SHEFFIELD & DUNN
It sounds like a brand new cop show on TNT.
"Right after Castle, stay tuned for the debut of Sheffield & Dunn"
But the Mariners aren't grooming cable television's next great fake detectives; they're attempting to farm a champion, something that's going to require more than a starting nine.
GM Jerry Dipoto envisions the future Mariner 5-man including both Justus Sheffield AND Justin Dunn, but in year two of a rebuild it appears Sheffield is the sure thing to win a 2020 rotation spot, even if Dunn outpitches him this Spring.
Why?
IMO, Sheffield needs it more. He was the primary piece in the Paxton trade. He pitched in a pennant race for the New York Yankees two years ago. And he simply needs an extended look at the major league level, for better or worse. We root for better, of course, but if it's worse Sheffield profiles well as a quality lefty reliever.
You should know that Scott Servais shot down this opinion of mine. And considering that Sheffield is a virtual lock to the make the opening day rotation, perhaps it's just as simple as him being one of the five best pitchers in the organization.
But Dunn's day is coming, too.
Either way, this summer, don't miss a single episode of "Sheffield & Dunn."