Seattle Mariners vs. Los Angeles Dodgers: Series Preview

Apr 6, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General view of a United States flag on the field during the playing of the national anthem before the 2015 MLB opening day game between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Seattle Mariners (3-3) won their first series of the season this weekend in the East Bay, and they will look to stay hot this week against the Los Angeles Dodgers (3-3). The Mariners enter the 3-games series tied with the Houston Astros for first place in the American League West.

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The Dodgers are considered to be one of the top teams in baseball, and currently sit 1.0 game back of the Colorado Rockies in the NL West. Andrew Friedman was lured away from the Tampa Bay Rays this winter to run the Dodgers. LA won the NL West in 2014 and tallied 94 wins, but Friedman has added plenty of fresh faces. All 3 of the starting pitchers the M’s are projected to face this week were wearing different uniforms last season.

Today, we will preview the key things to watch for this weekend when the Mariners take on the Dodgers in Los Angeles. Among the topics discussed will be the M’s projected starting pitchers, the Mariners’ recent surge of offense and the new look Dodgers.

Next: Pax, Kuma and Prince Tai on Tap this Week

Mar 22, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher James Paxton (65) looks on during the game against the Texas Rangers at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Pax, Kuma and Prince Tai on Tap this Week

The M’s normally strong starting pitching was spotty at best this weekend in Oakland. Taijuan Walker was a dud in his first action of the season, and Felix Hernandez looked uncomfortable all afternoon on Sunday. However, J.A. Happ was a revelation, allowing just 2 runs across 6.1 innings of work.

James Paxton will get the ball in the opener on Monday night in Chavez Ravine. Paxton pitched admirably in his first outing, allowing 2 runs on 4 hits across 6 innings. Pax-man was effective at locating his pitches, striking out 5 Angels and walking just 1. I expect more of the same tonight from the imposing southpaw against the Dodgers. Hopefully, the offense will provide the Ladner, BC native with some run support.

Apr 8, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma (18) throws against the Seattle Mariners during the third inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Hisashi Iwakuma had a rough go of it in his debut outing last week against the Halos at Safeco Field. Iwakuma allowed 4 earned runs on 9 hits across 5 innings last Wednesday. Kuma struggled mightily in the early going, but settled down over his final 3 innings. Without a great fastball, the right-hander has to rely on location and changing speeds. The command just wasn’t there for him last week, but his track record suggests he will find the strike zone better against the Dodgers. I still expect a great season from the Tokyo product, and I project he will notch his first win of the year on Tuesday night.

Things did not go as planned for Tai Walker in his 2015 debut on Friday night in Oakland. Walker was phenomenal in spring training, allowing just 2 runs across 27 innings, but the A’s roughed him up. Prince Tai allowed 9 runs on 9 hits across just 3.1 innings of work. It seemed like everything the A’s hit on Friday night found a hole, and I think luck had a lot to do with his poor outing. Walker will get the ball on Jackie Robinson Day, and I am sure he will be motivated to perform well. Prince Tai grew up about an hour away from Dodger Stadium, and I am sure he will want to pitch well in front of friends and family. Also, Walker is African American, and toeing the rubber with the number 42 stitched on his back will be a special moment for the 22-year-old.

Next: Cruz and AckAttack are Driving the Bus

Apr 12, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Seattle Mariners outfielder Nelson Cruz (23) steps on home plate after hitting a home run against the Oakland Athletics in the tenth inning at O.co Coliseum. The Mariners defeated the Athletics 8-7. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Cruz and AckAttack are Driving the Bus

Nelson Cruz and Dustin Ackley may not have much in common as far as skillset, but they are 2 of the hottest hitters on the M’s right now. Seattle would never have won the last 2 games had it not been for the clutch hitting of Ackley and Cruz.

Apr 11, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Seattle Mariners left fielder Dustin Ackley (13) hits a solo home run in the top of the third inning off of Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Sonny Gray (54), not in picture, at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

Nelson Cruz was viewed as the savior of the M’s offensive struggles when he first signed back in November, but after a slow start to the season, some fans were quick to turn on the slugger. However, Cruz was huge for the Mariners this weekend in Oakland, providing a pair of homers and driving in 4 key runs. The 34-year-old right fielder uncorked a 3-run blast on Saturday afternoon, and yesterday he hit a game winning home run in the top of the 10th inning. He enters tonight’s game having reached base in 5 of his last 9 at bats. Look for Cruz’s hot streak to continue, and hopefully that will be enough to get the Mariners over the .500 mark this week.

Dustin Ackley was an afterthought for some heading into this season. The former no.2 overall pick has failed to live up expectations in his first 4 seasons, but he looks like a whole new man in the early part of this season. Ackley is currently hitting .357 with a double, 2 home runs and 2 RBI’s across 14 at bats this year. Always categorized as a streaky hitter, Ackley has demonstrated a much more mature approach at the plate in 2015. He has been patient, and has tallied at least 1 hit in every game this season. The AckAttack is on fire right now, and he should get plenty of opportunities this week against the Trolley Dodgers.

Next: Familiar Faces in New Places

Apr 6, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers partner Magic Johnson (left) and former manager Tommy Lasorda attend the 2015 MLB opening day game against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers defeated the Padres 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Familiar Faces in New Places

The Los Angeles Dodgers are on the prowl for a championship in 2015. Their ownership group is not shy about spending big money, and this offseason they made a number of splash trades to acquire veteran players. All told, the Dodgers have 3 new starting pitchers, a new starting catcher, a new double play combo up the middle, and a new center fielder.

Apr 12, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Howie Kendrick (47) makes the throw for the out against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the fifth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon McCarthy, Scott Baker and Brett Anderson are the projected starting pitchers this week for the Trolley Dodgers. None of these pitchers were on the club last season, but all are familiar names to baseball fans. McCarthy is a quality starter who signed with Los Angeles as a free agent this winter. Baker is currently not on the Dodgers’ 25-man roster, but is expected to get called up to face the M’s on Tuesday night. Brett Anderson has electric stuff, but has struggled to stay healthy throughout his 7-year career. Anderson is a southpaw, and may represent the M’s toughest matchup.

As a group, the Dodgers are hitting the ball hard right now. First baseman Adrian Gonzalez is leading the way with a .609 batting average. Gonzo has clubbed 5 home runs and driven in 7 runs over the course of 23 at bats. Mariners’ fans are very happy to see Howie Kendrick suiting up in Dodger blue after watching him star for the rival Angels over the last 9 seasons. Kendrick enters play hitting .292 with 2 RBI’s across his first 24 at bats. At 36-years-old, Jimmy Rollins is not the player he once was. However, the veteran shortstop has driven in 7 runs so far this season and is hitting .269.

Next: Final Thoughts