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.



Make it Seven of Eight


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With a power display by Jose Guillen and Yuniesky Betancourt coupled with an impressive start by Miguel Batista, the Mariners continued their winning ways, beating the White Sox 3-2 to complete a two-game sweep. I'll admit, I was a little leery of how Batista was going to perform on the mound, as it appears you can never be sure what to expect from Miguel. But by allowing only three singles and two solo home runs and walking none over seven-plus innings, Batista delivered his best start of the season, which was nailed shut by George Sherrill and J.J. Putz. However, Beltre finished hitless in three at-bats for the afternoon, his season average at .258.

Others are beginning to notice. In the AP story linked to above, Greg Bell called the M's "not the same wilting bunch" that has finished in last the past few seasons. Shhh, Bell. Don't let the secret out. Otherwise, you'll ruin the Mariners' element of surprise!

Cynics may point out that the Mariners haven't been handed tough opponents over their current stretch of success. After their six game losing streak at the hands of obvious playoff contenders the Twins and the Angels, the Mariners have played the lackluster Rangers and the listless A's. And the Royals, who are always a bright spot on any schedule. The White Sox may have won the World Series a couple of years ago, but currently they're the most offensively inept club in baseball, with a team batting average of .221. The Mariners get their first real test to prove that, indeed, they belong in the upper part of their division with their current road trip taking them into New York and Detroit.

But first they need to pop into Boston to make-up last month's canceled game on what would otherwise be an off day. The M's get to face the exotic offerings of Daisuke Matsuzaka for a second time. Although Matsuzaka's won his last two starts, it's clear he was the benefit of run support provided by the Red Sox' burly offense. Despite allowing ten runs in thirteen innings, the Red Sox combined to score 18 runs over Matsuzaka's last two starts. Granted, Matsuzaka did lose his only start of the season against the Mariners, as he gave up three runs on eight hits, while the Red Sox offense was stymied by Felix Hernandez.

Unfortunately, the Mariners don't have Felix to counter with on the mound in today's game. Instead they will offer Horacio Ramirez, who is making his first career start versus the Red Sox. Perhaps he could provide an element of surprise to befuddle the Red Sox's imposing bats, similar to Miguel Batista's performance in yesterday's ballgame. But it appears that Ramirez got the short straw in the two match-ups of Sox offense. At this point in the young season, the White Sox are the exact mirror-image opposite of how the Red Sox are performing. Ho-Ram has his work cut out for him in today's ballgame.

It'll be a close, tight ballgame and I feel that the bullpens will help decide it. But ultimately the Red Sox will come on top, final score 6-4.

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