Despite early indications suggesting little change, new Mariners manager Dan Wilson remains optimistic about his team’s progress.
In his first four games at the helm, Mariners hitters have struck out 42 times, keeping them on pace to break the all-time MLB strikeout record for a season. However, Wilson is encouraged by how well the players have embraced new hitting strategies introduced by himself and interim hitting coach Edgar Martinez.
Wilson and Martinez have focused on refining the hitters’ overall approach, particularly with two strikes.
“Just trying to put the ball in play a little bit more and make things happen,” Wilson explained. He noted that the team has delivered in key situations, picking up crucial RBIs in close games. Wilson emphasized that the Mariners’ ability to capitalize on these opportunities could be the difference between winning and losing tight games, stating, “This is a team that plays a lot of close games, and so you pick up one run here, you pick up one run there… and that ends up being the game-winner.”
With over 80% of the season completed, Wilson acknowledged the challenge of implementing new ideas without disrupting the team’s existing dynamics.
“Things have been going a certain way to this point in the season, and you don’t want to change the apple cart too much… but at the same time you’re trying to put in some of your own things,” he said. He credited Martinez with driving significant improvements in the hitters’ performance, adding, “We’re trying to feel our way through it. But I think the bottom line to it all is the guys have been unbelievable. These guys have really responded so well — couldn’t ask for a better situation.”
Wilson’s familiarity with the Mariners’ minor-league system, where he served as a special instructor for 11 years, and Martinez’s role as a hitting adviser to the big-league team have eased their transition into these roles.
“Having some familiarity with them does help,” Wilson noted. “Edgar’s not starting at ground zero with the hitters.”
In other news, J.P. Crawford, who has been out since July 23 with a right-hand fracture, participated in a simulated game at T-Mobile Park and could be activated as soon as Wednesday.
“I thought he swung the bat great,” Wilson commented, indicating that Crawford is nearing a return to the lineup.
