Mariners Gameday Preview vs Indians

Sep 18, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Seattle Mariners pitching coach

(48) talks to starting pitcher

(65) after he walks in a run for the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Initial Thoughts:

Today the Mariners are 6-1. That’s pretty cool, but it’s also Spring Training which makes it less cool. They are playing the Cleveland Indians who are 5-1, which is cool, but it’s also Spring Training… you catch my drift. The Indians were pretty good last year, so that’s something.

Game Details:

Time of game: 12:05 PM Pacific (which is 9:05 PM in Paris for all those wondering– I don’t know how I am going to watch games when they start at 3 AM; insomniac anyone?)

Location: Surprise, Arizona.

Weather at first pitch: 74 degrees Fahrenheit. Wow I am jealous.

THE MATCHUPS:

Pitching:

Mariners: James Paxton

Plus: Joe Beimel, Lucas Luetge, Bobby LaFromboise, Brandon Maurer, and Danny Farquhar.

vs.

Indians: Travis Banwart (a non-roster invitee)

Plus: Scott Atchison, Bryan Shaw, David Aardsma, Nick Hagadone, Colt Hynes, Blake Wood, Austin Adams.

It looks like a bullpen day for the Tribe.

Lineups:

Mariners:

Abraham Almonte 8

Kyle Seager 5

Robinson Cano 4

Justin Smoak 3

Logan Morrison DH

Dustin Ackley 7

Michael Saunders 9

Nick Franklin 6

Mike Zunino 2

Of note: Aside from Corey Hart and Brad Miller being out of the lineup, this closely resembles something we could see on March 31st in Anaheim.

Indians:

Elliot Johnson 6

Ryan Raburn DH

Jeff Francoeur 9

Lonnie Chisenhall 5

Matt Carson 7

Jesus Aguilar 3

David Adams 4

Nyjer Morgan 8

Matt Treanor 2

Of note: A lot of these names sound familiar, but not because they’ve been playing for the Indians. This lineup is resplendent with non-roster invitees fighting for a spot in the Major League squad.

Final Thoughts:

Maybe the M’s can start Spring Training going 7-1. That’d be cool, except it doesn’t matter.

Keep an eye on Ackley, now batting 6th. If he keeps this up he may stay there for most of the season, or he may be tried at leadoff again. Although, if Almonte keeps it up, it looks like he has the speed to really make an impact at the top of the order.

Go Mariners and happy Wednesday! Perfect day in Arizona for baseball.