no chance
Seattle would be dangerous if they got into the playoffs as it would be tough for anyteam to face Bedard and King Felix two times each. This with Putz at the end of the game is nasty. But the Mariners will not come close to getting into the playoffs. The only person that hits for average is Ichiro. Even when someone is on base, they have very little power as Sexon stinks, Beltre is very inconsistent and Ibanez is very average. I do think Wilkerson has a decent season heading into free agency but I dont think Seattle has enough offense to win 84+ games.
Just my thoughts.
Seattle would be dangerous if they got into the playoffs as it would be tough for anyteam to face Bedard and King Felix two times each. This with Putz at the end of the game is nasty. But the Mariners will not come close to getting into the playoffs. The only person that hits for average is Ichiro. Even when someone is on base, they have very little power as Sexon stinks, Beltre is very inconsistent and Ibanez is very average. I do think Wilkerson has a decent season heading into free agency but I dont think Seattle has enough offense to win 84+ games.
Just my thoughts.
This should help you out. As you can see the total set by the books looks to be pretty in line with mathematical expectations:
http://ussmariner.com/2008/02/14/2008-win-values/
http://ussmariner.com/2008/02/15/opportunities-for-improvement/
http://ussmariner.com/2008/02/14/2008-win-values/
http://ussmariner.com/2008/02/15/opportunities-for-improvement/
It's a 50/50 proposition at that number and with the over at +110, I recommend hitting it.
Budworth, to say Oakland's pitching is better than Seattle's is just not gonna fly.
Seattle:
Bedard
Felix
Washburn
Batista
Silva
Oakland:
Blanton
Harden
Gaudin
DiNardo
Who Knows who will be 5th?
Bedard is better than Blanton, Felix is better than Harden's 3 starts a year, and Gaudin and DiNardo are #5's at best.
This is all coming from an A's fan too... Oakland's rotation has some work to do.
Budworth, to say Oakland's pitching is better than Seattle's is just not gonna fly.
Seattle:
Bedard
Felix
Washburn
Batista
Silva
Oakland:
Blanton
Harden
Gaudin
DiNardo
Who Knows who will be 5th?
Bedard is better than Blanton, Felix is better than Harden's 3 starts a year, and Gaudin and DiNardo are #5's at best.
This is all coming from an A's fan too... Oakland's rotation has some work to do.
Bedard and Felix have extensive injury histories running neck and neck with Harden. Blanton and Harden versus Felix and Bedard is essentially a wash. Braden is the 5th for Oakland. Seattle's horrible defense will make up the difference, and Oakland will allow fewer runs, unless they deal Blanton.
In any case, having a slightly above the AL average pitching staff and the AL's worst offense does not equal a winning record.
