2015 Seattle Mariners: Five Bold Predictions
By Max Carter
4) Three Mariners Will Drive in 90-Plus Runs
This one is a bit less far-fetched, but the Mariners haven’t had three players with over 90 RBI since 2007 when Raul Ibanez, Jose Guillen, and Adrian Beltre accomplished the feat. For the first time in seven years, the Mariners have a truly formidable heart of the lineup.
Robinson Cano will be Robinson Cano, pummeling line drives into the gaps and setting the table for the big boys, Nelson Cruz and Kyle Seager. We have already seen what Seager can do with some padding around him in the lineup, and I am beyond excited to see what kind of numbers my main man can put up in 2015. Undoubtedly, Nelson Cruz’ power numbers are bound to drop in the home run exterminator that is Safeco Field, but the former Baltimore Oriole is a solid overall hitter and shouldn’t be fazed by the pitcher friendly park.
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Nelly also had no problem hitting what was likely the most dominant home run at Safeco in 2014, off none other than King Felix himself. In fact, Cruz has a history of putting balls out at Safeco off of Felix Hernandez.
With a strong supporting cast like Austin Jackson, Dustin Ackley, and the Seth Smith/Justin Ruggiano platoon, the three monsters in the middle of the Mariners’ lineup should have plenty of opportunities to drive in runs all season long.
Next: Paxton Joins The Elite