Game 5, Attempt 2: Mariners at Swamp Things
King Felix vs. DAN STRAILY. SERIOUSLY. 1:05pm
I swear, one of these times I write that the M’s are facing Dan Straily today, it’ll actually happen. But enough of that: Happy Felix Day!
The A’s left the tarp off their field, the skies opened, and the infield was the consistency of cottage cheese, hence the rain-out of a game in which it wasn’t actually raining. The field was in such a sorry state that it’s not certain that the M’s and A’s will get THIS game in, and it was the deciding factor in playing only one game today instead of trying to get a double-header in. On the upside, the M’s can go back to Felix Hernandez on regular rest and push Chris Young to the long-relief role that had been filled by that guy who came over in a trade or whatever…can’t think of his name.
Line-up:
1: Almonte, CF
2: Miller, SS
3: Cano, 2B
4: Smoak, 1B
5: Hart, DH
6: Seager, 3B
7: Morrison, RF
8: Ackley, LF
9: Zunino, C
SP: King Felix
I went to the Rainiers opening day double-header last night. They won their opener in grand style, with Blake Beavan going all the way (that’s 7IP), giving up 1 run and striking out 6. The bigger story was the offense, which annihilated Albuquerque’s pitchers, especially starter Stephen Fife. The Isotopes won game 2, despite HRs from Cole Gillespie and Nick Franklin. Those two looked very good; one of Franklin’s few outs on the day was a deep drive caught against the wall in left.
The games were interesting for two reasons. The opener brought back memories of the big three way trade from a few years ago when the M’s sent Erik Bedard to Boston. Trayvon Robinson, who came to the M’s in that deal, led off for the Isotopes. Their battery, Fife and C Tim Federowicz, were the pieces moving from Boston to the Dodgers in that deal. All we needed was Josh Fields, but though he had the most uncertain future at the time, he’s in the big leagues. Where have you gone, Chih-Hsien Chang? The second game featured Miguel Olivo behind the plate and Carlos Triunfel in the infield. All watched over by former M’s scout Hide Sueyoshi, who is also now with the Dodgers (along with Bob Engle).
Taijuan Walker’s rehab start in High Desert went quite well. After a so-so first inning, he settled in, and finished with a line of 4 1/3 IP, 4H, 1R, 1BB, 7Ks. DJ Peterson hit his first High-A HR.
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93 Responses to “Game 5, Attempt 2: Mariners at Swamp Things”
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I do like the Saunders late inning defensive switch that is happening every game.
I can’t visualize that catch by Smoak. That’s when radio is a fail.
I have to give McClendon credit because he’s subbed Saunders in every game so far for defense in the late innings. I like that. Wedge would leave Ibanez in LF during close games sometimes and it drove me nuts.
Those three WERE all pretty special though, Eastside!
Dc24……but Dingers!
Wow, Saunders’ sub at the right time…Unless Melvin can get a replay.
I wonder if something is going on with Saunders? Seems odd he hasn’t started at all after game one.
Possible replay request coming up
I am not sure how I feel about the expanded replay so far. Games are long enough as it is.
Great snag by the Condor there. Loving this. Really looked like he caught it to me.
Who ever said Franklin was a good defensive player? I don’t recall that and if I remember correctly he actually got worse defensively when he stopped hitting.
I’m not equating Almonte’s offense with his defense. He obviously hasn’t played a ton of CF or he would be taking better routes. That is something that comes with time at the position. There is no real way to practice that part of the position b/c the way the ball is hit in the game is different every time.
Let’s put it this way. If I can learn to make the right reads and take the right routes then Almonte can.
Luckily Saunders was out there (like he should be).
Really don’t get why Saunders isn’t getting starts.
Woodcutta, you’d have to read some of those game threads from last year. I remember getting into arguments over Franklin’s defense.
Westy….I would get a chuckle ever time Sims would comment on Ackley’s “blazing” speed last season. The only way he has “blazing” speed is in contrast to last year’s Tree Sloths. He has some quick’s, but by no means is he Almonte fast.
You got this Felix!
Yeah, I remember people arguing over Franklin’s defense. It’s a lot easier to like a player when he’s hitting.
I just wish Saunders was playing over Morrison. This team doesn’t have a very experienced outfield but at least the guys are athletic (besides Morrison). That’s a big upgrade over years past. Hopefully, as they get experience they’ll become better at tracking balls and taking the right routes.
It’s probably easy though to think these guys are good after watching the outfields for the last couple years.
Hehe, yeah Sims did seem to like that term with regard to Ackley!
*tsk tsk*
Should have sent Rodney in, CG be damned.
Jeebus. I would have sent him back out, too, but I hope like hell there’s someone warming up. Cespedes in this situation scares the hell out of me.
Oh come on, please don’t blow this
COME ON FELIX!!!
Ahhh fudge.
Come on. Come on Felix.
Please god, pull him. I can’t take another extra innings game.
Change up down and away now
Great outing by the King against the Favorites. Well done!
Oh my goodness that foul ball
Praise the King and hold onto your crooked hat, Rodney.
Don’t we have a lefty who could face Jaso?
That Rodney changeup is nuts, 81 MPH after 95 MPH… Deadly. Made Reddick look silly.
Rodney is great and all, but my fingernails are in trouble every time he enters.
Wooooo hooooooo
Whew!
Whew. Go m’s
When was the last time Felix started the year 2-0 through two starts? Has that ever happened?
Woo! Pulled it off. 4-1 is fun!
Yeah the changeup is very solid. Nine mph is actually the ideal difference between a FB and change for crossing guys up, but if you have a guy like Reddick up there with two strikes, he barely stands a chance if you can find a corner.
Good win. Glad Rodney saved it without much harm. He makes me nervous too and will every time he’s in.
Rodney finally gets a SVO and gets the SV striking out the only two batters he faces. Nice start as Mariner. Way to go King Felix and thank you Ackley and Almonte for the two solo HR’s. All while playing on seafoam fill from the Oakland sewage plant. Time to move to San Jose. Too bad Portland can’t support a MLB team, yet even a AAA team.
@smb Looks like Felix started 2-0 in his first two starts way back in 2007. Had 18 Ks in 17 scoreless innings in those two games. Damn! No wonder we loved this guy from the very start!
Usually 5 games into the season, we’re starting to make excuses about why we’re not out of it yet. *laugh*
This year, we have the argument that except for a blown strike 3 call last game, we’d be 5-0 right now.
Erasmo tomorrow, let’s come home 5-1.
Yeah, plus the rotation is looking like a major strength. Who would have thought that even three weeks ago?
I have to admit that I really like the four man rotation!
I’m liking the accountability from the team thus far, especially after the reliever not to be named got his walking papers to Hannibal, MO…