FanGraphs might say the Mariners have a 0.0% chance of sneaking into the playoffs, but don’t you dare tell that to any true Seattle fan walking into T-Mobile Park this weekend. These final four games against the Angels are about so much more than a miniscule mathematical possibility; they’re our last chance to say thank you and godspeed to Rick Rizzs.
A Fond Farewell to the Voice of Our Summer
Forget win-loss records for a second, Emerald City. This weekend, the real story is about Rick Rizzs, the iconic voice of our Mariners, calling his final games before retirement. We all remember how we never got a chance to properly say goodbye to Dave after he was here one season and gone the next. We can’t let that happen with Rick. Seriously, if you’re watching on Mariners.TV or MLB.TV, make sure you’re switching that audio feed to the radio broadcast for every single one of these games. The sound of our summer, the soundtrack to every clutch hit and every nail-biting save, is going to be different next year. Let’s make sure Rick feels the love from every single one of us.
On the Field, The M’s Face a Rebuilding Halos Squad
Now, about the actual baseball. Our Mariners, sitting at 74-84, are rolling into this series against an Angels team that’s in a seriously weird spot at 60-98. They’re on the verge of losing 100 games for the first time in franchise history, which is wild, but their fan base is apparently more optimistic than ever after getting out from under former owner Arte Moreno. They’ve been wisely auditioning young players, finding some promise in guys like Wade Meckler (117 wRC+), but some former highly regarded prospects like Moisés Ballesteros (75 wRC+) still haven’t found their swing. Of course, Zach Neto (114 wRC+) and the legendary Mike Trout (132 wRC+) are still up top.
For our guys, the FanGraphs odds are looking good for a strong finish. We’ve got Bryan Woo taking the mound on Thursday with a 67.7% win probability. Bryce Miller follows on Friday, boasting a 56.5% chance. Saturday sees Kade Anderson with a sky-high 69.8% win probability, and Logan Gilbert closes out the series on Sunday with a 66.6% chance for the win. Our Mariners hold the edge in batting with a 102 wRC+ (6th in AL) and starting pitching (99 FIP-, 8th). The Angels have a slightly better bullpen (99 FIP-, 7th) and, honestly, our fielding at -52 FRV (15th) could use some work.
So yeah, the mathematical path to the postseason might be 0.0%, but that doesn’t make these final four games any less important for Mariners fans. This isn’t just about baseball; it’s about honoring a legend, ending the season strong at 74-84, and getting ready for what’s next. Let’s send Rick Rizzs off right, loud and proud, and soak in every last call. Go M’s!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Lookout Landing.
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