Before it started, I told myself I'd be really happy if the M's took the series...
Two of three from the most potent offense in the league would be a good goal - it would also mean a .500 record - something the M's haven't seen this 'late' in the season for a very long time (2007, if I'm not mistaken). So, that's what they got and I'm happy with that.
Doesn't mean I didn't get a little greedy and stuff a small broom in my bag before I headed out to the ballpark today but, the sweep was not to be.
Jason was had an off day, to put it kindly... 82P - 3IP - 5H - 6ER - 1K - 4BB
You could almost sense it early on, even though was able to get through the first two innings giving up only the solo homer (we've seen that movie before in this series) but he was throwing SO many pitches and working SO deliberately, instead of his usually fairly brisk pace. Almost makes you wonder if he and Chris weren't on the same page (Miggy wasn't playing due to the double-whammy of day-game-after-a-night-game and resting his poor face from the beating it took at 1B yesterday)
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Unfortunately, CC was on so that didn't much make for a winning combination.
There were a few positives
Gray and Ray...
the bullpen guys who don't get much work (due to the uber-effectiveness of Laffey-Wright-Pauley) got to showcase their wares a bit today and, did pretty well. Gray and Ray combined for six innings and gave up SIX hits, ONE walk and ONE run.
Brendan HOT Ryan...
ran his hitting streak to NINE games with a single a double and a walk today.
Justin SMOAK...
finally smoked one - first since May 13th in Cleveland. Hopefully, this will get him going again.
Wilson and Wilson...
Mike and Jack were both in the starting lineup today and each recorded a hit
Strong D ...
two double plays - and not your garden variety ones either - one was a strike 'em out throw 'em out. The other was an flyout and then an outfield assist to Ichiro who doubled Jeter off 1B
The not so positive news
Continued struggles for Ichiro and Chone...
Seems most believe Ichi will turn things around but, most are highly doubtful about Figgy - they are clamoring for him to be moved down in the order. Frankly, I'd like to see both - sit for a couple of days and then return to the lineup in #8 or #9
Wedge has shown reluctance to do this, maybe due to the trickle-down effect it could have. But, it's got to be hard to be running Figgy out there night after night when all that changes is his average - for the worse.
Next up: O's for 3
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