BOB, GROZ AND TOM

Kyle Seager calls Mariners’ acquistitions ‘a big thing for us’

Aug 7, 2014, 3:47 PM | Updated: Aug 8, 2014, 11:58 am

LISTEN:

Kyle Seager, the Mariners' RBI leader with 68, received some help in the lineup with the acquisitions of three hitters. (AP)

(AP)

The Mariners were buyers at the trade deadline, the games still have meaning in August, and the buzz at Safeco Field is building.

It’s an entirely different experience for third baseman Kyle Seager than what he went through in his first two seasons with the team, when Seattle never really was part of a playoff race.

“It’s fun just being in the situation where you can pay attention (to the playoff contenders),” Seager said in an interview with 710 ESPN Seattle’s “Bob and Groz” on Thursday. “Just being in the hunt, being in consideration, you know all the teams ahead of you. … It’s a really good situation to be in.”

The Mariners put some effort into bettering that situation before the trade deadline, bringing in Kendrys Morales, Austin Jackson and Chris Denorfia to boost an offense that has struggled throughout most of the year. The acquisitions have certainly been appreciated by Seager, who has shouldered a big part of the load offensively in 2014 – he has a .278/.346/.475 slash line with 16 home runs and a team-high 68 RBIs.

“We got the three hitters in here – that’s definitely a big thing for us,” he said. “Kendrys obviously was with us last year so he was a very easy transition. Everybody knew him and everybody loves Kendrys. And then you brought the other two guys in, (and) it’s been awesome. They both jumped right in and are playing well. Real good guys, real easy-going in the clubhouse. It’s nice being in the position where you can be buyers as opposed to selling off.”

With the revamped offense and an already stellar pitching rotation and bullpen, the Mariners are poised to make a move this weekend in their four-game set against White Sox, as they trail the Blue Jays by just one game for the final American League wild-card spot.

The fact that the Mariners are in as good a position as they are might seem like a surprise, but first-year Mariners skipper Lloyd McClendon would think otherwise, according to Seager.

“I think it starts with Mac, for sure. Starts up at the top. He’s brought this attitude in since Day 1,” Seager said. “It’s not about, ‘Well, we’re a young team, we’ll get there eventually.’ He’s ready to win, he wants to win, and that’s definitely carried over. There’s definitely a different level of confidence.”

It’s also carried over into the amount of enthusiasm among the team and in the stands.

“There’s a different energy in the ballpark. The fans have been awesome. The excitement level in the dugout, the excitement level in the clubhouse, everything just is different,” Seager said. “We’ve got a couple new guys in here. … We have a lot of confidence in what we can do from top to bottom. And we know (with) the way our pitching is, that offensively (if) we score a few runs we’ll be in a good situation.”

Bob, Groz and Tom

Seahawks RB Chris Carson...

Brent Stecker

Heaps: Bench Chris Carson? Seahawks need him running to make playoffs

Seahawks running back Chris Carson is struggling with fumbles, and it's imperative he corrects the issue, says Jake Heaps. "If this team is going to go to the playoffs, they have to have Chris Carson running the football."

5 years ago

The Groz at T-Mobile Park...

Brent Stecker

Watch: The Groz throws out the 1st pitch before Mariners-Astros game

Dave "The Groz" Grosby was honored by the Mariners on Tuesday night by throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. Check out video, photos and more from his big night here.

5 years ago

Bob, Groz and Tom...

SeattleSports.com Staff

Highlights from The Groz’s last show on Bob, Groz and Tom

Dave "The Groz" Grosby signed off as a full-time Seattle sports radio host Friday on Bob, Groz and Tom with visits from several notable names from his career.

5 years ago

The Groz...

SeattleSports.com Staff

Watch: Members of the Seattle sports media pay tribute to The Groz

Watch a special tribute to 710 ESPN Seattle's The Groz featuring messages from members of the Seattle sports media to commemorate his 29 years as a daily host in the market.

5 years ago

The Groz...

Brent Stecker

The Groz’s final show on Bob, Groz and Tom airs Friday at noon

Dave "The Groz" Grosby will finish up his 29-year career as a daily Seattle sports radio host on Friday from noon to 3 p.m. on 710 ESPN Seattle's Bob, Groz and Tom.

5 years ago

Mariners OF Kyle Lewis...

Brent Stecker

What sets Mariners OF Kyle Lewis apart from other prospects?

Mariners outfielder Kyle Lewis hit his fifth home run in eight games in the big leagues on Wednesday. ROOT Sports analyst Mike Blowers talked to Bob, Groz and Tom about Lewis and what makes him stand out.

5 years ago

Kyle Seager calls Mariners’ acquistitions ‘a big thing for us’