Paxton’s Poor Outing

On Monday James Paxton had the worst outing among the Mariner starting pitchers during spring training. It was his second outing where he gave up four runs on six innings in three innings.

If Paxton can rebound in his third outing this should not put him behind becoming the fifth starter in the rotation. Today Karns who is competing for the fifth starter goes against the Cleveland Indians. How he does will show us whether Paxton and Karns are even or that Karns has the edge. The Mariners coaching staff of course have been watching both of their bullpen sessions as well so I am sure they have a better idea than we do who maybe the fifth starter.

Early in the regular season there will be some off days so the fifth starter may not pitch the first couple times through the rotation. Manager Scott Servais has not given any indication whether this will happen or not. If Paxton or Karns is sent down to Tacoma at the beginning of the season likely means the surviving pitcher will start in the bullpen. If both are on the roster than the fifth starter likely won’t be skipped in the rotation. Paxton says that he would not have a problem starting in the bullpen. He most likely would be the long reliever because he doesn’t seem to be the type of pitcher who could be one of the two situational left handers in the bullpen.

If Charlie Furbush is ready to go at the beginning of the regular season then the second lefty will be much clearer for the Mariners. If he is not ready it will be interesting to see who the primary lefty will be. In either case the answer may not come until the last week of spring training unless someone is really dominant. Personally I hope that Vidal Nuno will be the second lefty in the bullpen. I really like how he goes after hitters and he can pitch one or more innings at a time. The Mariners don’t have any other veteran lefty candidates on the rosters. It is possible they may have to go and get a veteran lefty. Also they may use a right handed pitcher who can get left handed hitters out on occasion.

Today Aoki who is expected to be the Mariners starting left fielder will be starting in center field. The Mariners want to see him play there so when Martin needs a rest in center field he could play there too. The Mariners have Robertson in left field and Seth Smith in right field. Smith is expected to be left handed platoon right fielder along with Franklin Gutierrez as the right handed hitter. Dae-Ho Lee will make a start at first base while his completion Jesus Montero will be designated. The Marines want to see how Lee works defensively at first base along with his hitting. Today the Mariners will be facing a right hander pitcher starting the game. This will give the Mariners a chance to see how Lee and Montero can do against right handed pitchers too.

Luis Sardinas who looks like the leading candidate for the utility player so far will start at third base. The other two candidates Chris Taylor will start at shortstop while Shawn O’Malley at second base. If Sunday gave indication we could see those three doing a lot of running again today if they get on base. Mike Zunino who expected to start season in Tacoma will be the starting catcher today.

For those who are interested tomorrow’s game which starts just after 12 pm will be on Roots Sports.

After yesterday’s loss good luck to the Mariners. Though there is more than winning manager Scott Servais still wants to see the Mariners win during spring training. Until next time Go Mariners!