2015 Seattle Mariners: Five Bold Predictions

Mar 8, 2015; Goodyear, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher

(33) throws in the first inning during a spring training baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds at Goodyear Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

With spring training under way and the regular season on the horizon, here are five bold predictions for the 2015 Seattle Mariners campaign.

1) J.A. Happ Will Be 2015’s Chris Young

Although J.A. Happ has not posted stellar numbers throughout his big league career, a closer look at his stats indicate that this was a sneaky good move by Seattle Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik. Happ has a respectable career ERA of 4.24 and a lifetime WHIP of 1.39. He has also been reliable throughout his career, averaging over 22 starts per season since becoming an established MLB pitcher in 2009.

The 32 year-old veteran finished the 2014 campaign with a 4.22 ERA and a WHIP of 1.34 in 26 starts for the Toronto Blue Jays. While these aren’t overwhelmingly good numbers, Happ was pitching the majority of his games in the Rogers Centre, traditionally considered an offense-friendly ballpark.

In 2009 with the Phillies, the young Happ posted a 12-4 record with an ERA of 2.93 and a WAR of 4.0 in 23 starts. That was a few years ago, but Happ’s new home is the most pitcher-friendly stadium in baseball according to the 2014 Park Factors. With the combination of Safeco Field and the stellar pitching staff surrounding him, look for J.A. Happ to rediscover that magic he had in 2009.

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