One Moved One to Go

The Seattle Mariners behind the pitching of Elias and finally hitting by Robinson Cano to beat Tampa Bay Rays 4-1 in the first game of three. Cano drove in two of the four runs starting off in the first inning driving in Seth Smith. Also, Brad Miller scored in the first to make it 2-0. The Mariners did not score until later on in the game. The final blow was a home run by Mike Zunino to make it 4-1. Fernando Rodney finished off the game for another save.

The news that Jack Z. announced after the game was partly expected but not in the manner most fans and media thought would happen. Jack Z. announced that Danny Farquhar was being optioned to Triple A Tacoma, and outfielder Austin Jackson coming off the disabled list. What this leaves is six pitchers in the bullpen. Only three were used on Monday so the other three relievers remaining would be available. Those three would be Tom Wihelmsen, Charlie Furbush, and Joe Beimel.  Of course, Rodney should be available to close the game.

The Mariners start J.A. Happ in tonight’s game (Tuesday) and Felix Hernandez on Wednesday to finish off the road trip and return Thursday to Seattle. Both Jack Z. and Lloyd hope that Happ and Hernandez will be able to pitch deep into both games where the seventh pitcher in the bullpen will not be needed.  They do have history of doing so we likely see it happen. They said that another move would be made either today or tomorrow if necessary; however, they hope that it will not happen until they return to Seattle at least.

Activating Austin Jackson means that the Mariners have an extra outfielder on the roster now. Brad Miller right now can play either infield or outfield. I am sure the Mariners are looking to make a trade with someone to add on another pitcher. It could be either a starter or a reliever. The trade most likely would be that of Dustin Ackley since he has the most trade values of any the backup players. Though he has value I would say it would be not very much. Most likely a fifth starter or a reliever similar to Medina that they traded last week; it will be interesting to see who will be the player the Mariners will trade or release. There are two players that do have options to be sent down to Tacoma in Chris Taylor and Brad Miller; however, that is unlikely.

We can all hope that the Mariners can finish of the Rays and return back to Seattle in successful fashion. I heard last night the Cleveland Indians who had been a losing way worse than the Mariners have won eight or nine in a row. They are now back in contention for the American League Central which is a very tough division. So if the Indians can play well we can only hope the Mariners will string off a bunch of wins. When the Mariners come home they will face the Indians along with the Yankees and the Rays. We can only hope that the Mariners will be over .500 by a few games when they go on their next road trip. Go Mariners!