Who’s hot, who’s not?
The Seattle Mariners had a very good week. Taking on the New York Yankees and Kansas City Royals seemed to be a blessing as the team went 5-2 on the week. Of course 4 of those wins came against the Royals, but who cares? The Mariners are WINNING!
Ok enough of my over-enthusiasm and back to Earth.
The Mariners outscored their opponents 28-22 this week. This is one of the very few times all season that we can say the Mariners outscored their opponents in a week. The last time they did it, they still had a losing record for the week.
Things are looking up as this team is playing noticeably better. Cross your fingers, Mariners fans.
Let’s see who made the list this week.
Who’s Hot
Jason Vargas – SP
Jason Vargas was spectacular again this week. When King Felix was not so productive, Vargas stepped in for him. Now that Felix is back to his old form, Vargas has made this Mariners rotation formidable for opponents. Trade rumors are hopefully just that, because Vargas has saved the Mariners too many times to count this season.
If you have Vargas, he is a must start player.
This week’s line: 8 innings, 1 hit, 1 run, 3 walks, 5 strike outs, Win
Felix Hernandez – SP
King Felix can’t be left off this list. With Mariners production declining most of the season, the resurgence of the offense has given Felix Hernandeza fresh breath of air and a few extra wins. This bodes well for the Mariners pitching rotation as they now have 2 strong starters with Felix and Vargas.
Mike Carp has made the best of his newfound opportunities.
Start Felix. Duh.
This week’s line: 14 1/3 innings, 9 hits, 5 runs, 5 walks, 10 strike outs, Win, No Decision (in 2 starts last week)
Keep An Eye On
Michael Saunders – OF
Michael Saunders has been up and down all year long. What sets this season apart from the last couple years is that he is still on the Mariners roster. Saunders has been one of the best hitters and base runners this team has had all season long. I’m sure Saunders is enjoying it as much as Mariner fans are.
I would probably start Saunders if you have him. He may be a utility guy in some leagues, but his numbers are good enough to sneak you some wins. Just look at his stolen base total on the year.
This week’s line: 6 for 28 (.214) 4 runs, 1 RBI, 1 walk, 6 strike outs, double, home run
Mike Carp – OF/1B
Mike Carp is the biggest beneficiary of the Mariners current outfield situation. With Franklin Gutierrez frequently injured and Ichiro being traded, Carp has seen more time in the recent past than he did before the outfield was decimated again. If he stays consistent, he may force the Mariners hand with so many young outfielders to go to.
Carp is not a fantasy option as of yet, but could be a later season sleeper if leagues get desperate for waiver depth.
This week’s line: 8 for 21 (.381) 3 runs, 4 RBI, 1 walk, 5 strike outs, 2 doubles
Who’s Cold
Dustin Ackley – 2B
To be quite honest, I am surprised Dustin Ackley is still in Seattle and not in Tacoma. With Eric Wedge sending a clear message by already sending Justin Smoak to AAA, Ackley may be next on the demotion list. He started off well but slowly declined into a Chone Figgins-like spiral of suck. This week’s numbers weren’t too bad, but he has been bad enough for long enough that he really has to prove himself at this point.
Drop Ackley quick if he’s on your fantasy team.
This week’s line: 5 for 25 (.200) 5 runs, 1 RBI, 5 walks, 3 strike outs, 2 doubles, 2 stolen bases
Carlos Peguero – OF
Carlos Peguero was another beneficiary of the twisted outfield situation. Unfortunately for him, he is not capitalizing on the opportunity. With Trayvon Robinson and Casper Wells fighting for play time, Peguero may find himself to be the odd man out and back in Tacoma.
Don’t even waste your time with him, if you hadn’t picked up on that.
This week’s line: 1 for 14 (.071) 1 RBI, 7 strike outs, double
CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE MARINERS BLOG IN OUR CLUBHOUSE TODAY AT NWSB!
About Brandon Choate
