The AL Wild Card race is the least complex one we've had in a while. 3 teams are in contention, not counting the Astros, who are close enough to stepping out of 1st (he says, on Monday when he's writing this): the Yankees, who have it wrapped up, the A's, who have the momentum of the gods, and the Seattle Mariners...who had a good run.
Again, it makes no sense eulogizing these teams in August, because they could take the next month and turn it all around, but despite the recent snap of power, things aren't looking great for the Mariners. James Paxton's injured, and their best pitcher right now is Marco Gonzales, who's...fine, but human. Mike Leake's doing a pretty nice job as well, but he hasn't notched as many wins as they'd like. And...Wade LeBlanc is a starting pitching option. Regardless of his nice numbers, it's not a great sign if Wade LeBlanc has to start games again.
Nelson Cruz has calmed down a bit, deferring to Mitch Haniger as the main source of power. Robinson Cano is technically back, but he's being used sparingly. Mike Zunino STILL can't hit over .200. Kyle Seager still strikes out too much. And even people like Denard Span and Jean Segura, who are playing well, aren't stopping this recent skid.
And it's sad, because the Mariners have been so unlucky in recent years with making the playoffs. They still have the longest playoff drought in baseball, and even with some great teams in recent years, they still haven't gotten anything to happen. And I'd thought this year would be the year, until the A's came along.
I can just hope that something turns around, and they come back and get that last Wild Card spot. I'm not certain, but I just hope they can end the drought.
Coming Tonight: Perennial standout at shortstop for the Giants.
No comments:
Post a Comment