Apr. 23, 2009 (News Tribune delivered by Newstex ) --
Greetings from a cool and crisp Safeco Field. The sun is out, but it's not a real warm by any means. Right now, Cesar Jimenez and Carlos Silva are out playing some frisbee in the outfield. It's something that the pitchers do to run around a little. It's funny because some of them look so awkward trying to catch it - not always the highest level of coordination or grace. For those of you masochistic enough, you can listen to my weekly appearance with Ian Furness on KJR here. Of course, I offer my thoughts about Yuni and Washburn.
Anyway, it's tough to argue with the pitching match-up we get to see today.
James Shields - 2-1 with a 4.85 ERA, 19.2 IP, 19 hits, 10 runs, 6 BB, 9 KHe's got a great changeup (which you see him gripping below). He's made four career starts against the Mariners and is 1-1 with a 2.12 ERA. The one win came in his only start against the M's last season, when he beat Carlos Silva 5-3 in Safeco.
VS.
Felix Hernandez - 2-0 with a 4.26 ERA, 19 IP, 19 hites, nine runs, six BB, 20 Ks.You're in the rubber game of a series with the defending AL champion Tampa Bay Rays , is there any pitcher on staff you'd rather want making the start? Felix has made six starts against the Rays , he's 1-1 with a 2.54 ERA. Seattle is 4-1 in his starts and has pitched at least 7.2 innings per start against the Rays .
Headed down to the clubhouse, and I'll be back with some more pregame stuff in a few along with some links.
Newstex ID: TC-2491-34364093
