I'm not entirely sure when or why the Angels became so hated for Mariners fans. Sure, there have been events such as the Lolla-Blue-Za debacle. But was that as soul crushing as what the M's did to the Halos in 1995? That really wasn't ample payback if all things are to become fair. Maybe it's been the failed free agent signings lured from them such as, actually, no, I'm not mentioning those names.
Tonight, though, Seattle will be tasked with beating a guy who was pretty well liked around these parts. Jason Vargas was always something of a bulldog in my eyes. Here's a guy that doesn't have sexy stuff and relied heavily on his home ballpark to keep his numbers from ballooning, but he was still fun to watch. He competed. I'll never fully understand the Viva Las Vargas sunglasses, but I still proudly have a pair displayed with my other Mariners paraphernalia.
Can you learn to despise Vargas the way you hate the rest of the Angels?
In the so-you're-saying-there's-a-chance department: The Mariners are 12-11 against southpaws this season, while only 19-28 against right-handed starters.
Lineups
Seattle Mariners
1. Endy Chavez, L-9
2. Nick Franklin, S-4
3. Kyle Seager, L-5
4. Kendrys Morales, S-DH
5. Michael Morse, R-3
6. Raul Ibanez, L-7
7. Mike Zunino, R-2
8. Michael Saunders, L-8
9. Carlos Triunfel, R-6
RHP Aaron Harang
Current Angels hitters, career, against Harang:
PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | BB | SO | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total | 175 | 52 | 11 | 3 | 10 | 31 | 17 | 21 | .338 | .394 | .643 | 1.037 |
Has not faced: Harang has actually faced every hitter currently on the Angels 25-man roster.
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim or Some Such
1. Mike Trout, R-7
2. Josh Hamilton, L-9
3. Albert Pujols, R-DH
4. Mark Trumbo, R-3
5. Howie Kendrick, R-4
6. Erick Aybar, S-6
7. Alberto Callaspo, S-5
8. Chris Iannetta, R-2
9. Peter Bourjos, R-9
LHP Jason Vargas
Current Mariners hitters, career, against Vargas:
PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | BB | SO | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total | 51 | 12 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 9 | 2 | 8 | .250 | .280 | .542 | .822 |
Has not faced: Nick Franklin, Alex Liddi, Michael Saunders, Carlos Triunfel and Mike Zunino.