Mariners All-Stars: Three players who inspired hope in the first half

Two Mariners made the All-Star team this season. Aside from them, who else sparked hope for the Mariners in spite of a disappointing first half of 2017?

Mariners designated hitter Nelson Cruz was voted into the All-Star Game tomorrow at Marlins Park in Miami, and although he won’t start, his All-Star status was well-deserved. Second baseman Robinson Cano was named an AL All-Star reserve for his work in the first half for the Mariners. Although his numbers are slightly off of his normally torrid pace, he was deserving as well.

The Mariners didn’t have many other players who deserved to make the All-Star team this year. At 43-47, the Mariners can’t sustain success and yet continue to inspire hope after all seems lost. Take last night’s brilliant outing by Felix Hernandez, an ace who appeared to be on his way out of the Iron Throne* as King. The King looked like the King again and maybe everything is fine after all.

But a 2-5 homestand didn’t inspire hope in the Mariners faithful. And as usual, it was a struggle to get Mariners on the All-Star rosters this season.

There were a few players who were All-Stars for Mariners manager Scott Servais this season, and one who should have made the MLB All-Star roster as well. Besides established stars like Cruz and Cano, these players will (hopefully) give General Manager Jerry Dipoto pause when he decides who stays and who goes as we approach the Trade Deadline.

The Mariners are in between rebuilding and going for it this season. No matter what happens, these three players can smile and nod knowing they played well in Seattle for the first half. So there’s that. Let’s look at a few players who did their part for the Mariners so far this season.

*Less than a week from the Game of Thrones premier. I’m extremely excited.