Starters giving hope for next year

[Providence A's]

http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/NASA...=.jsp&c_id=sea

The Mariners starting rotation has been problematic this season, posting a 42-54 record and a 4.98 ERA, fourth highest in the league. Recently, though, several Seattle starters have shown some encouraging signs.

Felix Hernandez (2-2, 1.84 ERA) and Jeff Harris (2-1, 2.28 ERA entering his start Sunday) have been little short of spectacular since joining the club in August, giving the Mariners hope for the future, while last year's surprise performer Bobby Madritsch (6-3, 3.27 ERA in 2004) has begun throwing and should be at full strength for the 2006 campaign after suffering a torn rotator cuff in April.

Largely due to the performance of Harris, Hernandez and staff ace Jamie Moyer, the Mariners rotation posted some of its best numbers of the season in August. Seattle hurlers walked 77 batters, their lowest monthly total this season, while striking out 167, their highest monthly aggregate this year.

Some positive news going into next season.

[Porter]

The Bullpen could get some help too with Atchison in Rehab and Soriano getting called up to the bigs today.

Felix vs Blanton today. Quick Game Thread forth coming.