ARLINGTON -- As the Mariners play out the final days of the regular season, there are still lessons to be learned as the club goes into the offseason. One thing that seems to be clearer and clearer, they appear to have discovered a potent leadoff hitter in Mitch Haniger.
The 27-year-outfielder blossomed into an American League All-Star outfielder this season in his second full year in the Majors. But he has taken his game to another gear in the last six weeks since being shifted to the top of the batting order.
While Haniger has the ability to hit anywhere in the lineup -- he batted third in 60 games this year and even filled in at cleanup for 10 games in one stretch -- manager Scott Servais said prior to Friday's series opener against the Rangers that batting leadoff seems to have helped Haniger in other aspects of his game as well.