Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
If things go the way they ought to go, Jack Zduriencik will soon find himself looking for a new job. Despite holding one of only thirty MLB general manager jobs available, Jack Z is probably not one of the thirty most capable potential GMs in the world. His rebuild of the Mariners organization, now in year five, is a sputtering mess. While Jack Z has done a lot to earn the ire of Seattle, perhaps no gaffe of his has been more recognizable than theDoug Fister-for-peanuts trade made at the 2011 deadline. In exchange for a mid-breakout Fister, Seattle got peanuts. Burnt peanuts. Peanuts shaped likeChance Ruffin. That trade may well become synonymous with GMZ’s tenure at the helm of the Mariners.
Fister, of course, has continued improving since joining the Detroit Tigers, and now is a critical piece of the best rotation in recent memory. Un-do the swap and chances are the Mariners are a little closer to being competitive. But enough about the trade, because ugh, the trade. Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Doug Fister struck out ten Mariners over seven and two thirds innings, walking one and allowing nine hits. The Mariners touched him for four runs, three of which came on aDustin Ackleyhome run in the fifth. Four runs isn’t a bad output, andKyle Seagerdid have a two-hit game that was much-appreciated given his recent slump. But today, four runs wasn’t enough.
James Paxtonmade his third major league start and got roughed up a little bit early, allowing aTorii Hunterhome run in the first inning. He walkedMiguel Cabreraand gotPrince Fielderto ground into a fielder’s choice, but thenVictor Martinezdoubled off the wall to score Fielder. Trouble brewed again in the bottom of the third with two outs, as Cabrera singled and Fielder doubled. Martinez got the intentional walk treatment, setting up a four pitch bases-loaded walk toOmar Infante. Paxton intentionally walked Martinez the next time he saw him too, bringing his final line to five innings pitched, three earned runs, four (total) walks, five hits, three strikeouts, and a homer. His first rough outing brings his ERA all the way up to 2.12, and unlike Tai Walker, we can expect Paxton to make a fourth start this season.
Tom Wilhelmsenand Charlie Furbush each allowed a run, the tying and go-ahead runs, in fact, and the Mariners lost. The M’s dropped the series to Detroit three games to one and will resume play tomorrow in Anaheim. Jered Weaver has been scratched from his Friday start, which is neat becauseFelix Hernandezhas been cleared to pitch Sunday’s finale. Felix is almost back! Dance in the streets!
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