Seattle Mariners: What to Do with these Guys?
The Infield
So, let’s look at this group closer. Right now, the starting outfield is Kelenic, Mitch Haniger, and Long. This is probably the best outfield construction with a blend of good defense and offense currently. Moore and Bauers are adequate corner outfielders, but they are more helpful with dirt under them than grass.
Speaking of the infield, two spots have been highly talked about, first and second base. White is a gold glover but currently leaves a lot to be desired with his bat. France and Bauers are both good at first, with France currently being a little more complete (helpful both offensively and defensively). Bauers had a hot month. However, he’s cooled since. So, the question is, “Just a hot stretch or something more legit?”
If the Seattle Mariners have “unlocked” Bauers at the plate, then Seattle has its first baseman of the future (yes, you read that correctly). White will really need to step up his hitting approach to unseat Bauers. If it’s the former, well then, the team is back to square one but has many more quality options. Touching on France briefly. He’s doing very well at 1B. Maybe if he’s the everyday starter, he can be a good first baseman. Of this trio, he clearly hits the best. He just needs to work on his glovework.
Utility Battle
How about the keystone position? Long, Moore and France have all taken turns. No surprise here that, again, France needs better glovework to be the starter. Both Moore and Long are the better defenders. However, currently, they are not the better hitters. Although, Long has the advantage over Moore. Last week Long hit .091 with one stolen base’s.
Long did have K:BB of 7:3, in comparison to Moore’s 5:0 and France’s 2:1. Moore is not replicating last year’s performance. On the year, he’s hitting .190, which is a career-worst. Currently, he’s just having some bad luck with hits. So, second base is even less settled than first base.
Shed Long Jr., Seattle Mariners.