First Texas series

[Igoe4Mariners]

What are you guys' expectations? The pitching matchups do not favor the M's in the least. We've got Noesi, Beavan, Millwood and Vargas going up against Murderer's Row. Yikes.

I'm going to predict 1-3. 2-2 would be a win here, anything more is unexpected IMO. 0-4 is very possible.

[MontanaMariner]

0-4. Maybe 1-3.

[Mariners51]

4-0 and a five game lead in the west coming home

[JosephC]

2-2. I'll be really optimistic.

[HGKnights]

I hope we can force Yu Darvish out by 4 innings, if we can take that guy out, I think we can get in their heads enough and possibly edge out a winning the series.

I'm just hope the White Sox can edge them tonight.

[Igoe4Mariners]

I'm just hope the White Sox can edge them tonight.

That's not happening.

The White Sox are miserable.

[JosephC]

Looks like the Rangers are doing just what they were where they left off. Hitting, hitting, hitting.

[Igoe4Mariners]

Looks like the Rangers are doing just what they were where they left off. Hitting, hitting, hitting.

Not bad pitching tonight, either.

[Igoe4Mariners]

And I just read where Neftali Feliz has never given up a hit to the M's in his entire career against us.

Now that he's starting, y'all know what that means.

No hitter.

[TellItToTheDA]

There is a terrible case of doom and gloom over here! I'm going 2-2 in this series, and let me tell you why.

15 runs. In 2 games stateside, we put up 15 runs. Yes, it was against the A's, and Brandon McCarthy and Bartolo Colon. Yes, the A's had plenty of defensive miscues. But you need much more than luck to put up that many runs in two games.

Now, the pitching. First off, I'm happy with the decision to pitch Felix on Opening Night at the Safe, and not during this series, mainly because he lost both games in Arlington last year. Vargas, however, was the only Mariners pitcher to pick up a win down there. Might as well go with what works against a basically unchanged lineup from last season. Not to mention he's coming off two solid outings. Now, I'm not going to come out and say that Noesi, Beaven, and Millwood are world beaters, but there are question marks about the first two pitchers we face in the series, Darvish and Feliz. Of course, this will be Darvish's first appearance in the states, but we'll also see Feliz make his first start in the Majors. For all we know, they could be great, but they could also struggle. I just don't think it's at all reasonable to write off this series as a Rangers sweep.

[Nateyb24]

I am more interested in this series then the one against the A's i want to see what Noesi can do i am going to be optimistic as well and say we go 2-2.

[daddyferrari]

I dont think 2-2 is unreasonable to predict. If the M's can put together the type of hitting they did over the weekend, they will have a chance. The Texas lineup is pretty tough though, the M's will need to score, if they want to have a chance.
Go M's!

[Travis]

There is a terrible case of doom and gloom over here! I'm going 2-2 in this series, and let me tell you why.

15 runs. In 2 games stateside, we put up 15 runs. Yes, it was against the A's, and Brandon McCarthy and Bartolo Colon. Yes, the A's had plenty of defensive miscues. But you need much more than luck to put up that many runs in two games.

Now, the pitching. First off, I'm happy with the decision to pitch Felix on Opening Night at the Safe, and not during this series, mainly because he lost both games in Arlington last year. Vargas, however, was the only Mariners pitcher to pick up a win down there. Might as well go with what works against a basically unchanged lineup from last season. Not to mention he's coming off two solid outings. Now, I'm not going to come out and say that Noesi, Beaven, and Millwood are world beaters, but there are question marks about the first two pitchers we face in the series, Darvish and Feliz. Of course, this will be Darvish's first appearance in the states, but we'll also see Feliz make his first start in the Majors. For all we know, they could be great, but they could also struggle. I just don't think it's at all reasonable to write off this series as a Rangers sweep.

If we can get two wins down there, I'll be thrilled. If we win 3, even though it's early, it might be time to start taking this team seriously. I really hope we beat the crap out of Darvish tonight. He just seems like a mega-douchebag to me and I'd love to be his rude awakening to the majors.

I agree with the Felix decision. No sense wasting him in a series you potentially don't stand a hope in. Then again, I think the Oakland bats really starting picking up on him after his first five times through their order (except for poor Brandon Allen lol.) Within the first 10 games, the A's lineup will have seen Felix 10+ times. They started to figure him out in the fourth inning on Saturday, hopefully he adjusts on Friday.

If we go into the home opener at 5-3, we're set up to be in first place before we hit the road again on April 24. This is an extremely favorable homestand with Oakaland, Cleveland at the White Sox coming up. I'm so excited for this team!

[Igoe4Mariners]

It's almost game time. Let's hope Noesi is on!

[JosephC]

Let's hope Darvish is off also.

[Hiccup]

Let's hope Darvish is off also.

So far your wish came true!

[JosephC]

If Noeisi keeps throwing 92 mph right down the middle of the plate, this could be a very long game. The rangers will hit that stuff like its nothing.

[JosephC]

Darvish also looks like an anime dude. So does Kawasaki.

Actually, they should have an anime contest.

[Igoe4Mariners]

Darvish also looks like an anime dude. So does Kawasaki.

Actually, they should have an anime contest.

lol. Kawasaki does look just like a Pokemon character.

[Mariners51]

Well it was going well for a few innings.

[SeaTownJosh]

Its not over i think the mariners can still pull 2 games out. Its nice to see the hitting on track.

[Igoe4Mariners]

The hitting won't matter much when we've got fastball pitchers like Beavan and Millwood over the next two days. This thing is about to get ugly unless they have pinpoint command.

[TellItToTheDA]

The hitting won't matter much when we've got fastball pitchers like Beavan and Millwood over the next two days. This thing is about to get ugly unless they have pinpoint command.

Let's be honest, this is a different game if not for Brendan Ryan. He just had a real, real bad one tonight. First inning, with Darvish on the ropes, swings at some really bad pitches with the bases loaded and one down, right after a four pitch walk to Munenori. Should have at least sacrificed in a run. Bottom half of the inning, an off line throw to Smoak keeps Noesi from getting out of the first, there's two runs. Third inning, throws home to get Hamilton instead of trying to turn the inning ending double play. Of course, Cruz then hits the three run dinger. That's a potential six run swing.

Now, I wouldn't go comparing Noesi's performance tonight to what we may see from Beaven and Millwood. Noesi's command wasn't just off tonight, it was way off. The next two days won't be that bad. I'm not saying they'll win, but they aren't going to be the ridiculous game tonight was. I mean, Beavan did manage to pitch 8 innings of 4 hit ball in September against the Rangers (in Seattle).

[HGKnights]

Man, the Rangers offense whooped our ass tonight.

We really need to get our bullpen problems settled. Losses like tonight's are pretty frustrating.

[Mariners51]

Just hope our offense can keep hitting like they did the first couple of innings and not the last six.

[daddyferrari]

What an emotionally draining game! I knew we wouldn't hold them to just 2 runs, then 5 came up, figured, "ok, we'll get some more"... nope! The Texas bats were on fire and the M's bats went dead, plus leaving guys in scoring position isn't good either. (Signs of last year)
I'm not giving up yet, but that was a good beating last night. :(

[Igoe4Mariners]

What an emotionally draining game! I knew we wouldn't hold them to just 2 runs, then 5 came up, figured, "ok, we'll get some more"... nope! The Texas bats were on fire and the M's bats went dead, plus leaving guys in scoring position isn't good either. (Signs of last year)
I'm not giving up yet, but that was a good beating last night. :(

As soon as Texas tied it up, I knew it was done. The Rangers are stacked and are used to winning. The Mariners are not.

[Travis]

The entire time I just felt like we couldn't get outs. It feels like every single guy from 1 to 9 is going to go deep. I hate playing the Rangers. We stand almost no chance against them in that ball park unless we have Felix on the hill.

[Felix = Cy Young]

The entire time I just felt like we couldn't get outs. It feels like every single guy from 1 to 9 is going to go deep. I hate playing the Rangers. We stand almost no chance against them in that ball park unless we have Felix on the hill.

I agree. It's ridiculous how good they are. Seven of the guys in their lineup could hit cleanup on the majority of the major league teams.

[Travis]

I agree. It's ridiculous how good they are. Seven of the guys in their lineup could hit cleanup on the majority of the major league teams.

At 5-2 I didn't feel safe. Last year I felt like when we scored 4 runs, it was a guaranteed win.

Last night was so discouraging for me. I know it's crazy to think the team has a shot at the playoffs but the 19 innings (two games in Oakland and first inning vs. Texas) we had scored 18 runs. Just think what our record would've been last year at the all-star break with that kind of run production.

Watching last night's game made me realize we are in fact a couple of years away. It's not that we're horrible, but the Rangers are just so damn good.

I'm an emotional fan lol. That's why football is easier because you have more time to absorb the games and make accurate evaluations of the games. After Saturday night's game, I was flying high. Now I'm bumed out again because the damn Rangers are so daunting.

[Mariners51]

As long as we just finish ahead of the damn Athletics this season, ill be satisfied

[daddyferrari]

As soon as Texas tied it up, I knew it was done. The Rangers are stacked and are used to winning. The Mariners are not.

Agreed buddy, hopefully some day soon(ish) we'll get used to winning... fingers crossed.

[Travis]

Ya know', I know it's only 17 at bats, but Justin Smoak looks just as lost at the plate as he did when he was really struggling last year. He has come up in some pretty big spots and failed miserably quite a few times already this season. I was really counting on him to be a big bopper for us but with every at bat that passes, I'm starting to think he's not the answer at first base, especially not as a middle of the order hitter.

If he fails, is there a chance we could slide Montero to first?

[Mariners51]

Smoak has a long swing from the left side and be always tends to miss good fastballs. He's better at hitting offspeed for power actually.

[Igoe4Mariners]

Been very impressed with Beavan tonight.

[Igoe4Mariners]

Well Beavan and Wilhelmsen were good. Outside of that, shitty night.

Oh yeah, I fucking hate the Rangers.

[DFAFiggins]

Some of you were actually expecting a 2-2 or 3-1 mark? HA! Texas owns us and then some. I can't even 'member the last time we took a series in their house.

Ever since those series of walk-offs against Morrow a few years back, they have consistently handed us our shit.

[Mariners51]

Anybody in favor of John Jaso at getting ABs over Olivo?

[daddyferrari]

Hey Travis, I'm with you on the Smoak deal, I really wish he'd step it up. I know it's early, but come on! Smoak and Ackley haven't looked that great yet, I'm expecting big things out of both of those guys and haven't seen it yet. (Not that my expectations really matter, just say'n!)

[Travis]

Some of you were actually expecting a 2-2 or 3-1 mark? HA! Texas owns us and then some. I can't even 'member the last time we took a series in their house.

Ever since those series of walk-offs against Morrow a few years back, they have consistently handed us our shit.

If Noesi can locate at all in his outing and we just come up with one cllutch him last night, we'd be up 2-0 in the series. I don't think they've spanked us as bad as you make it sound. You are right about us winning there, though, it never seems to happen.

[Travis]

Anybody in favor of John Jaso at getting ABs over Olivo?

If I have to see Olivo's front shoulder fly way open on another bender off the outside edge, I'm going to lose it. I wish they'd platoon Montero and Jaso behind the plate with Montero starting at DH when he's not catching. If we're going to get poor defense from out catcher, why not make it the guy still trying to master the craft rather than the 33 year old never was.

[Igoe4Mariners]

Yeah as "great" as Olivo is...he's giving up a ton of pass balls (I know they go down as wild pitches, but still...) and isn't hitting worth shit. Yeah, he pops the occasional HR, but he's completely clueless at the plate, as evident by his under .300 OBP all the time.

[Nateyb24]

Wedge is only going to bench Olivo when he want's to give him a rest i think Wedge will put up with Olivo's past ball's because of his arm Jaso doesn't have a real good arm to throw base stealer's out.

I don't really agree with this just stating why i think Wedge prefer's Olivo over Jaso i would love to see Montero at Catcher he can't be any worse but it kind of tell's me what they think about him as our future Catcher if he can't beat out Olivo.

[Igoe4Mariners]

I can take losing to Texas via the home run ball, but not 1-0 games. Wake the hell up and do something.

[Mariners51]

I can take losing to Texas via the home run ball, but not 1-0 games. Wake the hell up and do something.

They just did :)

[Igoe4Mariners]

Saunders and Jaso = MVPs

Millwood was great too.

Great win, especially when hope was looking extremely dim for a while there.

[Mariners51]

Wooooo! Jaso just earned himself more playing time!

[JosephC]

I'm gonna give it to Saunders, what a game for him. This is what we were hoping of this guy for two years. A speedy power hitter.

[Nateyb24]

Wooooo! Jaso just earned himself more playing time!

Jaso had one heck of a game but it wouldn't surprise me to see Olivo back in as Catcher tommorow.

[Igoe4Mariners]

Jaso had one heck of a game but it wouldn't surprise me to see Olivo back in as Catcher tommorow.

Oh he will be. Wedge has a ridiculous man crush on Olivo.

[Mariners51]

Oh he will be. Wedge has a ridiculous man crush on Olivo.

Man I hope not. I thought Montero did a pretty stellar job back there. No noticeably bad plays.

[HGKnights]

Aww we knock out a win when I can't watch it! Hopefully we get em tomorrow and tie this one up. We'll also beat our record playing in Arlington last year in the first series!

[Igoe4Mariners]

Today should be interesting. It's the first lefty starter we've seen this year and we have a ton of lefties in the lineup in Ichiro, Ackley, Seager and Saunders. That also probably rules out the Jaso playing another game for sure come to think of it.

[daddyferrari]

What a great win last night! Sure, it looked grim, with the 3-0 into the 8th, but the boys kept it together and finally put some runs up!! It was good to see! Let's get the 2nd today!

[Igoe4Mariners]

Super odd lineup today. Alex Liddi batting second. Ackley out. Figgins in center. Wells in left. Most of this because of the lefty Holland on the mound, but still odd.


1. Figgins-8
2. Liddi-5
3. Ichiro-9
4. Smoak-3
5. Montero DH
6. Seager-4
7. Olivo-2
8. Wells-7
9. Ryan-6
SP Vargas

[Nateyb24]

Super odd lineup today. Alex Liddi batting second. Ackley out. Figgins in center. Wells in left. Most of this because of the lefty Holland on the mound, but still odd.


1. Figgins-8
2. Liddi-5
3. Ichiro-9
4. Smoak-3
5. Montero DH
6. Seager-4
7. Olivo-2
8. Wells-7
9. Ryan-6
SP Vargas

Figured Olivo would be back in but surprised that Liddi is batting 2nd.

[Travis]

Any time the best hitter is out of the lineup, it's a bad sign. Why not put Liddi or Seager at short and give Ryan the day off? He's four automatic outs every game.

LAst night's win was awesome. Today's line-up annoys me.

[Mariners51]

It's almost like Wedge is saying he doesn't give a flip about this game since its a get away day.

[Travis]

It's almost like Wedge is saying he doesn't give a flip about this game since its a get away day.

It's difficult to understand all the trash lineups he throws out there. I know Saunders and Jaso are both lefties but don't you kind of want to ride the hot bats on a quick turn around?

And I know Ackley hasn't been great this series but he did have two knocks last night.

[JosephC]

7. Olivo-2
8. Wells-7
9. Ryan-6
:confused: Do we expect any production from 1/3rd of the lineup?

[Travis]

Shannon Drayer said that Wedge told her some of the guys just have some dead legs as they try to get into the swing of things and that's why you see Saunders and Ackley on the bench.

[Nateyb24]

It's almost like Wedge is saying he doesn't give a flip about this game since its a get away day.

Liddi batting 2nd doesn't make much sense at all because he is a all or nothing type of hitter either strike's out or connects for a HR. Fan's don't like Olivo and his terrible receiving skill's but Wedge like's him and so do some of the pitcher's i heard that Felix actually prefers Olivo to catch for him.

[Mariners51]

This lineup stinks

[Igoe4Mariners]

This lineup stinks

Yes it does. As does the bullpen.

[JosephC]

7. Olivo-2
8. Wells-7
9. Ryan-6
:confused: Do we expect any production from 1/3rd of the lineup?

1 hit out of 9 at bats for this group. Man, it took me a magic ball to realize they would SUCK.

[Igoe4Mariners]

Well 1-3 was about what I expected. Coming home at .500. I'll take it.

[JosephC]

Same. We've seen much worse. I saw some big pluses. Let me go through them:

Let's start with Kyle Seager. That guy could become a real steal from the 3rd round. So far he's showing up Dustin Ackley with power, and defense. He just looks like a well-rounded mlb player.
Montero is killing the ball, just not getting much to show for it. Is it me, or does he look like a professional hitter? He has the same look as A-Rod did up there. He's in control. Not too worried.
Vargas' extra turn is helping him. He looks better than ever in my opinion. Every game he has pitched well enough to get a win. And to pitch like this against the Rangers (who I think is the best club in mlb), shows that he is better than ever.
Same goes for Millwood, he kind of reminds me of Washburn, he'll go out there, get the job done. Good guy to have as a placeholder for the next season when we roll out the young, big arms.

The uglies are Ryan, Olivo, and Smoak. I just don't see it.

[clarknova]

Olivo sucks so much ass.

I also wasn't too disappointed in the Mariners. I mean, we got dealt with in game one, but overall the talent gap didn't seem as wide as it did last year. In 2011 the Mariners were 4 and 15 against Texas and were outscored 95 to 53. They OWNED the M's. Also, remember the Mariners openend 2011 2 - 7 and then went 4 - 11. At this point last year we were already 5 games out. If the pitching can hang around like it did in this series, and that was the biggest question mark for me- the rotation- we could be a fun team to watch. Not all the time, as we saw for 23 straight innings in this series, but defintely better and heading in the right direction.

Not ready to throw in the towel on Smoak. He's showing signs he's starting to pick it up a bit.

Wait until Montero gets comfortable and starts hitting for power.

[Igoe4Mariners]

Yeah Montero is hitting mostly ground balls right now outside of that one sac fly last night. Ready to see him get in the air a bit.

On another note, Casper Wells has really gone downhill since first being traded over to the M's last mid-season. Liddi looks better than him at the plate at this point.

[Travis]

We need to win these next three series. If we're going to progress and be a middle of the road team, we need to beat the A's, White Sox and Indians at home. Those are teams we should consider ourselves superior too. If we can sweep the A's and get 2 of 3 from the Sox and Indians, that'd be an awesome homestand heading into that brutal trip with Detroit, Toronto and Tampa. 7-2 on the homestand, we might end up going 2-7 on that trip.