Groz: Dare to dream again? Mariners’ bullpen showing promising signs
Apr 26, 2021, 12:26 PM
The Mariners’ 13-9 start has been surprising, but perhaps not as much as one of the biggest reasons for their early-season success so far.
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That would be the bullpen, a group of players who have caught the eye of 710 ESPN Seattle’s Dave “The Groz” Grosby with performances in both a win and a loss over the past week.
First was a 4-3 victory last Tuesday over the defending world champion Los Angeles Dodgers in which Seattle’s relievers took over with one out in the sixth inning and protected a one-run lead the rest of the way. Groz said that game “felt like a postseason win.”
Then was Sunday’s 5-3 loss to the American League East-leading Boston Red Sox in which the M’s had to turn to the bullpen after starter Nick Margevicius was taken out having recorded just one out in the game. Though Boston scored four off of Margevicius and added another run in the second inning against Drew Steckenrider, the Red Sox were held scoreless for the rest of the game.
“The bullpen sent a clear signal that no matter the circumstances, they’ll keep you in a game,” Groz said about Sunday’s game.
Though the Mariners are 22 games into their season, Seattle’s relievers may be the first step leading to Groz gassing up the old “Dare to Dream Express” for another ride.
“We’re all looking for what’s sustainable in the Mariners’ hot start and increasingly it’s looking like the bullpen may be sustainable,” he said. “Last week against two of baseball’s best they showed they can protect a lead and keep you in a game when the starter gets knocked out early. We’ve seen good bullpens come out of nowhere, and I think we’re seeing it again – although I know, I know, it’s still April.”
You can hear Groz’s full comments in the latest Just a Minute segment for the 710 ESPN Seattle YouTube channel, which is located in the video at the top of this post.
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