Vlad the Impaler

Last night in Seattle the Mariners beat the Angels for the second straight time, beating up on Jered Weaver in what was the worst start of his career. In only 4.2 innings of work Weaver allowed nine hits and 4 runs - including 4 home runs.

Chris Snelling had two of the home runs, his first of the season. Still, nothing that happened in the game would matter after the 8th inning.

With one out in the top of the 8th, there was a sickening thud that could be heard throughout Safeco Field. Vladimir Guerrero hit a line drive back through the middle, and directly off of Seattle reliever Rafael Soriano's head. (Video here) Soriano immediately collapsed to the ground holding onto both sides of his head. He was attended to immediately by the Mariners training staff for a few minutes before finally being placed on a backboard and carted off the field.

It's said that he never lost consciousness, but suffered a concussion. He spent the night at Harborview Medical Center for observation.

"The preliminary tests right now are reassuring. We don't feel it's anything very serious."
-team physician Dr. Edward Khalfayan

There's absolutely nothing more scary in the game of baseball than when line drives are smoked right back at a pitcher. Pitchers generally have no time to react and are usually nothing more than sitting ducks. Most times when pitchers do get hit, they're lucky enough to catch it on the thigh or somewhere harmless. The few times when they take it off the head, though.......

"It's the scariest thing in sports, no doubt about it. When it does happen, it's nauseating."
-Mariners reliever J.J. Putz

Hopefully, Soriano will be okay but you know when he finally gets back out on a mound what happened Tuesday night will be fresh in his memory.