Mariners Home Opener On Thursday

After being shut out twice by the San Diego in games that didn't count on Monday and Tuesday it becomes real once again on Thursday. The shutouts could be a good thing because the bats might come alive though it might be tough to do so against Chris Sale. Marco Gonzales makes his second start alright on the season after doing the opener in Japan. I hope he doesn't feel the pressure that he has to be perfect. Just get through the first inning then see what the bats will do.

I expect Jay Bruce and Edwin Encarnacion will be at first and dh for the first game. Don't want to start Voglebach in the opener against a lefty. I am sure we will see him face some lefties since Bruce hits left-handed as well.  Encarnacion hasn't hit well so far but we hope this changes. Not only for the Mariners offense but for the availability of trading him. The Mariners don't want to be in a position where they have to release him without getting any prospects in return. We hope the same goes for Bruce.

We should not judge the Mariners on how they do against Sale though having some success would be nice. Gonzales it would be nice to see him go at least six innings no matter the outcome.

I expect we will see Ryon Healy move from 3rd base to first late in games and bring in Dylan Moore to improve the defense. We hope he has a good season so moving Encarnacion and Bruce would be beneficiary.

I wonder who the first reliever will be let go by the Mariners?  Who will they bring in to replace him?  I wonder if the Mariners will find another catcher to help out. At least they got off with two wins in Japan. I hope Felix will pitch like a third starter instead of a fifth starter. Doesn't look good right now though. I would have Elias up and ready to go at the beginning of the game next Monday against the Angels. Not an April fools joke by the way. We know they have to pay Felix regardless of how good or bad he does. I want him to go out in a good way instead of how he has done the last couple of year and this spring training. It is time that he allows his pride to get out of the way and pitch.

Anyway this is it for now. Look forward to writing something positive after Thursday's game. Go M's.