Mariners Weekly Progress Report: Stuck in Neutral
By Nick Lee
In the latest Mariners report, we look at the frustration surrounding the team’s inability to get on a roll…in the right direction.
Have you ever driven a stickshift car? You know that feeling when you stop on a hill and can’t quite get it into gear and begin rolling backwards? That is the Mariners right now.
The Mariners finished the week 3-4 after winning the series against the Marlins, but dropping three of four to the Athletics in Oakland. After a 6-3 homestand almost got the Mariners out of the hole they dug to start the season, they go back on the road and nearly get swept in a four game series. They are now a lowly 2-9 on the road.
The final straw broke the camel’s back and Leonys Martin was the sacrificial lamb. He was designated for assignment, meaning he can be claimed by another team and if no suitors are found he can be sent to Triple-A Tacoma. He was hitting .111 with just one extra-base hit and 14 strikeouts compared to just six hits.
The Mariners seem to be stuck in neutral. This week will be a gauge to see if Sunday’s breakthrough was anything more than one step forward before two steps back.