Cactus League Game 3 – Mariners and Rockies
Wade LeBlanc vs. Jon Gray, 12:10pm (no tv)
The M’s face off with the Rockies, who’ll send Jon Gray to the mound. Wade LeBlanc gets the start, but the story of the day is getting our first look at two of the big prospects acquired in the James Paxton trade. Justus Sheffield figures to follow Wade, and then we should see Erik Swanson.
Sheffield’s opened eyes in camp, but I’m still curious to see if his command’s improving or if he’s able to generate some whiffs with his slider and sinking fastball. That’s not really been a problem in the minors, though even there, his K rate isn’t exceptional in this day and age. The issue is opposite handed batters; Sheffield’s K rate was much lower against righties. The slider is a pitch with large platoon splits, and it’s possible his arm angle exacerbates that. It’s also possible that his change-up comes along and renders concerns about the slider-to-righties thing moot. I’d take that.
1: Dee Gordon, 2B
2: Mitch Haniger, RF
3: Jay Bruce, 1B
4: Kyle Seager, 3B
5: Ryon Healy, DH
6: Ichiro! LF
7: Crawford, SS
8: Fraley, CF
9: Lobaton, C
SP: Wade LeBlanc
Hope to see Crawford make some solid contact, see if Seager’s re-worked physique comes with a re-worked approach at the plate and see what Ryon Healy does today. The downside of course is that this more traditional/”real” line-up means Shed Long, who homered yesterday, is relegated to the bench.
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I know it’s only spring training but I am excited to watch more Shed Long among some of these other awesome kids!