Mariners notebook: Lineup? What lineup?

PEORIA, Ariz. – While I find it best to always allow for surprises in this game, the lineup that was posted on the bulletin board in the clubhouse Tuesday morning had all the looks of the Mariners’ everyday lineup against righties. No luck getting confirmation, however.

“I can’t answer that,” manager Lloyd McClendon said when asked if this will be the Opening Day lineup. “I don’t even know what the lineup is. What is it? I didn’t make out the lineup, Trent did.”

Technically, bench coach Trent Jewett wrote out the lineup card as he does before every game.

“Absolutely he did,” McClendon said, still trying to deflect – or more precisely, refusing to answer – the question. “It’s his handwriting … go ask him! What’s the next question?”

Well, do you like this lineup?

“This day’s lineup?” he asked while shuffling papers on his desk to take a look that he didn’t need. “Yeah, I like that lineup.”

Alright then.

Lineup!

Austin Jackson, CF
Seth Smith, RF
Robinson Cano, 2B
Nelson Cruz, DH
Kyle Seager, 3B
Logan Morrison, 1B
Mike Zunino, C
Dustin Ackley, LF
Brad Miller, SS

J.A. Happ, SP

Iwakuma feels ready

Hisashi Iwkauma pitched in a minor-league game Monday and the results were good: 5.0 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 8 K, pitches/strikes: 72/44.

Iwakuma faced the Rangers’ Triple-A squad with one very interesting addition. Shin-Soo Choo was with the team and led off each inning to get extra at-bats. He went 3 for 5 off Iwakuma, who through interpreter Antony Suzuki said after the game he feels ready to start the regular season.

“I felt good overall out there. It was different to face Choo each inning, but also good to face a Major League hitter in the game. I had a good feel with the split, it is starting to dive a lot. I feel like I could start the season right now physically, just all mental from here out.

Notes

• Joe Saunders, Tom Wilhelmsen, Fernando Rodney and Mark Lowe are all scheduled to pitch today.

• McClendon said catcher Jesus Sucre should be good to go Wednesday after hip soreness and that he doesn’t expect this to linger.

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