariners!