Another day of baseball and another day of the Mariner’s offense struggling. Especially the big three Julio Rodriguez, Cal Raleigh and Josh Naylor. Since the start of the season the batting order has not really changed other than a few players moving up or down one slot. The only actual change is Rob Refsnyder leads off when a lefty starts on the mound and Brendan Donovan is dropped down the order to 6 or 7. Do the Mariners need to switch up the batting order? Or do they stick like they have been and hope to see a change.
Keeping Things the Same
It is very early into a very long season so there is no reason to sound any alarms yet. But the way that some of the guys have been hitting it is interesting that nothing has changed yet. The good thing to keep in mind is that this can’t last long. Everyone has slow starts and gets into slumps. But Rodriguez, Raleigh and Naylor will figure it out sooner or later. Keeping the batting order the same will work out. When these guys do get hot this line up and the way that the order is set up will be a big problem for other teams to face. The only question is, how long will that be?
Switching everything up
The plan that could solve some issues or head into the right direction is switching up the order. With Raleigh at the plate he is missing good pitches to hit and also bad ones. Everyone knows that he is an amazing hitter but is struggling with balls right down the middle. Rodriguez has the potential to have an MVP season, but yet again, he can’t hit the slider right now. This is the first year seeing Naylor start the Season with the Mariners so we don’t know how he will do with a slow start. Dan Wilson should move them all down in the order to 5,6,7. This can help them get some confidence back, see some pitches and maybe even drive them more to succeed.
What to Change and What Not to Change
If the batting order were to change, you can’t just change everything all at random. With the guys that are really struggling moving them down in the order is something that could work. It gets them more comfortable, and can lift some of the stress of being at the top off their shoulders. This also isn’t something permanent, just until they get their feel back. Donovan has been great in the leadoff spot. Changing him to lower in the order when a lefty is pitching has not worked and leading off with Refsnyder has not looked great. They are both great bats but need to be used correctly. Cole Young has been dominating right now in the 8 spot. There is no need to move him, he is doing great. If it isn’t broken don’t fix it.
Again, this is nothing to sound the alarms on or make drastic moves. These are some of the best bats in the league. This team has one of if not the best rotation in baseball and they can’t win without offense. Any way that can get better is better for the Seattle Mariners. However, using the same formula expecting a different outcome doesn’t usually work. One thing that is known for sure, these guys will figure it out at some point and will be dangerous for the rest of the league.
(Top Image Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images)
