It's certainly early, and things can turn around, but that doesn't make the start for these teams any less disappointing.
The Seattle Mariners enter Thursday's off day at a very disappointing 4-9 on the young season. While losing games is disappointing enough, it's how the Mariners are losing games that is so frustrating.
The offense has been practically non-existent, with the team holding the worst batting average (.184) in the league, and the defense being substandard at several key spots. Rarely have the Mariners been able to put a full game together.
It's certainly early, and things can obviously turn around, but the frustration is mounting for the fan base, and the expressions in the dugout seem to match that frustration.
If you're looking for me to make you feel better about the Mariners specifically, I don't know that I can do that. However, I can at least offer you this: The M's are far from the only team struggling right now. In fact, around the league, a rash of contenders are all out to slow starts.
Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez (44) runs home to score against the Los Angeles Angels during the tenth inning at Angel Stadium. Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn ImagesBoston Red Sox
Now, the Red Sox did just take a series from the excellent Brewers, so maybe things are looking up, but they are still 4-8 overall and have also played shoddy baseball through 12 games. Top free agent acquisition Ranger Suarez has really struggled and the fans have already grown restless. The Red Sox made a return trip to the playoffs last season and entered this season with big expectations on the heels of signing Suarez and on the development of their young stars like Roman Anthony.
Toronto Blue Jays
The team that beat the Mariners in the American League Championship Series last season is just 5-7 and they've already lost series against the Chicago White Sox and Colorado Rockies. Not to mention, the Jays are dealing with a rash of injuries that include Anthony Santander, Bowden Francis, Shane Bieber, Jose Berrios, Trey Yesavage, Yimi Garcia, Addison Barger and Alejandro Kirk.
Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) looks towards the field before the start of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Rogers Centre. John E. Sokolowski-Imagn ImagesDetroit Tigers
The team the Mariners beat in the American League Division Series last season? They are 4-8 entering play on Thursday. With Tarik Skubal and Framber Valdez fronting the rotation, they shouldn't allow more runs than they score, but they have so far.
Houston Astros
The Astros are a more respectable 6-7 thus far, but they just got swept at the hands of the Rockies and the pitching staff is in shambles. Will the Mariners be able to capitalize this weekend? That remains to be seen.
And on the National League side? The San Francisco Giants, who have inflated their payroll with Robbie Ray, Rafael Devers, Matt Chapman and Willy Adames? They are 5-8 and in last place in the National League West.
The Mariners and Astros will play Friday night at 6:40 p.m. PT. Emerson Hancock is on the mound.
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