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8/14: Open Game Thread

RHP Aaron Harang Vs LHP David Price

By Alex Carson
He doesn't always hit dingers, but when he does he hits two.
He doesn't always hit dingers, but when he does he hits two.
J. Meric

It's pretty strange, but this is the first time the Seattle Mariners have ever faced Tampa Bay Rays ace David Price.

We don't need versus batter history for Price to know that he's the kind of guy the M's could really struggle against, though. The M's lack quality right-handed bats right now. While they have three switch hitters in the lineup, batting from the right side is where Justin Smoak and Nick Franklin struggle the most. For Kendrys Morales, his splits aren't very extreme, with the right side actually being a little friendlier this season. This would be a splendid game for Michael Morse to show up.

I suppose I could make a desperate attempt to paint Price as having a bit of an off year following his American League Cy Young campaign of 2012, or point to the six weeks he spent on the disabled list with a triceps injury. But, seeing as how he's been brilliant his last four times on the bump -- he's allowed only four runs over 32 1/3 innings while striking out 21, and only giving one free pass -- there's just not a whole lot of sugar coating to be done here.

David Price is still really solid, so this should be a good test for the M's hitters who have picked things up over the past month-plus.

1. Brad Miller (L) SS

2. Nick Franklin (S) 2B

3. Kyle Seager (L) 3B

4. Kendrys Morales (S) DH

5. Michael Morse (R) RF

6. Justin Smoak (S) 1B

7. Michael Saunders (L) LF
8. Dustin Ackley (L) CF
9. Humberto Quintero (R) C


RHP Aaron Harang

1. Ben Zobrist (S) 2B
2. Matt Joyce (L) RF
3. Evan Longoria (R) 3B
4. Wil Myers (R) CF
5. James Loney (L) 1B
6. Yunel Escobar (R) SS
7. Luke Scott (L) DH
8. Jose Molina (R) C
9. Kelly Johnson (L) LF


LHP David Price


Pre-game question:


If Dustin Ackley keeps this up and hits for the rest of the season, what do YOU do with him if you're in charge? Trade him? Move him back to second and trade Franklin? Keep him in center? Make him a super-utility? Ask him out for a beer and wings?

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