Mariners Thrashed By Marlins
Apr 19, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Seattle Mariners manager
Lloyd McClendon(23) walks back to the dugout during the sixth inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
The Seattle Mariners played the Miami Marlins yesterday. Miami won 7-0, as Henderson Alvarez threw a 90-pitch complete game shutout in which he yielded no walks and only two hits. He only faced 28 batters since the first of those baserunners was almost immediately eliminated on a double play.
Roenis Elias‘s big highlight was almost finishing the sixth, giving the bullpen a little bit of much-needed rest. Aside from that he got shelled, due largely to the five walks he issued. The Mariners run differential is all the way down to zero, and their 7-10 record is tied for second-worst in the American League. First place is five games and three teams out of sight. Robinson Cano has a .254/.311/.328 triple slash with negative defensive value and -0.2 WAR, putting him dead last amongst all Mariners starters.
There’s not much more to say about this game, or this series, or this road trip. It’s been hell. The team isn’t this bad, obviously, and neither is Cano. But they just made Alvarez look like the most dominant pitcher on the planet, and Alvarez only racked up four strikeouts. We’ve grown used to rotations of Felix Hernandez and then who-even-knows, but this current rotation is a mockery of stars and scrubs. Can you name the five starters currently on the M’s 25-man roster? Can you name the five superior starters (well, four, and Blake Beavan) currently on the DL? Things are a total mess in Marinersland, so frustration is absolutely warranted. Things will get better, because they can’t not get better, but this, right now, is no good.
Brandon Maurer gets the call to start today as James Jones heads back to Tacoma. Jones got a hit in his major league debut on Friday, which was neat. Maurer goes against Kevin Slowey at 10:10am. Willie Bloomquist is batting second. Willie Bloomquist is batting second. Willie Bloomquist is batting second. The season’s not over, nor is it even in grave jeopardy, but anything positive would count as a much-needed reminder right now. Like an unexpected win, for example. Because to win today and avoid being swept by the lowly Marlins would now qualify as “unexpected.”