Rainy days and pitching rotations
Published 8:19 am Friday, February 22, 2008
The Mariners got a taste of the Northwest this morning — gray skies, cool temperatures and the threat of rain.
OK, this is far from Northwest weather, with temps in the mid-50s when the Mariners went outside for their morning practice. But when you you see the gate guard at the entrance to the M’s parking lot bundled in a sweatshirt (with the hood pulled tightly over his head), a jacket and gloves, it’s apparent this is cold weather by Arizona standards. I’ll take it.
Weather did impact the Mariners this morning, with the pitchers batting practice moved to the front of the schedule because rain is forecast for late in the morning. The M’s don’t want to take a chance having the pitchers’ work washed out.
Manager John McLaren said he may announce later today or tomorrow who would fill the third, fourth and fifth spots in the starting rotation. Jarrod Washburn, Carlos Silva and MIguel Batista will occupy those jobs, but McLaren and Stottlemyre must decide their order. They will consider such factors as how they want to split up left-handers Erik Bedard and Washburn, which pitcher might benefit from an extra day of rest and how they have fared against particular opponents.
