The Seattle Mariners spring training began with the physical on Monday for the pitchers and catchers. The position players will have the same on Friday.
Today the pitchers will be throwing in the bullpens. They will probably be split up in three or four groups. The Mariners will have several catchers on hand who will play in the minor leagues as well.
The two big names for fans and media alike to see in the bullpens will be newcomer Japanese left-hander Yusei Kikuchi and Felix Hernandez. Kikuchi has already thrown a couple sessions on Saturday and Sunday. Also, he has already met with the media.
I am sure Kikuchi will get a lot of looks by the Japanese media as well as other media. I am sure fans will want to see who this guy is as well.
Another pitcher I am sure fans will want to see pitch is the recent free agent Hunter Strickland because he is expected to be the closer this season. Until spring training games happen to see him throwing the ball and what he looks like is all everyone will see.
I am sure fans will want to see how Felix Hernandez is looking this spring. At this point where he fits in the starting rotation is anyone's guess including general manager Jerry Dipoto and manager Scott Servais.
One thing for sure we are hoping Felix will look more like the 2016 version of himself instead of 2018. I don't add 2017 in there because he was injured a good share of the time and only pitched in 16 games.
We all know Felix fastball is no longer what we used to see however it doesn't mean he can't be successful. He has had a good curveball along with slider and changeup. The fastball can be good if his changeup will work as well. I know everyone is wishing Felix well this year.
It would be sad if the Mariners had to release him in spring training or sometime during the season because he wasn't performing well. On the other hand, he pitches something like they hope for the Mariners can send him in a trade for some prospects. I am sure they would have to pay a part of his salary as well.
Look forward to more news happening during spring training and the first spring game happens next week on February 21. Go M's.
No comments:
Post a Comment