The Rainiers season starts Thursday at Cheney Stadium, with Albuquerque in town to face Tacoma at 7:05.
First, let’s check the weather from KOMO’s Seth Wayne:
We could not realistically ask for anything better than that!
Here are the pitching match-ups. Note that Albuquerque’s might change because of a possible Jon Gray rehab start at some point during the series.
- Thursday, 7:05: RHP Eddie Butler vs. RHP Joe Wieland
- Friday, 7:05: RHP David Hale vs. RHP Cody Martin
- Saturday, 5:05: RHP Jeff Hoffman vs. LHP James Paxton
- Sunday, 1:35: RHP Shane Carle vs. RHP Adrian Sampson
The team has been working out at Cheney Stadium this week. Tonight they’ll have a final round of batting practice, but this time under the lights in order to get the players accustomed to night baseball.
We’re going to have a roster move prior to opening day. The Mariners announced today that catcher Rob Brantly has cleared waivers and is outrighted to Tacoma. The Rainiers roster was full at 25 so something has to give to make room for Brantly. Tacoma has two other catchers right now: Mike Zunino and Steven Lerud.
Links:
- Today’s Mariners Notebook explains the order of the Rainiers starting rotation.
- Albuquerque’s roster is highlighted by top pitching prospect Jeff Hoffman, who is set to make his Triple-A debut in Tacoma this weekend. The ‘Topes are also strong at the catcher position.
- Very interesting article from Baseball America on how the Mariners have changed the way they are going to promote top prospects in the organization.
- The Mariners lost to Texas on opening day, 3-2, despite allowing only one hit. Errors and walks led to a three-run inning for the Rangers.
- “Same old Mariners?” Don’t say it (yet), Larry Stone writes.
- Mike Montgomery was an opening day bright spot for the Mariners, striking out the side in his first inning of relief.
- The Mariners followed up the opening day loss with a 10-2 trouncing of Texas – although they didn’t break it open until late in the game.
- Tuesday’s game got a little heated after the Mariners broke it open, and Scott Servais earned some respect according to Larry Stone.
- Chris Iannetta is off to a hot start at the plate for Seattle.
- Ryan Divish solicited MLB predictions from many members of the local media, including me. The main reason he does this is so he can post embarrassing pictures of us.
In the minors:
- Two PCL radio guys made Baseball America’s list of Best Broadcasting Prospects in the minors. I once made this list, but I flamed out.
- Here’s a link to Baseball America’s “Best of the Minors” page, with numerous categories you can check out. Seems rigged, though – how can Portland, Maine beat out both New Orleans and Vegas for best road trip? Come on, guys.
- The El Paso Chihuahuas arrive in Tacoma on Monday and here is a look at their roster.
- The Arizona Diamondbacks No. 1 and No. 2 prospects are both in Reno’s starting rotation. That would be Archie Bradley and Braden Shipley.
- Fresno is set to defend its PCL title. Their big new prospect is first baseman A.J. Reed.
- All Las Vegas manager Wally Backman wants to do is win. This column gives the reader insight as to why Backman is one of the most popular people in the PCL. The 51s finalized their opening day roster.
- After serving as a roving instructor, Keith Johnson is happy to be back managing his Salt Lake Bees.
- Three injuries in St. Louis have left the Memphis Redbirds a little thin on opening day.
- Round Rock is loaded up with Texas Rangers top prospects.
- The Iowa Cubs are also prospect-heavy. Plus, they have Muneori Kawasaki.
- Omaha is always a threat to win the PCL. Here’s a look at their roster.
- The Dodgers sent top prospect Julio Urias to Oklahoma City.
- Plans are afoot to build apartments and retail businesses adjacent to the new ballpark in Nashville. Tacoma doesn’t play Nashville until August 16th, but here’s a peek at their roster.
Tomorrow morning I’ll post all of the pertinent broadcast news and links. Then we’ll get this season started.
Booth, Justice and the American Pastime 
Ready for another great season. Hope to catch the team in either Sacramento or Fresno.
Good luck!
-DB