PEORIA, Ariz. — The Seattle Mariners had their first official full-squad workout at spring training on Tuesday.
Manager Scott Servais said this is the hungriest team he's ever been around. The team did not accomplish what they set out to do and they're using it to fuel their fire this season.
"This team is wired a little bit different based on what they went through last year," Servais said. "And we've made some additions. We've got guys that will join our lineup and they're hungry as well. That's a good thing."
Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford said he's been impressed with the energy during spring training.
"You can tell by the first day in drills everyone is treating it like Game 7 of the World Series," Crawford said. "You need that type of environment. You need that type of energy to win games."
Despite finishing fourth in the American League (AL) MVP voting last season, Julio Rodriguez said he had a sophomore season and needs to be better.
"I wasn't happy with it," Rodriguez said. "I feel like a lot of people can say, 'Oh, like he was fourth in the MVP. He did this. He did that. How can you not be happy?' But I feel like there was a lot of moments that I feel like I should have done better."
Servais said he expects a big year for Rodriguez in 2024 and he believes his team will compete for its first division title since 2001.
"I think we have a good team," Servais said. "I think we are good. It's hard to win in this league, a lot of things have to go your way. But it starts today and going about things the right way. We have plenty of talent. I like our team a lot. We have very high expectations."
Servais did note, however, that it won't be easy. The last two World Series champions were from the AL West - the Texas Rangers and Houston Astros.
"Everybody is ready to play," Rodriguez said. "I can tell a lot of the guys had a great offseason and they're ready to take it out on the field.