Seattle Mariners: 9 Statistical Predictions for the Lineup
By Nick Lee
8. Mike Zunino, C
2017 projected stats: .235, 21 HR, 63 RBI
This may be a do-or-die year for Zunino.I am convinced he will never become the perennial .300 hitter like Ivan Rodriguez was as a catcher, although he doesn’t have to be – I just want to see marked improvement.
More from Seattle Mariners
- Seattle Mariners trade James Paxton. Deja vu or re-imagining?
- Seattle Mariners: November mailbag – Face of the franchise and more
- Seattle Mariners: Zunino part of 5 player swap. What it means for the M’s.
- Seattle Mariners: Mitch Haniger, and Edgar Martinez headed to Japan
- Seattle Mariners: Trading for Joc Pederson from L.A. – 3 scenarios
It’s simple. The 26-year old needs to bat above his body weight (listed at 220 lbs.). He needs to cut down on strikeouts and walk more. A .235 average would be an improvement. Catchers don’t need to light up the stat sheet at the plate to be good catchers.
Much like not every quarterback needs to be Tom Brady or Drew Brees, racking up the passing yards, to be considered a good QB. Zunino has the power. If his average can come along, he can be one of the most complete catchers in the league.
9. Leonys Martin, CF
2017 projected stats: .243, 12 HR, 44 RBI
Martin was a nice surprise last season, setting career highs in home runs (15) and runs scored (72). It would be great to get a repeat of last year. Anything close would be a great help.
With Martin’s speed, the more he is on base, the more opportunities the top of the lineup will have to drive in runs. I really like the combo of him hitting and possibly getting on base with Dyson on deck, with even better speed.
Talk about a pitcher’s worst nightmare.
Next: The Top 5 Mariners of All Time
What’s your take on the prediction made in this article? Are there any others you would like to add to the list? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.