The Seattle Mariners are playing .500 baseball, which means that they are not exactly making national headlines. However, given their lack of success over the last couple of seasons, a .500 record is a reason for optimism in the minds of some fans that are seeing more positives on the field. The question is whether this team is actually improved, or whether it is just too early to tell.

The offense

All eyes are on the Mariners offense this season, as fans cross their fingers and hope that the young hitters will finally start to produce on a regular basis. Overall, the offense is improved from a statistical standpoint. Granted, Seattle’s offense isn’t great, but they also aren’t 30th in the league. After losing to the Indians on ril 17, the Mariners were 22nd in batting average, but 15th in runs scored. Seattle has only been shut out once in 12 games. Kyle Seager is hitting very well, Justin Smoak is starting to find some power, and Chone Figgins has been adequate in the leadoff spot. I said adequate, not great.

The pitching

Overall, the pitching has been very good, and the statistics have arguably been skewed by a couple of games. Giving up eight runs to the A’s, nine runs to the Indians and 11 runs to the Rangers obviously didn’t help the team ERA or the opposing batting average. Otherwise, the starters have been solid, and closer Brandon League has yet to give up an earned run in six pearances.

Opponents

You could argue that the competition has not been fierce. The Mariners have played seven games against Oakland, winning five of those contests. In general, the A’s are regarded as the likely fourth-place team in the American League West. Against Texas, the Mariners are 1-3, which may be a sign of things to come against the power teams in the American League. Still, .500 baseball is a good start, and Seattle has shown some signs that they are an improved team.

Go Mariners!

Sources:

http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/sea/seattle-mariners

The author lives in Los Angeles, but grew up in Seattle and still roots faithfully for the Mariners even though they are sometimes frustrating to watch. He gets to Seattle whenever he can to see his M’s. You can follow him on Twitter @tpheifer.

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