This Week’s Man Crush: Felix Hernandez

Seattle pitcher Felix Hernandez’s week was a microcosm of the Mariners 2008 season. On Monday, Hernandez was humming along, throwing well in a game against the Mets. He had pitched 4-2/3 innings of two-hit ball, giving up just one earned run.

In the second inning, he took a letter-high fastball from Mets pitcher Johan Santana and deposited it over the opposite-field fence for a grand slam. It was the first grand slam hit by a pitcher in Mariners history and the first by an American League pitcher since May 11, 1971.

Then just as it looked as if Hernandez would close out the fifth, the baseball gods said, “Well, that’ll be just about enough.” A collision with Carlos Beltran at the plate sent Hernandez to the dirt with a sprained ankle.

Hernandez will not start as expected on Tuesday against Toronto. The team is being careful and decided not to push it. Finally, a logical decision about the pitching staff is made. Note date and time.

The World Wide Leader creates another list of something: ESPN’s Buster Olney asked 25 players, scouts and front office types who they thought were the most dominant starters. Felix Hernandez was named on 16 ballots, which I guess makes him the most dominant pitcher in baseball.

Olney: "He has pitched well this season and early in his career, but there is a still a sense that he has much more to offer as he gains consistency. He has 95 strikeouts in 107.2 innings, with a 2.83 ERA."

About the Man Crush: This is a weekly installment for the blog where, for good or for bad, I’ll highlight one stand-out player or sports celebrity.