Gameday Preview: Mariners Vs Reds

Feb 20, 2014; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Randy Wolf (28) poses for a picture during photo day at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

Initial Thoughts:

The Mariners split squads once again and take on a Reds split-squad today in Peoria. Billy Hamilton and Brandon Phillips are the offensive Reds of note today. What happened to the rule of playing at least four potential 25-man roster players in the lineup?

Game Details:

Time of game: 12:05 PM Pacific

Location: Peoria, Arizona.

THE MATCHUPS:

Pitching:

Mariners: Randy Wolf (2 IP, H, BB, K, o ER)

vs.

Reds: Brett Marshall

Lineups:

Mariners:

Abraham Almonte 8 (.133, HR, RBI, 3 R, 2 BB)

Kyle Seager 5 (.250, RBI 2 R)

Nick Franklin 6 (.333, HR, 4 RBI)

Justin Smoak 3 (.273, 3 BB, 2 R RBI)

Corey Hart 9 (.222, 3 R, 3 BB)

Logan Morrison DH (.333, 2 RBI, 7 K)

Dustin Ackley 7 (.462, 3 2B, HR, 6 RBI)

Mike Zunino 2 (.444, 3 2B, 2 RBI)

Carlos Triunfel 4 (.143, RBI, R)

Of note: Robinson Cano gets a second day off, not sure if we are supposed to read anything into that or not. Michael Saunders is yet again MIA from the team as Almonte gets yet another shot at leading off and playing center.

Reds:

Billy Hamilton 8

Jason Bourgeois DH

Brandon Phillips 4

Chris Heisey 9

Neftali Soto 3

Travis Mattair 5

Ramon Santiago 6

Corky Miller 2

Kristopher Negron 7

Of note: Top of the order likely to pose trouble early. It will be a good test for Wolf.

Final Thoughts:

The Mariners are 7-2 and again making news off the field. Felix Hernandez has now joined in the sentiment that the team needs another right-handed bat. Not sure if pressure from your two highest-paid stars will be enough to move the needle on a move, but I guess they figure it can’t hurt.

Mariners 3rd base coach John Stearns is stepping down. We’ll have more on that shortly.