Mariners: 3 reasons they will still have realistic shot at the All-Star break
By Paul Taylor
3) Sense of urgency
The Mariners entered the 2017 campaign with good reason to believe they would contend. And we’re talking genuine reason, as opposed to the hopeful optimism every sports fan base feels ahead of the new season.
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This roster was loaded, and nowhere was this more apparent than within the veteran core of the team. The likes of Hernandez, Iwakuma, Robinson Cano and Nelson Cruz offered both experience and leadership, while also still being pretty damn talented.
However, the one major issue which often accompanies these veteran assets is advancing age. The four players mentioned above are 31, 36, 34 and 36 respectively – last time we checked, Father Time was still undefeated.
Now general manager Jerry Dipoto did say recently that he is fully committed to the current roster, as per his decision to sign Segura to a five-year extension. However, the time to challenge is now for Hernandez, Iwakuma, Cano and Cruz, who know the clock is fast ticking towards zero on their ability to still consistently compete at a high level in the Majors.
What’s your take on the Mariners, as we enter the final stretch of games before the All-Star break? Do you agree they will still be in realistic contention come July 9, or do you predict they will continue their recent run of bad results? Share your thoughts in the comments section.