Game 30, Athletics at Mariners
Wade LeBlanc vs. Sean Manaea, 7:10pm
It’s tough to focus on the game after the past 12-20 hours we’ve had. James Paxton just twirled one of the best games I’ve seen, and then the bullpen blew it. That game was also, we now know, Ichiro’s last in an M’s uniform. Maybe. Probably. Perhaps.
But this is what baseball demands of us. Our need to let something breathe, to consider it, to just wonder – it can all still happen, it’s just jammed into a few hours. Sure, it spills out beyond that time limit, and I’m going to be thinking about both Big Maple and Ichiro while watching today’s game.
Wade LeBlanc is starting because he’s already on the roster, and because the team didn’t want to watch Erasmo Ramirez start again. Guillermo Heredia is back as the M’s face a tough lefty, one who’s already thrown a no-hitter this year and a pitcher who’s off to a brilliant start in general, seemingly fulfilling years of hope since he first grabbed national attention as an Indiana State sophomore in the Cape Cod league.
1: Gordon, CF
2: Segura, SS
3: Cano, 2B
4: Cruz, DH
5: Haniger, RF
6: Seager, 3B
7: Healy, 1B
8: Zunino, C
9: Heredia, LF
SP: LeBlanc
Jeff Sullivan had a similar reaction to Paxton’s game and the importance of a high fastball in an article today for Fangraphs.
The Rainiers got destroyed last night 12-4, as Roenis Elias had a very forgettable start. Similar situated Cuban lefty SP depth piece Ariel Miranda starts for Tacoma tonight up at Cheney.
The Travelers face Tulsa again, with Andrew Moore taking on #10 Dodgers prospect Dennis Santana.
2017 Cal League all-star Reggie McClain makes his 2nd appearance of the year tonight, leading Modesto against another Dodger affiliate, the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, and LA’s #11 prospect, Dustin May.
Clinton faces Bowling Green, a Rays affiliate. The Lumberkings Raymond Kerr starts opposite Austin Franklin, who ranks as the Rays #14 prospect.
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6 Responses to “Game 30, Athletics at Mariners”
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Ichiro will be in the lineup for the M’s next year in Japan.
Am I the only one who thinks Gary’ Hill is bad? It’s barely tolerable. Yuck!
If this ends up being a win behind LeBlanc, I will be almost certain that there are baseball gods and that they toy with us just for their own, sick pleasure.
4-0 Seattle, top of the 4th, as I write this.
I am not a fan of Aaron Goldsmith but apparently I’m in the minority. The thing I’ve noticed about Hill is his preference for using first names. Mariners fans were spoiled having the GOAT call games for 34 seasons. Everyone else will pale in comparison.
Despite the less than desirable announcers, we’re hanging on! Knock on wood.
I’m fine with Aaron Goldsmith, although I prefer Dave Sims. And Blowers is one of the better ex-jock-announcers I’ve heard (although I may be biased since he went to my high school).
I think Rizz is a decent play-by-play guy, although I’m otherwise not a fan.