It’s only one recreation.
Even when 15 media members surrounded supervisor Scott Servais within the residence dugout at 2:48 p.m., greater than double the everyday turnout for a pregame scrum. Even when followers shaped strains wrapping round T-Cellular Park greater than two hours earlier than first pitch, whereas broadcasters Dave Sims and Rick Rizzs addressed the group on the gate behind residence plate. Even when a DJ spun beats for hours at a turntable by the backstop. Even when a pregame performer twirled a flaming trident behind second base, a surreal spectacle for 1000’s of followers nonetheless discovering their seats.
Even when Mariners icon Ichiro offered centerfielder Julio Rodriguez his second consecutive Silver Slugger award. Even when Nelson Cruz — who clubbed 163 of his 464 profession homers in 4 seasons in Seattle, from 2015-18 — tossed a ceremonial first pitch to former teammate Felix Hernandez, then signed a one-day contract to retire as a Mariner.
Even when it seemed and felt like one thing extra … exhale.
It’s only one recreation.
Although, on opening day, it’s tempting to extrapolate — to take a 6-4 loss to the Boston Purple Sox and draw concrete conclusions. To promote your seats and guide a Caribbean flight set for the autumn.
In fact, the rolodex of questions connected to this crew can’t be simply answered. It’ll take greater than a recreation, or a collection, or a month to weigh these Mariners.
For example: it’s unclear whether or not this offense has really improved, regardless of the array of offseason additions — second baseman Jorge Polanco, designated hitter Mitch Garver, proper fielder Mitch Haniger, left fielder Luke Raley, third baseman Luis Urias, and so on. Thursday’s opener overflowed with alternatives gone awry — a Garver double play that ended the primary inning with runners on first and third; fly balls by Garver, Polanco and Josh Rojas that cruelly died on the warning monitor.
It’s an offense that led the majors with 6.3 runs per recreation all through spring coaching.
However once we say opening day deceives?
Extra so for follow stats.
“Spring coaching is spring coaching,” Servais precisely assessed previous to Thursday’s recreation. “Guys are attempting various things. We’re messaging slightly bit otherwise, and it appears to have taken maintain. However you don’t actually know till the season begins. Once more, it’s rather a lot completely different whenever you’re dealing with top-end pitching, there’s 45,000 folks within the stands and the video games depend, versus making an attempt one thing in entrance of 4,000 folks in Peoria (Ariz.) on a Wednesday afternoon.”
And but, it wasn’t a lot completely different for Haniger — a brand new and outdated Mariner — who hit .384 with 5 residence runs this spring … then clubbed an reverse subject two-run shot within the fourth inning Thursday to reintroduce himself. Nor was it completely different for do-everything possibility Dylan Moore, who added a two-run shot to lifeless middle within the seventh, after a scintillating spring.
However whereas the marine layer claimed different casualties, extra questions stay. Headlining a rotation thought-about probably baseball’s finest, Luis Castillo struggled — spreading six hits, 5 strikeouts, 4 earned runs and two walks over 5 uneven innings. Purple Sox third baseman Rafael Devers bested Castillo for a double and a two-run homer.
“Generally you anticipate an exquisite, fantastic second on opening days like this. That didn’t go our method this time,” Castillo stated by way of translator Freddy Llanos. “An important factor is that we’re wholesome. That’s baseball. Generally it goes your method, and typically it doesn’t.”
And whereas Castillo’s management was inconsistent, his protection didn’t at all times assist. With runners on second and third within the fourth inning, Boston’s Ceddanne Rafaela stung a grounder to 3rd. Rojas snagged the ball on the run and threw residence, nevertheless it ricocheted off of Purple Sox proper fielder Tyler O’Neill’s helmet, permitting him to attain. And after Urias changed Rojas, he additionally made a late throw to first base on a routine floor ball within the ninth, surrendering an infield single that momentarily prolonged the inning.
The sloppy protection didn’t cease there. Seattle left fielder Dominic Canzone was late to gather a Rafaela liner within the nook within the sixth inning, ensuing within the speedster taking third with a triple. He was promptly plated through a Connor Wong single that just about definitely wouldn’t have scored him from second.
“Little performs like that we definitely need to tighten up,” Servais stated,
The commerce departures of third baseman Eugenio Suarez and outfielder Jarred Kelenic — two above common defenders — could take a toll in 2024. And any bullpen issues arising from Matt Brash and Gregory Santos’ spring accidents weren’t eased Thursday, as relievers Tayler Saucedo and Cody Bolton allowed a run apiece.
However, once more: it’s only one recreation.
It’s additionally, to be trustworthy, a circus and a celebration — full with pink carpets, cameos by Seattle celebrities and 45,337 followers. It’s video packages and elaborate entrances and flaming tridents. It’s the burst to start a marathon, earlier than fatigue inevitably follows.
As Cruz stated Thursday afternoon: “It’s straightforward to be motivated for the opener.”
The Mariners left Thursday with a loss, and lots to show. However the opener is a carnival, not a crystal ball.
Let’s see what tomorrow brings.
It’s only one recreation.
Even when 15 media members surrounded supervisor Scott Servais within the residence dugout at 2:48 p.m., greater than double the everyday turnout for a pregame scrum. Even when followers shaped strains wrapping round T-Cellular Park greater than two hours earlier than first pitch, whereas broadcasters Dave Sims and Rick Rizzs addressed the group on the gate behind residence plate. Even when a DJ spun beats for hours at a turntable by the backstop. Even when a pregame performer twirled a flaming trident behind second base, a surreal spectacle for 1000’s of followers nonetheless discovering their seats.
Even when Mariners icon Ichiro offered centerfielder Julio Rodriguez his second consecutive Silver Slugger award. Even when Nelson Cruz — who clubbed 163 of his 464 profession homers in 4 seasons in Seattle, from 2015-18 — tossed a ceremonial first pitch to former teammate Felix Hernandez, then signed a one-day contract to retire as a Mariner.
Even when it seemed and felt like one thing extra … exhale.
It’s only one recreation.
Although, on opening day, it’s tempting to extrapolate — to take a 6-4 loss to the Boston Purple Sox and draw concrete conclusions. To promote your seats and guide a Caribbean flight set for the autumn.
In fact, the rolodex of questions connected to this crew can’t be simply answered. It’ll take greater than a recreation, or a collection, or a month to weigh these Mariners.
For example: it’s unclear whether or not this offense has really improved, regardless of the array of offseason additions — second baseman Jorge Polanco, designated hitter Mitch Garver, proper fielder Mitch Haniger, left fielder Luke Raley, third baseman Luis Urias, and so on. Thursday’s opener overflowed with alternatives gone awry — a Garver double play that ended the primary inning with runners on first and third; fly balls by Garver, Polanco and Josh Rojas that cruelly died on the warning monitor.
It’s an offense that led the majors with 6.3 runs per recreation all through spring coaching.
However once we say opening day deceives?
Extra so for follow stats.
“Spring coaching is spring coaching,” Servais precisely assessed previous to Thursday’s recreation. “Guys are attempting various things. We’re messaging slightly bit otherwise, and it appears to have taken maintain. However you don’t actually know till the season begins. Once more, it’s rather a lot completely different whenever you’re dealing with top-end pitching, there’s 45,000 folks within the stands and the video games depend, versus making an attempt one thing in entrance of 4,000 folks in Peoria (Ariz.) on a Wednesday afternoon.”
And but, it wasn’t a lot completely different for Haniger — a brand new and outdated Mariner — who hit .384 with 5 residence runs this spring … then clubbed an reverse subject two-run shot within the fourth inning Thursday to reintroduce himself. Nor was it completely different for do-everything possibility Dylan Moore, who added a two-run shot to lifeless middle within the seventh, after a scintillating spring.
However whereas the marine layer claimed different casualties, extra questions stay. Headlining a rotation thought-about probably baseball’s finest, Luis Castillo struggled — spreading six hits, 5 strikeouts, 4 earned runs and two walks over 5 uneven innings. Purple Sox third baseman Rafael Devers bested Castillo for a double and a two-run homer.
“Generally you anticipate an exquisite, fantastic second on opening days like this. That didn’t go our method this time,” Castillo stated by way of translator Freddy Llanos. “An important factor is that we’re wholesome. That’s baseball. Generally it goes your method, and typically it doesn’t.”
And whereas Castillo’s management was inconsistent, his protection didn’t at all times assist. With runners on second and third within the fourth inning, Boston’s Ceddanne Rafaela stung a grounder to 3rd. Rojas snagged the ball on the run and threw residence, nevertheless it ricocheted off of Purple Sox proper fielder Tyler O’Neill’s helmet, permitting him to attain. And after Urias changed Rojas, he additionally made a late throw to first base on a routine floor ball within the ninth, surrendering an infield single that momentarily prolonged the inning.
The sloppy protection didn’t cease there. Seattle left fielder Dominic Canzone was late to gather a Rafaela liner within the nook within the sixth inning, ensuing within the speedster taking third with a triple. He was promptly plated through a Connor Wong single that just about definitely wouldn’t have scored him from second.
“Little performs like that we definitely need to tighten up,” Servais stated,
The commerce departures of third baseman Eugenio Suarez and outfielder Jarred Kelenic — two above common defenders — could take a toll in 2024. And any bullpen issues arising from Matt Brash and Gregory Santos’ spring accidents weren’t eased Thursday, as relievers Tayler Saucedo and Cody Bolton allowed a run apiece.
However, once more: it’s only one recreation.
It’s additionally, to be trustworthy, a circus and a celebration — full with pink carpets, cameos by Seattle celebrities and 45,337 followers. It’s video packages and elaborate entrances and flaming tridents. It’s the burst to start a marathon, earlier than fatigue inevitably follows.
As Cruz stated Thursday afternoon: “It’s straightforward to be motivated for the opener.”
The Mariners left Thursday with a loss, and lots to show. However the opener is a carnival, not a crystal ball.
Let’s see what tomorrow brings.
It’s only one recreation.
Even when 15 media members surrounded supervisor Scott Servais within the residence dugout at 2:48 p.m., greater than double the everyday turnout for a pregame scrum. Even when followers shaped strains wrapping round T-Cellular Park greater than two hours earlier than first pitch, whereas broadcasters Dave Sims and Rick Rizzs addressed the group on the gate behind residence plate. Even when a DJ spun beats for hours at a turntable by the backstop. Even when a pregame performer twirled a flaming trident behind second base, a surreal spectacle for 1000’s of followers nonetheless discovering their seats.
Even when Mariners icon Ichiro offered centerfielder Julio Rodriguez his second consecutive Silver Slugger award. Even when Nelson Cruz — who clubbed 163 of his 464 profession homers in 4 seasons in Seattle, from 2015-18 — tossed a ceremonial first pitch to former teammate Felix Hernandez, then signed a one-day contract to retire as a Mariner.
Even when it seemed and felt like one thing extra … exhale.
It’s only one recreation.
Although, on opening day, it’s tempting to extrapolate — to take a 6-4 loss to the Boston Purple Sox and draw concrete conclusions. To promote your seats and guide a Caribbean flight set for the autumn.
In fact, the rolodex of questions connected to this crew can’t be simply answered. It’ll take greater than a recreation, or a collection, or a month to weigh these Mariners.
For example: it’s unclear whether or not this offense has really improved, regardless of the array of offseason additions — second baseman Jorge Polanco, designated hitter Mitch Garver, proper fielder Mitch Haniger, left fielder Luke Raley, third baseman Luis Urias, and so on. Thursday’s opener overflowed with alternatives gone awry — a Garver double play that ended the primary inning with runners on first and third; fly balls by Garver, Polanco and Josh Rojas that cruelly died on the warning monitor.
It’s an offense that led the majors with 6.3 runs per recreation all through spring coaching.
However once we say opening day deceives?
Extra so for follow stats.
“Spring coaching is spring coaching,” Servais precisely assessed previous to Thursday’s recreation. “Guys are attempting various things. We’re messaging slightly bit otherwise, and it appears to have taken maintain. However you don’t actually know till the season begins. Once more, it’s rather a lot completely different whenever you’re dealing with top-end pitching, there’s 45,000 folks within the stands and the video games depend, versus making an attempt one thing in entrance of 4,000 folks in Peoria (Ariz.) on a Wednesday afternoon.”
And but, it wasn’t a lot completely different for Haniger — a brand new and outdated Mariner — who hit .384 with 5 residence runs this spring … then clubbed an reverse subject two-run shot within the fourth inning Thursday to reintroduce himself. Nor was it completely different for do-everything possibility Dylan Moore, who added a two-run shot to lifeless middle within the seventh, after a scintillating spring.
However whereas the marine layer claimed different casualties, extra questions stay. Headlining a rotation thought-about probably baseball’s finest, Luis Castillo struggled — spreading six hits, 5 strikeouts, 4 earned runs and two walks over 5 uneven innings. Purple Sox third baseman Rafael Devers bested Castillo for a double and a two-run homer.
“Generally you anticipate an exquisite, fantastic second on opening days like this. That didn’t go our method this time,” Castillo stated by way of translator Freddy Llanos. “An important factor is that we’re wholesome. That’s baseball. Generally it goes your method, and typically it doesn’t.”
And whereas Castillo’s management was inconsistent, his protection didn’t at all times assist. With runners on second and third within the fourth inning, Boston’s Ceddanne Rafaela stung a grounder to 3rd. Rojas snagged the ball on the run and threw residence, nevertheless it ricocheted off of Purple Sox proper fielder Tyler O’Neill’s helmet, permitting him to attain. And after Urias changed Rojas, he additionally made a late throw to first base on a routine floor ball within the ninth, surrendering an infield single that momentarily prolonged the inning.
The sloppy protection didn’t cease there. Seattle left fielder Dominic Canzone was late to gather a Rafaela liner within the nook within the sixth inning, ensuing within the speedster taking third with a triple. He was promptly plated through a Connor Wong single that just about definitely wouldn’t have scored him from second.
“Little performs like that we definitely need to tighten up,” Servais stated,
The commerce departures of third baseman Eugenio Suarez and outfielder Jarred Kelenic — two above common defenders — could take a toll in 2024. And any bullpen issues arising from Matt Brash and Gregory Santos’ spring accidents weren’t eased Thursday, as relievers Tayler Saucedo and Cody Bolton allowed a run apiece.
However, once more: it’s only one recreation.
It’s additionally, to be trustworthy, a circus and a celebration — full with pink carpets, cameos by Seattle celebrities and 45,337 followers. It’s video packages and elaborate entrances and flaming tridents. It’s the burst to start a marathon, earlier than fatigue inevitably follows.
As Cruz stated Thursday afternoon: “It’s straightforward to be motivated for the opener.”
The Mariners left Thursday with a loss, and lots to show. However the opener is a carnival, not a crystal ball.
Let’s see what tomorrow brings.
It’s only one recreation.
Even when 15 media members surrounded supervisor Scott Servais within the residence dugout at 2:48 p.m., greater than double the everyday turnout for a pregame scrum. Even when followers shaped strains wrapping round T-Cellular Park greater than two hours earlier than first pitch, whereas broadcasters Dave Sims and Rick Rizzs addressed the group on the gate behind residence plate. Even when a DJ spun beats for hours at a turntable by the backstop. Even when a pregame performer twirled a flaming trident behind second base, a surreal spectacle for 1000’s of followers nonetheless discovering their seats.
Even when Mariners icon Ichiro offered centerfielder Julio Rodriguez his second consecutive Silver Slugger award. Even when Nelson Cruz — who clubbed 163 of his 464 profession homers in 4 seasons in Seattle, from 2015-18 — tossed a ceremonial first pitch to former teammate Felix Hernandez, then signed a one-day contract to retire as a Mariner.
Even when it seemed and felt like one thing extra … exhale.
It’s only one recreation.
Although, on opening day, it’s tempting to extrapolate — to take a 6-4 loss to the Boston Purple Sox and draw concrete conclusions. To promote your seats and guide a Caribbean flight set for the autumn.
In fact, the rolodex of questions connected to this crew can’t be simply answered. It’ll take greater than a recreation, or a collection, or a month to weigh these Mariners.
For example: it’s unclear whether or not this offense has really improved, regardless of the array of offseason additions — second baseman Jorge Polanco, designated hitter Mitch Garver, proper fielder Mitch Haniger, left fielder Luke Raley, third baseman Luis Urias, and so on. Thursday’s opener overflowed with alternatives gone awry — a Garver double play that ended the primary inning with runners on first and third; fly balls by Garver, Polanco and Josh Rojas that cruelly died on the warning monitor.
It’s an offense that led the majors with 6.3 runs per recreation all through spring coaching.
However once we say opening day deceives?
Extra so for follow stats.
“Spring coaching is spring coaching,” Servais precisely assessed previous to Thursday’s recreation. “Guys are attempting various things. We’re messaging slightly bit otherwise, and it appears to have taken maintain. However you don’t actually know till the season begins. Once more, it’s rather a lot completely different whenever you’re dealing with top-end pitching, there’s 45,000 folks within the stands and the video games depend, versus making an attempt one thing in entrance of 4,000 folks in Peoria (Ariz.) on a Wednesday afternoon.”
And but, it wasn’t a lot completely different for Haniger — a brand new and outdated Mariner — who hit .384 with 5 residence runs this spring … then clubbed an reverse subject two-run shot within the fourth inning Thursday to reintroduce himself. Nor was it completely different for do-everything possibility Dylan Moore, who added a two-run shot to lifeless middle within the seventh, after a scintillating spring.
However whereas the marine layer claimed different casualties, extra questions stay. Headlining a rotation thought-about probably baseball’s finest, Luis Castillo struggled — spreading six hits, 5 strikeouts, 4 earned runs and two walks over 5 uneven innings. Purple Sox third baseman Rafael Devers bested Castillo for a double and a two-run homer.
“Generally you anticipate an exquisite, fantastic second on opening days like this. That didn’t go our method this time,” Castillo stated by way of translator Freddy Llanos. “An important factor is that we’re wholesome. That’s baseball. Generally it goes your method, and typically it doesn’t.”
And whereas Castillo’s management was inconsistent, his protection didn’t at all times assist. With runners on second and third within the fourth inning, Boston’s Ceddanne Rafaela stung a grounder to 3rd. Rojas snagged the ball on the run and threw residence, nevertheless it ricocheted off of Purple Sox proper fielder Tyler O’Neill’s helmet, permitting him to attain. And after Urias changed Rojas, he additionally made a late throw to first base on a routine floor ball within the ninth, surrendering an infield single that momentarily prolonged the inning.
The sloppy protection didn’t cease there. Seattle left fielder Dominic Canzone was late to gather a Rafaela liner within the nook within the sixth inning, ensuing within the speedster taking third with a triple. He was promptly plated through a Connor Wong single that just about definitely wouldn’t have scored him from second.
“Little performs like that we definitely need to tighten up,” Servais stated,
The commerce departures of third baseman Eugenio Suarez and outfielder Jarred Kelenic — two above common defenders — could take a toll in 2024. And any bullpen issues arising from Matt Brash and Gregory Santos’ spring accidents weren’t eased Thursday, as relievers Tayler Saucedo and Cody Bolton allowed a run apiece.
However, once more: it’s only one recreation.
It’s additionally, to be trustworthy, a circus and a celebration — full with pink carpets, cameos by Seattle celebrities and 45,337 followers. It’s video packages and elaborate entrances and flaming tridents. It’s the burst to start a marathon, earlier than fatigue inevitably follows.
As Cruz stated Thursday afternoon: “It’s straightforward to be motivated for the opener.”
The Mariners left Thursday with a loss, and lots to show. However the opener is a carnival, not a crystal ball.
Let’s see what tomorrow brings.
It’s only one recreation.
Even when 15 media members surrounded supervisor Scott Servais within the residence dugout at 2:48 p.m., greater than double the everyday turnout for a pregame scrum. Even when followers shaped strains wrapping round T-Cellular Park greater than two hours earlier than first pitch, whereas broadcasters Dave Sims and Rick Rizzs addressed the group on the gate behind residence plate. Even when a DJ spun beats for hours at a turntable by the backstop. Even when a pregame performer twirled a flaming trident behind second base, a surreal spectacle for 1000’s of followers nonetheless discovering their seats.
Even when Mariners icon Ichiro offered centerfielder Julio Rodriguez his second consecutive Silver Slugger award. Even when Nelson Cruz — who clubbed 163 of his 464 profession homers in 4 seasons in Seattle, from 2015-18 — tossed a ceremonial first pitch to former teammate Felix Hernandez, then signed a one-day contract to retire as a Mariner.
Even when it seemed and felt like one thing extra … exhale.
It’s only one recreation.
Although, on opening day, it’s tempting to extrapolate — to take a 6-4 loss to the Boston Purple Sox and draw concrete conclusions. To promote your seats and guide a Caribbean flight set for the autumn.
In fact, the rolodex of questions connected to this crew can’t be simply answered. It’ll take greater than a recreation, or a collection, or a month to weigh these Mariners.
For example: it’s unclear whether or not this offense has really improved, regardless of the array of offseason additions — second baseman Jorge Polanco, designated hitter Mitch Garver, proper fielder Mitch Haniger, left fielder Luke Raley, third baseman Luis Urias, and so on. Thursday’s opener overflowed with alternatives gone awry — a Garver double play that ended the primary inning with runners on first and third; fly balls by Garver, Polanco and Josh Rojas that cruelly died on the warning monitor.
It’s an offense that led the majors with 6.3 runs per recreation all through spring coaching.
However once we say opening day deceives?
Extra so for follow stats.
“Spring coaching is spring coaching,” Servais precisely assessed previous to Thursday’s recreation. “Guys are attempting various things. We’re messaging slightly bit otherwise, and it appears to have taken maintain. However you don’t actually know till the season begins. Once more, it’s rather a lot completely different whenever you’re dealing with top-end pitching, there’s 45,000 folks within the stands and the video games depend, versus making an attempt one thing in entrance of 4,000 folks in Peoria (Ariz.) on a Wednesday afternoon.”
And but, it wasn’t a lot completely different for Haniger — a brand new and outdated Mariner — who hit .384 with 5 residence runs this spring … then clubbed an reverse subject two-run shot within the fourth inning Thursday to reintroduce himself. Nor was it completely different for do-everything possibility Dylan Moore, who added a two-run shot to lifeless middle within the seventh, after a scintillating spring.
However whereas the marine layer claimed different casualties, extra questions stay. Headlining a rotation thought-about probably baseball’s finest, Luis Castillo struggled — spreading six hits, 5 strikeouts, 4 earned runs and two walks over 5 uneven innings. Purple Sox third baseman Rafael Devers bested Castillo for a double and a two-run homer.
“Generally you anticipate an exquisite, fantastic second on opening days like this. That didn’t go our method this time,” Castillo stated by way of translator Freddy Llanos. “An important factor is that we’re wholesome. That’s baseball. Generally it goes your method, and typically it doesn’t.”
And whereas Castillo’s management was inconsistent, his protection didn’t at all times assist. With runners on second and third within the fourth inning, Boston’s Ceddanne Rafaela stung a grounder to 3rd. Rojas snagged the ball on the run and threw residence, nevertheless it ricocheted off of Purple Sox proper fielder Tyler O’Neill’s helmet, permitting him to attain. And after Urias changed Rojas, he additionally made a late throw to first base on a routine floor ball within the ninth, surrendering an infield single that momentarily prolonged the inning.
The sloppy protection didn’t cease there. Seattle left fielder Dominic Canzone was late to gather a Rafaela liner within the nook within the sixth inning, ensuing within the speedster taking third with a triple. He was promptly plated through a Connor Wong single that just about definitely wouldn’t have scored him from second.
“Little performs like that we definitely need to tighten up,” Servais stated,
The commerce departures of third baseman Eugenio Suarez and outfielder Jarred Kelenic — two above common defenders — could take a toll in 2024. And any bullpen issues arising from Matt Brash and Gregory Santos’ spring accidents weren’t eased Thursday, as relievers Tayler Saucedo and Cody Bolton allowed a run apiece.
However, once more: it’s only one recreation.
It’s additionally, to be trustworthy, a circus and a celebration — full with pink carpets, cameos by Seattle celebrities and 45,337 followers. It’s video packages and elaborate entrances and flaming tridents. It’s the burst to start a marathon, earlier than fatigue inevitably follows.
As Cruz stated Thursday afternoon: “It’s straightforward to be motivated for the opener.”
The Mariners left Thursday with a loss, and lots to show. However the opener is a carnival, not a crystal ball.
Let’s see what tomorrow brings.
It’s only one recreation.
Even when 15 media members surrounded supervisor Scott Servais within the residence dugout at 2:48 p.m., greater than double the everyday turnout for a pregame scrum. Even when followers shaped strains wrapping round T-Cellular Park greater than two hours earlier than first pitch, whereas broadcasters Dave Sims and Rick Rizzs addressed the group on the gate behind residence plate. Even when a DJ spun beats for hours at a turntable by the backstop. Even when a pregame performer twirled a flaming trident behind second base, a surreal spectacle for 1000’s of followers nonetheless discovering their seats.
Even when Mariners icon Ichiro offered centerfielder Julio Rodriguez his second consecutive Silver Slugger award. Even when Nelson Cruz — who clubbed 163 of his 464 profession homers in 4 seasons in Seattle, from 2015-18 — tossed a ceremonial first pitch to former teammate Felix Hernandez, then signed a one-day contract to retire as a Mariner.
Even when it seemed and felt like one thing extra … exhale.
It’s only one recreation.
Although, on opening day, it’s tempting to extrapolate — to take a 6-4 loss to the Boston Purple Sox and draw concrete conclusions. To promote your seats and guide a Caribbean flight set for the autumn.
In fact, the rolodex of questions connected to this crew can’t be simply answered. It’ll take greater than a recreation, or a collection, or a month to weigh these Mariners.
For example: it’s unclear whether or not this offense has really improved, regardless of the array of offseason additions — second baseman Jorge Polanco, designated hitter Mitch Garver, proper fielder Mitch Haniger, left fielder Luke Raley, third baseman Luis Urias, and so on. Thursday’s opener overflowed with alternatives gone awry — a Garver double play that ended the primary inning with runners on first and third; fly balls by Garver, Polanco and Josh Rojas that cruelly died on the warning monitor.
It’s an offense that led the majors with 6.3 runs per recreation all through spring coaching.
However once we say opening day deceives?
Extra so for follow stats.
“Spring coaching is spring coaching,” Servais precisely assessed previous to Thursday’s recreation. “Guys are attempting various things. We’re messaging slightly bit otherwise, and it appears to have taken maintain. However you don’t actually know till the season begins. Once more, it’s rather a lot completely different whenever you’re dealing with top-end pitching, there’s 45,000 folks within the stands and the video games depend, versus making an attempt one thing in entrance of 4,000 folks in Peoria (Ariz.) on a Wednesday afternoon.”
And but, it wasn’t a lot completely different for Haniger — a brand new and outdated Mariner — who hit .384 with 5 residence runs this spring … then clubbed an reverse subject two-run shot within the fourth inning Thursday to reintroduce himself. Nor was it completely different for do-everything possibility Dylan Moore, who added a two-run shot to lifeless middle within the seventh, after a scintillating spring.
However whereas the marine layer claimed different casualties, extra questions stay. Headlining a rotation thought-about probably baseball’s finest, Luis Castillo struggled — spreading six hits, 5 strikeouts, 4 earned runs and two walks over 5 uneven innings. Purple Sox third baseman Rafael Devers bested Castillo for a double and a two-run homer.
“Generally you anticipate an exquisite, fantastic second on opening days like this. That didn’t go our method this time,” Castillo stated by way of translator Freddy Llanos. “An important factor is that we’re wholesome. That’s baseball. Generally it goes your method, and typically it doesn’t.”
And whereas Castillo’s management was inconsistent, his protection didn’t at all times assist. With runners on second and third within the fourth inning, Boston’s Ceddanne Rafaela stung a grounder to 3rd. Rojas snagged the ball on the run and threw residence, nevertheless it ricocheted off of Purple Sox proper fielder Tyler O’Neill’s helmet, permitting him to attain. And after Urias changed Rojas, he additionally made a late throw to first base on a routine floor ball within the ninth, surrendering an infield single that momentarily prolonged the inning.
The sloppy protection didn’t cease there. Seattle left fielder Dominic Canzone was late to gather a Rafaela liner within the nook within the sixth inning, ensuing within the speedster taking third with a triple. He was promptly plated through a Connor Wong single that just about definitely wouldn’t have scored him from second.
“Little performs like that we definitely need to tighten up,” Servais stated,
The commerce departures of third baseman Eugenio Suarez and outfielder Jarred Kelenic — two above common defenders — could take a toll in 2024. And any bullpen issues arising from Matt Brash and Gregory Santos’ spring accidents weren’t eased Thursday, as relievers Tayler Saucedo and Cody Bolton allowed a run apiece.
However, once more: it’s only one recreation.
It’s additionally, to be trustworthy, a circus and a celebration — full with pink carpets, cameos by Seattle celebrities and 45,337 followers. It’s video packages and elaborate entrances and flaming tridents. It’s the burst to start a marathon, earlier than fatigue inevitably follows.
As Cruz stated Thursday afternoon: “It’s straightforward to be motivated for the opener.”
The Mariners left Thursday with a loss, and lots to show. However the opener is a carnival, not a crystal ball.
Let’s see what tomorrow brings.
It’s only one recreation.
Even when 15 media members surrounded supervisor Scott Servais within the residence dugout at 2:48 p.m., greater than double the everyday turnout for a pregame scrum. Even when followers shaped strains wrapping round T-Cellular Park greater than two hours earlier than first pitch, whereas broadcasters Dave Sims and Rick Rizzs addressed the group on the gate behind residence plate. Even when a DJ spun beats for hours at a turntable by the backstop. Even when a pregame performer twirled a flaming trident behind second base, a surreal spectacle for 1000’s of followers nonetheless discovering their seats.
Even when Mariners icon Ichiro offered centerfielder Julio Rodriguez his second consecutive Silver Slugger award. Even when Nelson Cruz — who clubbed 163 of his 464 profession homers in 4 seasons in Seattle, from 2015-18 — tossed a ceremonial first pitch to former teammate Felix Hernandez, then signed a one-day contract to retire as a Mariner.
Even when it seemed and felt like one thing extra … exhale.
It’s only one recreation.
Although, on opening day, it’s tempting to extrapolate — to take a 6-4 loss to the Boston Purple Sox and draw concrete conclusions. To promote your seats and guide a Caribbean flight set for the autumn.
In fact, the rolodex of questions connected to this crew can’t be simply answered. It’ll take greater than a recreation, or a collection, or a month to weigh these Mariners.
For example: it’s unclear whether or not this offense has really improved, regardless of the array of offseason additions — second baseman Jorge Polanco, designated hitter Mitch Garver, proper fielder Mitch Haniger, left fielder Luke Raley, third baseman Luis Urias, and so on. Thursday’s opener overflowed with alternatives gone awry — a Garver double play that ended the primary inning with runners on first and third; fly balls by Garver, Polanco and Josh Rojas that cruelly died on the warning monitor.
It’s an offense that led the majors with 6.3 runs per recreation all through spring coaching.
However once we say opening day deceives?
Extra so for follow stats.
“Spring coaching is spring coaching,” Servais precisely assessed previous to Thursday’s recreation. “Guys are attempting various things. We’re messaging slightly bit otherwise, and it appears to have taken maintain. However you don’t actually know till the season begins. Once more, it’s rather a lot completely different whenever you’re dealing with top-end pitching, there’s 45,000 folks within the stands and the video games depend, versus making an attempt one thing in entrance of 4,000 folks in Peoria (Ariz.) on a Wednesday afternoon.”
And but, it wasn’t a lot completely different for Haniger — a brand new and outdated Mariner — who hit .384 with 5 residence runs this spring … then clubbed an reverse subject two-run shot within the fourth inning Thursday to reintroduce himself. Nor was it completely different for do-everything possibility Dylan Moore, who added a two-run shot to lifeless middle within the seventh, after a scintillating spring.
However whereas the marine layer claimed different casualties, extra questions stay. Headlining a rotation thought-about probably baseball’s finest, Luis Castillo struggled — spreading six hits, 5 strikeouts, 4 earned runs and two walks over 5 uneven innings. Purple Sox third baseman Rafael Devers bested Castillo for a double and a two-run homer.
“Generally you anticipate an exquisite, fantastic second on opening days like this. That didn’t go our method this time,” Castillo stated by way of translator Freddy Llanos. “An important factor is that we’re wholesome. That’s baseball. Generally it goes your method, and typically it doesn’t.”
And whereas Castillo’s management was inconsistent, his protection didn’t at all times assist. With runners on second and third within the fourth inning, Boston’s Ceddanne Rafaela stung a grounder to 3rd. Rojas snagged the ball on the run and threw residence, nevertheless it ricocheted off of Purple Sox proper fielder Tyler O’Neill’s helmet, permitting him to attain. And after Urias changed Rojas, he additionally made a late throw to first base on a routine floor ball within the ninth, surrendering an infield single that momentarily prolonged the inning.
The sloppy protection didn’t cease there. Seattle left fielder Dominic Canzone was late to gather a Rafaela liner within the nook within the sixth inning, ensuing within the speedster taking third with a triple. He was promptly plated through a Connor Wong single that just about definitely wouldn’t have scored him from second.
“Little performs like that we definitely need to tighten up,” Servais stated,
The commerce departures of third baseman Eugenio Suarez and outfielder Jarred Kelenic — two above common defenders — could take a toll in 2024. And any bullpen issues arising from Matt Brash and Gregory Santos’ spring accidents weren’t eased Thursday, as relievers Tayler Saucedo and Cody Bolton allowed a run apiece.
However, once more: it’s only one recreation.
It’s additionally, to be trustworthy, a circus and a celebration — full with pink carpets, cameos by Seattle celebrities and 45,337 followers. It’s video packages and elaborate entrances and flaming tridents. It’s the burst to start a marathon, earlier than fatigue inevitably follows.
As Cruz stated Thursday afternoon: “It’s straightforward to be motivated for the opener.”
The Mariners left Thursday with a loss, and lots to show. However the opener is a carnival, not a crystal ball.
Let’s see what tomorrow brings.
It’s only one recreation.
Even when 15 media members surrounded supervisor Scott Servais within the residence dugout at 2:48 p.m., greater than double the everyday turnout for a pregame scrum. Even when followers shaped strains wrapping round T-Cellular Park greater than two hours earlier than first pitch, whereas broadcasters Dave Sims and Rick Rizzs addressed the group on the gate behind residence plate. Even when a DJ spun beats for hours at a turntable by the backstop. Even when a pregame performer twirled a flaming trident behind second base, a surreal spectacle for 1000’s of followers nonetheless discovering their seats.
Even when Mariners icon Ichiro offered centerfielder Julio Rodriguez his second consecutive Silver Slugger award. Even when Nelson Cruz — who clubbed 163 of his 464 profession homers in 4 seasons in Seattle, from 2015-18 — tossed a ceremonial first pitch to former teammate Felix Hernandez, then signed a one-day contract to retire as a Mariner.
Even when it seemed and felt like one thing extra … exhale.
It’s only one recreation.
Although, on opening day, it’s tempting to extrapolate — to take a 6-4 loss to the Boston Purple Sox and draw concrete conclusions. To promote your seats and guide a Caribbean flight set for the autumn.
In fact, the rolodex of questions connected to this crew can’t be simply answered. It’ll take greater than a recreation, or a collection, or a month to weigh these Mariners.
For example: it’s unclear whether or not this offense has really improved, regardless of the array of offseason additions — second baseman Jorge Polanco, designated hitter Mitch Garver, proper fielder Mitch Haniger, left fielder Luke Raley, third baseman Luis Urias, and so on. Thursday’s opener overflowed with alternatives gone awry — a Garver double play that ended the primary inning with runners on first and third; fly balls by Garver, Polanco and Josh Rojas that cruelly died on the warning monitor.
It’s an offense that led the majors with 6.3 runs per recreation all through spring coaching.
However once we say opening day deceives?
Extra so for follow stats.
“Spring coaching is spring coaching,” Servais precisely assessed previous to Thursday’s recreation. “Guys are attempting various things. We’re messaging slightly bit otherwise, and it appears to have taken maintain. However you don’t actually know till the season begins. Once more, it’s rather a lot completely different whenever you’re dealing with top-end pitching, there’s 45,000 folks within the stands and the video games depend, versus making an attempt one thing in entrance of 4,000 folks in Peoria (Ariz.) on a Wednesday afternoon.”
And but, it wasn’t a lot completely different for Haniger — a brand new and outdated Mariner — who hit .384 with 5 residence runs this spring … then clubbed an reverse subject two-run shot within the fourth inning Thursday to reintroduce himself. Nor was it completely different for do-everything possibility Dylan Moore, who added a two-run shot to lifeless middle within the seventh, after a scintillating spring.
However whereas the marine layer claimed different casualties, extra questions stay. Headlining a rotation thought-about probably baseball’s finest, Luis Castillo struggled — spreading six hits, 5 strikeouts, 4 earned runs and two walks over 5 uneven innings. Purple Sox third baseman Rafael Devers bested Castillo for a double and a two-run homer.
“Generally you anticipate an exquisite, fantastic second on opening days like this. That didn’t go our method this time,” Castillo stated by way of translator Freddy Llanos. “An important factor is that we’re wholesome. That’s baseball. Generally it goes your method, and typically it doesn’t.”
And whereas Castillo’s management was inconsistent, his protection didn’t at all times assist. With runners on second and third within the fourth inning, Boston’s Ceddanne Rafaela stung a grounder to 3rd. Rojas snagged the ball on the run and threw residence, nevertheless it ricocheted off of Purple Sox proper fielder Tyler O’Neill’s helmet, permitting him to attain. And after Urias changed Rojas, he additionally made a late throw to first base on a routine floor ball within the ninth, surrendering an infield single that momentarily prolonged the inning.
The sloppy protection didn’t cease there. Seattle left fielder Dominic Canzone was late to gather a Rafaela liner within the nook within the sixth inning, ensuing within the speedster taking third with a triple. He was promptly plated through a Connor Wong single that just about definitely wouldn’t have scored him from second.
“Little performs like that we definitely need to tighten up,” Servais stated,
The commerce departures of third baseman Eugenio Suarez and outfielder Jarred Kelenic — two above common defenders — could take a toll in 2024. And any bullpen issues arising from Matt Brash and Gregory Santos’ spring accidents weren’t eased Thursday, as relievers Tayler Saucedo and Cody Bolton allowed a run apiece.
However, once more: it’s only one recreation.
It’s additionally, to be trustworthy, a circus and a celebration — full with pink carpets, cameos by Seattle celebrities and 45,337 followers. It’s video packages and elaborate entrances and flaming tridents. It’s the burst to start a marathon, earlier than fatigue inevitably follows.
As Cruz stated Thursday afternoon: “It’s straightforward to be motivated for the opener.”
The Mariners left Thursday with a loss, and lots to show. However the opener is a carnival, not a crystal ball.
Let’s see what tomorrow brings.