Mariners Host ‘Vedder Cup’ With Padres

Mar 5, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; San Diego Padres right fielder Wil Myers (4) gets tagged out by Seattle Mariners third baseman Kyle Seager (15) in the third inning during a spring training baseball game at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

As a San Diego native, this upcoming series between the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners is going to be fun. I get to attend both games at Safeco Field and our family will be split between the two teams. Both teams are starting to play well after so-so Aprils. This is a good time to play each other.

For those who don’t know, this matchup is known as the “Vedder Cup” due to Pearl Jam singer Eddie Vedder calling both San Diego and Seattle home. Some people call this a rivalry due to each team sharing the Peoria Sports Complex during Spring Training. In my opinion, it is more of a friendly bout of teams with similar circumstances. Living with and among Mariners fans has convinced me that we are just friendly neighbors.

These two teams have a few things in common. First is no World Series title, though the Padres have two appearances and it is well known the Mariners are yet to even appear in the Fall Classic. Both teams historically have had low payrolls in divisions with spendy, trendy teams (Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels, San Francisco Giants and Oakland Athletics). Both teams usually have good pitching with spotty offense with a superstar hitter every now and then.

Next: Both Teams are Hitting their Stride