The Seattle Mariners came into 2015 with World Series expectations and after faltering on basically every level, the team could see major changes this offseason, as Jack Zduriencik could be let go following the disappointing performance despite an MVP season from Nelson Cruz. Dave Dombrowski is on the market and could be an option for the M's if they make a change.
The Mariners were expected to contend this season, but that has not happened and now Zduriencik's job could be on the line. According to USA Today, Bob Nightengale reports that the Mariners, Toronto Blue Jays and Angels could be landing spots for Dombrowski after he parted ways with the Tigers.
The Mariners had what only could be called a magical season in 2014. After not even scratching close to the playoffs for years, the Mariners put up historic pitching numbers behind a Cy Young level season from Felix Hernandez and won 87 games. The team finished one game out of the second wild card card spot and saw Robinson Cano put up MVP numbers in the first year of a bloated 10-year contract.
All of that combined with some exciting young players like Taijuan Walker and James Paxton had fans and the baseball media expecting big things in 2015. Some writers even picked the Mariners to make it to the World Series as division champions, expecting the Angels and Athletics to step back and for Houston and Texas to continue to be one year away from contending.
None of that has come to fruition. On top of the Mariners completely falling below expectations, the Angels have been good and the Astros have been even better. The Rangers have been in playoff contention this season and while the Athletics have stepped back, the Mariners have been right there with them.
But as most Seattle fans know, high expectations usually mean one thing and one thing only for the Mariners: disappointment. The last time the Mariners went for it they ended up trading Cliff Lee and finished the season with a losing record. The Nelson Cruz move has turned out strong, but
The Hisashi Iwakuma no-hitter is a bright spot for the season, as is the performance of Cruz, who has been smashing home runs and is hitting .324 with 34 jacks, 70 RBIs and 140 hits.
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