The Seattle Mariners have been looking to make a splash in the American League West, and their recent lineup changes have been a major part of that effort. With the addition of Dee Gordon and Jean Segura, the Mariners have added a dynamic element to their lineup that could potentially give them the edge they need to compete with the reigning AL West champions, the Houston Astros. But is increased dynamism enough to make up for the Astros’ depth and talent?
The Mariners have certainly made some positive changes to their lineup. Gordon and Segura provide speed and athleticism at the top of the order, while Nelson Cruz and Robinson Cano provide power in the middle. The addition of Ryon Healy gives them a solid option at first base, while Kyle Seager and Mitch Haniger provide stability in the corners. With the addition of Mike Zunino behind the plate, the Mariners have a solid core of players that can compete with anyone in the league.
However, the Astros are still the team to beat in the AL West. They have a deep lineup that features stars like Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, George Springer, and Alex Bregman. They also have a strong pitching staff led by Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole. The Astros have been one of the best teams in baseball over the past few years, and they are not likely to be dethroned anytime soon.
The Mariners may have improved their lineup, but they still have a long way to go before they can compete with the Astros. They need to find a way to get more production out of their lineup, as well as find more reliable pitching options. The Mariners also need to focus on developing their young talent, as they have a number of promising prospects that could help them in the future.
The Mariners may not be able to compete with the Astros this season, but they have certainly taken steps in the right direction. With increased dynamism in their lineup, they could potentially make some noise in the AL West. However, it will take more than just increased dynamism for the Mariners to compete with the Astros. They need to find ways to get more production out of their lineup and find reliable pitching options if they want to make a serious run at the AL West title.
