Biggest Contribution: Rafael Soriano, +26.3%
Biggest Suckfest: Yuniesky Betancourt, -11.3%
Most Important Hit: Sexson homer, Beltre double, +11.5%
Most Important Pitch: Phillips double, -25.7%
Total Contribution by Pitcher(s): +58.6%
Total Contribution by Position Players: -19.1%
As is the case pretty much every time the Mariners play an East Coast opponent during the week, my job precluded me from being able to watch to watch today's game. After the six hour horror that was my Tuesday night, though, I wasn't too shaken up about having to miss this one, because sometimes the last thing you want to see after a mortifying baseball game is another baseball game. I was able to check in from work at one point in the bottom of the seventh inning with the Mariners on top 2-1, but quicker than I could ask "why the hell is Gil still pitching?" the Yankees tied it up and I decided to remove myself from the computer in fear of being a jinx. Guess it worked.
For those of you who were tuning in, this is an important edition of You Write The Recap!, because I think everyone who missed the broadcast wants to know how Gil looked. This was a critical test for him and he passed with flying colors, especially when you consider that he shouldn't have been around to allow the second run in the first place (103 pitches after six, including a 30-odd pitch fifth in which he labored, and Hargrove runs him back out there?). Let's hear about his stuff. Lowe's too, just because I can't get enough of that guy right now. Seeing Sherrill/Lowe/Soriano/Putz in the pitching section of today's box score gives me the giggles.
Man. I didn't think I'd ever be one to write these words, but somewhat against my better judgment, I'm beginning to turn into a Gil Meche believer.
Off day tomorrow, Red Sox on Thursday.