Are the Mariners For Real?

With the Mariners bringing in new manager Eric Wedge this season, it was supposed to be a rebuilding season, but here we are a quarter of the way through and the Mariners are only a few games out of first place. 

Even with the Mariners ranking 26th in team offense, they have managed to stay in contention thanks to pitching. The addition of Rookie of the Year candidate Michael Pineda to the starting rotation has exceeded my expectations.

Even the bullpen has stepped up. With David Aardsma starting the season on the disabled list and now uncertain of when he will return, the Mariners were left scrambling to find a closer. With the bullpen not looking so hot last season, the possibilities were lacking. To my surprise, Brandon League has stepped up to fill the closer role with Jamey Wright as his setup guy.

Then there is addition by subtraction. By waving Milton Bradley and absorbing his salary, this has opened the door for the additions of Carlos Peguero and Mike Wilson to be called up from Tacoma. In the short time since their call-ups, they have combined for 10 RBI. Peguero's defense has looked lost at times in left field but at least he is going all out on every play, whereas Bradley 's effort at times came into question. 

Then there is the addition of Franklin Gutierrez off the disabled list and back in the starting lineup. His bat was sorely missed. After only six games, he has already contributed with a home run and a nice throw-out at third base.

At some point, the lack of offense might catch up with the Mariners, but for right now I am enjoying the ride. 

Like any good hometown homer, I believe they can win the West.