SeaSide Thoughts: 5 reasons to still believe in the Mariners

Bryce and Logan's growth

While it was great to see Luis Castillo and George Kirby each bounce back in their most recent starts, the brightest spots of this rough season so far have been the utter domination by the #3 and #4 guys in Logan Gilbert and Bryce Miller.

Even during this team's darkest moments, Bryce Miller’s growth from year 1 to year 2 has been near perfect since his first start against Boston. In Seattle's lone win against the Chicago Cubs, Miller got the win, going 6.1IP giving up 1 unearned run on 3 hits and striking out 4 on 100 pitches. Despite his 3 walks, Miller still hitting 6.1IP on just 100 pitches is incredible efficiency.

On the season, Miller has a 1.96 ERA, striking out 17 batters in 18.1IP, and an ERA+ of a whopping 194. His command of his electric fastball in the upper half of the zone, paired with his new and devastating splitter dominating the lower half, clearly has hitters lost at the plate.

Thought to be trade bait, Miller has the look of a potential 4th ace level talent in the starting rotation, which feels like a faster rise than expected for Miller, but has been needed so far while the team tries to find their footing.

Last night, Logan Gilbert continued his Ace-like level start, going 6.2IP, giving up just 3 hits, 1 BB and 1 run, striking out 6 on just 90 pitches. 

Mariners radio broadcaster Gary Hill tweeted last night that Logan Gilbert is tied for second in baseball for the most starts allowing 1ER or less, while going 6.2IP. It's early, but it feels like Gilbert is making the jump to becoming a real problem for the rest of baseball, and staking his claim to being the best pitcher on a stacked rotation.