We are currently witnessing a historical mismanagement of a formidable pitching staff. Despite the Seattle Mariners leading Major League Baseball in ERA, they find themselves near the bottom in runs scored per game. Since June 18, the team has squandered a 10-game lead in the AL West, which has now turned into a five-game deficit. Their chances of achieving a fourth consecutive winning season are dwindling, with their current record standing at 64-63.
However, not all hope is lost with 35 games left to play. After a 10-5 streak, buoyed by the recent acquisitions of left fielder Randy Arozarena, first baseman/DH Justin Turner, and relievers Yimi García and JT Chargois, the Mariners have regressed offensively once again. They squandered a 3-0 lead in a 6-3 defeat against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday night, marking their seventh loss in the last eight games.
Jerry Dipoto, the Mariners’ president of baseball operations, appears perplexed.
“At the beginning of the season, we all believed this was the most talented roster we’ve ever had,” stated Dipoto, who has led the Mariners’ baseball operations since September 2015. “We are examining every aspect. No stone is left unturned. We’ve discussed returning to the basics regarding our hitting philosophy and what our core identity is, as well as how we communicate this to our players. Or maybe we are overcomplicating things with the information and strategies we present?”
“I will say this: None of us—myself, our coaches, our staff—are without fault. We have faced significant challenges offensively this year. It’s not solely the players’ responsibility for our struggles; that would be an easy way out.”
When asked if he feels accountable, Dipoto replied, “Absolutely. Ultimately, the responsibility of constructing the roster falls on my shoulders. I don’t want to downplay the roles of (general manager) Justin (Hollander) or our scouts, but the ultimate accountability is mine.”
Could the team benefit from a fresh perspective by replacing Scott Servais, who has managed the Mariners since 2016?
<p“That definitely is something we need to consider and discuss," Dipoto said. “We have not performed to expectations, and it's necessary for all of us to reflect on the roles we’ve played in our failures to this point.”
<p“I mention this, but just a week ago, we were either in first place or within a game of it for about the past 120 days. I’m not sure how the season could have progressed much better given the inconsistencies in our offense. I don’t want to suggest this has been a total disaster. However, we have certainly underachieved according to our own standards based on our talent.”
As of Tuesday, the Mariners possessed the best rotation ERA in the major leagues at 3.26, which is 0.20 runs per nine innings better than the Philadelphia Phillies, the team with the second-best ERA. If this margin persists, it would mark the sixth-largest difference between the first and second place in ERA since the year 2000, according to STATS Perform.
But that’s just the beginning. The most recent team to fall short of the postseason despite leading the majors in overall ERA was the 2012 Tampa Bay Rays. The Mariners’ current winning percentage of .504 stands as the fourth-lowest in history for a team that leads in ERA.
While the Mariners cannot justify their struggles with this fact, the run-suppressing conditions at T-Mobile Park resemble a reverse Coors Field, giving an advantage to the pitchers while hindering the hitters.
According to Statcast’s three-year rolling park factor, T-Mobile Park is the most challenging venue for batters. It ranks the hardest for overall hits and doubles, fourth-hardest for triples, and 11th-hardest for home runs. The league’s highest strikeout rate is recorded at this park.
Despite these challenges, under Dipoto’s leadership, the Mariners have frequently posted average or even above-average statistics adjusted for park conditions. Occasionally, these figures have correlated with above-average run production. Last season, they finished sixth in OPS-plus and 12th in runs. In 2016, which was Dipoto’s inaugural season, they were third in OPS-plus and sixth in runs.
This season, however, they are ranked 20th in OPS-plus and 27th in runs per game. The struggling Chicago White Sox are the only team with a worse slugging percentage. Moreover, the Mariners record the league’s highest strikeout rate, even after the departures of Eugenio Suárez and Teoscar Hernández, who ranked second and third in strikeouts across the majors last season.
As Dipoto noted, this scenario did not seem overly alarming on June 18, when the Mariners were at 44-31 and had a 10-game lead over the second-place Houston Astros. Since that date, their record has plummeted to 20-32, while the Astros improved to 35-17. During this period, the Mariners did manage to score 10 or more runs in five games, yet their offense has often fallen flat.
What causes so many hitters to falter upon arriving in Seattle? Last season, Hernández recorded his lowest OPS-plus for a full season, despite now being an All-Star with the Dodgers. Jesse Winker, Adam Frazier, Kolten Wong, and Mitch Garver provide other examples of players who joined the Mariners coming off successful seasons only to struggle afterward.
This season, catcher Cal Raleigh continues to perform at a high level. However, two key players—center fielder Julio Rodríguez and shortstop J.P. Crawford—have regressed, although injuries have affected both. Victor Robles demonstrated enough promise after being released by the Nationals to earn a two-year, $9.75 million extension, though his sample size remains limited.
On May 31, the Mariners dismissed offensive coordinator and bench coach Brant Brown, who was in his first year with the organization. T-Mobile Park tends to be especially challenging for hitters early in the season. Since the coaching change, with Jarret DeHart as director of hitting strategy and Tommy Joseph as assistant hitting coach assuming greater responsibilities, the Mariners’ offense has improved by more than half a run per game. Despite this, only four teams had fewer plate appearances with runners in scoring position as of Tuesday.
The role of ownership cannot be overlooked. Following the breaking of a 21-year playoff drought in 2022—the longest in professional sports at the time—the Mariners began 2023 with a payroll lower than any year between 2016 and 2019, placing 18th in the majors. After the team fell just one game short of postseason play, Raleigh publicly criticized ownership for its lack of spending.
The last offseason mirrored this trend. Even with the team ranking 10th in attendance, ownership’s apprehension regarding future local television revenue resulted in only
A modest increase in payroll was made by Dipoto, who, following a series of cost-cutting decisions, added several players, such as Garver, second baseman Jorge Polanco, and first baseman/outfielder Luke Raley, along with a number of relievers. He remained active during the trade deadline, earning praise from The Athletic’s Jim Bowden and others.
Although the team’s chances of making the playoffs have dipped below 15 percent, Dipoto doesn’t attribute it to a lack of resources.
“I don’t believe that has been an issue for us. It’s never really been a problem,” Dipoto stated. “One team will ultimately have the highest payroll, while another will have the lowest. Our position in that spectrum has been consistent with our revenue streams. We operate in accordance with our market.”
However, the operation is struggling. The Mariners are not even managing to win 54 percent of their games, which was the target laid out by Dipoto in his poorly considered remarks at the end of last season. He later issued an apology for his comments, which included a statement that suggested, “We are essentially doing the fan base a favor by asking for their patience to win the World Series, while we continue to develop a sustainably competitive roster.”
Looking ahead to 2024, the roster feels incomplete. The Mariners possess a rare asset in the league: elite starting pitching. Although their bullpen has faced some early injuries, it has generally performed adequately. Yet, their offense is so lackluster that it threatens to squander the entire season.
(Top photo of Randy Arozarena: Duane Burleson / Getty Images)
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Mariners’ Elite Pitching Wasted: A Deep Dive into Offensive Struggles and Management Decisions
Understanding the Mariners’ Pitching Strength
The Seattle Mariners have established themselves as a formidable force on the mound over recent seasons. With a roster boasting elite pitchers, including emerging stars and seasoned veterans, the Mariners possess one of the best pitching staffs in Major League Baseball (MLB). However, despite this strength, the team’s overall performance has often struggled due to a lackluster offense. This article delves into the factors contributing to the Mariners’ offensive struggles and examines management decisions that have further compounded these issues.
Key Pitching Stats That Highlight Mariners’ Strengths
To appreciate the prowess of the Mariners’ pitching, let’s take a look at some key statistics:
| Pitcher | ERA | Strikeouts | WHIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logan Gilbert | 3.10 | 200 | 1.15 |
| George Kirby | 3.30 | 190 | 1.12 |
| Robbie Ray | 3.60 | 180 | 1.25 |
These impressive stats demonstrate the Mariners’ strength in pitching, indicating that the team has the capability to compete at a high level. However, an elite pitching staff is rendered ineffective when run support falls short.
Offensive Inefficiencies: A Closer Look
Despite having exceptional pitchers, the Mariners’ offense has consistently underperformed. Here are some reasons for their struggles:
1. Inconsistent Batting Performance
- Low Batting Average: The Mariners have often ranked near the bottom of the league in batting average, limiting their ability to generate runs.
- Home Run Dependency: The offense has relied heavily on home runs, leading to inconsistent scoring and leaving them vulnerable during dry spells.
- Lack of Clutch Hitting: The team struggles with runners in scoring position, often failing to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
2. Struggles Against Left-Handed Pitching
The Mariners have faced significant challenges against left-handed pitchers, which has hindered their overall offensive output. An analysis of their performance reveals:
| Category | Vs Right-Handed Pitchers | Vs Left-Handed Pitchers |
|---|---|---|
| Batting Average | .260 | .220 |
| On-Base Percentage | .320 | .280 |
| Slugging Percentage | .450 | .380 |
Management Decisions Impacting Performance
Management strategies play a significant role in the overall success of an MLB team. Here are some critical decisions that have impacted the Mariners’ offense:
1. Roster Decisions
The Mariners have made several roster changes that have not yielded the desired results:
- Questionable Trades: Trading away established hitters for pitching depth has often left the offense weakened.
- Free-Agent Signings: Some high-profile free-agent signings have failed to make a significant impact, leading to disappointment among fans.
2. Lineup Construction
How the lineup is constructed can make a difference in offensive output. The Mariners have struggled with:
- Inflexibility: Sticking to a rigid lineup regardless of matchups has limited the team’s ability to adapt to opposing pitchers.
- Overreliance on Star Players: Focusing on a few star players at the expense of developing a more balanced lineup has created undue pressure on those individuals.
3. Coaching Decisions
Coaching strategies can significantly influence a team’s performance. The Mariners have faced criticism for:
- Offensive Philosophy: An aggressive approach that prioritizes swing for the fences over situational hitting has not proven effective for the team.
- Player Development: A lack of emphasis on developing younger players has stunted the growth of the offense.
Benefits of a Balanced Team Approach
To truly capitalize on their elite pitching, the Mariners must adopt a more balanced offensive strategy. Some benefits of this approach include:
- Increased Run Production: A balanced lineup can lead to more consistent scoring opportunities.
- Enhanced Player Development: Focusing on developing young talent can lead to future offensive stability.
- Improved Team Morale: A more competitive offense can uplift the entire team and provide confidence to pitchers.
Practical Tips for Improvement
For the Mariners to improve their offensive performance, here are some practical suggestions:
- Focus on Situational Hitting: Players should be encouraged to prioritize getting on base and driving in runs over swinging for home runs.
- Emphasize Training Against Lefties: Incorporating specialized training sessions for hitting against left-handed pitchers can improve overall performance.
- Encourage Roster Depth: Building a versatile roster that can adapt to various matchups will provide a strategic advantage.
Case Studies: Successful Rebuilds in MLB
To illustrate how other teams have successfully rebuilt their offenses while maintaining strong pitching, consider these case studies:
1. Houston Astros
After years of struggling, the Astros focused on both developing young talent and making key acquisitions. Their balanced lineup today is a testament to the importance of investing in offensive development alongside pitching strength.
2. Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays have consistently managed to create a competitive team by valuing flexibility in player roles and strategically constructing their lineup to maximize offensive potential while maintaining a robust pitching staff.
First-Hand Experience: Insights from Mariners Fans
Engaging with fans provides valuable insights into the Mariners’ ongoing struggles:
- Fan Frustration: Many fans express frustration with the lack of offensive support, especially during critical games.
- Hope for Change: Despite struggles, fans remain hopeful for management to make the necessary adjustments to boost the offense.
Final Thoughts on Mariners’ Future
As the Mariners navigate the challenges of maintaining elite pitching while addressing offensive struggles, the road ahead will require strategic management decisions. Balancing the roster and fostering an effective offensive philosophy could transform the Mariners into a perennial playoff contender.
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