I'm slowly going through each team as I get ready for the Season and I love the odds on Seattle coming out of nowhere. The pitching staff in Seattle is the best in the American League. Let's look at last year's numbers:
- 1st in ERA in AL, 3.87
- Lowest amount of relief appearances in the Majors, 413
- 1st in Intentional Walks in the Majors, 13
- 1st in Opposing Average in AL, .247
- 1st in Hits Allowed, 1359
- 1st in Runs Allowed, 692
- 1st in Earned Runs Allowed, 625
Less hits, less intentional walks, less runs - if you have a decent offense, that should me a lot of wins. But all of these fantastic numbers should go even lower with the addition of Cliff Lee. A nasty 1-2 punch in the rotation. Ryan Rowland-Smith should continue impressing in the rotation. David Aardsma seems to have found a grove in the closer role and Mark Lowe has become quite durabe as the setup man. The addition of hard throwing Brandon League should improve the bullpen in situational relief appearances. Ian Snell was a solid 5-2 with a 4.20 ERA after coming over from Pittsburgh.
Flipping to the offense, I love thew new look. Chone Figgins will make a fantastic first two men in the order with the best leadoff man in baseball, Ichiro. This team was tied with the White Sox for the lowest batting average in the American League at .258. Keep in mind though that was also the Phillies' batting average last season. The Mariners added Chone Figgins to hit 2nd, a career .291 hitter who hit .298 with a .395 on base last season. Milton Bradley brings his big bat to Seattle and should be kept quiet with a strong clubhouse voice in Griffey. I like Griffey to have a nice bounce back season to end his career. Casey Kotchman brings a nice dynamic to the club as well.
The Mariners draw 2 interleague series with the dreadful Padres. They start & close the season against the Athletics. Mariners had a Major League high 35 wins in 1-run games last season. No other club surpassed 30. Even better pitching, improved offense & much better defense, the Mariners are going to be a very good team.
Season Prediction: 96 wins, AL West Champions
And with odds of +1600, I'd be a fool not to bet the Mariners & the best 1-2 rotation punch in baseball to dominate the playoffs & win their first World Series. What a way for Griffey to go out.