2001 Seattle Mariners

After posting the 1998 Yankees, we had to follow them up with the 2001 Mariners. Seattle's 2001 squad had the greatest regular season (purely from a "racking up the wins" perspective), setting a still-standing record with 116 victories. However, their dominate regular season did not end in a title, as the Mariners were knocked off by the dynastic Yankees in the ALCS.

This team is very good, although they lack any superstar cards. Sure, Ichiro won the MVP this season (and Freddy Garcia should have won the AL Cy Young), but they have pretty lackluster cards. Rather than stars, this team benefits from solid depth at every level. Perhaps not so coincidentally, this is the strength of the 1998 Yankees and, to an extent, the 2016 Cubs. Top heavy rotations and lineups can carry a team in a series or two, but serious depth and consistency wins out over the grinding 162 game MLB season. Enjoy this team, one of the most memorable "how did they not win it all" teams in recent memory.

Lineup: The Mariners lineup is built around speed and consistency. No one exemplifies that better than hit machine and lead off spark-plug Ichiro! The 2001 MVP may not have an eye-popping card, but he'll speed his way around the bases and should score plenty of runs. Bret Boone is the only real power threat on the team, but he'll see plenty of pitches to hit being around high on-base hitters like Edgar Martinez, John Olerud, and Mark McLemore. The back end of the order is pretty weak, although Mike Cameron is a really solid sixth hitter. As long as Ichiro sets the table effectively, this offense should motor along effectively.

Rotation: Seattle's rotation is reminiscent of the 1998 Yankees - deep with stellar arms and a tier 2 ace. The Mariners are an improved version though, mainly thanks to having to Tier 2 pitchers lead the way. Personally, my favorite building rotation block is a card like Freddy Garcia. Control 5 to stay out of too much trouble, on at 17 to avoid the inevitable and frustrating Greg Maddux/David Cone innings where one pitcher gives up four to five straight base runners off their own chart. Jamie Moyer certainly won't have that problem with his Control 3, on at 19 card. Moyer will be especially great against weaker hitting teams, but could struggle mightily against anyone with a string of high OB hitters. Sele and Abbott round out the rotation as serviceable Tier 3 pitchers.

Bullpen: Thanks to his MLB Showdown 2002 and 03 cards, I really thought Kaz was going to have a Mariano Rivera-like card. However, the new pitcher formulas were most kind to him (I guess), as his 3.24 ERA lands him this Tier 3 closer card. Sidenote: how great was using a Control 6, on at 18 closer? WHEW, I guess the 02-05 cards did have some benefits! Anyway, Kaz's underwhelming card is backed up by two stalwart relievers in Rhodes and Nelson. Arthur lived up to his 4 on at 20 card from 02, putting together a Tier 1 season. He's going to pitch a lot of innings for this team and could have (with a savvy manager) an Andrew Miller like role. Nelson also brings a high control with good chart and should be useful in short bursts or for a couple innings. Paniagua is just a guy to use when everyone else is tired or the game is out of hand. Overall, a pretty decent bullpen but not thanks to the pitcher I figured would be anchoring this squad.