Sweeeeep!!!
Chim Chim Cheree! The Mariners finished a three-game sweep of the hapless Diamondbacks last night, scoring two runs off Arizona closer Jorge Julio in the 9th for a 3-2 win.
The win pushed them by Texas for second place in the AL West. They are two games behind Oakland.
As the number-conscious boys at USS Mariner point out, the stats suggest that the M's are better than the A's. Though the A's have the better record, they've scored only three more runs than their opponents, while the Mariners have scored 30 more. It's called "run differential."
We have a policy with these types of stats. When they make us happy, we say "statistics are a critical part of understanding baseball." When they piss us off, we say that "baseball isn't played on a computer." In this case, we like to point out that "run differential" could probably solve the Biggie Smalls murder and help man learn to fly.
Rockies at M's tonight, 7:05 start. Josh Fogg (5-5, 5.08) vs. Jamie Moyer (5-6, 3.51). Lefties hit Fogg very well (.315/.545). This might be a good time for a spot start by backup 1b and primary left-handed pinch hitter Roberto Petagine. We don't hold out much hope, as Hargrove prefers a set lineup.
UPDATE: The M's traded a minor league shortstop prospect to the Indians for Eduardo Perez today. Perez DESTROYS lefties (.958 OPS the past three years), and will platoon with Carl Everett at DH. If the goal is to win the division this year, this is a great move. If the goal is to win Tacoma a pennant in 2007, it's a bad move. USS Mariner, we love you guys, but COME ON!
