2/23/19: Open Game Thread

The Mariners have come out with bats blazing, counteracting unseasonably cool and rainy weather in Arizona. Today we’ll get our first look at Félix Hernández, pitching against non-Ichiro opponents as Seattle’s spring roommates and Vedder Cup rivals, the Padres arrive. He’ll have a real medley of youth behind him, and this lineup is one that is exactly what makes a Spring Training with prospects more fun than those in years past.

Seattle will run out nearly a full lineup of prospects/near-prospects today, anchored by veterans Domingo Santana, Tim Beckham, and Kristopher Negrón. We’ll get our first look at Braden Bishop in the outfield, as well as Daniel Vogelbach at first base. We’ll also get a long-shot chance of seeing Jarred Kelenic, as the youngster is on the extended reserves list, up from minor league camp for the day. I’m most excited to see Omar Narváez behind the dish today, and also curious if we’ll see the Spring debut of 1B Joey Curletta later on.

As a quick aside, if you’re new here, welcome! If you’re old here, but just returning, or haven’t joined game threads before, hello as well. Game threads are designed for everyone to have somewhere to discuss the game (and sometimes not the game) as it goes on. We would love to have you, yes you, come hang with all of us, so feel free to refresh on the community guidelines here, and enjoy!

Game Time: 12:10 PM PT

TV: ROOTNW

Radio: 710 AM ESPN / MLB At Bat App

Online: MLB.TV

Happy Félix Day, everyone. Long may he reign, and particularly with the news of Jeff Sullivan’s hiring, it feels deserved, if only for today: