5 dark horse teams for 2015 MLB playoffs

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Feb 21, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez (34) covers first base during camp at Peoria Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Seattle Mariners

2001 the Seattle Mariners won 116 games, made the playoffs, then bowed out in the ALCS to the New York Yankees. They have not been back to the playoffs since, falling a mere one-game short in 2014. 87 wins was a big jump for the M’s last year after failing to win more than 75 in the previous four years.

Seattle would have in all likelihood made the playoffs last year had they signed DH Nelson Cruz, but held off do to his off-field issues. After watching Cruz hit 40 homers and help the Orioles play in October, the Mariners swallowed hard and gave Cruz a four-year deal to hit in the middle of their line-up. It was probably an easy decision at the end of the day. Seattle was 18th in runs scored and 23rd in batting average in 2014.

They still have the pitching. King Felix should have won the Cy Young last year with all due respect to the previously mentioned Cleveland Indian Cory Kluber. (2.14 ERA, .92 WHIP). Hisashi Iwakuma had the same amount of wins as Felix in an injury filled 2014. Not that talent of King Felix (who is) Iwakuma is a solid two. James Paxton, Taijuan Walker, J.A. Happ should round out the starting five. Happ is a nice addition especially as a reliable fifth starter.

The Mariners bullpen with Fernando Rodney at the back end remains amongst the best in baseball. Robinson Cano didn’t put up Yankee like Cano numbers, but is still arguably the best second baseman in the game. The Angels are the favorite in the AL West, but the Mariners are the pick here to take the division and be a tough out come October playoff time.

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