X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Seattle Mariners Hot Stove: MLB News & Fantasy Baseball Analysis

Zach Hebert prepares you for the 2014 fantasy baseball season covering the Seattle Mariners offseason moves, MLB news and fantasy analysis during hot stove season.

Seattle Mariners Overview - State of the Team

Pessimism mixed with a healthy dose of cynicism seems to be the natural state of most baseball fans in the Pacific Northwest. This dreary outlook is not undeserved – the Mariners are coming off four straight seasons with total losses ranging between 87, at best, and 101, at worst. However, after a fairly eventful offseason to complement the existing young talent, there may be glimpses of sun in the Seattle future.

rotoballer-fantasy-baseball-advice-felix-hernandez

Infielder Kyle Seager provided a serviceable fantasy bat last year, hitting .260 and popping 22 HRs. However, most of the buzz around the Mariners in fantasy baseball revolved around the strong, young rotation led by King Felix himself. While Hernandez (12-10) garnered much of the attention, posting a 3.04 ERA and 1.131 WHIP, youngster Hisashi Iwakuma actually outperformed him, statistically. Iwakuma (14-6) supplied the Mariners with an impressive 2.66 ERA and 1.006 WHIP, in addition to averaging 7.6 Ks per 9. The Mariners’ young talent doesn’t end there – potential fantasy sleeper Taijuan Walker looked impressive through three games last season, with a 3.60 ERA/1.000 WHIP all the while fanning 7.2 batters per 9 innings.

Unfortunately, the bullpen situation is much gloomier. Both Tom Wilhemlsen and Danny Faquhar enter the 2014 season with 4+ ERAs, and neither one inspires much confidence in their ability. Making matters worse, neither one has done enough to run away with the clear title as closer. To bolster this squad, GM Jack Zduriencik found himself in the enviable position of having a large purse going into the offseason, and made several noteworthy moves.

 

2014 Preview - Key Offseason Acquisitions

While all of the noise surrounding the Mariners’ offseason acquisitions centered around one notable second baseman with a former Empire State of Mind, Seattle also quietly made a conscious effort to add power and some veteran leadership.

Logan MorrisonThe Mariners acquired Logan Morrison from Miami, in exchange for RHP Carter Capps. Many fans and analysts greeted this move as “underwhelming,” which is a claim with more than a little merit. LoMo, a formerly promising prospect (ranked #18 going into the 2009 season), appears to have peaked in 2011, where he hit 23 HRs and 72 RBIs. Since then, a clear and steady power drop-off has left him with a pedestrian batting average, a high ground out rate (46%), and a low BAPIP (.284). However, the Mariners needn’t look far for examples of power batters who didn’t hit their stride until later in their career – Raul Ibanez was 29 before he truly found his stroke at the plate. While LoMo played all 85 games last season at 1B as he recovered from knee surgery, he does provide some versatility in his position eligibility and may play in the OF to clear up the current logjam at the 1B/DH position. Though apparently “underwhelming” in light of his previous two seasons, if LoMo can return to form and reached the promise of his potential he could be a good source of runs and RBIs next season.

Corey HartSticking with the 1B/DH position, the Seattle Mariners acquired Corey Hart in a heavily-incentivized one-year deal, with a potential value up to $10.6 million. This two-time All Star did not play last season, after having micro-fracture and meniscus surgery in his right knee between 2012 and 2013. This is certainly concerning for fans and fantasy owners alike, as this is the type of injury that has the capability of devastating careers. To alleviate some of this injury concern, the Mariners will likely see him at play as a DH, with the possibility of playing 1B as needed. This injury likely eliminates any speed he may have had at the position, he still has the ability to produce in the power categories. Hart cranked 30 HRs in 2012, and 29 in the two consecutive seasons prior, while also providing a strong BA of .277 between 2007 and 2012. Hart also dropped weight this offseason and claims to feel good enough to play outfield if called to, which bodes well for his value this coming season. If he can manage to bounce back from the knee injury, Hart batting fourth could provide a strong contribution in the power categories while also serving as protection for the Mariners’ most highly touted (read: expensive) acquisition.

Robinson CanoComing in from New York with a staggering and highly-criticized, ten year, $240 million deal, the 31 year old Robinson Cano is hopefully the cure to the Mariners’ aches in power production. The doubts have certainly been raised – he’s going to a less favorable stadium, to a team with less production, and fewer runs scored, while raising question marks as to his desire to win. I’m optimistic (at least relative to the Seattle standard). Sure, Safeco is less friendly than Yankee stadium. Sure, the production in New York isn’t matched by Seattle. And he absolutely made this decision to follow the dollars, rather than to join an immediate contender. Nonetheless, I firmly believe all of these factors are vastly overstated and he will contribute at an elite level in Seattle. Yankee stadium was the seventh most favorable stadium for hitters last season, while Safeco wasn’t far behind at fifteenth. Moreover, Cano’s home/road split as Yankee was relatively even – in fact he hit more homers on the road (16) than at home (11) last season. Granted, this included several friendly AL parks, specifically Toronto and Baltimore. Regardless, his career BA at Safeco matches his total career average (.309), and he posts a .487 slugging percentage in Seattle. Finally, the Mariners only produced 26 fewer total runs than the Yankees last season, despite the historically large gap. This two time Gold Glove winner could be the power hitter that the Mariner’s desperately need, after hitting 27 HRs and 107 RBIs. If Hart play to his potential and offers some protection for Cano, another season of 20+ HRs and 90+ RBIs is easily conceivable in Seattle.

Willie BloomquistFinally, the Mariners signed 36 year-old veteran utility man Willie Bloomquist. A career .270 hitter, he posted a .317/.360/.367 slash line in Arizona. Bloomquist, while unheralded, is thus coming in with a higher batting average than most of his positional teammates. However, while he may provide some veteran leadership and a serviceable bat to the Mariners’ squad, he will likely have little to no relevance for most fantasy owners.

 

2014 Preview - Key Offseason Departures

Carter CappsThe Mariners gave up right-handed reliever Carter Capps in the trade with Miami. Capps was a high-upside pitcher with flashes of brilliance and the ability to throw 98-99 mph. However, after going just 3-3 last season with a 5.49 ERA, this likely won’t be a large gap in the bullpen.

 

Questions at 1B and 2B

More importantly, the offseason acquisitions create several questions at two infield positions. We now have a Smoak v. Hart v. Morrison competition at 1B, while Cano displaces Nick Franklin, once considered the Mariners top prospects. Franklin’s shaky defense at second and less-than-stellar arm make a transition to the outfield unlikely. These questions have yet to be resolved, and we’ll likely learn more about the Mariner’s plan this Spring.

 

Final Note

With that, the Mariners are a relatively young team with a strong rotation, and could be one of MLB’s biggest surprises if their new bats bring the power GM Jack Z. is hoping for. Either way, stay tuned for more in-depth team previews from the great Northwest!




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS


Titans Use Fourth-Round Pick On Gunnar Helm
Jarquez Hunter

Rams Select Jarquez Hunter In Fourth Round
Mike Trout

Blasts His Ninth Home Run Of The Season

Texans Trade Up For Woody Marks

Jets Select Arian Smith In Fourth Round
Ryan Mountcastle

Adley Rutschman, Ryan Mountcastle Not In Game 1 Lineup

Panthers Select Trevor Etienne 114th Overall
Edwin Díaz

Edwin Diaz Wasn't Available Friday Due To Recent Usage

Giants Take CFP Darling Cam Skattebo
Darius Garland

Won't Suit Up For Game 3
Ha-Seong Kim

Targeting June/July Return

Jags Bolster Backfield With Bhayshul Tuten

Titans Selected Chimere Dike At No. 103
Darius Garland

Unavailable For Pregame Warmup
MLB

Yankees and Blue Jays Postponed On Saturday
Colt Keith

Not In the Lineup For Game One Of Doubleheader
Jrue Holiday

Classified As "Day-To-Day"
Spencer Steer

Hits Two-Run Home Run On Friday
Agustín Ramírez

Agustin Ramirez Hits First Career Home Run In Multi-Hit Effort
Jacob Wilson

Hits Third Home Run In Three-Hit Game On Friday
Paul Skenes

Strikes Out Nine In Win Over Dodgers
Shane Baz

Tosses Seven Shutout Innings In Win
Trevor Larnach

Homers, Collects Four RBI On Friday
Jordan Beck

Power Surge Continues, Homers Twice On Friday
Jacob Markstrom

Ends Losing Spell Friday
Devin Williams

Blows Save On Friday, Yankees Make Temporary Move At Closer
Cole Caufield

Collects Two Points In Friday's Win
Connor McDavid

Totals Three Points In Game 3 Win
Johnathan Kovacevic

Exits Early Friday
Seth Lugo

Tosses Eight Shutout Innings In Friday's Win Over Houston
Sam Montembeault

Suffers Lower-Body Injury Friday
Logan Thompson

Exits Loss With Injury
Cristopher Sánchez

Cristopher Sanchez Will Throw A Bullpen On Sunday
Brandon Hagel

Suspended For Game 3
Griffin Conine

To Have Shoulder Surgery On Tuesday
Luke Keaschall

Twins Prospect Luke Keaschall Suffers Broken Forearm
Logan Gilbert

Leaves Friday's Start With Forearm Tightness
Tai Felton

Vikings Select Tai Felton To Finish Day 2
Jalen Milroe

Seahawks Select Quarterback Jalen Milroe With The 92nd Pick Overall
Dillon Gabriel

Browns Select Dillon Gabriel 94th Overall
Savion Williams

Packers Pick Savion Williams At No. 87 overall
Kaleb Johnson

Steelers Snag Kaleb Johnson In Round 3
Pat Bryant

Broncos Select Wide Receiver Pat Bryant With The 74th Overall Pick
Jaylin Noel

Texans Select Jaylin Noel With 79th Pick
Isaac TeSlaa

Lions Select Wide Receiver Isaac TeSlaa With The 70th Overall Pick
Jack Leiter

To Start On Sunday
Kyle Williams

Patriots Add Wide Receiver Kyle Williams In Round 3
Harold Fannin Jr.

Browns Draft Harold Fannin Jr. With 67th Pick
Garrett Mitchell

Makes Early Exit
RJ Harvey

Broncos Add RJ Harvey To Backfield With 60th Pick
Jack Bech

Raiders Select Jack Bech With 58th Pick
Tre Harris

Chargers Add Wide Receiver Tre Harris In Round 2
Brandin Podziemski

Not On Injury Report For Game 3
Jimmy Butler III

Warriors Optimistic About Jimmy Butler III Playing Saturday
Jae'Sean Tate

To Remain Out Saturday
Jock Landale

Unavailable For Game 3
Terry Rozier

Out On Saturday
Jrue Holiday

Ruled Out For Friday Night's Game 3 Against Orlando
Kevin Love

To Miss Saturday's Game
Jaylen Brown

Available For Friday Night's Game 3 Against Magic
Gary Payton II

Iffy For Saturday's Action
Jayson Tatum

Officially Available On Friday For Game 3 Against Magic
Luke Kennard

Questionable For Game 4 On Saturday
Darius Garland

Listed As Questionable For Game 3
Ja Morant

To Miss Game 4 On Saturday
Rui Hachimura

Available For Game 3 In Minnesota
Aaron Ekblad

Available To Return Saturday
Aleksander Barkov

Questionable For Saturday
Gabriel Landeskog

Set For Larger Role In Game 4
Calvin Pickard

To Start Game 3 For Oilers
Jonas Siegenthaler

To Play Limited Minutes In Game 3
Luke Hughes

Remains Out On Friday
Patrik Laine

A Game-Time Decision Friday
Jaylen Brown

Questionable For Game 3 On Friday
Jimmy Butler III

Could Miss Game 3 On Saturday
Carlos Prates

Looks To Remain Undefeated In The UFC
Ian Machado Garry

Set For UFC Kansas City Main Event
Cade Cunningham

Collects Double-Double In Loss
Jalen Brunson

Drops 30 Points In Game 3
Zhang Mingyang

Scheduled For Co-Main Event
Anthony Smith

Set For His Final UFC Bout
David Onama

Set For Featherweight Bout
Giga Chikadze

Looks To Bounce Back
Abus Magomedov

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Michel Pereira

Returns To Action At UFC Kansas City
Nicolas Dalby

An Underdog At UFC Kansas City
Randy Brown

A Favorite At UFC Kansas City
Andre Muniz

Set To Open Up UFC Kansas City Main Card
Ikram Aliskerov

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Sergei Bobrovsky

Shuts Out Lightning In Game 2
Cam Fowler

Finishes Thursday's Win With Five Points
Robert Thomas

Posts Four Assists In Game 3 Win
Pavel Buchnevich

Celebrates Hat Trick During Four-Point Performance
Dylan DeMelo

Battling An Illness
Marcus Johansson

Exits Early Thursday
Aleksander Barkov

Hurt In Game 2
Cam Davis

Looking For Better Fortunes At TPC Louisiana
Adam Svensson

Making Third Apperence At Zurich Classic
Max Greyserman

Aiming For Similar Success At TPC Louisiana
Lee Hodges

A High-Upside Player In New Orleans
PGA

Nico Echavarria Looks To Ride Off Of Elite Putting In New Orleans
Gary Woodland

A Player Worth Watching In New Orleans
Max McGreevy

Returns To The Zurich Classic Of New Orleans
Rasmus Hojgaard

In Search Of Consistency Ahead Of Zurich Classic
Sam Stevens

A Boom-Or-Bust Candidate In New Orleans
Nicolai Hojgaard

Looking To Turn Season Around At Zurich Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

Looks To Sway A Hot Putter In Teams Favor At Zurich Classic
Akshay Bhatia

Looking To Bounce Back At TPC Louisiana
Carson Young

Looks To Turn Things Around At TPC Louisiana
Erik Van Rooyen

Looking For Momentum In Louisiana
Andrew Novak

Making Start At TPC Louisiana After Near Miss At Harbour Town
Ben Griffin

Making Third Career Start At Zurich Classic
Taylor Moore

Competing With A New Teammate In New Orleans
Wyndham Clark

Making Return To New Orleans
Kurt Kitayama

Teeing It Up Again In New Orleans
Collin Morikawa

Back At Zurich Classic For Fifth Time
Thomas Detry

Making Third Appearance At New Orleans Team Event
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF