109 Musicians Predict the 2022 Baseball Season - Mike McCready
Mike McCready, Pearl Jam
Seattle Mariners
What’s your prognosis for the season?
I’m more optimistic going into this season than I’ve been in many years!
And not because I expect the M’s to be a serious World Series contender
(although it’s not out of the question), but more optimistic they
finally end this playoff drought that’s been going on for more than two
decades! I’m also optimistic that this revamped lineup will score more
runs! #SeaUsRise
What are your reasonable hopes?
It’s reasonable to hope (and think) the Mariners will have a better run
differential than in 2021. In theory, this should lead to more wins! But
because the M’s were one of the most ‘clutch’ (ie, lucky) teams in
league history last season, we’ll likely see some sort of regression in
that category. So I expect to see the M’s win games the more traditional
way by scoring more runs more often than getting walk-off wins.
What do you think of your team’s new acquisitions (or lack thereof)?
I really like what Jerry DiPoto has done with the entire rebuild, and
the new acquisitions this offseason! Outside of Cy Young winner Robbie
Ray (which is amazing!), the M’s didn’t really sign or trade for the
biggest names out there. But the moves DiPoto made were clever and
calculated, and improved the offense. I really like the idea of Adam
Frazier hitting near the top of the order, alongside J.P. Crawford. The
table should be set more for guys like Ty France, and the newly acquired
Jesse Winker and Eugenio Suarez. Those guys have some pop, and on
paper, the Mariners’ lineup is immensely better than 2021.
What’s the ceiling/floor?
I think there is a wide range between the M’s ceiling and floor. It’s
possible the M’s regress a bit based on what I said earlier about being
lucky/clutch, so floating back down to .500 would be disappointing, but
wouldn’t necessarily come as a surprise. But if all the young players
progress, both with the bat, and on the mound, and the new guys match
(or at least come close to) their career highs, I could see this team
winning 95 games and being a legitimate contender!
Who’s your player to watch this year?
There are really two pitchers and two position players I’m eager to
watch. On the mound, I’m keeping a close eye on prospects Matt Brash,
and George Kirby. Matt Brash has an electric arm with an unhittable
slider. And George Kirby had been known as a pitcher with great command,
but he’s added some zip to his fastball, so I expect him to pitch well
in the bigs once he gets called up. With the bat, I’m excited to see if
Jarred Kelenic can pick up where he left off at the end of 2021. If he
does, he could flirt with a .280 35 HR, 90 RBI type season! And the hype
around Julio Rodriguez is REAL! He’s a once-in-a-lifetime, five-tool
type talent that is proving in Spring Training he’s ready for the bigs.
Not only do I expect him to be a Rookie of the Year candidate, but I
wouldn’t be surprised if he’s mentioned in the MVP chatter at some point
this season. And he’s never even played in a big league game!
Will they make the playoffs?
I think the playoffs are a real possibility. The only reason I hesitate
is the AL seems to be stacked at the top with the Blue Jays, Yankees,
Rays, and Red Sox all primed. Not to mention the White Sox and Astros
are still favorites in their divisions. The wild card expansion will
enhance their chances, but one of the teams I mentioned, along with the
M’s, will miss out.
What’s your record prediction?
I predict 92-70.
What’s your World Series matchup?
Mariners over Mets (a guy can dream, right?)
Comments
Indeed! Hope he sells copies over @ https://www.artillerydesign.com