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Seattle Mariners fans have not had much to cheer for lately. The Mariners have lost 18 of their last 25 games after starting the season 13-2 and, depending on the situation in Boston this weekend, could come home with a record of defeat. On Thursday, the Mariners suffered two noticeable wrist injuries: one with Dylan Moore putting her on the injured list and another with Dee Gordon, who has so far avoided the plateau.
If there is a positive side to discomfort, it is that it precipitates change. For example, the Mariners reacted to the injuries suffered by Gordon and Moore by promoting J.P. Crawford and Shed Long, a pair acquired during winter negotiations, who could form the double-play combination of the future in Seattle.
Crawford is the best-known of the two men, having spent years among the best hopes as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies. Although he was only 24 years old, he fell out of favor with the Phils partly because of their depth and partly because of a mediocre play in 72 league games. Seattle acquired Crawford in the Jean Segura trade with the belief that a change of scenery could help it keep its past promise: to be a short and quick stopover with a disciplined approach to the top of the stage . hitter.
It is questionable whether or not Crawford can reach this level. He had performed well in Triple-A, hitting .319 / .420 / .457 with three home runs and three interceptions in 31 games played. Given Tim Beckham's slowdown since the start of the year, Crawford may well become Seattle's busiest short stop.
Long, 23, was traded twice last winter. Once from the Cincinnati Reds to the New York Yankees in the Sonny Gray affair, then back to the Mariners in exchange for hope Josh Stowers. Why noise? Because Long has the chance to add a little bit of thunder to the lineup.
While Long is listed just 5 feet 8 inches, his best tool could be his power. He will join the Mariners after beating .276 / .350 / .504 in 32 Triple-A games, and to be certain that the slugging percentage is not simply the product of his above-average speed: he was on track to post an ISO on. 150 for the fourth time in five tries. His back-and-forth tendencies combined with his eagerness to work in depth means he's likely to hit a good amount – which, in turn, will likely limit his average.
Traditionally second baseman, Long has played more third base this season than any other position. He saw actions at the keystone too, of course, as well as a little time left. His defense has always been considered mediocre, so you have to see where the Mariners play it – especially if / when Gordon is ready to return to training. Still, his first bat profile should look like a familiar profile considering the complexion of the Seattle lineup.
Together, Crawford and Long may not do much to change the fate of sailors this season. They could, however, form a tandem in the years to come. At a minimum, their presentations will give Seattle fans a reprieve after long weeks.
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