Mariners scolded: The Mariners got yelled at Saturday, but this time it wasn’t by me or other fans, it was by manager Eric Wedge. After leaving 11 men on base in a 7-0 loss to the Royals, Wedge aired the M’s out, citing a lack of aggressiveness. I see more of a lack of talent, but…here’s John’s story. Then Sunday, on a clutch two-RBI single by Brendan Ryan and more stellar pitching by Michael Pineda, the M’s won! Wedge should yell at them every day! M’s 5-11, 4th place, 5.5 GB. Next game tonight vs. Detroit at Safeco, Scherzer vs. Vargas.
Gutierrez scratched again: Franklin Gutierrez’ planned rehab start Friday didn’t happen–his stomach pain came back. The M’s are planning to send Gutierrez to a national clinic to try to identify the source of his problems. As it is, don’t expect to see Guti anytime soon.
Sounders 1, Philadelphia 1: Designated player Alvaro Fernandez, who has been designated to the bench by Sigi Schmid, scored a completely unexpected second-half stoppage-time goal in windy, rainy Philadelphia Saturday afternoon, salvaging a tie for the Sounders. Fernandez headed in a ball off of a service from Fredy Montero, who came off the bench as well in his first action since surgery to repair a fractured wrist.
Husky scrimmage — great offense, bad defense: Well, if you’re an optimist you’ll say that the Husky defense is looking great, if you’re a pessimist you’ll say the Locker-less offense is looking awful. The No. 1 defense completely stymied the No. 1 offense in a scrimmage Saturday, not permitting them past midfield, and recording seven sacks.
What they’re saying…
“Its the same thing, different day, and thats unacceptable. Were not going to keep watching this. Im not real happy right now.” — Eric Wedge
“No one is happy with this. We have got to keep trying.” — Felix Hernandez
“You got to love those late goals. You hate to concede them, but you love them when they go in for your team.” — Kasey Keller
Tonight’s Target: Max Scherzer…
With his mid-90’s fastball and sharp breaking slider, Max Scherzer strikes out a lot of hitters: He was sixth in the AL in Ks/9 last year. However, he also throws a lot of pitches and rarely works deep into games — no CG in 71 career starts, and he hasn’t made it into the seventh in any of his three starts this year. The patient M’s should be able to work Scherzer for long counts and get into a Detroit bullpen with a cumulative 4.71 ERA.
In other news…
Husky football fans, read Todd’s list of the five important developments of spring practice.
UW signee Tony Wroten led all players with 10 assists in the Jordan Brand Classic all-star game.
Here’s a neat roundup on the Cheney Stadium reopening from Rainiers broadcaster Mike Curto. The Rainiers got former player Eddie Fisher to throw out the first pitch — Fisher threw the first competitive pitch at Cheney Stadium in 1961. Good stuff.
Seven days closer to a championship…
Monday, April 18
Mariners vs. Detroit @ Safeco, 7:10 p.m. (ROOT)
Tuesday, April 19
Mariners vs. Detroit @ Safeco, 7:10 p.m. (ROOT)
Wednesday, April 20
Mariners vs. Detroit @ Safeco, 12:40 p.m (ROOT)
Thursday, April 21
Mariners vs. Oakland @ Safeco, 7:10 p.m. (ROOT)
Friday, April 22
Sounders @ Colorado Rapids, 6:30 p.m. (FSC)
Mariners vs. Oakland @ Safeco, 7:10 p.m. (ROOT)
Saturday, April 23
Mariners vs. Oakland @ Safeco, 6:10 p.m. (ROOT)
Sunday, April 24
Mariners vs. Oakland @ Safeco, 1:10 p.m. (ROOT)