2015 Seattle Mariners: Five Reasons for Optimism
By Todd Pheifer
Sep 19, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Mike Zunino (3) hits a home run during the fourth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Some supporting bats
The Mariners still need a bat or two if this offense is going to improve in 2015. Still, there is potential. Kyle Seager is a star, and can be an effective wingman for Cano.
There is also young talent such as Mike Zunino and Chris Taylor, who could help form a solid core in the future. Zunino had a poor average (.199) and on-base percentage (.254) in 2014, but he hit 22 home runs and drove in 60.
For the Mariners, the real question may be whether Logan Morrison will be a long-term solution at first base. He certainly had a great month of September (.342/.398/.645), but we will have to see if he can stay healthy and maintain that productivity over the course of an entire season.
Oh, and D.J. Peterson may be waiting in the wings. Stay tuned for that. A homegrown Mariners slugger? That’s just crazy talk.