AP Photo/Ben Margot
M's 8 | A's 5
felix struggles, but bullpen steps up...
Despite not having his best stuff (and giving up 5 ER) Felix became the 2nd youngest pitcher to record 600 strikeouts (behind Doc Gooden) today. More importantly, the bullpen was able to keep it close. Miguel, Mark and Brandon combined for 4.0IP - 2 hits- 2BB -2K and Brandon earned his second save.
oh, that O...
Russell hit his second home run and Jose hit a double. What was really nice to see is the 12 hits sprinkled up and down the lineup. They certainly have been gettin' 'em on, gettin' em over and gettin' 'em in so far this season - seems they have a TON of two-run singles. LOVE it.
despite Jose's error, D looking sharp...
Super DP in the 8th saved Mark from a bases-loaded, no out situation.
little tid-bit from the pre-game show...
Shannon interviewed Tui (he's the only player yet to get in a game) and asked about what it has been like for him to be with the team from the beginning of the season (as opposed to a callup last season) and also how he thinks he will react when his name is called on Opening Day at Safeco Field. He said [paraphrased] "Actually, I more looking forward to seeing the reaction of the fans when Griffey is announced."
Nice to have clinched a winning road trip :)
I'm glad this game wasn't televised, there might have been no more tv!
ReplyDeleteThe M's wanted this one more than the A's.
Good Game Lisa!
Thanks, Danny (not that I had anything to do with it ;-)
ReplyDeleteStill SO very early ~ but here's hoping there turns out to be more parity in the division this season than 'experts' (and not-so-experts) predicted.
The rangers are going to need Milwood and Padilla to be 25 game winners for them to have a chance.
ReplyDeleteThe Angels are just decimated right now, Fuentes velocity is down, Rivera signing for 3 years was a horrible signing, Abreu was fine, but Vlad looks real slow. They're going to need Lackey and santana back and stay back for a while.
The A's aren't going to let Outman have a lot of chances. Crosby better not make another like that or he might be in trouble as well. I think the bullpen is solid and the rotation (considering Cahill and Anderson hold up/develop) might be good enough for 85 wins, 90 if their lucky.
The M's are going to need this kind of work from their bullpen and for Morrow to stop throwing 25 pitches an inning.
I really think Jose Lopez might be one of the most underrated hitters in the game. Griffey has to stay off the disabled list for more than 30 games and keep playing Branyan. I have no idea why he's on his 823rd team.
Right now, I still have to favor the Angels, but I sure wouldn't be surprised if things dont end up going their way.
Poor Rangers - the age old story: will the ever get any pitching?
ReplyDeleteI'll have to take your word for your assessment of the A's and Angels, but agree with most of what you said about the M's with the following comments...
~Brandon is still in ST (having only thrown 4.0IP there) so I expect it will take him a few more outings to be at full readiness
~Definitely agree that keeping Griffey healthy is a high priority
~Russell is GMZ's "baby" - most are of the opinion that he feels strongly that if Russ gets regular playing time, he could show something special
~I give the Halos the nod as well and didn't have high expectations for my team going into the season - .500 would be an EXTREME improvement.
But, they play the games for a reason, so we shall see.
It's a lot closer this year. The rangers and m's should not be 8 or 10-1 dogs to win the division.
ReplyDeleteBranyan so reminds me of cust it's not even funny.