Cactus League Game 2: Position Battle edition
Chris Heston v. Zach Lee, 12:10pm
Yesterday’s game featured a line-up that looked pretty much like opening day’s. That’s cool and all, but it doesn’t tell us a whole lot. Or rather, the utility of seeing Segura hit in front of Cano is balanced by injury concerns. None of those guys are fighting for a job, so it’s just about getting their timing right and giving those of us who’ve missed baseball a sneak preview. For the record, they look good.
Today, though, is different. With Jarrod Dyson on the club, they may not have room on the opening day club for Ben Gamel. Shawn O’Malley’s bid to hold on to the utility spot will get a big challenge from Taylor Motter. Tyler O’Neill’s a long shot to make the club, but he has *a* shot. And as mentioned yesterday, Chris Heston has a lot to prove to get the inside track on the 6th rotation spot. With more time passed since his TJ rehab, we can actually learn something about his arm strength today, too. If he’s still near 88, that’s not great. Above 90, and the M’s may have something.
Zach Lee toiled for Tacoma last year, but it was the worst year in a pro career plagued by inconsistency and mediocrity. His arsenal isn’t as important as the fact that betters hit everything he throws hard. Would a piggy-back rotation help? I don’t know, and would think even the Pads have better candidates for that, but with his prospect pedigree, some player development staff will always give it a chance. If there’s one pitcher who desperately needs a velocity-gain off-season program, it’s Lee.
1: Gamel, RF
2: Valencia, 1B
3: Cano, 2B
4: Cruz, DH
5: Ruiz, C
6: O’Neill, LF
7: Freeman, 3B
8: Heredia, CF
9: O’Malley, 3B
SP: Heston
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Oops, we´ve got two guys on 3rd, and why not. Back in the day Babe Herman´s Brooklyn Dodgers once had three guys on 3rd, but they were runners in a state of terminal confusion. Here, I´ve gotta assume that either Freeman or O´Malley is going to suit up at short.
I love listening to spring training baseball. Aside from what it means regarding the soon-to-be upcoming season – it offers a hint of spring while it’s still gray and gloomy outside here.
BTW Larry Stone wrote an excellent piece on Paxton, Walker, and Hultzen today: http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/mariners/remember-the-mariners-big-three-only-one-remains/
Thank you, Westside guy, for the Larry Stone link. I haven’t read his stuff in a while, but it still is great.