So as the Mariners chase the Astros and A's for a playoff spot, I ask: Does this team have the starters to contend? Could Dipoto have done more to beef up the rotation? And will he make a move in this final quarter of the season?
They were the catalyst behind a first-half surge that stunned MLB and stoked the city of Seattle. They were a collection of arms that was presumed to be a liability before becoming a linchpin.
The Mariners rose to 24 games above .500 at one point this season, thanks largely to starting pitchers who (mostly) outplayed their baseball cards and outclassed their competition.