Nicole: Kevin, I've got one name for you and it's going to send chills down every Mariners fan's spine: Kade Anderson.
Kevin: The No. 1 pitching prospect in all of baseball, making his major league debut tonight at T-Mobile Park. This is must-listen, folks.
Nicole: Welcome back to the Beatline Podcast Network. I'm your host Nicole, and as always, the sharpest baseball mind in the building, Kevin. This is the Seattle Mariners Daily.
Kevin: Let's get right to it. Tonight, the M's wrap up this three-game set with the Cubs, and it's the Kade Anderson show.
Nicole: Here's what we're breaking down today. First, the matchup: Kade's debut and the pitching probables for tonight's series finale.
Nicole: Then we're digging into the lineup, the bullpen, and who's in and who's out with injuries.
Nicole: And finally, we're giving you the keys to the series and one bold prediction you won't want to miss. Stick with us.
Nicole: Alright Kevin, let's talk about the elephant in the room. Kade Anderson. The kid is 22 years old, left-handed, and he's already being called the future of this rotation.
Kevin: And he's not just the future. He's the present. Dan Wilson confirmed Friday that Anderson gets the ball tonight. That's a huge vote of confidence for a guy who's never pitched above Triple-A.
Nicole: I mean, we've been hearing about this kid for two years. The strikeout stuff, the plus curveball, the poise. But now he's actually here, facing a Cubs team that's 74-54 and fighting for the NL Central.
Kevin: That's the test. The Cubs are second in the NL Central, they've got a veteran lineup, and they're not going to give him any free passes. This is a real trial by fire.
Nicole: But let's back up. The Mariners just took game one last night, 6-5, in a walk-off thriller. So they're going for the series win tonight.
Kevin: Exactly. They've already clinched the series no matter what happens tonight, but a sweep would be huge for a team that's 61-68 and trying to claw back into the wild-card race.
Nicole: Now, who's throwing for Chicago? We don't have the official probables yet, but based on the rotation, it's likely to be a right-hander. Anderson's going to have his hands full either way.
Kevin: No doubt. But here's the thing about Anderson: his stuff plays against both sides. He's got a mid-90s fastball with ride, a plus curveball, and a changeup that's improved a ton. He's not just a lefty specialist.
Nicole: And you mentioned the strikeout stuff. We made a prediction on yesterday's show that he'd strike out at least eight Cubs. You still feeling that?
Kevin: I'm doubling down. He's got swing-and-miss stuff, and the Cubs strike out a fair amount. I'll say he gets to eight, maybe even nine. And if he goes six scoreless like we predicted, I'll take that too.
Nicole: That would be the storybook debut. But let's be realistic. The Cubs are a good team. They're not going to roll over. What's the one thing you're watching for in his first couple innings?
Kevin: Command. If he's spotting his fastball early, he's going to be tough. If he's falling behind, the Cubs will make him pay. It's all about how he handles the big stage.
Nicole: Alright, we'll be watching every pitch. But before we get to that, let's talk about the lineup and the guys who need to step up behind him. That's next.
Nicole: So, Kevin, Anderson's going to need run support. The Mariners' offense has been up and down all year, but last night they showed some life. Who's the key bat tonight?
Kevin: It's got to be Julio Rodriguez. He's the engine. When he's going, this lineup is dangerous. He had a couple of big hits in the series against the Brewers, and he's been swinging the bat well.
Nicole: And don't sleep on Cal Raleigh behind the plate. He's the heart and soul of this team, and he's been on a tear lately.
Kevin: Absolutely. Raleigh's power is elite, and he's been driving in runs all season. If he gets a pitch to hit, he can change the game with one swing.
Nicole: We've also got Randy Arozarena in left, Victor Robles in right, and Josh Naylor at first. That's a lot of experience in the middle of the order. But the bottom of the lineup has been a black hole at times.
Kevin: It's been a problem all year. They're getting contributions from guys like Cole Young and Leo Rivas, but it's inconsistent. Tonight, they need to manufacture runs, especially if Anderson is dealing.
Nicole: Let's talk about the bullpen. It's been a roller coaster. Andres Munoz is the closer, but there have been some shaky outings lately. What's the concern there?
Kevin: The biggest concern is that they've been overworked. They've had a lot of close games, and the middle relief has been inconsistent. Guys like Seranthony Dominguez and Gabe Speier have been good at times, but they need to be sharp tonight.
Nicole: And they're missing a few key pieces. We've got a ton of injuries right now. Let's run through the list: Cole Wilcox is on the 15-day IL, J.P. Crawford on the 10-day, Colt Emerson too, and Cooper Criswell on the 60-day. Plus Hoby Milner and Edward Cabrera are out.
Kevin: And don't forget Bryan Woo and Kevin Gausman are day-to-day. That's a lot of pitching depth that's banged up. It makes Anderson's debut even more important because they need innings.
Nicole: Yeah, if Anderson can go six or seven, that saves the bullpen. But if he gets into trouble early, they might have to lean on a taxed relief corps.
Kevin: Exactly. And that's why the offense needs to score early. Give Anderson a lead, let him settle in, and then turn it over to the bullpen with a cushion.
Nicole: Alright, so we've covered the pitching and the lineup. But what's the one thing that's going to decide this series? That's our final segment.
Nicole: Kevin, give me the keys to this series finale. What does Seattle have to do to sweep the Cubs?
Kevin: First key: get Anderson through the first inning. If he can get through that first frame without giving up a crooked number, he'll settle in. The adrenaline is going to be through the roof.
Nicole: Second key: score first. The M's have been much better when they get on the board early. They're 45-20 when scoring first, if I remember correctly.
Kevin: That's a big stat. And third key: win the bullpen battle. The Cubs have a solid pen, but if Seattle can get a lead into the seventh, I like their chances with Munoz closing it out.
Nicole: Now for the bold prediction. We already said Anderson gets eight strikeouts and six scoreless. You still feel that way?
Kevin: I'm going to go even bolder. I'm predicting Anderson strikes out ten Cubs and the Mariners win 5-1. He's that special.
Nicole: Ten strikeouts in his debut? That would be historic. I like the confidence, Kevin.
Kevin: And I'll add one more: Julio Rodriguez hits a home run tonight. He's due for a big game, and the Cubs' starter is hittable.
Nicole: Alright, there it is. Kade Anderson Day. The future is now. Let's see if the kid can deliver.
Nicole: That's our show for today. Quick recap: Kade Anderson makes his debut, the offense needs to step up, and the bullpen has to hold. We've got a sweep on the line.
Nicole: Don't forget to subscribe to the Beatline Podcast Network, rate us five stars, and share this episode with every Mariners fan you know. It helps us out more than you know.
Kevin: And as always, Go Mariners. Let's get that sweep.
Nicole: We'll be back tomorrow with all the reaction. Until then, this is Nicole and Kevin, signing off. Go M's!