Giant Failure Part 1 (but really part 2)

By Patrick

Step it up, Dustin

Sorry I didn't do a preview last night. But as they say, duty calls. And by duty, I mean golf. But I didn't miss much. Would you have honestly read something about how the M's got swept by the Padres but now are going to get swept by the Giants? Probably not. 

And yes, the Mariners lost last night. And yes, they scored two runs again. And yes, they still suck at home. Jason Vargas fought through eight difficult innings, and Ryan Vogelsong out did him. The M's lost to the Giants 4-2, and nobody really cared. When you've lost six in a row, you kind of get used to it. If you're a Mariner fan, you kind of get used to it. Such is life.

June 16: Kevin Millwood (3-5, 3.57) vs. Tim "the Freaky Franchise" Lincecum (2-7, 6.00)

If Bill Bavasi wasn't Bill Bavasi, Lincecum could be pitching for the M's tonight. Instead, he makes his first professional start in Seattle today. It should've been his 200th or something. He opposes Millwood, who threw six innings of a no-hitter last time out. Unfortunately, he didn't throw all of a no-hitter, since he pulled his groin. He had his start pushed back, but didn't truly miss a start, which is good news. Maybe Millwood can finally right the ship for the Mariners in the midst in this losing streak. Lincecum, while still being Lincecum, has really struggled in 2012. If karma serves itself tonight, then the Giants will roll the M's though to make us feel bad about Brandon Morrow.

Players to Watch:

Dustin Ackley: Ackley got demoted again. We'll see how he reacts to that. The seven hole isn't ideal for him, especially since he's supposed to be the top-of-the-order hitter of the future. Dustin has to get it going. No excuses.

Brandon Belt: First of all, great, great baseball name. Swung on and Belted could really catch on in Seattle. But Belt was formerly a really highly touted prospect. He hasn't panned out as well as the Giants might have hoped, hitting just .246 with just three homers. The guy has serious potential though, and could do seem damage from the seven hole. He's the San Francisco version of Justin Smoak if you think about it.

Prediction:

Giants 5, Mariners 1: No way the Mariners beat Tim Lincecum. It just wouldn't be right the way things are going. It will take a spectacular effort from Felix tomorrow to right the ship, since it won't turn around just yet. It sucks to type this with absolutely no hope, but where should I feel confident? Nowhere. Mariners lose. Go M's.