Battle Tested Early: Mariners Have A Tough Schedule To Start 2014

Jan 18, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Aerial view of CenturyLink Field (right) and Safeco Field in advance of the 2013 NFC Conference championship game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Home Sweet Home?

Of the first 34 games, only 11 will be played at home. That is especially difficult for such a young team that is also one of the most traveled every single season.

It’s been a couple of years since the M’s have started  the season at home, and this time around in 2014 the M’s start down in Anaheim against the Angels.

Of course each game is only ‘one game’, but this first series could prove paramount to the mental makeup and swagger of this team. If Felix can go out and win opening day, that can really start to set a tone. Game two will be the real test, seeing as Hisashi Iwakuma is unlikely to start with his finger injury. Does that mean Taijuan Walker will get the start? Scott Baker? Maybe Ervin Santana? Who knows at this point.

What’s important is that the Angels will be better this year. And the M’s will be better too. The question will be which team is willing to assert itself early as the 3rd best team in the division.

The Rangers/Athletics mountain will be much tougher to climb.