Seattle Mariners vs. Oakland A’s – 3 Things to Watch

Apr 6, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano (22, right) and designated hitter Nelson Cruz (23) celebrate following the final out of a 4-1victory against the Los Angeles Angels at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

The first series of the season did not go as planned for the Seattle Mariners (1-2), but they will have a chance to redeem themselves this weekend in Oakland against the A’s (2-1). The Mariners enter the 3-games series 1.0 game back of the Athletics and the Angels for first place in the American League West.

The A’s have made the postseason in 3 consecutive seasons, and currently sit tied for first place in the AL West. General Manager Billy Beane was hard at work reshaping his roster this winter, and the new players seem to be working over the first 3 games of the season. However, they will face a tough test from the talented Mariners this weekend in the East Bay.

Today, we will preview the key things to watch this weekend when the Mariners take on the A’s in Oakland. Among the topics discussed will be the M’s projected starting pitchers, Nelson Cruz’s early season struggles and the new look Oakland A’s.

Next: Tai Walker, J.A. Happ to Make 2015 Debuts

Mar 30, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Taijuan Walker (32) pitches against the Los Angeles Angels at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Tai Walker, J.A. Happ to Make 2015 Debuts

The Mariners’ received quality results from their pitching staff over the first 3 games of the 2015 season. Felix Hernandez was dominant on Opening Day, and James Paxton held the Halos to just 2 runs over 6 innings in game 2. Hisashi Iwakuma struggled mightily early in his first outing of the season, but he pitched much better over his final 3 innings. The M’s vaunted bullpen has yet to allow a run across 8 innings of work.

Taijuan Walker will make his 2015 debut for the Mariners on Friday night against the Oakland A’s. Prince Tai was brilliant this spring, recording a 0.67 ERA across 27.0 innings pitched. He finished strong for Seattle down the stretch last year, going 1-1 with a 1.96 ERA during the month of September. The 22-year-old right-hander has All Star caliber stuff, and I believe he will play a big part in the M’s success this season.

Feb 26, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher J.A. Happ poses for a portrait during photo day at Peoria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Mariners dealt for veteran southpaw J.A. Happ from the Toronto Blue Jays this winter. Happ will be called on to pitch the 2nd game of the 3 game series against the Athletics. He struggled this spring, posting a 2-3 record and a 6.11 ERA over 17.2 Cactus League innings. The 32-year-old had a decent season in 2014 with the Blue Jays, going 11-11 with a 4.22 ERA across 158.0 innings. His numbers should improve now that he no longer calls the Rogers Centre home. His fly ball tendencies should play well at the cavernous Safeco Field in 2015.

King Felix will toe the rubber for the M’s in the series finale on Sunday afternoon. Hernandez was nasty on Opening Day for the M’s, allowing 1 run on 2 hits across 7 innings. Felix had the Angels eating out of the palm of his hand, and he tallied 10 strikeouts against the reigning AL West champs. The Mariners’ ace was very successful against the A’s in 2014, going 4-0 with a 1.88 ERA over 38.1 innings. If Seattle can win one of the first 2 games in this series, they will have a great opportunity to take the series with Oakland.

Next: Nelson Cruz, Kyle Seager and Mike Zunino Need to Step Up

Apr 8, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter Nelson Cruz (23) stands outside the cage during batting practice against the Los Angeles Angels at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Nelson Cruz, Kyle Seager and Mike Zunino Need to Step Up

Nelson Cruz led the Major Leagues in home runs last season by clubbing 40 dingers with the Baltimore Orioles. The Mariners aggressively pursued the powerful right-hander on the open market this offseason, and signed him to a 4-year 57 million dollar deal. Cruz had a nice spring, but looked uncomfortable at the plate during the opening series against the Angels. Cruz collected just 1 hit in 11 at bats, and failed to capitalize with the tying run in scoring position in the 8th inning on Wednesday night. I still have faith in the Mariners’ DH, and I believe he will fare much better this weekend in the East Bay. Look for Cruz to connect on his first home run in a Mariners’ uniform at some point this weekend.

Apr 7, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners third baseman Kyle Seager (15) throws to first for a putout against the Los Angeles Angels during the fifth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Kyle Seager was a critical player on last season’s 87-win team. Seager is a gifted defender, and he made his first All Star appearance in 2014 after hitting .268 with 25 home runs and 96 RBI’s. Seags has gotten off to a slow start this season, entering Friday’s game hitting just .100 with 1 home run and 2 RBI’s. His lone dinger came in the M’s last game, so perhaps he is starting to heat up. Seager is Seattle’s number 5 hitter, and obviously he will be expected to contribute more than 1 hit per series going forward. Seags is one of the best young players in baseball, and I envision him heating up on this week’s California road trip.

The Mariners’ backstop hit 22 home runs in his first full season with the M’s in 2014, but he posted a disappointing .199 batting average. Mike Zunino made some adjustments over the winter and he put together an incredible spring, hitting .352 with 7 home runs and 14 RBI’s. Fans were hoping he would carry over his spring performance into the regular season, but thus far he has struggled to replicate his Cactus League success. Zunino is hitting.100 across his first 10 at bats, and he showed poor plate discipline against the Angels this week. I have high hopes for Zunino in 2015, and I predict he will hit his first home run of the season this weekend.

Next: Billy Beane was a Busy Man this Winter

Apr 6, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics catcher Stephen Vogt (21) celebrates with third baseman Brett Lawrie (15) and designated hitter Billy Butler (16) behind Texas Rangers catcher Robinson Chirinos (61) after batting them in on a three run hime run during the seventh inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Billy Beane was a Busy Man this Winter

The Oakland A’s are a completely different team this season. I don’t mean that in a metaphorical way; the A’s are physically a different team with new names and faces all over the roster. General Manager Billy Beane is always willing to make big changes in hopes of winning the World Series, and this winter he overhauled the roster.

The A’s had 6 players named to All Star team in 2014, but only 2 of those players entered the 2015 season wearing the green and gold. Beane jettisoned Yoenis Cespedes, Derek Norris, Josh Donaldson and Brandon Moss. They also said good-bye to front line starters Jon Lester and Jeff Samardzija.

Apr 6, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics designated hitter Billy Butler (16) on second base after an RBI double against the Texas Rangers during the eighth inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Beane filled the vacancies with third baseman Brett Lawrie, utility man Ben Zobrist, designated hitter Billy Butler, first baseman Ike Davis, shortstop Marcus Semien, and pitchers Kendal Graveman and Jesse Hahn. Closing pitcher Sean Doolittle suffered a shoulder injury this offseason, and the A’s acquired veteran reliever Tyler Clippard from the Washington Nationals to handle 9th inning duties until Doolittle is healthy.

It is incredibly hard to predict how the Athletics will do in 2015. They could easily be division title contenders, but it is just as likely they will be down with the Texas Rangers at the bottom of the AL West. However, I have total faith in Billy Beane’s ability to paste together a competitive ball club out of castoffs, and I expect this incarnation of the Athletics to be pretty successful this season. I still think the Mariners are the far superior team, but don’t be surprised if the A’s are fighting for a wildcard spot come September.

Next: Final Notes