Bad Pitching Great Hitting By Mariners

James Paxton had another bad outing on Thursday for the Mariners. He gave up seven runs on six hits and four walks in two innings. The Mariners expected Paxton to go at least four innings if not longer in the game.

The Mariners salvaged the game by scoring eight runs in the top of the ninth inning. The Oakland A’s scored two in the bottom of the inning making an 11-11 tie to end the game.

It is hard to judge the hitting and the pitching down in Arizona right now for what it will be when the season starts in seventeen days however Paxton needs to turn things around in the next two starts to have even a chance to be the fifth starter in the Mariners rotation.

Karns who is competing with Paxton to be the fifth starter will be going on the mound for the Mariners today against the Texas Rangers. It is hard to know which one the Mariners brass prefers to be the fifth starter coming out of spring training however I believe Paxton would be the best one for the team because he would be second lefty matching up with Miley. The order for the Mariners would be best served Felix followed by Iwakuma, Miley, Walker and Paxton.

The Mariners do have another option would be to have Mike Montgomery being the fifth starter  but right now he is competing for a spot in the Mariners’ bullpen. The Mariners are looking to have two lefties in the bullpen with Charlie Furbush being the main lefty specialist however he has not been in any games of yet only throwing on the sidelines. No one really knows if he will be ready for opening day. If this is the case the main two lefties look like Montgomery and Vidal Nuno. So Karns becomes the fifth starter Paxton maybe sent down to Triple A. The case is if he is on the opening roster in the bullpen Nuno will probably be sent to Triple A since he does have an option remaining. Montgomery has to be on the opening roster because he is out of options and the Mariners feel he will be picked up by another team. The Mariners could trade Montgomery before opening day however they really like what they see in him. The Mariners also have Dave Rollins but likely he will start the season in Tacoma.

When it comes to an everyday player sure looks like Franklin Gutierrez will be playing more than just against left handed pitching either in right field or designated hitter. Of course a lot depends on his health and that of Nelson Cruz. In today’s game Gutierrez is designated hitter while Cruz is in right field. You could see Gutierrez playing against some right handed pitching if he continues in the regular season he has done in spring training. At this time he looks like another hitter in the lineup besides Cruz, Lind and Seager. You could see him in the lineup in place of Martin or Aoki against some right handed pitchers depending on how many days in a row the Mariners face right handed pitching. The same goes for Seth Smith as well.

Nelson Cruz I can see playing some right field when the team is on the road. I don’t see him playing very often there when they are at home in Safeco Field since it is a larger field. This could depend on who the pitcher is for the opposing team.

The Mariners will have Lind at first base starting against Texas along with Seager at third and Marte at shortstop. Shawn O’Malley will be starting at second for the Mariners in place of Cano. Don’t really see O’Malley making the opening roster because he is weak at shortstop and the Mariners want a good defensive shortstop on hand when Marte needs to be rested.  Martin will be in center starting the game today for the Mariners. Starting regular catcher Chris Iannetta will be behind the plate as well. Speaking of catchers Mike Zunino was optioned to Tacoma this morning along with outfielder Boog Powell and pitcher Cody Martin.  The game will be on television for all to see. Go Mariners!