FanPost Friday: Mariners April Vibe Check

What if we just started the season in May instead?

Hello and welcome back to FanPost Friday. We are about 11% done with the 2023 season and the vibes are....questionable. Apologies for sharing this graphic again, but it’s worth repeating:

Obviously the wins and losses right now all count the same in the end, but still, that graphic provides some pertinent perspective (and a sense of humor).

But, this Mariners team has some glaring problems right now, two of which we pretty much all saw coming.

• The second base black hole
• The designated hitter black hole
• Chris Flexen having a rough go in Robbie Ray’s rotation spot

Stumbling out of the gate is definitely nothing new for the Mariners, especially since this (mostly) same core of players has done so in both 2021 and 2022, only to play much better the latter half of the season and especially down the stretch. So, the rational fans among us know deep down it’s not time to panic yet, but that certainly doesn’t make watching these annoying losses in mostly winnable games any more fun. It sucks, it fact. Getting swept by the Brewers, who are definitely a good team, sucks really badly given how the Mariners were in striking distance of winning all three games at various points, but just couldn’t those key hits and outs they needed. (I highly recommend reading John’s piece from today about the lack of home runs at TMO right now.)

So, stumbling out of the gate mixed with high expectations coming off last season’s playoff run has created a lot of rancor and impatience among Mariners fans, so of course the sports radio hot take artists have been losing their shit. We all know here at LL that these folks are not to be taken seriously, and Brock Huard’s recent criticism of Julio Rodríguez reinforces that stance, as Huard derisively referred to him as “Mr Sports Illustrated cover boy, Mr. GQ” after Julio grounded out with the bases loaded to end Tuesday’s game and blasted him for not coming through in the big moment. Has Julio performed up to his own standards that we became accustomed to for most of the last season? No, not really. Did Julio struggle last April, too? Yes, mightily, although under different circumstances. Did Julio rake the rest of the season? You bet your ass. He’ll be fine, shock jocks. We know that. Leave him alone....oh shit I think he heard what you said....

Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports

Yeah, he’s gonna be fine.

Anyways, onto the VIBE CHECK.

I would be remiss if I didn’t share in this space that WE HAVE CITY CONNECT UNIFORM LEAKS!!!!

No hats yet, but let’s hear some TAKES.

That’s all for this week. Let’s hope this weekend series versus the Cardinals is more fun. Also, GO KRAKEN. Have a great weekend, folks!