Fantasy Baseball 2012: Revelations from Mariners vs. A's in Japan

I couldn't wait for next week to offer some baseball Revelations. Here are some from Wednesday's season opener, a 3-1 win in 11 innings for the Seattle Mariners over the Oakland Athletics in Japan:

What I Liked

Every spring, Oakland shortstop Cliff Pennington gets ignored in mixed-league drafts or treated like a red-headed stepchild in AL-only ones. And every summer, fantasy owners take a peek at his modest, yet respectable numbers before muttering, "Why didn't I spend a late-round pick on a guy who's pretty OK in five categories?"

Against the Mariners, Pennington was the only Athletics hitter to collect two hits or score one run, but was it enough to garner tangible recognition with fantasy GMs who have yet to draft? Sadly, no. (Pennington also recorded one steal.)

What I Liked, Part II

In Brandon McCarthy's five major league seasons, he has never flirted with the notion of a 1:1 strikeouts-per-innings ratio. So, it's not like I had any delusions of grandeur for him in the opener—a million miles away (figurative hyperbole).

Against Seattle, McCarthy acquitted himself nicely, yielding six hits (one homer) and one earned run in seven innings. Most importantly, zero walks. In 12-team leagues, McCarthy is a sneaky-good No. 6 or 7 starter.

What I Loathed

It's patently absurd to go overboard about anything from one game. But I have high hopes for Mariners first baseman Justin Smoak and was slightly disappointed in his 0-for-5 day, with a game-high four left on base. On the flip side, at least he's getting the opportunities to do something special. Eventually, it will pay off (fingers crossed).

What Makes Me Happy

How about that aggressiveness from a pair of clubs that aren't expected to contend for the American League West title?

Four players (Pennington, Jemile Weeks, Michael Saunders, Dustin Ackley) stole bases, with another two (Brendan Ryan, Colin Cowgill) getting caught in the act.

As a proud subscriber of MLB Extra Innings, I sincerely hope that Oakland and Seattle will prioritize stealth base-running once the teams are back in the States; it really goes a long way toward holding my viewing interest around midnight on weekdays.

What I Loved

Mariners ace Felix Hernandez had an ideal first outing, fanning six hitters and allowing only one run in eight solid innings. He's my sixth-ranked starter for the season, ahead of Tim Lincecum, Cole Hamels and CC Sabathia. On the back end, Seattle closer Brandon League racked up his first of hopefully 30 saves this season.

What I Loved, Part II

Leave it to Ichiro Suzuki to notch four hits in his triumphant return to his native country, while tying the Mariners' franchise record for Opening Day hits (Ken Griffey Jr.). As time marches on with Ichiro (he'll turn 39 in October), it's hard to pinpoint across-the-board numbers for the season. But he's still a rock-solid candidate for 190-plus hits and 37 steals.

What I Loved, Part III

For the GM who landed Ackley between Rounds 12-15 in 12-team drafts, consider his opening salvo (two runs, two RBIs, one steal, one homer, one game-changing single in the 11th) as an early affirmation of how Ackley could be a breakout star.

Of all the Mariners' 25-and-under super-prospects (assuming Kyle Seager soon gets unleashed at third base), Ackley is most likely to garner national acclaim around All-Star roster time.

Jay Clemons can be reached on Twitter, day or night, at @ATL_JayClemons.