A lot of the focus of the M's first half has been on the ungodly home/road splits ~ and for good reason! Take a gander at these unbelievable differences - as a team...
on the road .256 / .305 / .410 / .715
Believe it or not, the M's scored the second most runs (220) IN THE MAJORS on the road and were at or above average in most major offensive categories (except OBP).
But, at home, it was the opposite (only worse - the FEWEST runs in the majors).
Something about that "home cooking" that just didn't resonate - here are a couple of real extremes...
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| at the plate |
Michael Saunders
home .189 / .263 / .264 / .527
road .299 / .358 / .517 / .875
Kyle Seager
home .157 / .265 / .261 / ,526
road /313 / .343 / .548 / .891
As for the starting pitching, definitely not as strong as in previous years. They posted just a smidgen better (4.35) than AL average (4.39) in ERA and a whole lot worse (22) than AL average (32) in wins.
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| on the mound |
Felix and Jason Vargas both recorded 11 quality starts and each have a winning record (6-5 and 8-7 respectively)
Kevin Millwood suffered with a groin injury but, despite his record, has pitched very well when healthy.
Blake Beavan and Hector Noesi have both been sent to AAA Tacoma (Blake in early June, Hector in early July) as they both struggled mightily.
Erasmo Ramirez has been inconsistent to say the least. He started the year in the pen and was so-so but was sent down to build starting strength and has had mixed results since coming back up in mid-June and then suffered an elbow injury (not serious).
Hisahi Iwakuma only had one start ( a win vs. BAL) but will likely be used more to start the half (due to Hector's demotion and Erasmo's injury)
And the surprise of the first half (both good and bad) had to be the Bullpen!
Let's get the bad out of the way. Brandon League started out great - didn't allow an earned run till April 19th but, after that was the epitome of inconsistency (not a good quality in a ballplayer, especially a closer) and he lost his closing role toward the end of May. Originally, Wedge didn't name a closer ('t was going to be the preverbal "closer by committee") but, it didn't take long for one of the guys to take the bull (pen) by the horns...
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| in the 'pen |
Since being installed as closer, Tom Wilhemsen (aka: The Bartender) was 2-0 with 7 saves and hadn't given up a run ... until the last game before the break in Oakland where he gave up 2 and blew his first save (but, hey, it happens, even to Mariano).
The lefties have been a nice surprise. Lucas Luetge and Charlie Furbush have really contributed nicely. Lucas didn't give up a run until well into June and Charlie posted the third longest scoreless streak (23 innings) in Mariners history
Oliver Perez, seldom used, was pretty effective until that last series in Oakland when he gave up three runs in two games.
Up and down/ In and out were the rest...
Shawn Kelley had a slow start back from rehab but, has pitched well lately - hasn't given up a run since June 20th. Steve Delabar has already been sent down and called back and hasn't been real reliable. Stephen Pryor, called up in early June, was pitching well but, only appeared in six games before suffering a groin strain (began a rehab stint at the ASB). George Sherrill wasn't right from the start and we soon found out why - he's was out for the season on April 9th and underwent Tommy John surgery.
Now THIS is where the Mariners shone brightly ~ their defense was OUTSTANDING.
Brendon Ryan was the standout. While punchless with the bat he is an absolute wizard with the glove - web gem after web gem. The rest of the infield has been really good - at one point, Justin Smoak had a nice errorless streak going and the biggest surprise defensively was Kyle Seager at the hot corner.
As for the outfield, Michael Saunders did a bang up job filling in for Guti in CF, Casper Wells has really done well in his limited chances in LF (really strong, accurate arm) and Ichiro, clearly not what he used to be but seems he's performing a bit better defensively than he was last season.
Behind the plate - definitely an area of opportunity. Miguel Olivo still has his usual passed ball issues and Jesus Montero clearly has a lot of learning to do (though certainly not the disaster that many predicted) but he does have the "no-hitter" under his belt - a great accomplishment!
Really hard to find stars among this young group who is dying for some veteran leadership (IMHO). The hitters show flashes of brilliance (especially on the road) but can't seem to bring it with any consistency. Their travel schedule has been brutal - from the Japan trip and back to playing on the road a good 5 - 10 more times than most teams for a good majority of the first half. Not an excuse but, a definite contributor.
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| gold glove D |
As for the outfield, Michael Saunders did a bang up job filling in for Guti in CF, Casper Wells has really done well in his limited chances in LF (really strong, accurate arm) and Ichiro, clearly not what he used to be but seems he's performing a bit better defensively than he was last season.
Behind the plate - definitely an area of opportunity. Miguel Olivo still has his usual passed ball issues and Jesus Montero clearly has a lot of learning to do (though certainly not the disaster that many predicted) but he does have the "no-hitter" under his belt - a great accomplishment!
Really hard to find stars among this young group who is dying for some veteran leadership (IMHO). The hitters show flashes of brilliance (especially on the road) but can't seem to bring it with any consistency. Their travel schedule has been brutal - from the Japan trip and back to playing on the road a good 5 - 10 more times than most teams for a good majority of the first half. Not an excuse but, a definite contributor.
| first half stars |
I would probably give the first half star to a couple of the pitchers...
Felix, of course but, not for the usual reason. He had a period of adversity and the fact that he was able to recognize the issue and fix it shows his maturity and character.
Wilhelmsen, Luetge and Furbush deserve at least an honorable mention - all with ERAs under three (Lucas under 2!) and as many (or more!) strikeouts as innings pitched.
Saunders and Seager deserve some recognition. Even though they both have been abysmal at home - Saunders has definitely found something in his new approach and Seager, despite his low BA, actually leads the majors in RBI with 2 outs and RISP (27)
oh, super kudos to John "Mr. Clutch" Jaso ... 7 game winning RBI's!
Felix, of course but, not for the usual reason. He had a period of adversity and the fact that he was able to recognize the issue and fix it shows his maturity and character.
Wilhelmsen, Luetge and Furbush deserve at least an honorable mention - all with ERAs under three (Lucas under 2!) and as many (or more!) strikeouts as innings pitched.
Saunders and Seager deserve some recognition. Even though they both have been abysmal at home - Saunders has definitely found something in his new approach and Seager, despite his low BA, actually leads the majors in RBI with 2 outs and RISP (27)
oh, super kudos to John "Mr. Clutch" Jaso ... 7 game winning RBI's!
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