Mariners notebook: ‘More cowbell’ edition

The Mariners, including Will Ferrell, travel to Mesa to take on the A's. Plus news and notes, including when we could see cuts and health updates.

BY SHANNON DRAYER

Mar 12, 2015, 9:20 AM Updated: 10:12 am

Follow on Google News

PEORIA, Ariz. – Some quick notes this morning as the Mariners’ game against the A’s was pushed up an hour to accommodate the Will Ferrell tour. The game is in Mesa, which is the longest trip the Mariners have to make in the Cactus League. It is just under an hour if there is no traffic. So much better than Florida!

Another note on notes: my radio duties have picked up quite a bit this week so I haven’t had as much time to write stories and update the blog. This should even out once the season begins, but I will do my best to keep up with the news from camp and give quick thoughts here and there. And with that said …

Lineup!

Austin Jackson, CF
Justin Ruggiano, LF
Stefen Romero, DH
Nelson Cruz, RF
Patrick Kivlehan, 3B
Mike Zunino, C
Jesus Montero, 1B
Willie Bloomquist, 2B
Ketel Marte, SS

Jordan Pries, SP

Will Ferrell will take over at second base for Willie Bloomquist in the second inning. I believe he will play shortstop for an inning for the A’s. After the second, Bloomquist will be allowed to return to his position.

Nelson Cruz is in right field, where we could see him from time to time during the season. Manager Lloyd McClendon says it is important to balance keeping Cruz sharp in right and healthy overall this spring so he should get a couple more starts there.

Others scheduled to pitch today include Gaviglio, Rollins, Landazuri, Lowe, Olson and Perez.

Notes

• We had a fun edition of “The Cactus League Report” Wednesday night from the Salty Senorita. Mike Zunino, Brad Miller and Patrick Kivlehan joined us. If you missed it, fear not, we have a podcast.

• It is Hisashi Iwakuma’s day to pitch but in spring training McClendon does not like starters to face teams they will face early in the season, so Iwakuma will throw a simulated game this morning in Peoria instead. He is scheduled to throw up to four innings.

• Both James Paxton and Danny Hultzen checked out fine from their outings Wednesday.

• Rickie Weeks left the game yesterday with a tight hamstring. Nothing serious, we are told. He is expected to be back in the lineup the next two days.

• Mariners hitters are batting .288 with 38 extra-base hits so far this spring and rank fifth in the Cactus League in batting average. They are tied with the Royals for the most home runs at 11. They lead the Cactus League in stolen bases with 10.

• McClendon said that we can expect to see roster cuts in the next three to four days.

• Stay classy, Mesa.