The Seattle Mariners had just about as good of a start to the season as they could have hoped, going 2-1 in the series against the Texas Rangers. The bats were aplenty as the Mariners outscored the Rangers 21 to 10 in the three game series. In all likelihood, the Mariners could have swept the series that took place in Arlington were it not for a few costly errors.
Now that we are into the regular season, you might be tempted to read too much into what has been done so far, but it is still a long season with over 150 games to go. With that said, these are five things that fans might overreact about, but it is just too early to stress over.
5. Dae-ho Lee Is A Bust
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY SportsLee won the starting job over Stefen Romero and Jesus Montero in March, but he did not get a hit in the first series of the season. Keep in mind that Lee only went up to the plate three times in Arlington (striking out once) and he is still adjusting to life in America, MLB and becoming a new father. Lee got his first hit in the home opener, which happened to be a home run. No need to worry.
4. The Bullpen Is Unstoppable
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY SportsThe Mariners’ bullpen has been amazing so far, giving up no runs in nine innings of work. On top of that, only one hit was given up against the Rangers by the bullpen. It is completely unrealistic to think this will keep up. Even with the addition of Nick Vincent, the Mariners' bullpen is still one of the biggest question marks.
3. Mariners Losing Speed
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY SportsThere were high hopes that the Mariners were adding speed on the bases after all of the stolen bases they had in spring. That was not the case in their first series of the season, only attempting two steals and both of those runners (Leonys Martin and Luis Sardinas) got caught. It is just going to take a little time for Scott Servais to get comfortable giving that steal sign.
2. Ketel Marte Is A Mess At Defense
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY SportsMarte has, to put it politely, looked off at shortstop to start the season. He already has two errors, one more significant than the other. His fielding percentage is currently .818, which would be awful for a whole season. There is no need to worry, though, as his .960 fielding percentage from 440.1 innings last season is more likely what we will see from Marte moving forward.
1. Mariners Are Still A Power Hitting Team
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY SportsAs of Friday morning, the Mariners’ nine home runs (led by Robinson Cano and his four homers) put them in second in MLB for the stat, behind only the Colorado Rockies. This has got people talking that maybe the emphasis was not really placed on OBP as much as originally thought. That just isn’t the case, and their current OBP proves it. Their .378 OBP as of Friday places them third in all of MLB. Pure and simple, the Mariners' offense is on fire.
Share 
