Mariners improve behind youngsters
Number of high points mark 2006, despite last-place finish
With a new starting pitcher (Jarrod Washburn) and catcher (Kenji Johjima) in tow, Seattle entered 2006 with the hopes of climbing out of the cellar in the American League West.
That didn't happen, though the Mariners contended for the division title up until August and showed a nine-game improvement from 2005, and did so with a roster that relied on several young players like pitcher Felix Hernandez, shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt and second baseman Jose Lopez.
The Mariners feasted on the National League West in Interleague Play, going 18-8, but struggled mightily against their AL West brethren, going 19-38 against the A's, Angels and Rangers, including an 0-11 divisional road trip that saw them go from 5 1/2 games back to 14 by the time the trip was over.
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The Mariners' bullpen proved to be one of the best in the league, especially at the back end where setup man Rafael Soriano (1-2, 2.25 ERA) and J.J. Putz (36 saves) gave the Mariners a strong 1-2 combination in the eighth and ninth innings.
There is a month-by-month section at the end of the story that has links to some of the stories that MLB.com did on the Mariners over the year.
January
First-year pitching coach Rafael Chaves talked with MLB.com about his thoughts on the pitching staff and getting the chance to work in the Major Leagues.
...[P]itcher Felix Hernandez proved to be a hit with fans during the team's annual FanFest event at Safeco Field.
May
Seattle starter Joel Pineiro was named the American League's Player of the Week for winning consecutive starts against Cleveland and Minnesota. Pineiro didn't walk a batter in 17 combined innings over those two starts.
August
Hernandez tossed his first complete-game shutout on Aug. 28 as the Mariners defeated the Angels, 2-0. Hernandez got 16 ground-ball outs in a game that took just one hour and 51 minutes to play.
September
Pitcher Cha Seung Baek -- in his audition for a rotation spot in 2007 -- held the Rangers to four hits over seven innings in a 7-2 victory over Texas on Sept. 8. Baek was backed by home runs by Johjima and Sexson.
These aren't all of the stories. Just some highlights that feature ex-Rattlers.
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