Mariners Moose Tracks, 9/16/20: Jarred Kelenic, Playoff Bubble, and Alec Mills

In which we again ask ourselves if the M’s will make a push for the playoffs.

By Anders Jorstad@AndersJorstad Sep 16, 2020, 7:00am PDT

Chicago Cubs v Milwaukee Brewers

Good morning everyone! Let’s get you the latest from around baseball.

In Mariners news...

Larry Stone at The Seattle Times becomes the latest person to bang the drum for Logan Gilbert and Jarred Kelenic in Seattle.
However, the Mariners do have one major road block to punching a ticket to the playoffs.

Based on opponent win percentage, the Astros have the easiest remaining schedule this season (.382). The Mariners (.577) have the most difficult remaining schedule.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) September 16, 2020

Around the league...

Major League Baseball and the players have finally come to an agreement on a bubble for the postseason.
Rob Mains at Baseball Prospectus looked into baseball’s most successful bunters.
Craig Edwards at Fangraphs took a deep dive into Alec Mills’ no-hitter and what made it so special.
Simply can’t believe this was never solidified before.

I’m hearing MLB is considering a league-wide AQI policy. It’s in the early stages so far, but they’re looking into it. Right now, MLB/teams rely on local officials to determine if it’s OK to play.
Based on yesterday’s DH at Seattle, that approach seems less than ideal.
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) September 15, 2020

Another surprise.

MLB is hopeful to have fans at LCS and World Series. Hear 25 percent of capacity might be a good estimate. One caveat: Texas is likely to allow fans but California may not.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) September 15, 2020

In a decision that’s sure to rankle many fans, Major League Baseball is strongly considering keeping the expanded playoffs beyond the 2020 season.

Anders’ picks...

This is the way.

"Wherever I go, he goes." Watch the brand new trailer for #TheMandalorian and start streaming the new season Oct. 30, only on #DisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/plfHssS8qG
— Star Wars (@starwars) September 15, 2020