[QUOTE=Anastasaeon]
Mariner fan - after last year, I have to say, they are way above my expectations this year.
[/QUOTE]
They’re playing not only above beginning-of-year expectations, but above expected level given their current performance metrics, primarily “runs scored compared to runs against.” The fact that they have one of the most reliable bullpens I’ve ever seen makes the narrow margins somewhat easier to tolerate, but it’s still worrisome. The starting rotation has holes, the offense is streaky and inconsistent (and burdened by nonperforming veterans), and management, not having predicted the current success, is waffling badly about how to capitalize.
Big up side: the division appears to be near the bottom of an up-and-down trend over the last few years, so the competition is weak. Some modest performers are stepping up a notch or two. There is real potential waiting to be called up from AAA, if management would just make a decision. (The departure of Hargrove gives good cover for necessary personnel shifting, I think.) There are a couple of good pitchers floating around on the trade market that could solidify the rotation.
On paper, given current performance, this team wins 82-85 games, and misses the wild card, finishing second or third in a weak, clumped-around-mediocre-quality division. That they’re trending above 90, and have a shot at the playoffs, is due in part to the bullpen, and to that ineffable quality of chemistry that comes along once in a while and allows a team to exceed its objective potential. Almost to a man, these guys have that look, like they’re finding their collective identity and assigning themselves a mission. Ichiro, in particular, is having a monster year, and is finally emerging as a clubhouse leader, after spending several years deferring to other players and acting as the solitary master in the corner. The big exception is Rally-killer Richie, who shuffles listlessly around the field like he’s in a cancer ward, enduring an endless series of medical tests, awaiting the inevitable terminal diagnosis.
Other than him, though, this team, whatever its actual merits or however it winds up in the final standings (and I’m still skeptical of their long-term chances, despite this past weekend’s four-game split against Detroit, which might suggest a real ability to compete), has a legitimate fire in the belly. And that gives the Mariners something that we haven’t seen for several years: It makes them fun to watch. Win or lose, they’re putting on a good show this year.
