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Knowing the competition: Seattle Mariners

Seattle Mariners Introduce Robinson Cano
#HelloCano
(Photo courtesy of thebiglead.com)

Threat Level: 6
Why did the Mariners make the big signing for Cano? Because they think he could be the final piece to a great team. I can’t really disagree. Now, I don’t think they are a big contender this season, but they could definitely surprise a lot people and make a run at the playoffs. They are very young, but if things turn right for them, they could turn very big for Seattle. Perhaps they need a few more pieces on offense, but what could really jump this team up a notch are prospects James Paxton and Taijuan Walker. It remains to be seen whether or not they will actually start the year in the rotation, but if they pan out, this pitching rotation could be downright scary.

 

Major Acquisition: Robinson Cano
Yankee fans don’t need a reminder to the major deal the Mariners gave to the former second baseman of the Bronx. It should be really interesting as to what kind of crowd reaction he will receive when he returns to Yankee Stadium in April. Cano is a great player who will continue to be great in Seattle.

 

Projected Lineup

1. Dustin Ackley LF
2. Kyle Seager 3B
3. Robinson Cano 2B
4. Corey Hart DH
5. Justin Smoak 1B
6. Logan Morrison RF
7. Michael Saunders CF
8. Mike Zunino C
9. Brad Miller SS

 

Projected Starting Rotation

1. Felix Hernandez RHP
2. Hisashi Iwakuma RHP
3. Erasmo Ramirez RHP
4. James Paxton LHP
5. Taijuan Walker RHP

 

Closer

Fernando Rodney RHP

 

Yankee Killer: Felix Hernandez
King Felix has a 2.89 ERA versus the Bombers in his career. He has only allowed 8 total runs against the Yankees in his last 5 starts, striking out 32 over 36 innings of work. He is never an easy at-bat. Maybe the Yankees get lucky and miss him this year. Then again, to be the best, you gotta beat the best.

 

Mariner Killer: CC Sabathia
The Yankees’ answer to Hernandez’s numbers against the Yanks are CC’s against the M’s. In 21 career starts, Sabathia has dominated the Mariners to the tune of a 2.48 ERA, a 1.12 WHIP, and a 12-4 record. In the 145.2 innings he’s logged against Seattle, he has 132 strikeouts. In Seattle, his numbers are even better. He is 8-1 with a 2.09 ERA in 11 starts.

 

When They Play The Yankees:

IN NY: 4/29-5/1.

IN Sea: 6/10-6/12.