7/22: Open Game Thread

The Mariners are looking to take a winnable series against a below average, scuffling team from New York. While that description is delightfully befitting of the Yankees sadly I refer to the Mets, who are propped up by the existence of Jerry Sienfield and Horace Stoneham. This is a franchise that for the vast majority of its history has being very Mariner, despite the inherent advantage of playing in New York. I do not hate them, but I do not pity them and they will be target to the slings and arrows of my mockery.

Taking the mound for the Mariners is Erasmo Ramirez, who has been bad, but not cripplingly so to the team's efforts. Churchill points out that he's had more success recently in Tacoma, with a nifty 21/4 K/BB over his last 25 IP. Colin believes the Erasmo skillset is uniquely suited to combat the Mets' most potent offensive weapon.

The Mets counter with another member of The Poor Capitalization All-Stars in rookie Jacob deGrom. A 10th round draft pick, deGrom is an old rookie at 26 (2 years "older" than Erasmo) but has thus far been quite good. A good strikeout rate, acceptable walk and groundball rate have led to a dandy 3.25 FIP. For enthusiasts of next level data and those searching for hope drGrom's tRA is much higher at 5.17.

Brad Miller is sitting for a 2nd straight. I imagine the decision is part platoon advantage, part Bloomquist's recent success and part Brad Miller hitting like crap for 2/3 of the season now. Given that Bloomquist has a Bag End high ceiling I am not hoping for a strict SS platoon, but don't mind Miller sitting a good deal against LHP.

This is a less than advantageous game for the Mariners. Ramirez isn't particularly good or efficient and the bullpen has been heavily taxed since the break. With good stuff/poor command right hander Tom Wilhelmsen Taijuan Walker starting tomorrow the team badly needs the rotation to string together some 6-8 inning starts. The Mariners don't hit left handers very well but they do beat them a lot (22-13 vs. LHP). I don't know why. Randomness contains beauty for the eye that searches for it.

Let's kick the crap out of the Mets.

Game Info

• New York Mets @ Seattle Mariner: 7:10 PST
• TV: ROOT, Radio: 710 AM, Online: MLB.tv

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