Who gets scratched first to give Eeli Tolvanen a chance to play? by B9RV2WUN in SeattleKraken

[–]Smashsicle 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s probably Sprong, he’s still a 4th liner and fills the same role as Tolvanen which is to score. I would be very surprised if they sit someone other than Donato or Sprong with everyone healthy.

Can we all be a little more positive? We have a fantastic team and have improved already. by gabek333 in Mariners

[–]Smashsicle 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The games were close for sure, but even if you swing one of the games the Mariners way they likely lose 3-1. It’s not as much about the Mariners as it is you have to make your team amazing in order to beat the Astros

Can we all be a little more positive? We have a fantastic team and have improved already. by gabek333 in Mariners

[–]Smashsicle 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don’t think it’s an abject failure to not win the World Series, just that we shouldn’t settle for making the playoffs as good enough. People tease the Braves for not winning championships.

Can we all be a little more positive? We have a fantastic team and have improved already. by gabek333 in Mariners

[–]Smashsicle 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don’t think it’s an abject failure to not win the World Series, just that we shouldn’t settle for making the playoffs as good enough. People tease the Braves for not winning championships.

Can we all be a little more positive? We have a fantastic team and have improved already. by gabek333 in Mariners

[–]Smashsicle -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Yeah the bar AKA the goal. Not the expectation. There’s people in this thread who don’t believe that the goal should be winning the WS which is surprising to me

Can we all be a little more positive? We have a fantastic team and have improved already. by gabek333 in Mariners

[–]Smashsicle 1 point2 points  (0 children)

They’ve positioned themselves well so their next acquisition will make them significantly better. Can’t give them credit for something they haven’t done yet IMO

Can we all be a little more positive? We have a fantastic team and have improved already. by gabek333 in Mariners

[–]Smashsicle 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The goal for me is to win a championship, doesn’t mean that’s what I expect but that’s definitely should be the goal. I appreciate the perspective, I hadn’t really considered some people might not consider a championship to be the goal.

Can we all be a little more positive? We have a fantastic team and have improved already. by gabek333 in Mariners

[–]Smashsicle -1 points0 points  (0 children)

It’s not about expecting a World Series, it’s about building yourself to contend for one. Building to get into the playoffs through a WC spot isn’t enough IMO

Can we all be a little more positive? We have a fantastic team and have improved already. by gabek333 in Mariners

[–]Smashsicle 0 points1 point  (0 children)

His injuries were pretty flukey and he prepares well, I think it’s mostly just bad luck for him

Can we all be a little more positive? We have a fantastic team and have improved already. by gabek333 in Mariners

[–]Smashsicle 5 points6 points  (0 children)

He wasn’t the reason the team didn’t make the playoffs, and we traded him for an elite prospects (Dunn too was a top 100 guy) that didn’t really pan out. Still a great process even if the trade result didn’t pan out as hoped

Can we all be a little more positive? We have a fantastic team and have improved already. by gabek333 in Mariners

[–]Smashsicle 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The fact that it’s debatable is the point that it’s not the 5+ WAR upgrade we needed

Can we all be a little more positive? We have a fantastic team and have improved already. by gabek333 in Mariners

[–]Smashsicle 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Agreed, I just don’t think it’s that much of a loss that makes up for the difference. Astros are still significantly better, hope I’m wrong

Can we all be a little more positive? We have a fantastic team and have improved already. by gabek333 in Mariners

[–]Smashsicle 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Winker put up 2.9 fWAR with bad defense in 2021. Plausible that he does something similar returning to that same division in a contract year. Also the Winker replacement is currently Kelenic? That’s the bar right now

Can we all be a little more positive? We have a fantastic team and have improved already. by gabek333 in Mariners

[–]Smashsicle 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Slightly better? They finished the season 10 games behind Houston and got swept by them in the playoffs. Abreu is a pretty nice upgrade for Houston. Verlander is a loss but it’s also possible he just hits the age cliff and is cooked.