Wednesday, July 13, 2011

2011 Mariner All Stars and the 2nd half starts with a bang

American League 1 | National League 5

Felix didn't pitch because of his Sunday start but, unlike some others, he was there soaking it all in with both his fellow Mariner and American League teammates.  I missed the introductions (usually my favorite part) and heard they messed up a bit and called Felix's name when it was Miguel Cabrera's turn.  Sounds like they both took it in stride though.

Super proud (if I'm allowed) of Michael.  He pitched the 3rd inning and retired the side in order with 10 pitches -8 for strikes- getting Tulowitzki to fly out to center and striking out both Rolen and Weeks - swinging.

Brandon's mind may have been elsewhere, as his pregnant wife was in attendance at the All Star Game and due to have labor induced for their third child today in Seattle.  He pitched the 7th inning and gave up a single to Pence, struck out Castro, gave up an RBI ground rule double to Sandoval (that drove in the fifth run for the NL) and got Phillips and Sanchez to fly out an pop up respectively.

The second half starts out slightly more than a cake-walk...
oh, just a 4-game homestand with the division-leading Texas Rangers and then off to the east coast for 3-game series with each of Toronto, Boston and New York.  If the M's can manage to keep their head above water (say play .500) it won't necessarily mean they are still in the race, but it will say a lot about their grittiness vs. good teams.  If, however, they stumble mightily, they may be out of the race totally but, did any of us expect that they would be there in the first place?  So, even if that happens, this season if far from a waste as they continue to determine what they have in young talent and what they will need going forward as they continue to lay the foundation and move on to the framework of building a championship team.

Go Mariners!

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