Seattle Mariners three stars of up and down Week 10
Joe Swenson
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Star #1: Jake Fraley
.263 average, 1.113 OPS, 2 Home runs, 8 RBI, .481 OBP (8 walks).
Jake Fraley had a great week and continues to torture opposing pitchers. He has a .500 on-base percentage this season, thanks to 16 walks. But his 8 RBI, including a grand slam and a three-run home run this week against the Angels, was worth the price of admission.
Unfortunately, his Saturday evening grand slam ended up being a lost cause. The game went to pot when Kikuchi got hit on the leg. But his three-run dinger on Thursday night was enough to be the game-winner for M’s early in the series.
He has an interesting, somewhat obtuse personality, but he takes baseball to heart and gets very excited when things go his way. Momentum is so important, and Fraley showed he rises to the occasion so far.
Fraley has some remarkable statistical performances so far. His ability to get on base is absolutely amazing. Is his current on-base situation sustainable? Of course not, but also his history will tell you that a massive correction is due for his ability to draw walks, and an improvement in hitting is order as well.
In 2019, his MLB effort was dismal, but between AA Arkansas and AAA Tacoma, he batted .298 with 19 home runs in 382 minor league at-bats. Combined between Tacoma and Seattle, Fraley is batting .274 with four home runs and 21 walks, resulting in a .500 on-base percentage overall and a .912 OPS. If he can produce those kinds of numbers with the Mariners, he should see more playing time going forward.
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Joe Swenson is a lifelong Seattle sports fan and an awarding-winning playwright, director, author, actor, and producer. You can view his work at www.brokenartsentertainment.com.