After many years of irrelevancy it looks like the New York Mets and Seattle Mariners are back on track and have playoff hopes for the 2015 season. Is this putting their skippers on the hot seat if the teams were to underperform?
The Mets opted to keep manager Terry Collins for the final year of his contract and signed general manager Sandy Alderson to an extension. New York finished second in the NL East division this past year, although it wasn't much of an accomplishment with a 79-83 record. They haven't had a winning season since 2008 and haven't made the playoffs since 2006, but that could soon change.
With Matt Harvey returning next season and David Wright re-gaining his health after being banged up in 2014, is Collins on the hot seat if the team isn't in the postseason discussion around July and August? The Mets seem to be on the right track, especially with their starting rotation, which boasts Harvey, Jon Niese, Zack Wheeler, Bartolo Colon, Dillon Gee and NL Rookie of the Year Jacob deGrom. They added veteran outfielder Michael Cuddyer this offseason and have promising young players such as Juan Lagares (2014 Gold Glover winner), Wilmer Flores and Travis d'Arnaud, who are expected to improve in 2015. Let's not forget about prospect pitchers Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz, who could reach the majors soon.
"I'm surprised [Terry] Collins still has his job there in New York," said Tim Doyle of 120 Sports. "And now he's got a pitching staff with so much potential, so much youth. If he doesn't show signs of life, which I mean, fighting for a playoff position in August, in the dog days, if they're not in that position he's going to be gone. He might be gone before the season is over."
New York will certainly have some competition with the Washington Nationals (NL-best 96-66 record in 2014) and the new-look Miami Marlins.
In the American League, the Seattle Mariners have made a number of moves this offseason after missing the playoffs by one game in 2014. With the Oakland Athletics taking a step back after trading Josh Donaldson, Brandon Moss and Jeff Samardzija this offseason, it looks like it's time for the Mariners to move in and clinch a postseason berth for the first time since 2001. The team acquired designated hitter Nelson Cruz, starting pitcher J.A. Happ, and outfielders Seth Smith and Justin Ruggiano this offseason on top of signing third baseman Kyle Seager to a seven-year, $100 million extension and getting outfielder Austin Jackson at the trade deadline in July.
The front office is likely looking for a playoff appearance and a record better than their 87-75 campaign last season, which means manager Lloyd McClendon could be facing scrutiny in his second year with the team. The Mariners had the second-best ERA (3.17) in the league last season and improved their 19th ranked offense (634 runs) with the addition of the 2014 home run champion Nelson Cruz. It's clear their only serious competition in the AL West is the Los Angeles Angels.
"I know he's only been at the helm for one season, but with all the acquisitions they have made, all the money they've invested, I think it's time for them to get a return on investment now," said Ro Parrish of 120 Sports. "They were one of the best teams in Major League Baseball in run differential, but they can't seem to score at home ... You have to figure out a way to score a lot better at home so you can get some wins."
Think about it. If they got one or two more wins at home last season (41-40 record), we might be having a completely different discussion regarding this year's postseason results.
