2022 Set -- Seattle Mariners

 FINALLY breaking their twenty year playoff drought, the Mariners were absolutely America's darlings this year, even if they fell sadly short in the ALDS. They've got an exciting superstar in AL rookie of the year Julio Rodriguez, whose combination of speed, power, defense and charisma in CF has everyone thinking of one former star...

He'll forever be "The Kid" to my generation

Now let's see the 2022 squad!

Lineup: The Mariners are led by superstar rookie Julio Rodriguez, who's already giving flashbacks to Griffey with his 5-tool game and infectious charm!! After him, I won't sugarcoat it, the lineup is underwhelming. Nevertheless, this 290 pt Suarez may be the best Mariners 3B card in the last.... whew, ever?? It's insane to me how weak they've been at that position. Raleigh will be a really, really fun draft pick debate -- pro: +10 arm/con: 280 pts for an OB 6/pro: 13-20 HR and xbh at 10 if you get lucky! Thanks to depressed controls in this set, I think he's going to find a squad in a twelve team league. Speaking of finding a squad, I know a few guys drooling at Crawford being an OB 8 at a premium position for only 160 pts. 

Bench: Honestly, I'd move Moore and Winker into the starting lineup, and expect both to be drafted as starters in 12 team leagues -- great value OB 8 guys to lengthen a lineup!

Rotation: The strength of this team, easily. Luis Castillo did not disappoint after the Mariners acquired him from Cincy, and Robbie Ray put up a respectable first season in Frasier's hometown. Logan Gilbert may have been their best pitcher though, breaking through with a Control 6, Tier 2 card. And I don't know who to toss into the fourth spot -- either Tier 3 guy is solid enough, especially if you mix in some salad and scrambled eggs!

Bullpen: NEVERMIND, THIS is the strength of the team and the backbone to their playoff run. The Mariners have a pair of tier 1 and pair of tier 2 studs in the 'pen, with no doubles for any of them!! Easy lockdown status for this team!!

Overall, Seattle comes in at a commendable 5590 points. With their additions to the lineup this offseason, let's see if they can push their way closer to 6000 points and a real playoff series victory in 2023! If Kelenic can finally get himself out of the OB 4 cards, they'll have a shot ;)