A’s series re-cap

Let’s see. In three games against the Athletics, the Mariners allowed 16 hits, 11 runs, three extra base hits (all doubles), and lost two out of three games against Oakland. That’s because the Mariners extended the A’s a helping hand, walking them 21 times over the weekend. You have to tip your hat to the Mariners, being so willing to help other teams beat them in such a manner.

Sigh.

On the plus side, Erik Bedard was absolutely dominating on Saturday, allowing just two hits in 6.2 scoreless innings while striking out four (and walking four). So I’m beginning to warm up to the off-season trade that landed the Canadian left hander in blue-and-teal.

So, the Mariners spend today on the road, hoping to put the disastrous 2-4 home stand behind them as they face… the Indians and the Yankees? Urgh. It just doesn’t get any easier!

All though both teams made the playoffs last year, with the Indians’ poor start (12-13) is making me look foolish for picking Cleveland to go all the way. The M’s might be lucky to face Cleveland when they are scuffling a bit. However, facing co-ace Fausto Carmona is no easy task, even though the Mariners have had Fausto’s number in the two outings he’s faced Seattle. In eight innings, Fausto has allowed seven runs- all earned- but has still managed to split two decisions against Seattle, including seven-innings of three-hit ball tossed against the M’s in a 12-4 Cleveland win last September.

For the M’s to be able to have a chance tomorrow, Carlos Silva will have to continue his hot start to the season, as he’ll look to pick up his fifth consecutive victory. He’ll have his work cut out for him, however, as he has struggled in his career against the Indians, dropping six of ten decisions, while tallying up a 5.30 ERA and 118 hits allowed in 90 innings. Carlos may be coming off six innings of two-run ball in a no-decision against the Orioles, but was hit hard by the Indians the last time he faced Cleveland, allowing seven runs- six earned- in 3.2 innings of 8-3 Indians victory over the Twins last August.

Victor Martinez went deep off Silva in that start, the fourth time he’s gone yard against Carlos, as with a .452 average and 1.532 OPS (six doubles, four home runs) in 31 career at-bats against Carlos, it might just make the most sense for Carlos to put Victor on intentionally in each plate appearance. Other members of the Indians line-up must be salivating at the prospect of facing against Silva’s off-speed offerings: Travis Hafner enjoys a ,455 average and 1.154 OPS (four doubles, one home run) in 33 at-bats, while Grady Sizemore never seems to get out against Silva, enjoying a .475 average and 1.343 OPS (three doubles, two triples, two home runs) in 40 at-bats.

Given the Indians’ past success against Silva, its easy to go with them for the victory tomorrow. Final score: 6-3, Cleveland.