Seattlest Pix 09Nov24
Tuesdays are Muppet Days
Seattle to Remain Famous for Coffee and Rain
Can't Miss It: Monday
Thanksgiving Pairing Suggestion: Sides with a Pint
Saw Catch Me If You Can over the weekend, the meant-for-Broadway production that's working out kinks (of which there are many, especially in Act II) at the Fifth Avenue.
A preview show like this is an odd duck--they are charging money (up to $78) and accepting reviews, so the show has to retain some degree of professionalism. At the same time, critics and paying audiences alike know that what they are seeing is to a large degree a rehearsal for future Broadway performances. The writers are adding and subtracting lines, the actors are altering their delivery, the director is giving notes--it's really a working rehearsal.
It struck us this morning that the 2009 Mariners are working in a similar way--auditioning players for roles on next season's team while still putting on a professional performance.
After Boston suffered a sweep by the Yankees over the weekend, The Mariners are only 4.5 games out in the wild card race. So while the two series this week against fellow contenders Chicago and New York have pennant race implications, the M's brass aren't going pennant or bust.
Tuesday, 6-foot-8 control artist Doug Fister will make his major league starting debut against the White Sox. Fister is one of a passel of pitchers auditioning for a spot behind Felix Hernandez in the 2010 Mariners rotation.
The three who round out the current rotation--Ian Snell, Ryan Rowland-Smith and Luke French--will be the first three starters against the Yankees. Three other 2010 rotation possibilities (Garrett Olson, Jason Vargas, and Brandon Morrow) have all started games for the M's this year but are getting work in Tacoma now while other pitchers get a look. And free-agent bust Carlos Silva, who's been out of action most of the year, may get a few starts in September.
The Mariners promoted outfielder Michael Saunders in July, and have made him the everyday leftfielder. The M's aren't expecting immediate production from Saunders, as evidenced by the fact that he's batting ninth.
On September 1, once rosters are expanded to 40 players, you'll likely see local kid Matt Tuiasosopo (above) up with the big club, getting an audition at the 3B job. He may be the everyday third baseman if Adrian Beltre is traded.
Jack Hannahan, acquired from the A's midseason after Beltre's injury, is being tried out at shortstop and second base to see if he could be next year's utility infielder.
Most likely, the Mariners won't be contending for a postseason spot this year. But the guys who'll help them contend in 2010 and 2011 are making their plays now.
And as in Catch Me If You Can, there's a lot of talent on display.
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