The Surprise, Surprise: Pitchers Stepping Up Their Game
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The Leadoff
*Salute to Peyton Manning. Without getting into deep analysis, he is arguably the greatest regular season quarterback ever and a top-5 all-time performer at that position. As a sports fan, I have my favorite players. I wouldn't say that Peyton Manning is on my short list, nor did he ever play for "my" team, but I've always appreciated how special true greatness in sports is to watch, and Peyton Manning certainly provided memorable theatre.
*Happy birthday to the voice of Globe Life Park, the great Chuck Morgan!
Game Notes RANGERS 3 Mariners 7
Pitchers
*Martin Perez threw three scoreless innings versus the White Sox in a B game today. He got several ground balls, even a few that were not converted into outs. Keeping the ball on the ground is a good sign for him.
*A.J. Griffin made his Cactus League debut, delivering a perfect inning with a strikeout. Good things.
*Nick Tepesch had some trouble with the command, falling behind hitters and walking two in two innings. He had generated some momentum to his name with his performance so far, even that which took place prior to games, but might have taken a sliiiiiight step back today. He's trying to climb a steep and slippery hill to make the Major League team.
Position Players
*Ryan Rua went 4-for-4 in the B game.
*Justin Ruggiano got his first taste of 1B in the B game and said it went well. He was challenged with a tough scoop opportunity that he completed successfully. Afterwards, he said there was a double play ball hit his way he could have executed better.
*Nomar Mazara added another hit.
Quote of the Day
"Everyone knows I have a good change up and a good 2-seam fastball...my focus now is to work on my breaking pitches. I want to focus on my curveball and my slider." -LHP Martin Perez after tossing three scoreless innings in his B game performance vs. the White Sox.
Stat of the Day
The Mariners were 6-for-6 in their stolen base attempts today. The Tepesch-Gimenez battery surrendered four of those. Just a note. Something to monitor, perhaps.
Housekeeping
*Shawn Tolleson (back spasms) played a light catch today and Jeremy Guthrie (back tightness) is supposed to pitch in tomorrow's A game versus the Giants.
Bracketology
Today's Results
Connor Sadzeck beat Ike Davis (3-shot playoff)
Chris Gimenez beat Shin-Soo Choo
Ian Desmond beat Cole Hamels
Justin Ruggiano beat Scott Williams
*It is worth noting that Shin-Soo Choo stole today's show by showing up with a Yao Ming jersey, complete with an NBA headband, shorts and socks — the whole nine.
Winners: Kivlehan, Guthrie, Hamilton, Jaye, Gallo, Diekman, Cordell, Robinson, Gimenez, Desmond, Sadzeck, Ruggiano
Losers: Moreland, Odor, Brinson, Dyson, Fielder, Johnson, Chirinos, Lewis, Choo, Hamels, Williams, Davis
The Walkoff
Evan Grant (Dallas Morning News) identified five Rangers he thinks are primed for a breakout year.
My Five
5. Andrew Faulkner: Youngster will establish himself as the team's go-to lefty specialist, allowing Jake Diekman to be used in a versatile capacity.
4. Nomar Mazara: His ability and approach has everyone raving about his freakishly high ceiling.
3. Keone Kela: His dominant stuff now comes with a year of experience for a guy who soaks up information like a sponge.
2. Martin Perez: Nearly two years removed from TJ, this is his year to put it all together.
1. Rougned Odor: Unique talent mixed with fierce intensity will make him a top 5 2B at year's end.
Until tomorrow, Peace Be the Journey
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