Rob Oxford: The Boys are Back in Town

Rob Oxford is ready for baseball

Cue Thin Lizzy's "The Boys Are Back In Town". It's Opening Day 2018 and King Felix is on the mound.

The Mariners hosted the Cleveland Indians Thursday at Safeco Field and just like every year, they start the season off tied for first and with great expectations. Could this be the year? Scott Servais is back as Skipper. Mel Stottlemeyer Jr. returns as Pitching Coach and Edgar Martinez, who must wait another year to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, promises to get the most out of each players plate appearance. 

Although he joined us late and struggled during Spring Training in Peoria, Ichiro is back where it all started and joining him are fan favorites Robinson Cano, Nelson Cruz, Kyle Seager and Mike Zunino. The talk of Spring Training has to be the big bat of Daniel Vogelbach, who's 7 HR and 15 RBI's lead the team and earned him the nickname "Vogelbomb". His 3 run shot against the Rockies sealed a win for the M's during their last game down in Arizona.

Another exciting addition to the squad is Centerfielder Dee Gordon who's guaranteed to throw out plenty of runners looking for extra bases. MLB Veteran Scott Brosius will make his debut waving runners around 3rd and Taylor Motter (currently assigned to the Tacoma Rainiers) and Ben Gamel who could easily be mistaken for a Heavy Metal rhythm section with their signature locks, will hopefully get plenty of action in the infield and outfield respectively.

Finally as is the case every year, the pitching seems to be the teams biggest concern. With David Phelps and Erasmo Ramirez both on the 10 Day DL., the M's will again pin much of their hopes on "Big Maple" James Paxton, Edwin Diaz and newly acquired free agent LHP Wade LeBlanc.

Saturday's 1:10 start will be the first opportunity to add to your Bobblehead collection with Robinson Cano Bobblehead Day. So oil up your glove, don't forget your hoodie and I'll meet you at the corner of Edgar and Dave.

(The Mariners edged the Indians, 2-1, on Opening Day at Safeco Field.)