Who’s hot, who’s not?
The Seattle Mariners had yet another bad week. What else is new, though, right? At least this time last year, they were still in the race. This year, they’re racing for mediocrity.
The Mariners scored 21 runs vs. 19 for their opponents in 6 games and still managed to win just 2 of them. 2 of those game went into extra innings, just like last week.
Let me repeat this…..The Mariners OUTSCORED their opponents for the week and went 2-4.
There’s not much more I can say than that. Just another tally to the oddities column for this season. It’s going to be a big tally by season’s end, that’s for sure.
Let’s see who made the list this week.
Who’s Hot
Jason Vargas – SP
Jason Vargas came out firing this week. In fact, with Felix Hernandez getting 2 starts this week, you wouldn’t imagine Vargas being the gem of the week. He was, though.
And for that, he land in my Who’s Hot list.
Vargas had been the victim off some random run support and this week’s win put him over .500 on the season now. I believe Vargas to be a legitimate #2 or #3 SP on your fantasy team. Despite run support, Vargas usually racks up as many positive stats as one could on a losing team.
This week’s stat line: 9 innings, 7 hits, 1 run, 1 walk, 6 strike outs, 1 home run
Casper Wells – OF
Casper Wells has stepped up for the Mariners. Let’s hope he continues getting HR trots in the second half the season…
Casper Wells was oddly enough the hottest hitter on the team this week. With past heroes gone cold, Wells stepped up this week and was sadly the best hitter of the bunch. I’m happy for Wells, but it’s sad because even he didn’t fare too well.
Wells could get some legit looks at Util for now and pretty soon could be an everyday starting OF.
This week’s stat line: 7 for 24 (.291) with 4 Runs, 5 RBI, 0 walks, 9 strike outs, a double, 2 home runs
Keep An Eye On
Michael Saunders – OF
Michael Saunders fell off in a big way much like many of his teammates. He had a tiny comeback this week, though, and is looking to forget the first half of the season and come out hot after the All-Star break.
Saunders has easily been the best “power hitting” outfielder on the team this year. Let’s hope he actually hits for power in the second half.
Saunders is worthy of an OF or Utility spot despite his cold & hot flashes.
When he’s on, he’s ON.
This week’s stat line: 5 for 20 (.200) with 4 runs, 1 RBI, 3 walks, 4 strike outs, 2 doubles, 1 stolen base
Who’s Cold
Dustin Ackley – 2B
Dustin Ackley finally made my cold list. If he doesn’t do something soon, he may find him self embarassingly in Tacoma. There’s not much more I can add for Ackley except he is drowning quickly.
He needs to produce in order to keep his head above water.
Ackley was a starter up until a couple weeks ago. I wouldn’t experiment with him right now.
This week’s stat line: 4 for 24 (.166) with 4 Runs, 1 RBI, 2 walks, 5 strike outs, 1 double
Kyle Seager – 3B
Like Ackley, Kyle Seager has fallen off this season. He was on a great run for a while there but has cooled off since. Like the rest of the team, let’s all hope he uses this All-Star break to his advantage.
He needs to come out swinging…well…in order to stay on this club in the second half.
Seager may be worthy of a spot if you’re plagued with injuries or have a really thin waiver wire.
This week’s stat line: 4 for 24 (.166) with 0 Runs, 6 RBI, 2 walks, 4 strike outs, 1 double
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