It’s not going to be easy for Seattle, but outside of New York, you know, the city where nothing else exists, all eyes are on the Mariners. How can we not be intrigued? All of the sudden they have forced themselves into the public’s consciousness for the first time since A-Rod and Junior Griffey left them with little more than a farewell nod and a thank you.
After a Starbucks fueled winter spending spree, nothing really changed. Carlos Silva was a nice addition, but he was a marginal acquisition at best. Ownership could say they were spending money, the team would remain in purgatory, be just good enough to keep the fans in the stands, but far enough away to make them grumble and curse the high ticket prices.
Then out of nowhere, Erik Bedard descended on the city after weeks of stalling, transforming the franchise into bonafide contenders… maybe. Everyone knows that the West belongs to the Angels, and it’s going to take more than the second best left handed pitcher in baseball for them to make the leap.
Insert Felix Hernandez. His ability to step up and take the crown that has been waiting for him since he broke into the league at the tender age of 19 will determine how far Seattle goes. We got a glimpse at his potential when he took the baseball world by storm as a September call-up and posted a 2.67 ERA with 77 strikeouts over 84.3 innings in 2005. It hasn’t been quite as smooth since. The following season he struggled while going 12-14 with a 4.52 ERA. Last season he began to make the transition into superstardom, but came up short while fighting through a rash of injuries that derailed his progress.
Now, at 22, the time is now. Being brilliant on one night while merely mortal the next won’t suffice anymore. The pressure isn’t there for him to be the headliner on this staff, so for the first time in his young career he won’t have the eyes of an entire region scrutinizing his every move. On the other hand, for the first time in his career he will be pitching in games that matter.
He doesn’t have to elevate his game to Nolan Ryan status, if he can step up and be the king to Bedard’s ace, it should be enough. Maybe not enough to stop the Angel’s from retaining the crown, though ithey could steal the Wild Card.
Rotations
1. Seattle: With Bedard and Hernandez this staff might be the most talented in the American League, and they could cause problems if they sneak into the playoffs
2. Angels: Kelvim Escobar took his game to the next level last season, but he hasn’t pitched more than 200 innings in three years. At 32 does he have another great season in him?
3. Oakland: Rich Harden is reportedly healthy for the first time since the 2005 season. Can he stay that way? With Dan Haren now in Arizona, Oakland’s success is contingent on his health.
4. Texas: Things aren’t looking good in Texas. They had the third worst ERA last season, and it doesn’t look like there is much help on the way.
Offense
1. Angels: They lacked pop last season, ranking second from last in homeruns, but they remain highly efficient by hitting for average, taking walks, and through effective base running.
2. Seattle: At 33 Ichiro remains one the game’s premier hitters. Adrian Beltre went through somewhat of a renaissance last season, but can Raul Ibanez continue to be effective at 36?
3. Texas: When Sammy Sosa leads your team in home runs and RBI’s, you have problems. Michael Young remains lost in the desert.
4. Oakland: They still take an insane amount of walks, but what’s left?
Bullpens
1. Angels: F-Rod continues his quest to become the games most dominate closer
2. Seattle: With JJ Putz this team can look forward to playing 8 inning games as long as he’s in town.
3. Oakland: With Houston Street and Alan Embree, Oakland should be able to protect the few leads they’ll have this season.
4. Texas: Joaquin Benoit and CJ Wilson were productive last season, but they lack a proven closer.
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