Let the (spring training) games begin

PEORIA, Ariz. – Another chapter in the long-standing blood feud and natural rivalry between the Mariners and Padres begins today with the annual Charity Game, or what some are calling a World Series preview. The game will take place in Peoria on the field the two teams are forced to share and it will be glorious.

Too much? Okay, how’s this.

Baseball’s back.

Lineup!

James Jones, CF
Chris Taylor, SS
D.J. Peterson, DH
Jesus Montero, 1B
Stefen Romero, LF
Carlos Rivero, 3B
Julio Morban, RF
John Hicks, C
Ketel Marte, 2B

Taijuan Walker, SP

Manager Lloyd McClendon is holding the veterans back a day. He explained that their time is carefully mapped out to build them up properly for the regular season. We will see a good number of them in tomorrow’s game against the Padres, assuming the two teams have anything left after today’s battle.

Speaking of which, Taijuan Walker will get his first look as he competes for the fifth spot in the rotation. He has been working this spring on a slider, a pitch that he intends to take into the season, but we most likely won’t see it today. With this being his first time out and with Walker scheduled to pitch just two innings, establishing the fastball and changeup will probably be the focus.

Notes

• The Mariners are 18-22-1 in official Cactus League openers.

• Felix Hernandez will throw a live batting-practice session today. His first Cactus League start has yet to be determined, he may throw one more live BP before seeing game action.

• Danny Hultzen’s live BP went well yesterday. McClendon said we should see him in a game by the end of the week.

• Today’s game can be heard on 710 ESPN Seattle, coverage beginning at 11:55. ROOT Sports will televise the game as well.

• At 6 p.m. we will have our first “Cactus League Report” from the Salty Senoria. Guests scheduled to appear include Kyle Seager, Tom Wilhelmsen and Charlie Furbush. Stop by if you are in the area.

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