Home » MLB Predictions » 2007 MLB Predictions

2007 Seattle Mariners Predictions

Now check out our 2008 Seattle Mariners Predictions!

The Mariners were a very good baseball team from 2000-2003 before getting beat up on the past 3 seasons. They think they are contenders in the AL West, but I think the three consecutive last place finishes says otherwise. The biggest reason why we can’t expect better out of the Mariners is that they didn’t get better where they needed to in the starting pitching department. The Mariners tied for 8th in the American League in ERA last season, which just isn’t going to get it done in a league stacked with quality starting rotations. Even though Seattle should see some improvements in their lineup, I don’t think it will be enough to overcome their pitching deficiencies. Some great gloves in the field will help get this team out of some tight spots, but not enough times throughout the course of the season for the Mariners to make a big turnaround.

As far as the pitching staff goes, I would suggest that Seattle give their relievers some more innings. J.J. Putz was phenomenal last season coming out of the pen making batters look silly with his split-finger-fastball. Mark Lowe also gave the Mariners solid relief work and it will hurt Seattle that he is out until midseason. Washburn and Hernandez will be Seattle’s biggest hopes in the starting rotation, but there are just too many holes left at the end of this thing for a turnaround in 2007.

Offensively, Jose Vidro should give the Mariners a nice lift in the DH spot. Not playing the field should keep this number two/number three hitter healthy enough to put up some productive numbers. You can always count on first basemen Richie Sexson to put up big homerun and RBI numbers as he has religiously been a 30 homerun and 100 RBI guy. Of course, with Ichiro, Seattle has one of the premier leadoff hitters in the game and Beltre is finding a home in the AL.

As you can see, Seattle has some power in its lineup, but some of Seattle’s bigger sticks have struggled in what has been coined as an unfriendly ballpark for hitters. It is a given that Ichiro will consistently get on base. Perhaps, Seattle should think about playing small ball, stealing or bunting Ichiro over to second to try to manufacture some more runs. Also, if the bottom of the lineup can get on base, Ichiro is a great player to hit and run with because of his bat control. Seattle is going to have to go away from the so-called American League style of play in order to be successful this season. So while they’re trying to get things figured out, expect them to struggle early on. Pre All-Star break could be our time to pick our spots going against this team, especially within one of their bottom three guys in the rotation on the mound.

I do like Seattle to improve in 2007, perhaps making it back to the 500 mark. But in a ballpark that often quiets the Mariners’ bats, they will need some good starting pitching to keep them in games. And I don’t foresee enough of that this season.

2007 Oakland A's Predictions
2007 Texas Rangers Predictions
2007 LA Angels Predictions