Overview- The Mariners are 8-8 and 1 game back of Anaheim. They split with the pesky A's in a two game set. The Indians are not living up to high expectations so far this season. They are currently 6-10, which would more fit the Browns than Indians. They were swept by the Angels last series.
Probable Starters:
Today- CC Sabathia (0-0, 1.59) vs Gil Meche (1-0, 6.14)
This should be the game the Indians will take for sure this series. Sabathia was in good forum in his 1st start since the injury. He beat the Twins down. Meche got the win in his last start but has to work on keeping the Walks and Hits down.
Tomorrow- Cliff Lee (1-0, 4.76) vs Aaron Sele (1-1, 6.19)
Cliff Lee gave up 2 hits and NO runs in has last start. Given it was KC. Hes 2-0 with a 5.73 ERA vs the M's. Sele was tagged by his former team the Angels. For 6 runs in 4 Innings. I have a feeling that offense will be high this game both ways.
Saturday- Scott Elarton (0-0, 7.90) vs Jamie Moyer (3-0, 3.00)
Poor Scott Elarton, hes going to get beaten to hell this game. I dont have a doubt in my mind. KANSAS CITY tagged him for 10 HITS AND 5 RUNS in 3.2 IP. Moyer has been his consistent self for far this season. He has yet to give up more than 3 runs in all 4 starts so far this season.
Players to Watch
Richie Sexson- Yeah i know hes only hitting .218, but when you have the flu hes having and still can belt HRs out the park. I like to see what he does when hes over the flu. He leads the team in HRs, RBIs and SLG% right now.
Rafael Betancourt- 0.90 ERA, 1 H, 2 BB allowed in 10 IP. He should be the teams closer for the same reason JJ Putz should be the M's Closer. Opponents are hitting a measly .032! vs Rafael.
By the Numbers
4- # of Wins by the Indians Bullpen.
2- # of Wins by the Indians Starters
3- # of Stolen Bases by M's not named Ichiro Suzuki
9- # of Errors by the M's Infield so far this season
.310, .320- Opp BAs vs Eddie G and Wickman, respectively
1- # of Earned Runs allowed by Betacourt and Putz combined (Putz has 2 unearned.) in 14.1 IP.
Outlook- Indians will win today. But the M's will take 2 of the 3, due to the fact that the reamining 2 starters for the Indians are either struggling (Lee) or sucks (Elarton).