BROCK AND SALK

Scott Servais sheds light on how veterans are handling Mariners’ step-back season

May 29, 2019, 1:47 PM | Updated: 1:50 pm

Scott Servais says Jay Bruce "carries a lot of weight" in the Mariners clubhouse. (AP)...

Scott Servais says Jay Bruce "carries a lot of weight" in the Mariners clubhouse. (AP)

(AP)

A story in the Seattle Times earlier this week put a spotlight on how the more tenured major league players in the Mariners clubhouse feel about playing on a team that is focused much more on rebuilding for the future rather than trying to win this year.

Servais knew defense ‘was going to be an issue’ after Seager’s injury

Starting pitcher Mike Leake’s comments stood out the most, as he stated that “There’s days where you wonder, if I’m not part of (the team’s future), should you trade me to someone who wants me more?”

On Wednesday morning, 710 ESPN Seattle’s Brock and Salk were able to sit down with Mariners managers Scott Servais at T-Mobile Park, and Servais provided a look at what he sees the veterans going through this season in the clubhouse.

“You know, it’s hard. Guys want to win,” Servais said. “… We’ve got a mix on our team, obviously there’s a group of really young guys, a lot of rookies. Then you’ve got that middle grouping of (Mitch) Haniger, Marco (Gonzales), Omar (Narváez), keeping that group going. And then there’s the veteran guys, and they understand where we’re at as an organization.”

Servais is understanding of players that might not be excited about playing on a last-place team that has its focus on building a younger core that can help the franchise return to contention early next decade. But he also had a message about what they can do about it.

“I get it, they’re not all crazy about our situation or their situation, but there’s one thing they control, and all you can worry about is what you control. They control how they play on the field.”

One veteran player has stood out to Servais for making the most of the situation, however: Jay Bruce, who while hitting just .206 is serving as a bit of a coach for younger players.

“Jay Bruce carries a lot of weight in our clubhouse because Jay’s been around a long time, he’s been in situations where teams have struggled,” Servais said. “He’s a three-time All-Star, he’s off to a rough start (but) he’s starting to swing better now. Watching how he’s handled all this has been a bright spot for me. I got a lot of respect for Jay.

“He’s done a great job with Daniel Vogelbach keeping Vogey in a good spot, and Jay’s not afraid to speak his voice. It’s easier when you’re hitting .280, but Jay’s been a really positive guy in our clubhouse.”

Mariners SS J.P. Crawford has sprained ankle, out ‘a couple weeks’

Brock and Salk podcast

Mariners Roof Report

Brought to you by
Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
High 56° | Low 40°
Roof is open
Red Sox at Mariners today at 6:40pm

Brock and Salk

Seattle Seahawks NFL Draft Jackson Powers-Johnson...

Brandon Gustafson

Brock’s Seahawks Draft Profiles: ‘The best center’ in the 2024 class

If the Seattle Seahawks want to boost their offensive line, Brock Huard wouldn't mind if they draft Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson.

10 hours ago

...

Seattle Sports Video

Video: Nelson Cruz reflects on his time with the Seattle Mariners on Brock & Salk

‘The Boomstick’ Nelson Cruz joined the Brock & Salk Show on Seattle Sports before throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at the Seattle Mariners 2024 season opener at T-Mobile Park. Cruz discussed his time with the Mariners, what retirement is like, and whether or not he would bring out the boomstick one more time before […]

13 hours ago

Seattle Mariners Mitch Haniger...

Mike Salk

Salk: Scars remain as Mariners return, but hope isn’t far away

As the Seattle Mariners return for 2024, Seattle Sports' Mike Salk writes about seasons, scars, frustration, hope and baseball.

1 day ago

Seattle Seahawks NFL Draft Payton Wilson...

Brandon Gustafson

Brock’s Seahawks Draft Profile: ‘Twitched up’ LB fills a need

Next up in Brock Huard's Seattle Seahawks draft profiles is a very intriguing defender in North Carolina State linebacker Payton Wilson.

1 day ago

Seattle Seahawks Sam Howell...

Brandon Gustafson

New Seahawks QB Sam Howell describes trade, his role and more

The Seattle Seahawks have a new QB in Sam Howell, and he joined Brock & Salk on Wednesday to describe the trade that sent him to the Hawks.

1 day ago

...

Seattle Sports Video

Video: Getting to know new Seattle Seahawks QB Sam Howell

What do Seattle Seahawks fans need to know about new QB Sam Howell? What will he bring to the QB room and competition this season? He joined the Brock and Salk show toady to talk about what type of QB the Seahawks are getting. Can he be a piece that helps this team get back […]

2 days ago

Scott Servais sheds light on how veterans are handling Mariners’ step-back season