Seattle Mariners: M's should remain focused on rebuilding

Despite starting the season 18-13 and being tied for first place in the AL West with Houston, The Seattle Mariners should still be focusing on their rebuild and not falling into an early season mirage.

Outfielder Jay Bruce is hitting .195 so far this year and despite leading the M’s in homers with nine, it’s important for Seattle to look at a future replacement for the aging slugger.

Mallex Smith, another outfielder struggled this year with a .165 mark and was demoted to the minors.

Domingo Santana is one of the better hitters with the Mariners and posted a .288 clip with six long balls and 30 RBIs.

The M’s pitching is underwhelming this season with starter Mike Leake allowing 19 runs in 34.1 frames. Meanwhile, Yusei Kikuchi has a 4.54 ERA and has given up 35 hits in 33.2 innings this year.

Kikuchi is still getting comfortable as a starter in the MLB. The Japan native had a shut out inning in relief last Friday, but allowed 10 hits and four runs in only five frames versus the Los Angeles Angels on April 20.

The fact that it’s been a struggle for some of these arms to step up should be a warning in the eyes of the Mariners brass. Seattle’s front office should avoid trading for big names and buying into the potential hype that they might be playoff contenders.

There have been good performers in Seattle’s pen with veteran Anthony Swarzak hurling 9.1 frames of three-run ball in 10 games played.

Roenis Elias, a lefty reliever, has four saves and a 2.16 ERA in 14 games played with the M’s.

If Seattle can get better performances out of Bruce, Edwin Encarnacion and others, the Mariners could make trades that would boost their minor league system.

Swarzak and Elias should be on the trade block as soon as possible.

It’s great that the Seattle Mariners are not tanking and are competing as much as they can. However, after beginning the season 13-2, the M’s have lost 11 of their last 16 games.

Sometimes, a team has to understand what type of players they have assembled and remain focused on a long-term plan, instead of a band-aid