Jamie Moyer’s Notebook: Seattle Mariners vs. San Francisco Giants June 15, 2015
By Max Carter
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Seattle Mariners (28-35) vs. San Francisco Giants (34-30) 7:15 PM PST
Pitching Matchup: Taijuan Walker RHP (3-6, 5.40 ERA) vs. Tim Hudson RHP (4-5, 4.60 ERA)
Lineups:
Seattle Mariners:
Jun 2, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners first baseman
Logan Morrison(20) is greeted in the dugout after scoring a run against the New York Yankees during the sixth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
1. Logan Morrison 1B
2. Austin Jackson CF
3. Robinson Cano 2B
4. Nelson Cruz RF
5. Kyle Seager 3B
6. Seth Smith LF
7. Brad Miller SS
8. Mike Zunino C
9. Taijuan Walker P
Notes: Is it sad that the most exciting thing about the Seattle Mariners offense is that Taijuan Walker will pick up a bat tonight? Perhaps, but nonetheless it will be fun to see the 22-year-old right-hander give it a go at the plate. Robinson Cano has been steadily heating up despite a very disappointing 2015 campaign thus far, picking up four doubles in his last six games. Although his batting average has still been paltry, the fact that Cano is driving balls into the gaps is promising. Hopefully it is a sign of what’s to come, and Robbie has a break-out game very soon.
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San Francisco Giants:
1. Norichika Aoki LF
2. Joe Panik 2B
3. Angel Pagan CF
4. Buster Posey C
5. Brandon Belt 1B
6. Brandon Crawford SS
7. Matt Duffy 3B
8. Jarrett Parker RF
9. Tim Hudson P
Notes: Taijuan Walker will have his work cut out for him tonight against the San Francisco Giants, in San Fran. It should be a great growing experience for Walker, facing a lineup that has been getting it done for several years. We will see how he fares against Buster Posey and Brandon Crawford, who have 18 home runs and 76 RBI between the two of them. In fact, there are five bats in Bruce Bochy‘s lineup that have over 20 runs batted in, as opposed to three for Lloyd McClendon‘s Seattle Mariners.
3 Things to Watch For:
1. Taijuan Walker, the Best Pitcher on the Staff??
Ok, obviously Felix Hernandez is still great despite allowing eight earned runs in only 0.1 innings three days ago in Houston. However, Taijuan has been excellent in his last three starts, allowing only four runs over 22 innings. After allowing 24 runs in the three game series against the Astros, the Seattle Mariners will turn to their 22-year-old flamethrower with hopes of a strong performance. With the bullpen worn out, it will be up to Taijuan to get deep tonight. I predict another quality start for Walker, going at least six innings against the defending World Series champs.
2. LoMo Gets Wet
Logan Morrison has been crazy hot in the last few weeks, capped by his two homers in the middle game against Houston. With a welcoming right field fence in San Francisco, I predict another dinger for the Mariners first baseman. It’s looking more and more like @cupoflomo is going to be in Seattle for quite some time.
3. Nelson, Where Are You?
Nelson Cruz has not homered since May 27 against the Tampa Bay Rays. After getting off to an insanely fast start in 2015, Cruz has simmered down a little bit, although his batting average is still fourth in the American League at .323. The Seattle Mariners need their big slugger as much as ever right now, and he is due to satisfy. Perhaps Nelson can get into one and put it in the glove in deep left center field.
Last Game’s Predictions:
1. If It Ain’t Broke…–OUT
The Seattle Mariners got shut out for the sixth time this season, and the third in four games. Hopefully, Lloyd can find a lineup soon that is capable of scoring more points per game than Real Madrid.
2. Give Me Some Sucre!–OUT
The trade of Welington Castillo for Mark Trumbo and Vidal Nuno is looking worse and worse with every Mike Zunino strikeout, and every Jesus Sucre swing. The Mariners continue to get almost ZERO production offensively from their catchers, and Castillo’s bat would be a welcome site in the run-starved lineup.
3. Mr. Smith Goes to Houston–OUT
Carson Smith did get into this blowout, although a save situation was out the window after a 10-0 deficit through just four innings. Smith allowed one run, bringing his ERA up to 1.67, but struck out the side as he continues to look sharp. Hopefully the Mariners can give Carson another save opportunity soon, as the young reliever has been nothing but excellent in 2015.
Season Tally:
Hits: 32 Outs: 55 Batting Average: .368