2015 Seattle Mariners: Five Reasons for Optimism
By Todd Pheifer
![](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/fdf9463036b277a79963e249382f8855116df2bb5805c916969c1ed700371f68.png)
September 3, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter Corey Hart (27) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during the seventh inning against the Oakland Athletics at O.co Coliseum. The Mariners defeated the Athletics 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
A reason to spend
For Seattle fans, there is reason for optimism because there may finally be a good reason to spend real money on a supporting cast. Yes, the Mariners made a splash with Cano, but they didn’t break the bank on a lot of help.
We’re not talking about a Corey Hart best-case scenario contract. We’re talking about a legit bat that will make opposing pitchers think twice about intentionally walking Robinson Cano.
Now, Jack Zduriencik has stated that the M’s will be spending some money in the offseason. Whether that is truth or whether that is the usual rhetoric about being “aggressive” remains to be seen. The point is that the Mariners can’t get away with adding a Kendrys Morales-type player.
There is reason to break out the checkbook.