Game 53, Mariners at Padres
Wade Miley vs. Colin Rea, 6:10pm
Well, last night’s game sure was something. There’s no way to sugar coat James Paxton’s results: he got hit hard, and giving up dingers in Petco prevents any attempt at crying BABIP: Paxton threw poorly located pitches and the Padres hit them hard. And yet it’s kind of hard to be too upset.
Paxton’s four seamer *averaged* 98 mph, according to MLBAM. He touched triple digits during a start in which he threw 100 pitches. His curveball’s movement was unrecognizable from the one he threw last year. Whereas his curve in September last year had essentially no horizontal movement and 2-3″ of drop compared to a ball without spin, this new pitch has actual gloveside break and drops a lot more despite having the same or even a bit more velocity. Much of the change in movement comes from a shift in his arm angle – instead of the old over-the-top Paxton, we saw a more traditional 3/4 delivery. That, of course, doesn’t explain the additional velocity, nor the increase in spin on his hook. It’s all a part of a package – a package which, at least last night, contained some wonderful, expensive gifts, but also contained a dead rat and twenty cigarette butts. Wait, what’s that? You just read this article? Sullivan, huh? Damn it.
I don’t want to get carried away and say that the good things we saw (100mph velocity, better curve) are somehow “real” while the serious command problems were the transitory byproducts of a serious mechanical change. But, like, that would be nice, wouldn’t it?
Today the M’s face Colin Rea, a right-hander with a 92-93mph four-seam and sinker with essentially average movement. His primary breaking ball is a cutter at 88mph, but he also throws a fairly firm curveball that gets good downward break. The curve and change-up get a lot of ground balls, which help keep his overall GB rates around average. Rea’s claim to fame in his brief MLB career was his start against the Mets in early May in which he went 8+ innings, giving up just 1 run, and taking a no-hitter into the 8th. That success wouldn’t last, as Rea was optioned to AAA El Paso just a few weeks after that start against New York, and he’s just been recalled to make this start. Rea isn’t an overpowering guy, as his K rates are fairly average, and he walks a bit more than you’d like from someone who doesn’t miss that many bats; his walk rate is 10% this year, and some control issues led to a series of short starts just before his demotion.
1: Aoki, CF
2: Smith, LF
3: Cano, 2B
4: Cruz, RF
5: Seager, 3B
6: Lind, 1B
7: Iannetta, C
8: Sardinas, SS
9: Miley, SP
The big news in the minors tonight is that Tim Lincecum’s making the start for Salt Lake tonight in Tacoma. Lincecum last pitched in Tacoma in 2007, in what is still probably the most electric, most jaw-dropping performance I’ve ever seen live. Tonight will likely *not* be a repeat of that; I don’t think Lincecum will sit 98 with his fastball tonight, but it’s still going to be interesting to see where he’s at. I want to pull for him, as he’s one of the most unique pitchers in recent memory AND a local success story, but…did you have to sign with the Angels?
Here’s a quick check on how the M’s affiliates have done on the year:
Tacoma: 31-21, run differential: +49
Jackson: 34-18, +42
Bakersfield: 24-28, +13
Clinton: 28-24, 0
Cumulative record: 117-91
Cumulative run differential: +104
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Ok, enough with the Padres.
This is starting to feel like the end of 2014, where in the middle of the pennant race it felt like every Mariner starter got knocked around for the entire final month.
In the past few games it seems there have been dozens of balls that Aoki had to let drop that Martin would have caught easily. Aoki does not have the wheels to be a center fielder.
Last night for certain there were some glaring examples that he didn’t have the arm…
At least we are still in this one, though.
Lordy this is bad tonight
Oh lord, this got ugly…and fast.
In Aoki’s 62 innings in CF prior to this game, he’s got a UZR/150 of… -129.
He’s over-achieving lol.
Nice stroke by Lee. Can’t believe its a 5-run game again. Am worried Clevenger might be the only arm left in the pen at this point tho.
Bases loaded for Cruz, 1 out… Mariners really, really need to capitalize on this.
When we talk about Mariner strengths.. we really do have to leave ‘driving runners in from 3rd with less than 2 outs’ off of the list.
Nice bail out by Seager tho!
On a side note, pretty sure the yet-to-be-used relievers on both teams are hiding under the bleachers. Not a pitcher-friendly game by any means.
p.s. – (in my best Jim Ross voice): Buy gawd, thats Brandon Maurer’s music!
Lee is a professional hitter!
I know I’m talking to myself here, but did no one on the Padres tell Maurer that walking the guy who just hit a 3-run bomb (Lee) to pitch to Ianetta (who is Ianetta) would be the better strategic move there?
edit: anytime I make fun of Ianetta, he immediately comes through.
Even if they lose, this game has been a lot of fun. Well, except for the giving up 12 part.
yay!
Romero!!!!
And virtually every other bat for the Mariners!!
And Stefan Romero inserts his quarter and runs the bases. Way to rep OSU Stefan!
I’m not sure I’m truly watching baseball in any sense at this point, but my goodness this has been entertaining.
I can’t believe this comeback! I stopped and watching and tuned back in when I saw 12-10 on the score.
Greatest Mariners comeback I’ve ever seen–without question. Nuts!!
And there’s one for O’Malley. One of my earliest memories as a child, i watched a game on TBS between the Braves and the Dodgers, back in the Dale Murphy/Ozzie Virgil/Rick Camp era of futility…
Long story short Braves entered the bottom of the 9th inning down like 9-2 or something horrid like that and scored the requisite 8 runs for the victory.. This has felt a lot like watching that.
Speechless
I don’t even know what to say this is insane.
On the other side of the token, there’s some poor sap insurance salesman in a Steve Garvey Pad’s jersey drinking $9 plastic thimbles of Coors Light who’s just seen his team give up 12 runs in the last two innings.
In my heart of hearts I do kinda feel for that guy.
Then i remember it’s probably been 85 degrees and ocean breezy for the last 4 months. So yeah, forget him…
So Cano blew it.
What a jerk.
And yeah, words can’t explain.. I’m whoever is left out in the Padre’s bullpen has filed for witness protection.
If anybody sees locust flying around – and multiplying rapidly – please advise.
Thank you.
Honestly, I’m enjoying this as much as Felix’s perfect game. This is unbelievable.
This is a special game. Now we need to squeeze 3 more innings out of the bullpen!!!!
I think they are our rivals now, because I can’t think of a team I’d rather inflict this torment upon more than San Diego.
I remember being at an M’s game at the Kingdome where they were down 7-0 in the bottom and tied it….only to lose in the 10th.
I was also at a Seattle Pilots game in ’69 when, down 12-4 in the 4th, Seattle tied the game with 8 in the bottom of the 4th and ultimately won it in 13 innings.
Just tuned in…
WHAT the HECK is going on??
MLB approved the use of rubber balls and we’re seeing the immediate impact it’s had on offense.
@Westy: We scored a touchdown, but they blocked the PAT.
Okay, let’s see the Fernando Rodney we came to know and loathe last season.
The official largest comeback in MLB history is the M’s blowing a 12-0/14-2 lead at Cleveland on 8-5-2001.
Only thing I can think of is when we pulled all the starters out of a laugher against the Indians in 2001 and blew a 12 run lead. Coulda won 117 that year 🙂
Nice to be of the other side of it 15 years later.. God I feel old, somehow 3 players from WAY back then still active Ichiro, Bartolo Colon and CC Sabathia. I think only Ichiro actually played that night.
I am also enjoying the fact that Rodney pitched the best half-inning of the game for either team.
Further reason to start hoarding canned goods and restocking the bunker.
Nice play, Robbie!
Until Cishek dropped the hammer. What a game, indeed! Go Ms!