Game Thread: M's vs Rangers, 4/17 (DAY GAME @ 11:05)

[cezero]

1. Abraham Almonte (S) CF
2. Brad Miller (L) SS
3. Robinson Cano (L) DH
4. Corey Hart (R) RF
5. Kyle Seager (L) 3B
6. Nick Franklin (S) 2B
7. Justin Smoak (S) 1B
8. Dustin Ackley (L) LF
9. John Buck (R) C

P: Erasmo Ramirez (R)

--------------------

1. Shin-Soo Choo (L) LF
2. Elvis Andrus (R) SS
3. Alex Rios (R) RF
4. Prince Fielder (L) 1B
5. Kevin Kouzmanoff (R) 3B
6. Mitch Moreland (L) DH
7. Donnie Murphy (R) 2B
8. Leonys Martin (L) CF
9. J.P. Arencibia (R) C

P: Scheppers (R)

 

[seahawksfan234]

Interesting that they are giving Cano the day at DH today while putting Hart in at RF and Franklin in at 2B. Lloyd McClendon could have achieved the same lineup by keeping Cano at 2B, Hart at DH and Franklin at RF.

 

[EVille3]

I believe Franklin has played all of 1 game in RF between spring training and AAA. Not sure it's wise to just throw him out there with little to no practice at the position.

 

[johnfree63]

4 days ago (don't actually remember the exact date) Hart's back wouldn't let him pinch hit. Now he can play RF today.

 

[seahawksfan234]

I believe Franklin has played all of 1 game in RF between spring training and AAA. Not sure it's wise to just throw him out there with little to no practice at the position.

Makes sense then I suppose. But I have to imagine he was called up to play outfield as there is not much room for him elsewhere. RF is not exactly the hardest position to play so it would not surprise me if we see him there shortly.

 

[EVille3]

Makes sense then I suppose. But I have to imagine he was called up to play outfield as there is not much room for him elsewhere. RF is not exactly the hardest position to play so it would not surprise me if we see him there shortly.

I agree it would behoove the M's for Franklin to be adequate in RF. However, he will need some practice days to get more acclimated and from what I read his arm very weak compared to league average RF.

 

[SeattleCoug]

I think its more about giving Cano a partial day off to DH. It is surprising to see Hart in the field though. Probably willing to sacrifice a little defense for some offense at this point.

 

[cezero]

I agree it would behoove the M's for Franklin to be adequate in RF. However, he will need some practice days to get more acclimated and from what I read his arm very weak compared to league average RF.

I agree completely.

As I said in another thread, RF is inherently easier than SS or 2B, but that doesn't mean that somebody can jump into the outfield at the MLB level and be successful. It's reckless, and greatly increases the chance of injury not only to that player, but to others on the team as well, especially with a green shortstop like Miller. These guys are all amazing athletes, but I still get very nervous seeing Ackley play outfield when he has to sprint for a ball...particularly if it's hit shallow and he has to sprint forward and communicate with an infielder. Collisions come mostly from inexperience, and there was one the other day between Ackley and Miller that could have been very, very bad.

I'm sure McClendon and co. will put Franklin out there when they think he can handle it. Hopefully a game here or there.

I do not want our outfield next year to consist of 2 converted infielders with only a season or less under their belts at the positions, that's for sure.

 

[Banned 10x]

Well, Ramirez continues to look like shit. 4 ER in 2 innings.

 

[cezero]

wow

losing this series against a decimated rangers team is really bad. no way around that.

the team's massive deficiencies are showing that the first 3 games were the anomaly, and what we're seeing is the norm.

please m's, don't do this to me.

 

[Banned 10x]

Finally. Cano with his 1st homer

 

[unlvmariners]

Cano goes deep!

 

[unlvmariners]

now that we have scored 4 runs in an inning we probably won't score again for many months.

 

[cezero]

EXCELLENT

 

[Logicallylethal]

Sadly the only two hitters I trust to consistently make good contact on the ball every at bat right now is Cano and Ackley.

 

[Logicallylethal]

Speaking of Ackley!

 

[cezero]

I gave up on Ackley too early, I guess.

Really glad to be wrong.

 

[johnfree63]

I gave up on Ackley too early, I guess.

Really glad to be wrong.

It's still early, but I think this is the "potential" everyone kept talking about.

 

[SeattleCoug]

Outside of two innings this offense has basically done nothing this series

 

[unlvmariners]

Pretty bad series... could have easily been a split. But you can't have droughts offensively if you want to be successful.