Seattle Mariners 2021 Grades: Part 6 – Manager and Coaches
Chris Phillips
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The Divide
The Seattle Mariners fan base was divided about Servais coming into 2021. Some looked at him and felt it was time for a change, that as long as he managed the M’s, they would never reach the playoffs or win the division. Further, they thought he caused more harm to the team with his bullpen usage.
While others felt that Servais did well with the talent at his disposal. Over his first three years, he had MLB talent on offense. But on the pitching side, he had Felix Hernandez followed by a lot of prayers that the patchwork would hold.
In Servais’ first three years, the Seattle Mariners finished second and third twice in the AL West. Those were followed by three years where the M’s ended up fifth, third, and second. Pretty impressive when you consider the Mariners weren’t flush with lots of high-level talent.
Final Grade
You won’t find many Seattle Mariners fans out there who will say 2021 isn’t Servais’ best managerial season. As previously mentioned, he got this team through some challenges during the season and two games shy of the playoffs. For that, Servais earns an A grade.
That’s our skipper! 👏
Scott Servais is a finalist for @officialbbwaa’s AL Manager of the Year Award. #SeaUsRise pic.twitter.com/kxNQFleM6l
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) November 8, 2021