Rookies Factor Prominently in Mariners' Playoff Push

In the 15 months since the Mariners hired Jerry Dipoto as general manager, he has overseen such a thorough roster overhaul that second baseman Robinson Cano, third baseman Kyle Seager and catcher Mike Zunino are the only holdovers in the starting lineup.

- Tracy Ringolsby

Oh, and Zunino was sent back to the minors at the start of last season after Dipoto picked up veteran Chris Iannetta for a one-year stay to give Zunino time to refine his offensive skills.

Dipoto has completely remade a bullpen that doesn’t include any players who were in Seattle when he became the GM on Sept. 28, 2015. He has also added two members of the projected 2017 Opening Day roration, Ariel Miranda and Nathan Karns.

And he has been busy this winter looking to add a proven veteran starter.

Do not, however, call what the Mariners are going through a rebuild.

Dipoto doesn’t.

Lone Holdout

The Mariners haven’t been to the postsea son since 2001, a drought that is the longest in the big leagues. In that same stretch, the four other American League West clubs have combined to make 21 postseason appearances: seven by the Angels, six by the Athletics, five by the Rangers and three by the Astros.

Even though the Mariners could open the season with a lineup that includes rookies Mitch Haniger in right field, Dan Vogelbach at first base and Ben Gamel in left, Dipoto is looking to end that postseason drought in 2017.

“Our intention is to be a factor,” Dipoto said. “We aren’t getting younger if they are in the minor leagues.”