Dan Wilson: Edgar Martinez could be the break the Mariners need
Jun 29, 2015, 11:29 AM | Updated: 12:42 pm
(AP)
The addition of Edgar Martinez to the Seattle Mariners’ coaching staff may be the saving grace for the worst-hitting ball club in the major league.
Former Mariners catcher Dan Wilson told KIRO Radio’s Ron Upshaw and Don O’Neill that the best hitter in Mariners history could help the struggling team find some answers and consistency.
“There’s certainly no question that he was a guy that was completely talented,” Wilson told them. “Not only talented, but he also understands the science of what it takes to be a good hitter.
“For him to be in that position will be nothing but beneficial.”
Expectations were high for the Seattle Mariners heading into the season. They started off well, reaching .500 with a win over the Oakland Athletics. But things have since deteriorated. The Mariners are now 34-42 and are on a two-game losing streak.
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Ron asked Wilson if expecting so much in April was the right thing to do.
“There were a lot of expectations put on this team at the beginning,” Wilson responded. “Any time there are, that makes things a little difficult, but I think everyone thought we would have that kind of lineup and I think we still could.”
And with Martinez on the coaching staff, Wilson may be on to something with his hope-filled commentary. But Martinez will have to help pull a team out of a rut that has left them with the worst batting average in the league — .230 — behind Philadelphia.
Will the 52-year-old be able to do enough? Martinez ended his career with 2,247 hits and a career .312 batting average over 18 seasons. Maybe some of that experience will wear off on the current lineup.
“I think there’s still good days ahead for this club,” Wilson said. “This team has not played to its potential, but there is still a lot of baseball left.”