Five Seattle Mariners On MLB Network List Of Top 100 Players

Feb 25, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter Nelson Cruz (23) gets ready for batting practice during camp at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

It’s an exciting time to be a Seattle Mariners fan.

Well, it’s exciting to be a Seattle sports fan in general with the Seahawks and Sounders both competing for Championships every year. But it is an especially great time for followers of the M’s after a full decade of mediocrity. Calling it mediocre is actually pretty generous.

But those days are no more.

The Mariners are ready to compete. Time will tell if this team will be competing for a division, pennant or World Series. But they will be competing, thanks in large part to five standout players.

Here are the Seattle Mariners who made it onto the MLB Network’s top 100 players in baseball:

66) Nelson Cruz

You would think the reigning MLB home run leader would be a little higher on this list. This is indicative of the fact that many don’t think he will be able to perform as well inside SafeCo Field.

It is unlikely he hits 40 bombs again, but 25-30 is a reasonable estimate, which would be infinitely better than the DH-by-committee the Mariners have been forced to use the last few seasons. He hasn’t hit less than 22 in any season of his career since becoming an every day player in 2009.

Our trust level of older power hitters coming Seattle is little-to none, and for good reason. But coming off a career year, there isn’t too much reason for worry with Cruz. In 2015 at least.

Next: A Homegrown Superstar Checks In On The List