Looks like everything else that's been accelerated to accomodate the M's trip to Japan next week, the traditional spring training event of pitchers "hitting the wall" arrived early... at least for Marco Gonzalez. Last night was just ugly. In three previous starts he'd given up one run and four hits. In his start against the Cubs Friday night he gave up 9! in 3 and 2/3rds... that's what a dozen hits (yikes!), two walks and some dubious defensive plays will do to you. Hard to imagine Ichiro losing a flyball in the lights.
Truth be told, Kikuchi didn't look that sharp the night before or LeBlanc and Leake in their last starts. Reports are Hernandez was so-so in a B-game, but he's been that way all spring. Up until now the other four starters have looked remarkably well tuned. So maybe the wall beckons after all.
Marco suggested that moving to night games may have thrown his "clock off." He gets one more try before they fly to Japan, here's hoping he'll break through the wall by then. But don't we still face the notorious spring pitching arrival of "dead arms?"
Ichiro continues to struggle. Along with the fly ball that landed ten yards behind him, he was 0 for 2... a ground-out he would have beat out for a hit a few years ago and another strikeout. He's batting .100 and since he blooped a hit in his first at bat of spring training, he's gone 1 for 19. When does it become embarassing?
An injury to Kyle Seager's wrist took him out of lsst night's game. Tough break for a guy who came to camp with a some impressive new things and an admirable commitment to return to his hitting prowess before other teams began to shift him to death. Reports are is he is okay, but the injury is a reminder of how thin experienced takent is for this team. There are a lot of good, young players available, but no one who could come close to replacing Seager at third, especially with his revived bat.
Good to see Jay Bruce homer. More pressure for roster decisions concerning first base.
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