If there's a few things out there that you can consider positive if you're a Mariners fan like myself, there's two of them: pitching and a far better record at the All-Star break than last year. It shouldn't be considered a bad thing even if you're 7.5 games out of first place in your division. But there's one thing that's remained the same: the offense is still in a major rut.
While they have one of the top pitching staffs in all of baseball, which includes defending Cy Young winner Felix Hernandez and rookie sensation Michael Pineda in the starting rotation, the Mariners are last in the majors in runs scored, batting average, slugging percentage, and on-base percentage. It's one thing to have a great pitching staff, but if you're going to contend for the postseason regularly, you have to have both elements in fine working order.
One would think that the free-agent signing of catcher Miguel Olivo would add a spark to the offense. It's certainly helped in the homerun department, but with a .223 batting average entering the second half of the season, it's time for the veteran to pick up the slack at the plate and increase a relatively pedestrian batting average.
Designated hitter Jack Cust has been nothing more than a disappointment. Brought in over the offseason as a big left-handed bat, his numbers have been just that--a disappointment. Three home runs, 23 RBIs, and a dismal .211 batting average. And now Cust isn't in the lineup as much now.
And then there's Ichiro. It's been 10 years since he won both American League MVP and Rookie of the Year honors, and he's been very un-Ichiro-like this season. While he's still fast as ever at 37 years old, his production at the plate could mean it might be the first time in his MLB career that he won't end the season batting .300 or better, unless he can put together a strong second half.
But there are a couple of bright spots offensively. One of them is second baseman Dustin Ackley, called up from Triple-A Tacoma in June. The former North Carolina Tar Heels standout has made a big splash in the Mariners lineup, and certainly has what it takes to positively contribute to their offense. The other bright spot I speak of is Dutch-born outfielder Greg Halman. While he only played sparingly last season and put up less than spectacular numbers, he's shown considerable improvement since coming back to the show. If both Ackley and Halman continue to improve and show their potential the rest of the season, they could both be dangerous in the Mariners' lineup next season and in future years.
But still, the lack of a big bat not named Justin Smoak is part of the Mariners' problem offensively. And that's why general manager Jack Zduriencik needs to pull the trigger on a deal to bring in a bat that can lift up a flat offense without having to sacrifice any top-tier prospects working their way through the minor league system. One player I could think of the Mariners trading for is outfielder Hunter Pence from the lowly Houston Astros. While he does possess some strong offensive upside, I imagine the Astros will be asking for a lot in return as they're bound to enter a rebuilding mode much like the one the Mariners are in right now. And a deal with Houston would not include Jack Wilson or Chone Figgins, whom have both proved to be expensive flops in Seattle.
At least the positive thing about starting the second half of the season is hoping that your team can make a run for a playoff spot if you're within reasonable striking distance. I firmly believe that's where the Mariners are, and if their offense can be as smooth as their pitching staff, they'll have a shot at making their first postseason since their 116-win season in 2001. But it's going to take another bat to get there, and the right deal to get the job done.
Photo credit: AP
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