2/24/19: Mariners @ Rockies Open Game Thread

The Mariners take on the Rockies today at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, the jewel of the Cactus League. I haven’t been to the Grapefruit League ballparks but I feel pretty confident in declaring Salt River the best Spring Training venue in baseball, as all Grapefruit League ballparks have points deducted for being in Florida. Justus Sheffield is dealing with a blister and won’t be able to make his Spring debut for the Mariners, which is just as well since this game isn’t televised. The Mariners will be running out a lineup that’s at least half something we should see during the season:

And the reserves:

The pitchers are probably a little more interesting here, especially Erik Swanson and Joey Gerber. Three days into Spring Training and I already have hit the first “who?” player: Zac Grotz, a 2015 28th-rounder from an NAIA school who has bounced between the minors and Indy ball. He was most recently with the Mets, where he posted a 2.83 FIP in A-ball; the Mariners do love their Mets pitching castoffs.

Here’s the Rockies lineup, appended by a mysterious Baseball Butt:

Despite the fact that “overcasted” isn’t a word, that’s some very useful information. And a butt. The Rockies win this social media round, in my opinion. As mentioned above, there’s no TV, so you can listen on 710 or Mariners.com, or follow along on Gameday.