MLB Franchise Four – Biggest Snubs for Each Team
Seattle Mariners – Randy Johnson
Franchise Four: Ken Griffey Jr., Felix Hernandez, Edgar Martinez, Ichiro Suzuki
Founded in 1977, it took a few years for the Seattle Mariners to find themselves as a team, and subsequently it took them a few years to find a face for their franchise. However, when things finally came together during the 1990’s, things got pretty exciting in Seattle.
That excitement was fairly evident by the list of nominees that were put forth for the Mariners, with Jay Buhner, Edgar Martinez, Randy Johnson, Ken Griffey Jr., and Jamie Moyer all receiving votes. Two of those players, Martinez and Griffey, would ultimately join Felix Hernandez and Ichiro Suzuki as part of the Franchise Four. That’s a pretty impressive group for such a short history.
Still, should Randy Johnson have received more than a passing glance? I mean, if Nolan Ryan could land on three of these Franchise Four lists, then surely Randy Johnson merited some consideration right?
Of his six stops his Hall of Fame career, Randy Johnson racked of more wins in Seattle (130) than with any other team. Likewise for strike-outs, shut-outs, complete game, etc. In 10 years with the Mariners, Johnson made six All-Star appearances, won a Cy Young, and finished in the top-3 three additional times. He holds the club’s all-time strike-out record and is second only to King Felix in terms of wins and WAR.
Next: Marlins - Hanley Ramirez