Two years into a five-year, $64 million contract, Adrian Beltre has produced a .262 average, 44 home runs, and 176 RBIs. However, after the All Star break in 2006, Beltre slugged .552 with a whopping 18 home runs. Does this strong second half bode well for a turn-around in 2007, or will Mariners fans have to deal with 'A-Drain' once again? This blog intends to follow the 2007 season for Adrian Beltre, and the Seattle Mariners, and promises to hold no punches.



Can't Pass the Angels


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Surprisingly, what was supposed to be a pitcher's duel in a match-up of Felix Hernandez and Jered Weaver devolved into an 8-6 slugfest. Just as surprising was that Felix, after not allowing a home run in 31 innings entering the ballgame, allowed three in six innings, including two back-to-back home runs in the first inning, Gary Matthews with a three-run blast and Casey Kotchman following up with a solo home run. The tone was basically set from then.

Adrian Beltre picked up two hits in four at-bats, including an RBI double in the fifth that tied the game four-all. Yuniesky Betancourt knocked in Beltre with a single to put the Mariners ahead briefly, but Felix allowed his second three-run home run of the game to Vladimir Guerrero in the bottom half of the inning. All in all, it was undoubtedly Felix's worst performance of the season.

And just like that any momentum the Mariners had in pursuit of the Angels has been quickly snuffed, as the team with the halos reminded the M's who the best team is in the AL West.

Still, the M's return home having gone 6-4 on their road trip, a successful outcome no matter how its measured. They continue to play division rivals in their first series back against the Texas Rangers. Cha Seung Baek takes the mound hoping to compensate for Felix's poor outing. Four of Baek's past six starts have been quality starts, and he has a 2.84-to-5.34 home-to-road ERA splits. In his career, Baek has been very tough against the Rangers, with a 2.08 ERA in 26 innings over four starts, undefeated in three decisions. Nelson Cruz is the only current Ranger with successful numbers against Baek, with three hits, including a home run, in six at-bats. Its numbers like these that hopefully can put a halt to the M's two-game losing streak.

It doesn't hurt that the M's are facing Vincente Padilla, who has struggled in his career against Seattle. Over seven games- five starts- Padilla has compiled a 1-4 record with a 5.79 ERA in 32.2 innings, allowing 58 baserunners and six home runs. Padilla has been inconsistent this year, not being able to pich past the sixth inning in his last three starts, despite throwing seven-inning quality starts the three before that. Adrian Beltre is probably licking his chops to face Padilla in tonight's game, as Beltre has four home runs off Padilla in 20 career at-bats, the only hits he has off Padilla. Jose Vidro and Ichiro Suzuki also enjoy Padilla's offerings, having combined to bat .432 off Padilla in 44 at-bats, with six extra base-hits.

I expect the Mariners to get back on the winning track in tonight's game, but I'm also sure the game will be the low-scoring affair that last night's wasn't. Final call: 5-2, Mariners.

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