Mariners Morsels - aka "Free Adam Moore and Rich Poythress! (George Sherrill is FREE!)"

Mariners Morsels endorsed P-I writer John Hickey has picked up the torch for the Take Out Texas crusade. Of course, in this situation, as Hickey points out, it's a battle for who can suck less moreso than a battle to get back into contention. It's really only a battle because Texas has fallen, not because Seattle has risen. However, if the M's make it their goal to step over Texas by the end of the season, that would be a step in the right direction, and the signs would point up for the long-term mission of this team.

Moyer, Franklin and then Harris face Chris Young, Juan Dominguez, and Joaquin Benoit. We can pretty much concede tomorrow's game, even though Dominiguez isn't much to write home about. Ryan Roiding Flyball Franklin pitching in Texas is never, ever a good thing, although we can be thankful that Jeff Harris is taking the hill on Thursday instead of Gil Meche, and his 14.50 ERA in Texas over the last three years.

Still, there are more important things than to Take Out Texas. I won't go into the other more important things than baseball, because that's pretty much a given. But within baseball, and within the M's situation specifically, I agree with the Lookout Landing poll that it's absolutely critical to keep Felix healthy and confident. I'm unequivocally opposed to extending a Felix outing for the mere sake of getting a win to boost our chances of overtaking Texas. We've got George Sherrill to help hold the lead, or as was the case last time Felix pitched, keep us tied. The hits are up, sure, and the other numbers aren't really that close (thanks, Jeff Nelson, for bolstering the ERA). But George actually does have a higher K/9 than Felix. Even if his fastball is just barely faster than a King Felix Curve.

Say it with me:

TAKE OUT TEXAS!!!!!