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Seattle Mariners: No playoffs but still a year to remember

By Jaymin Bernhardt

SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 9: Mitch Haniger #17 of the Seattle Mariners slides safely into home plate before catcher Austin Romine #28 of the New York Yankees can make a tag on a ball hit by Robinson Cano #22 of the Seattle Mariners during the eighth inning of a game at Safeco Field on September 9, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. Cano was safe at first base on a fielder's choice. The Mariners won 3-2. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 9: Mitch Haniger #17 of the Seattle Mariners slides safely into home plate before catcher Austin Romine #28 of the New York Yankees can make a tag on a ball hit by Robinson Cano #22 of the Seattle Mariners during the eighth inning of a game at Safeco Field on September 9, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. Cano was safe at first base on a fielder's choice. The Mariners won 3-2. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /
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The 2018 Seattle Mariners season will end with a 17th straight post-season on the couch. There have still been some standout performances, however, for fans to be proud of.

As we near the end of the 2018 season, we know that the Seattle Mariners will miss the playoffs for the 17th straight year. The last time they made the playoffs, Ichiro was a rookie sensation.

As much as this part of the season usually sucks for the fans (especially this year), they have to remember that this year still was one to remember for a long time, due to some key players.

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For starters, how about Mitch Haniger? That man was insane this year with 154 hits including 25 home runs and 88 RBI. He’s batted .280 which is very good but with the year he had, it seemed as if he actually had hit better. That’s a testament to how well he has played. The number of clutch base hits and amazing plays in the outfield was just a complete joy to witness as a fan.

Another guy who sadly has gone under the radar is Ben Gamel. It’s finally time say how good he has been this year. Gamel has been as consistent as anyone on the team hitting .277 with 67 hits over a 92 game span. His home run numbers are way down from the 11 last year, with only one this year.

Seattle’s number 16 has reinvented himself into a consistent big-league hitter who can hit the ball to all fields and through the holes. His game has turned into one of finesse, much like a Japanese player (Ichiro, cough, cough) that we had the privilege to watch for so many years.

Although not un-noticed, Edwin “Sugar” Diaz is having one of the all-time best closer seasons. His 56 saves are tied for the third highest total in MLB history. Additionally, he became only the second Major League pitcher ever to save 50 games and with over100 strikeouts in the same season (Eric Gagne did it twice, 2002, and 2003).

dark. Next. Mariners should re-sign Nellie!

In a year that will end in disappointment, Mariners fans should all be very encouraged by the unscheduled step up the team made this year. They had the opportunity for a while to wear their gear proud, knowing that the M’s were right there with the big boys in baseball for the first four months. Remember the good times that were 2018.

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