New Look Mariners debut, last 10 frames

The outcome of the first exhibition game of the Spring ended like many Mariners’ games in 2008, though with more than a little good news in the box score as the team wracked up 12 hits and demonstrated good plate discipline with only three strikeouts during the game. San Diego won the game 4—3 in 10 innings.

Catching prospect Rob Johnson belted the lone home run of the game for Seattle. Ryan Rowland-Smith, the Aussie left-hander who started the game, pitched a strong two innings, giving up only one walk. He stands an outside chance of grabbing a starting role after winning five of the 12 games he started in 2008.

But the Mariners left 28 men on base, reprising the lack of power and clutch hitting that lost 101 games last season. Without Beltre or Griffey, the team’s two big bats, in the lineup, it would have been auspicious to see someone else step up to drive runners home. 

Garrett Olson, the former Orioles left-hander who came to Seattle via the Cubs in exchange for temporary Mariner Aaron Hielman, gave up three runs on three hits, including a home run hit by Padres third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff. 

What does one game, an exhibition contest at that, tell us about the team? They stayed in the game for 10 innings, something they didn’t do often last year, and still need some power. Manager Don Wakamatsu demonstrated an aptitude for small ball, moving men around the bases, just not often enough.

Noted during the broadcast, new GM Jack Zduriencik said he was only mildly excited to see his team in action. “Baseball is baseball,” he said. Sounds practical, grounded. Wasn’t as bracing as I’d like, given the job in front of him. To each his own.

Other Mariners news: Third baseman Adrian Beltre is considering going against the Mariners’ wishes and playing in the World Baseball Classic despite his post-season surgery in 2008.

View MitchRatcliffe's Profile      Subscribe via RSS