Yesterday, in the B-squad game we didn't really talk about very much, the representatives for the Mariners lost to the representatives for the Reds by a 4-1 score. The game was halted after eight innings, so it wasn't a real game, and it was a B-squad game, so it wasn't a real game. It didn't count in the standings. But it made the Mariners mad nevertheless, and wouldn't you know it, but the Mariners face the Reds in an A-squad game Tuesday. This game does count in the standings. The standings in which the Mariners are currently 3-1, and the Reds are currently 2-0. This is an important game as the Mariners look to surge to the top, and they'll be playing with unusual emotion and intensity.
One also notes that the Mariners are 1-2 against the Reds all-time in spring training history. So this isn't only an opportunity to pass the Reds in the Cactus League standings; this is also an opportunity to even the all-time score. The stakes have never been higher.
The game's at 12:05pm Pacific - I'm writing this late, again - and radio will be available live on Mariners.com, and on a significant delay on 710. Here's a Gameday link. The Mariners are at home, defending their territory. The starting lineup:
Figgins, SS
Kawasaki, 2B
Ichiro, RF
Smoak, 1B
Carp, LF
Wells, CF
Liddi, 3B
Chavez, DH
Moore, C
Having Figgins at short and Kawasaki at second might seem a little weird, since Figgins is more of a second baseman and Kawasaki is more of a shortstop, but this is all in the name of versatility. Wells is being given a chance to run some balls down in center, although he won't actually run any balls down in center since the Mariners are starting Felix and he's going the distance. In 12 career games with Adam Moore catching, Felix has posted a 1.31 ERA and allowed a .511 OPS so the Reds are going to be more like the Whites. Because they'll be frightened. I need to develop this joke.
Yeah, Felix. Cactus League debut for Felix. That video I linked just below? God, we love you, Felix. I hope there's a little King's Court at the Peoria Sports Complex although I should probably know better. The Reds are starting Mat Latos, and Mat Latos is kind of like Michael Pineda, so this is kind of like Felix facing Michael Pineda. That should be enough to get him energized. Show that youngster who's boss!
I've missed this song.