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Seattle Mariners: 9 Statistical Predictions for the Lineup

By Nick Lee

Aug 22, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter Nelson Cruz (23) hits a solo-home run against the New York Yankees during the eighth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 22, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter Nelson Cruz (23) hits a solo-home run against the New York Yankees during the eighth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Seattle Mariners
Aug 22, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter Nelson Cruz (23) hits a solo-home run against the New York Yankees during the eighth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Nelson Cruz, DH

2017 projected stats: .285, 38 HR, 103 RBI

Cruz has surpassed 40 home runs in each of his first two seasons in Seattle. So why not this year?

This isn’t a knock on Cruz’s skills. He will be 36. As we know, Father Time is undefeated.

I won’t be shocked if he reaches the 40 plateau once again, but I won’t be panicking if he doesn’t. He is one of the most feared hitters in the game and for good reason.

Cruz hasn’t showed many signs of slowing down just watching him in the World Baseball Classic and Spring Training thus far. This still would be a fantastic season and one that would help the Mariners win the AL West.

5. Kyle Seager, 3B

2017 projected stats: .279, 28 HR, 91 RBI

The curious thing about Seager is the fact he has gotten better every season. So we really don’t know if he has hit his ceiling. The safe guess would be yes, but you just don’t know.

Hitting 30 home runs again would be quite an accomplishment. Seager should certainly approach that, while keeping his average where it was last year. He is improving and that should scare the entire American League.

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