At the start of the 2011 year, the Seattle Mariners were playing well enough to contend in the American League West till a crushing 17-game losing run in July shattered their hopes for a shock run at a division title. Seattle would go on to post a subpar record of 67-95, and finish last in its division. The Mariners had plenty of problems offensively last year, which led them to trade away second-year starter Michael Pineda for promising young catcher Jesus Montero. It appears like the team will have a difficult time catching up to the likes of the LA Angels and Texas Rangers, however it might be able to finish ahead of a rebuilding A's squad in Oakland. Here is the projected beginning rotation and closer situation for the Mariners. Check our Seattle Mariners preview for more information on the team.
Projected Starters
Felix Hernandez (RHP) - After 2 spectacular years in 2009 and 2010, Hernandez returned to fact last season. He finished up going 14-14 with a 3.47 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in 33 games, solid stats for most pitchers but nothing out of the ordinary for "King Felix." In both 2009 and 2010, Hernandez ended up with an ERA of under 2.50, so last season was not quite up to his usual. He probably did just turn 26 in April, so there's reason to think he is going to get back on track in 2012.
Jason Vargas (LHP) - After going 9-12 with a 3.78 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP in 2010, the 29-season-old took a step in the wrong direction last season. He went just 10-13 with a 4.23 ERA and 1.31 WHIP in 32 games last year. Unless the Seattle offense completely turns it around in 2012, he will be able to certainly struggle to reach double-digit victories in the new season.
Hisashi Iwakuma (RHP) - After signing Iwakuma from Japan, the hope around Seattle is that he can carry over his success overseas to the big leagues. He went 21-4 with a 1.87 ERA in Japan in 2008, but the fear is that he's going to be unable to control Major League hitters on a regular basis.
Blake Beavan (RHP) - In spite of a formidable frame of 6'7" and 240 lbs, he does not strike out lots of batters and is still a work in progress so far in his young career. He had a small taste of the big leagues in 2011, starting 15 games with a 4.27 ERA and 1.25 WHIP. He's still pretty raw and he will not be all that useful in 2012.
Hector Noesi (RHP) - After coming over from the Yankees in the Montero deal, he's predicted to get a chance at the fifth and final spot in the rotation. He was used usually as a reliever by the Yankees last season, with just two starts, and posted 4.47 ERA and 1.51 WHIP. Those are certainly not good figures for a starter, and if he continues to struggle in the present year, expect Charlie Furbush to take his place at the rear of the rotation.
Projected Closer
Brandon League (RHP) - League actually emerged as a real closer in 2011. He saved 37 games in first real stint as the go-to-guy in the ninth, earning him an All-Star spot. There is no question that he will be able to build on his performance from last year.
Projected Starters
Felix Hernandez (RHP) - After 2 spectacular years in 2009 and 2010, Hernandez returned to fact last season. He finished up going 14-14 with a 3.47 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in 33 games, solid stats for most pitchers but nothing out of the ordinary for "King Felix." In both 2009 and 2010, Hernandez ended up with an ERA of under 2.50, so last season was not quite up to his usual. He probably did just turn 26 in April, so there's reason to think he is going to get back on track in 2012.
Jason Vargas (LHP) - After going 9-12 with a 3.78 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP in 2010, the 29-season-old took a step in the wrong direction last season. He went just 10-13 with a 4.23 ERA and 1.31 WHIP in 32 games last year. Unless the Seattle offense completely turns it around in 2012, he will be able to certainly struggle to reach double-digit victories in the new season.
Hisashi Iwakuma (RHP) - After signing Iwakuma from Japan, the hope around Seattle is that he can carry over his success overseas to the big leagues. He went 21-4 with a 1.87 ERA in Japan in 2008, but the fear is that he's going to be unable to control Major League hitters on a regular basis.
Blake Beavan (RHP) - In spite of a formidable frame of 6'7" and 240 lbs, he does not strike out lots of batters and is still a work in progress so far in his young career. He had a small taste of the big leagues in 2011, starting 15 games with a 4.27 ERA and 1.25 WHIP. He's still pretty raw and he will not be all that useful in 2012.
Hector Noesi (RHP) - After coming over from the Yankees in the Montero deal, he's predicted to get a chance at the fifth and final spot in the rotation. He was used usually as a reliever by the Yankees last season, with just two starts, and posted 4.47 ERA and 1.51 WHIP. Those are certainly not good figures for a starter, and if he continues to struggle in the present year, expect Charlie Furbush to take his place at the rear of the rotation.
Projected Closer
Brandon League (RHP) - League actually emerged as a real closer in 2011. He saved 37 games in first real stint as the go-to-guy in the ninth, earning him an All-Star spot. There is no question that he will be able to build on his performance from last year.
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