There are some definate differences by the team and thier approach to hitting. IEven though it's early I still find it incredible that the Mariners are leading the AL in walks. Please keep in mind the this is virtually the same lineup as last season and the M's were among the worst in drawing walks. Even Sexson is drawing walks and boosing up his OBP and OPS. He's seeing more pitches per AB than anyone else on the team. So even when he strikes out or hits into an out he's making the pitcher work. Like I said it's still early but he looks way better than he did last season, so only time will tell.
The Mareiners were among the best hitting teams last season and they've gotten off to a slow start there but are managing to hit HRs at a much better clip this season. The biggest difference I've noticed at this point is that their BA drops as the temperature drops. The Mariners have been able to produce more runs by utilyzing the hit and run.
The starting pitching has been just awsome compared to the last 4 seasons. So long as everyone stays healthy in the rotation, this part of the team will be by far its greatest stregth. The bullpen is another story. The M's trade away Sharroll and JJ gets hurt and suddenly the pen has become the weakest link. Fortunately, JJ should be back relatively soon. McLaren has got to figure out who will be the set up man in the 8th once JJ is back. Otherwise, we will have to see even more of all that talent in Tacoma be traded away for a set up man by Bavasi. I have yet to see a mid season trade by Bavasi pay off so let's hope it doesn't come to that.
There is one good thing I can say about the Mariners defense . At least theirs two teams playing worse than the M's and both of them are in PA, uggg. It's not just the errors , but like I've been saying all off season long, it's also the lack of range in the corner outfields. To date I've counted 4 plays by Raul that should and could have been made by some one with just a bit more range. Only one of those plays were eventually made irelavent due to the folling plays theire after. The M's have got to figure out whats going on soon or thier rotation will not be able to go as deep on a consistant basis which will lead to the bullpen being overused and worn out by seasons end. Considering that the pen is not as deep or as good as last season, that could be devastating to the Mariners chances to play in the post season.
Go Mariners!!!
