Series Thread: Mariners @ A's 5/2 - 5/4

[PolarVortex]

Bingo!

Pitchers used to pitch around certain hitters, conceding the walk with an outside hope that the batter will get himself out swinging at a bad pitch. But the shift is much more economical, pitchcount-wise. If the hitter does manage to hit to the opposite field, it is almost always a single. So, there is no real difference than pitching around the hitter except that it may save the pitcher a pitch or two on his pitch count.

And now we are seeing more and more shifts against right handed power hitters. The shift is here to stay for a few years. The change, in which players realize the value in hitting to all fields, will happen at the lower amateur levels first, and then college, and then the lower minors. It will take a while to reach the majors, but it is going to happen. It's inevitable.

As for now, don't expect a change any time soon. MLB players are stubborn. Even a guy like Leonys Martin is trying to pull everything over the fence.

 

[cezero]

Here's the A's lineup for today, with Sonny Gray pitching.

Still waiting for the M's to post their lineup.

1. Billy Burns (S) CF
2. Jed Lowrie (S) 2B
3. Josh Reddick (L) RF
4. Khris Davis (R) LF
5. Stephen Vogt (L) DH
6. Josh Phegley (R) C
7. Chris Coghlan (L) 3B
8. Yonder Alonso (L) 1B
9. Marcus Semien (R) SS

 

[Mariners_44]

 

[NWinAZ]

Tony Zych put on the DL with shoulder inflammation. That is never good.

 

[NWinAZ]

Tony Zych put on the DL with shoulder inflammation. That is never good.

Tim Hevly ‏@Thevly 4h4 hours ago


The #Mariners have selected RHP Steve Johnson from AAA Tacoma; placed RHP Tony Zych on 15-day DL (retro to 5/2) with rotator cuff tendinitis

Mike Curto ‏@CurtoWorld 4h4 hours ago


New Mariners reliever Steve Johnson in Tacoma: 1-0, 2.25 ERA, 16 IP, 10 hits, two walks, 20 strikeouts. Hitters have trouble seeing his FB.

 

[Tapey]

Thank you based Robinson cano

 

[Podunkparte]

Damn, Zych was filthy Sunday. Hope for a fast recovery.

This production out of the 9 hole though has me uncomfortable.

And now Cano!

 

[Itsmytime]

How the fuck is this happening... I will continue to think this team isnt good, as long as they keep winning!

 

[Tapey]

This, being good at baseball thing, is fun.

 

[Cloud]

The one thing I really enjoyed this year is seeing a ton of full counts... It means these guys are patience. This was never the case in the past.

It's fun baseball.

 

[Podunkparte]

Smith caught on a generous strike call but would have liked to see Aoki either bunt or dont. Don't change the approach mid at bat.

 

[NWinAZ]

 

[Anointed One]

Kuma dealin tonight!

 

[NWinAZ]

 

[Mariners_44]

It's nice to know we can count on the bullpen as well!

 

[Mariners_44]

Man o' man do we have a shortstop!! Great play by Ketel!!

 

[Destroydacre]

Man o' man do we have a shortstop!! Great play by Ketel!!

Indeed, such a nice change from watching Miller and Taylor the last few years.

 

[Mariners_44]

Indeed, such a nice change from watching Miller and Taylor the last few years.

We haven't had a defensive SS like this since Ryan, but the difference is this dude can put the bat on the ball.

 

[cezero]

We haven't had a defensive SS like this since Ryan, but the difference is this dude can put the bat on the ball.

kinda

but i'm happy with him

 

[Mariners_44]

kinda

but i'm happy with him

Compared to Ryan? I'm not saying he is Derek Jeter, I'm just saying he is productive on offense and defense.