Showing posts with label MLB. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MLB. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Our Pacific Northwest: Cain to Commence Giant's 2013 Campaign

Our Pacific Northwest

Cain to Commence Giants' 2013 Campaign
 
Photo Via SF Examiner

The Oakland Tribune reported today the Giants will send right-hander Matt Cain to the mound on Opening Day, April 1st in Los Angeles. The young southern man is coming off his best and most magical season last year. The 28-year-old registered a career high 16 wins (including a perfect game last June), 193 strike-outs, started the All-Star game, locked down a 2.79 ERA, and helped the Giant’s clinch a second World Series in three years. Cain will likely face the young left-hander and former Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw on Opening Day, who picked up 14 wins, 229 strikeouts, and a 2.53 ERA in 2012. With Tim Lincecum's performance fading the last couple seasons, these newly minted pitching rivals may not only decide this year’s Cy Young winner, but may ultimately decide the outcome of a contentious divisional race between notorious rivals. The Giants have gelled into a team which feeds off its chemistry in the clutch, but it will be interesting to see if the Dodgers can do the same with a loaded lineup after last season's blockbuster deal. Debatably making their regular season series the hottest ticket in baseball.


Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Our Pacific Northwest: Cause for Concern for the King?

Our Pacific Northwest

Cause for Concern for the King?
Photo Via El Emergente

The collective breaths of Mariner’s fans will be held today as Felix Hernandez reports to spring training for a much anticipated physical, according to ESPN. The three time All-Star and 2010 Cy Young winner has been working with the front office over a seven year, $175 million dollar deal. What’s been postponing the announcement? According to the report, a concern has risen over the condition of Hernandez’s elbow which is credited for impeding the contract's progress. Despite this setback, the report indicated Hernandez has exhibited a normal throwing motion in pre-training workouts. Last year Hernandez finished 5th in earned runs in the AL (3.06), registered 223 strike-outs, 21 quality starts, and helped the Mariners finish in the top-ten in team ERA in all Major League Baseball. The young pitching sensation only picked up 13 wins last season, largely due to a Seattle offense which struggled to give him more wins. If the Mariners wish to find success this season and stay competitive with a loaded Angel squad, a surging Athletics ball club, and a still-potent Rangers team, they need Hernandez healthy for this season and many seasons to come.