There was a time not long ago when the Seattle Mariners’ starting rotation was a source of doubt rather than dominance in national circles. Analysts picked apart the inconsistencies, pointed to injuries, and wondered if the group that was once the backbone of Seattle’s identity had finally cracked.
Every outing was scrutinized. Was Luis Castillo still the ace he was billed to be? Could Bryce Miller and George Kirby handle the load of expectation after early-season injuries? These were fair questions, and they left Mariners fans defending a staff that simply hadn’t put it all together yet.
ESPN now ranks Mariners rotation among MLB’s October elites
Now, fast-forward to late September, and the tone has shifted dramatically.