by Ryan Divish

1. Potent Lineup

The Mariners should score runs. The first five hitters in their projected everyday lineup — Dee Gordon, Jean Segura, Robinson Cano, Nelson Cruz and Kyle Seager — are previous All-Stars with career résumés that reflect their success and paychecks. The addition of Gordon, to go with Segura at the top of the order, allows Seattle not to rely just on homers. The Mariners can create runs with their legs. Gordon has stolen more than 50 bases in three seasons, including 60 in 2017.

The Mariners believe Seager won’t be as streaky this season after finally settling on a swing. Cano and Cruz are each a year older but are still productive and dangerous.

But what could make the lineup particularly potent are the hitters after the first five. Seattle will use Ryon Healy, Mitch Haniger and Mike Zunino in the No. 6,7,8 spots in some varied order. Healy and Zunino have legitimate power, each hitting 25 homers last season. Haniger’s first 20 games last season and the final 29 games of the season were brilliant, as he displayed his hitting versatility.

2. Paxton power

James Paxton has done everything to be healthy for 2018 and become the type of dominant starter that he was for extended periods last season. Armed with a mid- to high-90 mph fastball, a nasty curveball and cutter and an improved changeup, he has all the tools to be one of the best starting pitchers in the American League.

He posted a 12-5 record with a 2.98 ERA in 24 starts last season. He struck out 156 in 136 innings and career marks in wins, starts, innings, strikeouts and ERA (2.98). But that success was interrupted by two stints on the disabled list because of a forearm strain and later a pectoral strain. His absence crushed a Mariners’ rotation he had been anchoring.

In past offseasons, he’s modified his routine to trim unneeded weight and become more flexible with the use of hot yoga. This season he revamped his diet, removing all cow’s milk and related products in an effort to remain healthy.

If he gives Seattle 30 starts, it would take some pressure off the rest of the staff.

3. Pleasant surprises

Realistically, the Mariners need more than a few surprising contributions or performances that exceed expectations. They have a good idea what they’ll get from established players, particularly the position group, but if a starter like Marco Gonzales can put together or a strong season or if hard-throwing reliever Dan Altavilla can harness his stuff and be a reliable set-up man, the Mariners could have a different outlook.

Gonzales, with a new natural arm slot and two years removed from Tommy John surgery, has looked outstanding this spring. He has given a glimpse of why he was a first-round draft pick and a touted prospect with the Cardinals. Altavilla adjusted his slider grip, simplified his mechanics and has been one of Seattle’s best relievers this spring.

After two seasons of dealing with injuries, it would be a pleasant surprise if Felix Hernandez could make 28 to 30 starts and display a level of consistency with his command. While no one expects Hernandez to be the King Felix of five years ago, there is a belief that cleaner mechanics and a simpler delivery will allow him to be a useful starter if he stays healthy.