Tonight's Target: Dustin McGowan

Vitals: Dustin Michael McGowan, 25 yo RHP, born in Savannah, GA. 6-8, 5.85 career, 4-3, 4.83 in 2007.

McGowan throws an upper-90s fastball, a curve, a slider, and a splitter. So why does he have a 5.85 career ERA? Inconsistency. To wit: In his last start, McGowan was three outs from a no-hitter. The start before that, he didn't make it past the second inning. "Inconsistency" is almost too gentle a term.

McGowan's never started against the Mariners. He did pitch 3.2 innings of relief against the M's over two games in September '05, and didn't allow a run.

Beltre's the best fastball hitter on the team, if the M's win I'll bet Beltre has a part in it.

Jarrod Washburn (6-6, 4.09) goes for the M's. Gametime is 7:05 at Safeco. TV: FSN