Seattle Mariners Friday Five: Things To Watch For This Weekend

Aug 5, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Felix Hernandez (34) throws the ball against the Atlanta Braves during the eighth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

2- The King Tries To Lower The Price

Felix Hernandez takes the hill in game two of the series. He will do so opposite David Price, whom the Tigers acquired at the deadline in the deal that sent Austin Jackson to Seattle. I mention that again, because some people are still having a hard time wrapping their heads around it.

Many had speculated that the Mariners were the most-likely destination for Price, but turns out the price tag was too high. Seattle chose not to part with Taijuan Walker, among others, and Price is a Tiger.

On Saturday, Felix looks to extend his Major League record streak of consecutive starts of 7 IP+ with 2R or fewer allowed to 17 games.

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Hernandez is also in a position to be considered for both the AL Cy Young award and the AL MVP. Hernandez is 13-3 on the season with a 1.95 ERA. He is currently second in the AL in wins (Max Scherzer has 14), he is first in ERA and is 3rd in strikeouts (194) behind Scherzer (196) and Price (205).

With only eight starts left in 2014, Felix needs to continue his run of dominance AND get the kind of run support he saw last time out, to have a shot at getting to 20 wins for the first time in his career.

This game, even more so than his last start against the Blue Jays, will have a playoff feel to it and it is must-see TV.