Can Bart get it done?

Its been a rough two years for Colon, but he has a chance to be a significant part of the 2007 team instead of a starter with a 6+ ERA who will probably be left off the postseason roster. Bart can be the pitcher who wins the clincher for us.

He's had some success against Seattle. In his first start of the year he allowed only 1 run in 77 innings. He also only struck out one, walking nobody, as the Mariners were kind enough to swing at the first pitch most of the time, not running up the pitch count on a guy coming off injury. Bartolo threw only 77 pitches to complete 7 innings. His other starts against the Mariners were a so-so win on 5-17 (7 innings, 3 runs, 12 baserunners allowed, only 1 K) and then on 5-28 he got his substantial ass handed to him.

Last year Bartolo's only win came against Seattle, a complete game 4 hit shutout, where he threw only 92 pitches (and recorded only 2 strikeouts)

So, expect Colon to be around the plate and the free-swinging Mariners (more than 100 fewer walks than the sometimes patient Angels) to put the ball in play early and often. If his command is right and his arm is strong he'll stay on the corners and get outs. If his command is off and he's getting too much in the middle of the plate, or if his state of health turns his fastball into batting practice, we'll have to wait one more day.