Pitchers and catchers from all around Major League Baseball have reported to Spring Training including the Seattle Mariners. This week marks the beginning of preparation for a new season. With the Mariners coming off a 90-win season, as well as additions made to the team over the offseason, there is much to be excited about. Seeing all of the returning players come to the facility gives a different feeling of joy this time of year. It’s fun to see the changes some pitchers have potentially made to their arsenal, or perhaps slight tweaks in their deliveries, and how either will affect their game.
There have been rumors and videos surfacing that pitcher Logan Gilbert has developed a splitter. A splitter would benefit Gilbert greatly considering his most dominant pitch is his fastball. A pitch like a splitter can change speeds drastically to a hitter, which in turn would make his fastball even more effective than it already is. Based on the video posted, his splitter seems to have a ton of depth, similar to the one Kevin Gausman of the Blue Jays throws. If Gilbert can effectively use this pitch this year when needed, watch for him to take another step as a starter this year.
A big factor that will play into the Mariners’ pitching success this year will be the health of their staff. Regarding the rotation, the core four of Castillo, Ray, Gilbert, and Kirby have all stayed healthy for the most part. Castillo has an injury history, however, based on the long-term contract he received in the offseason one would assume it shouldn’t be much of a concern anymore. Ray and Gilbert were inning-eaters last year, and that isn’t expected to change this season. Kirby seems to be the most interesting part of the rotation. His last start of the season last year was the best and in the biggest moment of his career. This year, however, he’ll start in the rotation, meaning he will get his first full season of workload. If he can stay healthy and maintain a solid amount of innings, he will become an ace in the making for the Mariners.
The season is right around the corner, and one can almost feel it. With big expectations and most of the team being healthy to begin the year, it’s the best time of the year for a baseball fan.
Northwest Sports Desk 