SEATTLE MARINERS (86-76), 2ND, AL WEST
uSeason snapshot: An offseason makeover on and off the field helped the Mariners improve their 2015 win total by 10 games and come tantalizingly close to reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2001. General manager and manager were hired, Dipoto wasn’t shy about flipping the roster and Seattle wasn’t eliminated from the AL wild-card race until game No. 161.
(39 homers, 103 RBI) rebounded with one of his better seasons and was complemented by designated hitter (43, 105) and third baseman (30, 99). But right-hander
missed a chunk of the season, and right-hander performed well below expectations. The Mariners had to switch closers during the season, with supplanting struggling
uWhat now: Although the Mariners fell just short of the playoffs, their mojo has changed. Servais is a hit with the players, and there is a belief that Seattle can now make a legitimate run at the Texas Rangers for the American League West title next season. The club was relieved that Cano rebounded and that Seager’s power numbers continue to trend upward. Left-hander
blossomed and could form a nifty 1-2 punch with Hernandez atop the rotation. The overall belief is that the organizational overhaul has formed a foundation at various levels that will be built upon. “No doubt we will be a better team next year,” Cruz said.
uFree Right-hander presents Seattle with their biggest free agent decision, although after the year Iwakuma had (16-12, 4.12 ERA) maybe it’s not a tough call. But Iwa- kuma will want a considerable raise after signing a one-year, $11 million deal. Seattle also has to crunch the numbers at first base, where and formed an under-producing platoon. uProspects First baseman
was a July pickup from the Chicago Cubs, where his path to his position was blocked by Anthony Rizzo. The roadblock isn’t as considerable in Seattle for the left-handed hitting slugger, who had a 503-foot blast in a home run derby. Outfielder won the Mariners’ award for being the best hitter in their minor league system after being named Most Valuable Player of the Class AA Southern League. O’Neill could push for a roster spot in spring but figures to spend time in Class AAA Tacoma (Wash.).
Jay Paris