In the 2013 season, the Seattle Mariners were nothing close to a feared team. They were nine losses short of a 100-loss season and were not in the top half of the American League in any team statistic. They were just a blah team that was not leaving an impression on anyone. Let’s face it, if you weren’t a Mariners fan then you probably couldn’t name a single Mariners player besides Felix Hernandez (maybe one or two at the most). In the offseason, the Mariners made a big statement when they signed the star second baseman, Robinson Cano. With the signing of Cano, the Mariners hope to turn their franchise’s fortunes around.
The Seattle Mariners: Cupcakes No More
Cano was a truly remarkable player in New York, with a .309/.355/.504 career slash line over nine seasons with the Yankees. He has made appearances in the last four all-star games, and is playing just as well defensively as he is offensively, with a .986 career fielding percentage.
It isn’t just great statistics that Robinson Cano will bring to Seattle, it’s the extremely important postseason and championship experience that the Mariners need.
Cano’s time with the Yankees gave him seven years of postseason play, and a World Series Championship ring. This is going to be crucial for the Mariners as Robinson will be an impact player who knows what it takes to not only win, but to be a world champion. His presence in the lineup could help take Seattle to the postseason, and maybe even further than that.
Now of course one all-star will not turn a mediocre team into a great one, but when you pair Cano with what Seattle has developing, things may be getting good for the Mariners. Felix Hernandez is obviously the second part of the base that the Mariners are trying to build, as “King Felix” will surely be tough to beat, giving the Mariners a good chance at a win every time he pitches.
Those two will be stars for the Mariners, but one key player that not many people are aware of is Corey Hart. Hart did not play at all last season due to injury, but prior to that he had nine successful seasons in Milwaukee. He is a solid hitter, with a .276/.334/.491 career slash line. When you look at his progression he may just now be getting into the prime of his career. From 2011 to 2012, Hart made increases in RBI, runs, hits, home runs and doubles. Hart will be a fully healthy outfielder for the Mariners once the regular season starts, and will very likely be an underrated impact player for Seattle.
The Mariners are going to have a more talent this year than they did last year, that’s for sure. They already have a sensational ace, and the additions of Robinson Cano and a healthy Corey Hart will make this team much better defensively and offensively. It might not all come together for this club in just one season, but if they continue to build around what they now have the Seattle Mariners will be a very solid baseball team and a potential contender over the next few years.
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on Twitter – @JSCHISENHALL. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport – and “liking” our Facebook page.
Interested in writing for LWOS? We are looking for enthusiastic, talented writers to join our Baseball writing team. Visit our “Write for Us” page for very easy details in how you can get started today!