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Pretty much in agreement. Though, I'm still firmly in the defense-first camp.
I think it's a tiny bit disingenuous to say Wlad's defense didn't cost the game. When Bedard or Felix or Wash or Olson or Vargas throws a great game, we credit them with throwing a great game. When the opposition throws a 2-hitter, we blame our offense, and rarely give credit to the other pitcher or defense.
Yes, the offense slumbered on Friday night. But, the offense has steadily marched the team OPS+ up from 81 to 87 over the past few weeks.
Mariner offense:
last 28 days -- .717 OPS -- 92 OPS+
last 14 days -- .795 OPS -- 112 OPS+
last 7 days --- .849 OPS -- 138 OPS+
EVERY team, regardless of talent has good and bad days. Wlad was supposed to be in the lineup for his offense. He got one of the 4 hits, but that help the team score. His botch in LF did allow the opponent to score.
All that said -- I wouldn't mind seeing Saunders at all.
Mostly, my thoughts after the game are generally positive.
1) With Johnson calling the game, no HRs allowed.
2) I'm liking Cedeno at SS better than Yuni. I'm for more of this.
3) Beltre got a hit and a walk
There's lots to like about the direction of the club, just so long as fixation on final score doesn't overwhelm all the little moves forward.