Mariners Blog

Geoff Baker covers the Mariners for The Seattle Times. He provides daily coverage of the team throughout spring training, and during the season.

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March 11, 2008 11:54 AM

Will Ichiro get his hit today?

Posted by Jose Romero

The only hitless Mariner in spring training is the team's best hitter, Ichiro. He's in the lineup today against the Colorado Rockies here at historic Hi Corbett Field in Tucson and checks in at a sizzling 0-for-17.

Manager John McLaren was asked about Richie Sexson today and reiterated his and his staff's belief that Sexson will turn it around this season.

"Last year was kinda like Murphy's Law, everything went wrong," McLaren said. "Injury, swinging at bad pitches, fans getting on him. You name it, it happened. With that said, it's behind him."

Does publicly expressing confidence in Sexson increase his own confidence?

"You'd have to ask him," McLaren said. "I hope it did. Richie plays hurt. He played with some injuries. He got hit in Kansas City good (in a game last July) He got hit in the thumb, and he wanted to play in Oakland...he's such a competitor and you appreciate that. He's still strong. He's still got youth on his side. No reason why this guy can't put up big numbers. No reason at all."

Let's go to the lineups for today, my last day covering spring training, as far as I have been told. Geoff Baker returns to the blogosphere fired up, I'm sure, and recharged, so let me say thanks for making me and this a part of your day. Thanks to everyone for the comments, kind or otherwise. One must appreciate the passion.

Con ganas y safos...
Jose

Mariners at Rockies
March 11, 2008
Seattle Mariners (5-7):

51 Ichiro Suzuki CF
16 Willie Bloomquist 2B
28 Raul Ibanez LF
44 Richie Sexson 1B
29 Adrian Beltre 3B
6 Brad Wilkerson RF
13 Miguel Cairo SS
15 Jamie Burke C
34 Felix Hernandez RHP
* No DH today

Other Pitchers:
18 Ryan Rowland-Smith LHP
20 J.J. Putz RHP
48 Roy Corcoran RHP
62 Cesar Jimenez LHP
76 Brodie Downs RHP
79 Phillippe Aumont RHP

Colorado Rockies (6-6-1)

3 Willy Taveras CF
2 Troy Tulowitzki SS
17 Todd Helton 1B
5 Matt Holliday LF
27 Garrett Atkins 3B
19 Ryan Spilborghs RF
22 Marcus Giles 2B
20 Chris Iannetta C
26 Jeff Francis LHP

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