Seattle Mariners: What the ALDS exposed about the M’s
The Seattle Mariners broke their playoff drought but lost in the Division Series. Here are some of the things Houston exposed about the M’s.
Well, it was fun while it lasted.
The Seattle Mariners fell short in the American League Division Series against Houston. Although they got swept, the M’s had chances to win all three games.
It’s obvious that Seattle still has a ways to go before they become Championship contenders. This series showed the difference between where the Seattle Mariners are and where they need to be.
We asked our baseball writers: What did the ALDS expose about the Seattle Mariners?
Joe Swenson
The biggest thing the ALDS exposed for me was the Seattle Mariners’ lack of experience. It showed in their execution as well as the decision-making from manager Scott Servais.
Seattle’s manager showed his gambler personality, but he didn’t do it in a way where the odds were in his favor. For example, he brought in Robbie Ray to Yordan Alvarez with the game on the line in the opener.
This year, Alvarez hit lefties better than righties and hit fastballs from lefties better than any pitch from either side. Ray’s playoff inexperience showed by throwing back-to-back heaters in the same location.
In Game 2, Luis Castillo threw two fastballs in the same spot to Alvarez, and the Mariners got burned the second time. Those two games lost the series.
While game three was winnable, the Seattle Mariners’ inexperience at the plate showed. But also replacing Eugenio Suarez too early with Dylan Moore hurt.
Outside the obvious that Houston was the better team and played like they were the better team when they needed to get the job done. Ultimately, executing when put into high-pressure situations against elite bats and gambling against a very experienced playoff team is what was exposed.
Dan White
Houston exposed Robbie Ray.
He might have been the 2021 Cy Young winner, but in the postseason, Seattle’s coaching staff lost trust in him. First, Ray botched his only playoff start, which came against his former team, Toronto.
Then against Houston, he blew a lead, giving up a home run when all he had to do was get one ground ball which would put the Mariners up 1-0 to start the series.
To top it off, he didn’t get used until the 18th inning of an elimination game. Ray was truly Scott Servais’ last resort.
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Chris Phillips
Houston made the plays when they needed to; Seattle did not. The difference was the quality of pitching.
Kevin Gausman quieted the M’s for Toronto, but nobody else on the Jays could. Houston had multiple pitchers who did that.
The last thing is nothing new. Seattle needs more hitters that not only produce runs but also hit for average.
Ed Stein
I agree with Joe. The Seattle Mariners youth was exposed.
There is a big difference between the regular season and playoffs. The young Mariners found that out the hard way.
Seattle embraced their underdog role all season, but when it came to the Astros, they lost their swagger. Instead of playing with a chip on their shoulders, the M’s let their opponents get the better of them.
Part of reaching the Division Series is acting like you belong there. That will come with more experience and success.
Chip Clark
For me, it’s the lack of a dominant closer. I understand that Scott Servais mixed and matched his relievers all season with success. But there was no one he could bring in to closeout games that other teams couldn’t touch.
No offense to Paul Sewald and his slider, but he doesn’t strike fear into the hearts of his opponents. The good news is the Seattle Mariners might already have their next Edwin Diaz.
Both Andres Munoz and Matt Brash have the type of electric stuff in their pitching arsenal to make them top-tier closers.
Where do you think the Seattle Mariners were exposed in the ALDS? Let us know in the comments section below.