Series Preview: Blue Jays at Mariners

This isn’t going to be the type of series preview you’ve come to know, unfortunately. I’m a bit squeezed for time as I work with Harrison on draft/prospect stuff. I promise better stuff will return for the next series.

Now then, let’s talk about some Blue Jays and Mariners action, eh?

We start with Jon Morosi of Fox Sports talking about how these two teams could benefit from playing a series each season in Vancouver. I think it’s a splendid idea, and if it made financial sense for both clubs, they should do it. I’d probably drive up for a game or two. Vancouver is gorgeous and they have some pretty fanatic sports fans.

As for the immediate, here’s a look at the pitching matchups:

• Monday, 7:10 – RHP Henderson AlvarezVs RHP Michael Pineda
• Tuesday, 7:10 – LHP Brad Mills Vs LHP Jason Vargas
• Wednesday, 7:10 – RHP Brandon MorrowVs RHP Blake Beavan

Tonight, the M’s get Alvarez in his second major league start. His MLB debut against a bad A’s offense was unspectacular, so there’s that. He came up straight from AA where he posted a 2.86 ERA and 3.45 FIP. He’s not a strikeout machine, nor does he walk a ton of guys. So the M’s hitters will want to attack those balls in the zone. Please, lord, let the Mariners hit balls in the zone.

On Tuesday evening, lefty Brad Mills takes the bump for the Jays. Now, generally, when you see the word “lefty” in front of a pitcher’s name, you worry about the M’s chances. But Mills hasn’t been very good, sporting a 6.46 ERA in three starts. I know, ERA is a silly metric to use for stuff like this, but he just doesn’t offer anything that scares me.

In the final match of the series, an old friend comes home. Brandon Morrow has been Brandon Morrow this season. He’s striking out a bunch of dudes on other teams while wishing he had better defense behind him. He’s had a bit of bad luck, with his xFIP of 3.41 looking much nicer than his ERA. The Mariners bats could have trouble with him.

Players to Watch:

• Mike Carp has a 14 game hit streak going.
• Ichiro is at 10 straight games with a hit.
• Franklin Gutierrez has a seven-gamer going. With the new crowded outfield, he needs to stay hot.
• Pineda is back on regular rest. Will this keep him back on track for ROY consideration?
• Vargas’ last three starts have seen him sport a 3.44 ERA. He cleared waivers, so who knows what a good start may cause.
• Dustin Ackley is awesome.