8/13: Open Game Thread
RESCINDED ANGRY UPDATE: Adrian Beltre asked his way out of the lineup tonight, so McLaren is forgiven for the mess at third. He is not, however, forgiven for the mess at second.
ANGRY UPDATE: the Minnesota Twins have the highest groundball percentage of any offense in baseball, at 50%. Felix Hernandez has the second-highest groundball percentage of any starter in the American League, at 62%. John McLaren is starting Jose Vidro at second base and Willie Ballgame at third.

Casilla 2B Ichiro CF Bartlett SS Vidro 2B Mauer C Guillen RF Hunter CF Ibanez DH Morneau 1B Sexson 1B Cuddyer RF Johjima C White LF Jones LF Tyner DH Betancourt SS Punto 3B Ballgame 3B ---------- ----------
Santana (12-9, 2.98) King Felix (8-6, 3.97)
Headline under "Mariners Update" on the official website:
McLaren Likes Team
Well that's a relief.
Assuming that Raul Ibanez gets a start tonight against the best left-handed pitcher in baseball, one of the justifications you're going to hear is that he's 11-28 in his career against Santana with a .919 OPS. However, he's also 3-21 with a .317 OPS against Jason Johnson. Would McLaren use that as a justification to bench Raul against the junkballing nobody? Color me skeptical. Because of the countless variables involved in and limited sample sizes of pitcher/batter matchups, the numbers are basically worthless, and just like we shouldn't believe that Josh Towers and Dan Wright have Ichiro's number (combined 8-43), we also shouldn't believe that Raul Ibanez has somehow figured out Johan Santana. It's far more likely that this is just a statistical fluke, and starting him tonight would be a mistake.
Starting Ben Broussard would also be a mistake. But then I don't think that's something we'd ever have to worry about, huh?
Let the epic matchup begin.
LET'S GO MARINERS!!
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Not sure about right now
I lied
It's irrelevant, really
by Graham MacAree on Aug 13, 2007 3:28 PM PDT up reply actions
I edited a little for you
My turn to edit
Sad, My first thought was
Are you sick about talking about how he sucks?
by eponymous coward on Aug 13, 2007 3:53 PM PDT up reply actions
As long as he keeps going deep when I say it
by Jeff Sullivan on Aug 13, 2007 5:06 PM PDT up reply actions
Aren't we all
You made me spit coffee out my nose!
by chrisisasavage on Aug 13, 2007 4:13 PM PDT up reply actions
pumped for tonights game
NEWS FLASH: John McLaren is retarded.
Jones in LF
Ibanez DH
Vidro 2B
Bloomquist 3B
So... with one of the most groundball prone pitchers in the majors, Mac runs the teams worst defensive infield. AWESOME!
WTF??????
On the plus side
by Jeff Sullivan on Aug 13, 2007 5:20 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm guessing it starts with:
Well, poop."
by Jeff Sullivan on Aug 13, 2007 5:24 PM PDT up reply actions
At least we can see how
That is the bright side of it I suppose.
Uh huh.
If Willie Ballgame has to play today, I'd run with the following:
Ichiro (CF)
Jones (LF)
Guillen (RF)
Beltre (3B)
Johjima (C)
Sexson (1B)
Vidro (DH)
Betancourt (SS)
Ballgame (2B)
by Jeff Sullivan on Aug 13, 2007 5:25 PM PDT up reply actions
That would be better than anything,
I guess my point was that I miss Beltre a LOT more than I miss Lopez in the lineup.
Beltre BETTER be hurt
by Jeff Sullivan on Aug 13, 2007 5:30 PM PDT up reply actions
With Felix pitching
What the fuck.
At least he has Jones in Left. Baby steps
Should be:
Jones in LF
Vidro at DH
Richie at 1B
Beltre at 3B
Lopez at 2B
and the rest
How long can he get away with this crap
Stone was doing a pretty good job
Fucking Christ.
In other news, Vick is fucked. Apparently, the other two defendants are going to plea bargain and give up Vick.
also, 7-3 Broncos over the 49ers. wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
It's been said before
Tim Wakefield has a no-hitter through six.
Of course Willie starts today!
by Slozbury Stouvre on Aug 13, 2007 5:47 PM PDT reply actions
I bet Beltre sitting has everything to do
So...
And couldn't he have scheduled that rest against a flyball pitcher?
well....
and in sparta we kick messengers down a random unrealisticly deep stone well.
Okay, so on second thought, this makes sense.
It's simple science. For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
by Slozbury Stouvre on Aug 13, 2007 5:51 PM PDT reply actions
Jason Tyner is DH'ing today.
Of course, that's still better than batting Raul Ibanez cleanup and Richie Sexson #5.
In other news
by Bearskin Rugburn on Aug 13, 2007 6:08 PM PDT reply actions
Why the hell would you sit Beltre?
That makes zero sense, Felix is one of the most ground-ball prone pitchers in the league and you take out your gold glove of a third baseman who hasn't even been batting that poorly against Santana? For what possible reason would you do that?
And Vidro should not be in the field period. I'd rather have Beltre and 3rd and Bloomquist at 2nd than this atrocious infield defense.
It HAS to be some sort of injury..
by seattlesundevil on Aug 13, 2007 6:13 PM PDT up reply actions
Not so sure about that
OMGWTFVORPBBQ!!!!!!1
What's bugging me about McLaren's
"Santana is a great pitcher. We need to make tonight's offense as great as possible. I'm benching Lopez in favor of Vidro, and starting Bloomquist" - BZZ
"It's going to be a low scoring game tonight. Maybe we can run our way to victory. Sure, Beltre isn't that slow of a guy, but Bloomquist is often fantastic on the base paths. Then we just need to get Vidro in there..." - BZZ
"I want better defense. I'm putting Jones in LF, then benching Beltre and Lopez in favor of Bloomie and Vidro" - BZZ BZZ
"I guuuueeeeesss should I give Jones something of a shot... but that means I'm going to have to move Mr. Mariner to DH -- Hey! Just like Edgar! Raul sure is great -- and if Raul is DH, then I'm going to have to get Vidro onto the field. That shouldn't be a problem, because I'm an old fogey who doesn't understand defensive metrics, so it ain't a thang to replace one Jose at second with another. And again, since I don't understand statistics behind homeruns and batting average, I'll stick Bloomquist at third over the slumping Adrian. He deserves the night off."
There. That's it.
i dont know what i fear more...
or
mcclaren being so fucking dumb to put ballgame at 3rd
You mean...
If the M's had Joba in AAA he would still be there as to not disrupt the delicate veterans on the roster.
God....
Those posters over there are ridiculous.
What do you expect?
Apparantly...
Unless Sexson and Ibanez have been scratched, I don't see what in the hell they are talking about.
im glad
the start of the english premier league only sent me through 38 beers.
Tonight is either going to be really awesome
willie ballgame.
Sigh.
Beltre knew he was gonna miss one day
by andyboi on Aug 13, 2007 7:13 PM PDT reply actions
99 mph fastball
thats not fair. i <3 felix.
F@#$.
wooo
by Rollo Tomasi on Aug 13, 2007 7:17 PM PDT up reply actions
Good thing we got Lopez off the field.
Thanks Vidro..
by seattlesundevil on Aug 13, 2007 7:18 PM PDT reply actions
Red wins.
by PositivePaul on Aug 13, 2007 7:24 PM PDT up reply actions
Vidro Supporters...
Felix should be so good
by Rollo Tomasi on Aug 13, 2007 7:19 PM PDT up reply actions
fucking vidro
I predicting a 3 run shot for MVP
by andyboi on Aug 13, 2007 7:19 PM PDT reply actions
I find myself getting
by seattlesundevil on Aug 13, 2007 7:19 PM PDT reply actions
Thanks Vidro
morneau needs to die
At least after Morneau
by seattlesundevil on Aug 13, 2007 7:23 PM PDT reply actions
Morneau, eh?
Hey...
//stupid drunk ass that sat behind me on Opening Day a few years ago...
by PositivePaul on Aug 13, 2007 7:26 PM PDT up reply actions
Did that have Brandon Morrows pitch count
by andyboi on Aug 13, 2007 7:23 PM PDT reply actions
31 pitches.
LOL Red's sign
by Jordan of Boise on Aug 13, 2007 7:24 PM PDT reply actions
Ha-ha!
Red was about to fall asleep
I think everyone can agree that we drool for the
His none too graceful
We sure as hell better
Guys, it's not Vidro's fault that he no longer
Agree, sorta.
He got to the ball just fine, just forgot how to field it. Shakin' the rust out, prolly...
by PositivePaul on Aug 13, 2007 7:28 PM PDT up reply actions
I SAW HIM! I was so confused..
by seattlesundevil on Aug 13, 2007 7:28 PM PDT up reply actions
Of course...
Vidro trying to dink his way
by seattlesundevil on Aug 13, 2007 7:27 PM PDT reply actions
Barry Zito type money?
At this point
by Jeff Sullivan on Aug 13, 2007 7:30 PM PDT up reply actions
Yankees just won..
by seattlesundevil on Aug 13, 2007 7:30 PM PDT reply actions
Wow, Punto dropped it, had a long throw and his
oh man
Funk yeah!
Yesssss!!!!!
Oh man.. this has disaster all over it.
by seattlesundevil on Aug 13, 2007 7:33 PM PDT reply actions
Not just you.
by Jeff Sullivan on Aug 13, 2007 7:34 PM PDT up reply actions
Redemptive swing!!!!
That one's not on Dave.
No Kidding.
by PositivePaul on Aug 13, 2007 7:38 PM PDT up reply actions
Stop it...
Glad you picked up on this
//forgot the closing sarcasm tag...
by PositivePaul on Aug 13, 2007 7:44 PM PDT up reply actions
That was the most obvious strikeout EVER
you knew his only chance was if
Someone with Gameday up..
by seattlesundevil on Aug 13, 2007 7:35 PM PDT reply actions
Does it matter?
Is the top of the Second too early
I'm serious
by JoeyJoJo on Aug 13, 2007 7:36 PM PDT reply actions
how did that stay in?
Why is it....
I'm expecting a Grand Slam here
by JoeyJoJo on Aug 13, 2007 7:40 PM PDT reply actions
Vidro's D aside, McLaren's pwning us for noobs...
Ibanez: single.
Sexson: near-FB, 2-R double instead.
Yeah, yeah, pure luck. And man I agree with everyone who says McLaren's seemingly got no idea how to fill out a lineup card. But talk about an inning designed to make Jeff's criticisms look misplaced.
Then again, I think Jeff's figured that out already: Ibanez is labelled a spasming corpse and becomes player of the week. Sexson is declared a nonentity and suddenly begins hitting, albeit w/o power.
JEFF - DECLARE FELIX TO BE A BUST RIGHT NOW. IT'S THE ONLY THING THAT MAKES SENSE.
I'm glad Sexson's in today.
The Ibanez hit was just a roller that happened to avoid the defense. Vidro's hit was a bloop.
by Jeff Sullivan on Aug 13, 2007 7:43 PM PDT up reply actions
About that rescinded angry update...
But hey, Willie "Fogerty" Bloomquist's done OK with the two ball hit his way thus far...
What's Reds occupation
by andyboi on Aug 13, 2007 7:44 PM PDT reply actions
Works in a Harley shop, and he wrestles
by Jeff Sullivan on Aug 13, 2007 7:45 PM PDT up reply actions
Is he directly related to God
by andyboi on Aug 13, 2007 7:46 PM PDT up reply actions
Really stupid, annoying inning
Twins are annoying
by Susheel Ramasahayam on Aug 13, 2007 7:46 PM PDT reply actions
This Twins offense.
I'm reminded of
Justin Upton would of gotten a base hit.....
willie is doing one great job
willie has been taking notes
Bad News...
40 gigs.....gone.
I didn't know 40 gigs of porn existed.
by Jeff Sullivan on Aug 13, 2007 8:12 PM PDT up reply actions
What is it with PLU and Porn???
by PositivePaul on Aug 13, 2007 8:31 PM PDT up reply actions
Santana hitting our best player
n/s
which walk is more embarrassing?
Sexson K's!
These games are a lot more entertaining when we're losing and bitter about it.
Agreed.
by Jeff Sullivan on Aug 13, 2007 8:21 PM PDT up reply actions
Who is the pitcher....
Isn't it Oswalt against the Cards or something?
Adam Jones....
From Wikipedia
Aren't piranhas supposed to be deadly or at least mildly hurty?
Should of just called that ball fair ump.
This is a funny game of one-upsmanship.
That was absolutely filthy
Ok cant remember who the diamond backs fan is
He's a good buy low option right now.
Well...except Stephen Drew....I don't know what his problem is.
cool thanks
Damn you Joe Mauer
I like your sideburns though.
by WeeJoe on Aug 13, 2007 8:32 PM PDT reply actions
Vidro with the D?
by WeeJoe on Aug 13, 2007 8:33 PM PDT reply actions
Cankles
by PositivePaul on Aug 13, 2007 8:35 PM PDT up reply actions
Yuni!!
It is an epic battle
by andyboi on Aug 13, 2007 8:40 PM PDT up reply actions
See Willie, that dive took about a half second off
Ichiro looks pretty fooled up there.
by bpdawg24 on Aug 13, 2007 8:42 PM PDT reply actions
Are game threads usually dead on Mondays?
by WeeJoe on Aug 13, 2007 8:45 PM PDT reply actions
People at the game mostly
I wish I lived in Seattle...
by WeeJoe on Aug 13, 2007 8:51 PM PDT up reply actions
The Nats beat him with Mike Bacsik...
Man...
Did Sims just say that was a "rimjob" right up the middle?
guillen....
Just 3 strikeouts for Santana.
Damn nation. Ok, Raul
by bpdawg24 on Aug 13, 2007 8:47 PM PDT reply actions
Ichiro hurts this team by not
by andyboi on Aug 13, 2007 8:50 PM PDT reply actions
ichiro does not judge wild pitches well
LOL....
Um yeah, 100 through 5.
by bpdawg24 on Aug 13, 2007 8:51 PM PDT reply actions
And ruin team chemistry
by andyboi on Aug 13, 2007 8:53 PM PDT up reply actions
Ok, I'll say it.
And McLaren would say...
by PositivePaul on Aug 13, 2007 8:56 PM PDT up reply actions
I just came over from Bakers blog
Yeah, I've just about had it with that blog.
by Faceplant25 on Aug 13, 2007 9:00 PM PDT up reply actions
im happy that was a quick inning
Love that fist pump
by HR4 on Aug 13, 2007 8:57 PM PDT reply actions
Nice!
You can't give rally fries to Bert Blyleven!
Hey Richie, you don't like the boos? I got an idea
Wow, that was fucking retarded Johjima.
Or line out.
by Jeff Sullivan on Aug 13, 2007 9:01 PM PDT up reply actions
Oh, and that Rally Fries thing...
adam jones
yay team chemistry!
As Grimace just mentioned...
If that's not enough to get you excited...
by PositivePaul on Aug 13, 2007 9:03 PM PDT up reply actions
Oh goody!!
why the hell
and that pitch was wonderful
Sweet
You guys don't understand!!!!!
Hey Parrish.. welcome to Seattle.
by seattlesundevil on Aug 13, 2007 9:05 PM PDT reply actions
Good grief....
between the lineup and parrish
I've no problem
Just wanted something else to happen to replace him.
by PositivePaul on Aug 13, 2007 9:10 PM PDT up reply actions
THREE FUCKING BATTERS TOO LATE
Thanks, John!
by bpdawg24 on Aug 13, 2007 9:08 PM PDT reply actions
This is why we need an idiot-proof bullpen.
Thought you were about to say
the truly ironic part
think he read the blog, thought to himself "hey you know what would be even shittier? taking out felix and bringing parrish," and then did it
Well, Felix was finished.
by Jeff Sullivan on Aug 13, 2007 9:11 PM PDT up reply actions
Can we get a sabermetric manager please?!
by Susheel Ramasahayam on Aug 13, 2007 9:11 PM PDT reply actions
I fixed your post
by PositivePaul on Aug 13, 2007 9:14 PM PDT up reply actions
If you don't think Mauer will single here,
by bpdawg24 on Aug 13, 2007 9:12 PM PDT reply actions
Seriously....
prob not
by seattlebruin on Aug 13, 2007 9:14 PM PDT up reply actions
FUCKFUCKFUCKFUCK
Jones isn't starting for weeks.
Boy, your really taking advantage of that
Bad: he dropped that
Two points..
Point 2 - AJ really needs to quit dropping balls.
by seattlesundevil on Aug 13, 2007 9:13 PM PDT reply actions
so, Mac makes terrible choice with Parrish
This is awful on so many levels
Is it really that hard to find
Even if we win
Vidro goes 3-3, Sexson hits a double, Ibanez has a hit, and Jones goes 0-fer and drops a ball.
I HOPE MCLAREN BURNS IN FUCKING HELL!!
I want to rape whoever came up with that fucking
Rable Rable
blowers had better realize now
Green did his job.
by Jeff Sullivan on Aug 13, 2007 9:17 PM PDT up reply actions
If you take out the first two batters Parrish
correction
theres no game anymore
by seattlebruin on Aug 13, 2007 9:20 PM PDT up reply actions
John McLaren should be fired
Fuck you Johnny Mac
For WE purposes
Seconded.
by PositivePaul on Aug 13, 2007 9:21 PM PDT up reply actions
It was a tough play but you have got
by bpdawg24 on Aug 13, 2007 9:20 PM PDT up reply actions
gotta give him the drop
Misplay...
It was hit at the perfect spot, though
I say it's a double.
commence Santana, Neshek, Nathan owning
If we lose, its on Mclaren period
by Susheel Ramasahayam on Aug 13, 2007 9:20 PM PDT reply actions
Here is where the Twins come back
by seattlesundevil on Aug 13, 2007 9:20 PM PDT reply actions
Nice!
by PositivePaul on Aug 13, 2007 9:24 PM PDT up reply actions
oh and if we aren't pissed enough
What about...
There is a reason...
From what ive read
Year Team Payroll* Wins
1996 Expos $15.4M 88
2001 Twins $24.1M 85
1997 Pirates $9.0M 79
2006 Marlins $15.0M 78
2000 Twins $15.6M 69
*=Rounded up.
He seems to be able to win even with little payroll
UMMMM??
by seattlesundevil on Aug 13, 2007 9:22 PM PDT reply actions
John Parrish in to hold the lead
Our managers ALWAYS make their dumbest decisions when Johan Santana starts.
I think i need to shut off the TV
by Susheel Ramasahayam on Aug 13, 2007 9:24 PM PDT reply actions
Your brain > my brain.
by Jeff Sullivan on Aug 13, 2007 9:27 PM PDT up reply actions
maybe if mclaren
just food for thought
Didn't even need Potatoes.
by Jeff Sullivan on Aug 13, 2007 9:26 PM PDT up reply actions
im just saying
by seattlebruin on Aug 13, 2007 9:28 PM PDT up reply actions
It comes down to...
by Jordan of Boise on Aug 13, 2007 9:28 PM PDT up reply actions
hahaha
dammit
by seattlebruin on Aug 13, 2007 9:28 PM PDT up reply actions
I am really hopin for a Sexson blast
by seattlesundevil on Aug 13, 2007 9:25 PM PDT reply actions
That week sucked.
by Jeff Sullivan on Aug 13, 2007 9:30 PM PDT up reply actions
you know
(also, i turned the game on in the bottom of the first)
He already made an error
by Jeff Sullivan on Aug 13, 2007 9:27 PM PDT up reply actions
I never thought i would
Mac, just so you know...
just so you know..
Carlos Mencia created the term Dee da dee...
Thats how you make running catches
by Susheel Ramasahayam on Aug 13, 2007 9:30 PM PDT reply actions
johnny mac
putz warming up
MFAN wins...
by PositivePaul on Aug 13, 2007 9:39 PM PDT up reply actions
Time tested move.
by Susheel Ramasahayam on Aug 13, 2007 9:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Seriously....
i would approve a lot more of using JJ
Sherrill's being saved
by Jeff Sullivan on Aug 13, 2007 9:38 PM PDT up reply actions
good call
you seem to be all over my comments tonight, jeff
by seattlebruin on Aug 13, 2007 9:39 PM PDT up reply actions
rofl
by seattlebruin on Aug 13, 2007 9:42 PM PDT up reply actions
For the first time all year, I'm very nervous
French-Indian wars.
by Jeff Sullivan on Aug 13, 2007 9:42 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah
by PositivePaul on Aug 13, 2007 9:42 PM PDT up reply actions
I've texted Matthew a few times.
by Jeff Sullivan on Aug 13, 2007 9:43 PM PDT up reply actions
Good out
Does anyone remember in 2003, we picked up some awful reliever in May? All I remember about him was that he was Italian. He ended up blowing a couple leads for us against, I think, Boston. Then he was DFA'd shortly thereafter.
Then we ended up missing out on the playoffs by just a handful of games.
And that's the most excitement
by Jeff Sullivan on Aug 13, 2007 9:45 PM PDT up reply actions
From Venezuela
Is there a native Chinese guy named "William" in China?
I had my fingers crossed
by Susheel Ramasahayam on Aug 13, 2007 9:46 PM PDT up reply actions
Ben Broussard ph walk off
by andyboi on Aug 13, 2007 9:44 PM PDT reply actions
JJ MUST win this game..
by seattlesundevil on Aug 13, 2007 9:45 PM PDT reply actions
Depending on who comes in tho
by seattlesundevil on Aug 13, 2007 9:46 PM PDT up reply actions
richie FB to win it,
GWFB!!!!
I don't Funkin' believe it!!!!
I DON'T BELIEVE IT
WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALK OFFFFFFFFFFFF
NO BOOS FOR RICHIE TONIGHT!!
saw it coming
And yes, I'm done with the wars talk
I'd bet $1000
Jeff is wrong!
;)
by KoreaPhil on Aug 13, 2007 9:49 PM PDT reply actions
So that was cool.
i did
Okay.
Still, with McLaren at the helm, we're going to have to luck into a few wins. Quite a few wins.
I don't think he's "back".
by Jeff Sullivan on Aug 13, 2007 9:52 PM PDT up reply actions
by the way, was it Good Felix tonight?
Mostly....
Not really.
by Jeff Sullivan on Aug 13, 2007 10:03 PM PDT up reply actions
Holy crap
I was thinking on my way home from work..
Also.. I really don't blame him for the strikeouts tonight - those were some NASTY changeups Johan tossed up there.
by seattlesundevil on Aug 13, 2007 9:54 PM PDT reply actions
Just got home
So yeah, we were able to score our usual seats in 340 anyway, despite the section being allegedly 'sold out'. I guess the scalpers jumped all over that section because it was empty as always when we went up together to see about getting seats. Save for a scattering of people on the fringes, no one was within 3 rows of us.
I am certain I will forget a ton of stuff and others will need to fill in the blanks. Our derisive chants probably weren't audible on the telecast, but we booed Raul and Richie, and cheered Felix and Adam Jones, so go figure that people we jeered had good games, let alone against JOHAN SANTANA, and people we rooted for had bad games.
We ran into Red after the game and got to see his I <3 (Harry Canary) sign, which was awesome. He was so disappointed that he didn't get to see Beltre. I didn't know until reading the thread just now that he asked out of this game.
Also, etown and I were discussing this, but though McLaren has made his share of dubious, even infuriating decisions (hell, he made several today, including the nonsensical call to the bullpen for Parrish; we didn't understand that either)... he gets a lot of flak given how badly we wanted Hargrove gone and given that, for all his observation over the years, he is still very new to running his own team at the big league level and managing all those big money personalities.
This is not to say I believe he deserves a perma-waiver for all his bad calls, and I understand everyone's frustration because I get frustrated with his managing as well, but it's a bit rash to already ask for the head of a guy who's only been doing this for a month and change and is still trying to figure it all out. Yeah, he's been in dugouts forever, but always as a subordinate to another manager that made all these decisions he never had to make on his own until now. It's tough, and he has to balance putting a competitive team on the field with not losing the trust of his team. And plus, there aren't many managers that we as diehard fans would consider 'good'. A lot of managers make seemingly nonsensical decisions and non-decisions day after day, and many of them run winning teams. Many of them win despite themselves.
In the end, it's not as simple as it looks. There's a lot of variables besides the ones we're focused on. End rant. We can have this discussion later.
Anyway, any additions others want to tack on, go for it.
Parrish?
Also, if Lopez is at 2nd, there is a good chance Felix has a lower pitch count and can go 7 eliminating the need for a war veteran to bridge the gap to the best bullpen in baseball.
The call for Parrish was a bad one
As for the Vidro at 2B call, there's a tradeoff: if you play Lopez, who has been pretty ice cold at the plate himself, and Adam Jones, you either bench Raul, or you bench Vidro. You can make a case statistically for Raul but we already know the score with Raul, and the guy's bat was white hot this last road trip. Vidro hasn't been a total slouch at the plate either.
I think every possible lineup McLaren could have made up tonight would've made a large segment of the fanbase angry.

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