Five Questions, Ten Disappointing Answers

 

A young HVH visitor moments before asking a stupid question and receiving a swirly. Education and discipline are priorities at HVH.

By Tommy Gunner, 26 April, 2024

This round will be a little different. Both Stevil and I will give our answers, or responses, to the five questions selected. We'll try to do this each month and the questions will come from WhatsApp in an effort to promote baseball in Brazil. Questions in the comments will be answered promptly (3-5 business days).

Q: What is the weakest position for the Mariners right now?

A (Stevil): Left field. I like Raley and Canzone, but Canzone's out and Seattle seems reluctant to give Raley consistent PAs. I don't think he should be platooned. Not yet, anyway. For what it's worth, there has been improvement since the first couple of weeks.

A (Tommy): DH or second base? It bothers me that the two biggest names they got in the offseason haven't done much for a month already. (*Note: This question was asked before the Atlanta series!)

Q: What happens when Woo returns?

A (Tommy): Hancock probably gets optioned. He's already been optioned. Woo, hasn't.

A (Stevil): If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Hancock's been great. He's had just one bad outing, and with just one day off between 3 May and 2 June, I don't think it would be wise to test Woo by throwing him into the fire. He isn't likely going to give them the innings they're getting from Hancock and his first task of the season shouldn't be so demanding. 

That said, I could see them giving Woo spot-starts if the other starters need a break, but right now it's tough to see them changing course from Hancock. When your number five starter gives you six innings, your bullpen benefits. Hancock is more valuable to the team right now than fans probably realize. 

Q: Can this kind of pitching continue?

A (Stevil): I've seen a few other bloggers & commenters quick to suggest it isn't sustainable. I don't know why anyone would say that. None of Seattle's starters are guys with shaky histories. They all have excellent stuff and they're executing. It's not like they're hanging meatballs and getting lucky. We can probably expect a hiccup here & there, but there's no reason to think this isn't the best rotation in baseball and can't remain the best in the game. The bullpen might be a different story, but if/when they get Brash & Santos back, there's an argument the 'pen could be exceptionally better--and they're already excellent. 

A (Tommy): Yeah, these guys are good! Maybe we see a little regression, but they're not falling off a cliff. Injury is the wildcard here, of course.

Q: What can or should they do to generate more runs?

A (Tommy): Be more patient at the plate and more aggressive on base. 

A (Stevil): They need their stars to heat up. Julio, Polanco, Garver...if those guys get goin', we could see some of the best baseball Seattle has ever experienced. 

Q: Is Seattle really the best team in the AL West?

A (Stevil): I think so. Look, they're in first place and their offense isn't dialed in yet. Julio is going to find his power; Polanco is going to get his hits, Garver is going to find his swing and JP was heating up before the oblique issue. I think the questions with the Rangers and Astros are more concerning than anything with the Mariners. There's a lot of baseball left, though, and the goal isn't to be the best in the West, it's a World Series title. There's work to do. I hope nobody's satisfied with being the best in the AL West.

A (Tommy): Claro, but the Rangers' lineup is enviable. I still think Houston can threat if their starters are healthy. I just hope the Mariners front office doesn't assume anything and does everything they can to stay at the top.