Spring training games are all about getting at-bats for the hitters and building arm strength for the pitchers. The outcome of the games are meaningless.
That may be true for 31 of the Mariners’ exhibitions this month. But certainly not for the two games they play against the Los Angeles Angels.
The M’s know that in order to win the American League West, they’ll need to beat the Angels. They were 6-13 against the Angels last year and finished six games behind them in the division.
So, when the teams meet today for the first time in 2008, Mariners manager John McLaren doesn’t have to do the math. It may be an exhibition, but he’s dragging out nearly all of his regulars.
Erik Bedard will start, with Brandon Morrow and J.J. Putz also pitching.
Only third baseman Adrian Beltre (in Mexico to be with his wife’s family after her grandmother died) and Jose Vidro (sore right elbow) won’t play.
Catcher Kenji Johjima, left fielder Richie Sexson and left fielder Raul Ibanez played Tuesday against the A’s, but they’re scheduled for their first back-to-back duty of the spring. It’s awfully early to see that, but it’s apparently never too early to make a point against the Angels.
“There’s certain points we want to start playing guys two days in a row, and it just so happens this is that time. By design,” McLaren said. “I’ve said all along that we want to shake hands after we play the Angels.”
Translation: The M’s are out to send a message.
“I don’t want to make too big a deal out of it, but it might be a small step leading to bigger steps,” McLaren said.
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