Entering the 2017 MLB season, Vancouver’s home teams south of the 49th parallel is the Seattle Mariners who are looking at rebounding from last season’s record of 86-76 with a home record of 44-37 with a .531%.
Second year manager Scott Servais mentions he is holding his team to a higher standard and has raised expectations on all players.
The club took to the field for its first full-squad workout this past weekend and out of the 61 players at camp for the initial work-out 26 were brought in this off-season by GM Jerry Dipoto.
It’s interesting to note that when Dipoto took over a short 17 months ago that only nine players were on the 40-man roster with the club.
More expectations are expected in part due to the improved 10 wins over the previous season by the club and being realistic, it’s not nor should it be unexpected by anyone – especially the fans.
At last season’s camp it was somewhat different as Servais was trying to get familiar with his players as well as acclimate the players and coaches with each other.
The team has players from 11 different countries at camp which include players from the US, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Cuba, Panamá, México, Brasil, South Africa, Japan, Puerto Rico and let’s not forget Canada – Ladner’s
Aug 2, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher James Paxton (65) pitches in the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports
The core nucleus are the likes of Robinson Cano, Kyle Seager, Nelson Cruz and Felix Hernandez all of whom reported in top playing shape as mentioned by Servais.
