Ichiro CF DeJesus LF Beltre 3B German 3B Johjima C Grudzielanek 2B Ibanez LF Sweeney DL Sexson 1B Shealy 1B Perez DH Costa RF Lopez 2B Bako C Morse RF Berroa SS Ballgame SS Gathright CF ---------- ----------
Pineiroid (8-11, 6.02) Redman (9-9, 5.40)
A Mariner win tonight mathematically eliminates the possiblity of Kansas City finishing higher than Seattle in the standings, which I think makes this a pretty successful season all things considered. Trying his hardest to make that a reality will be Joel Pineiro, returning to the rotation after a fortnight in relief. The good news is that, since moving to the bullpen and changing his delivery, Joel's put up a 5.50 K/BB in 11 innings, but then I don't think I need to tell you again how much easier it is to relieve than start. Seriously, what are the Mariners expecting? Where's the upside of this? Either way Joel's only got a few weeks left in the system, so why pretend like you're trying to figure out his best role for 2007? Give these starts to someone who could actually be able to help you down the road and you might learn something. All you're going to get from Joel is a reminder of why he was banished to the bullpen in the first place.
LET'S GO MARINERS!