Game 98 Summary: MARINERS 5, RED SOX 1

Somehow the M's did it with only 4 hits, a big one coming from last night's black sheep, Chone Figgins. Saunders also blasted his 8th homer to add to the runs. David Pauler had an okay outing, last 5 2/3 innings only giving up 1 run, and Garrett Olson of all people got a save.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Saunders, who might be the guy in left field for a while.

Game 97 Summary: RED SOX 2, MARINERS 1

This one was ugly. It was a close game, with the M's scoring in the first inning, but while it wasn't a horrible loss, the incident in the dugout was what made this one go down as shameful. Ex-Mariner Mike Cameron doubled to left and Michael Saunders threw routine relay to shortstop Jack Wilson. Only, the throw went over his head and passed by Chone Figgins, who didn't appear to care one way or another, and Cameron stretched it to a triple. When Figgins returned to the dugout at the inning's end, Wakamatsu benched him and Figgins erupted, causing a fight among the team. Just another damn bit of drama that wasn't needed.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Vargas, for being solid and absorbing another loss.

Game 96 Summary: RED SOX 8, MARINERS 6

Lackey stave off the Mariners for 8 innings, only giving up a run on a passed ball that allowed Milton Bradley to take home. Then, in the 9th, the M's brought out the fireworks to climb out of a 6-1 hole, with a homer by Guti, Kotchman doubling in a run and another coming in on a fielding error by Bill Hall. The bullpen held it until the 13th and then Garrett Olson did what he does best and blew it. Arrgh! And why are we still starting RRS?

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Milton Bradley for scoring a run by walking, stealing second, getting to third on a fielder's choice and taking home on a passed ball.

Game 95 Summary: MARINERS 2, WHITE SOX 1

Well, leave it up to the King. 8 solid innings of work, 8 k's, no walks, and 2 hits. It took 10 innings before the M's won it on a two run clutch single from Gutierrez, but luckily, dominant pitching from Felix set them up for a successful outing. Still, it is a little sad that Brandon League picks up his 7th win to tie Felix for the team lead.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

The King, still a contender for that CY in my book.

Game 94 Summary: WHITE SOX 4, MARINERS 0

Not the greatest outing for Doug Fister as he gave up 3 runs over 6 innings pitched, but what did he have to work with? Two hits from the offense and 4 walks, so obviously, none were plated. Good news for ex-Mariner JJ Putz, who picked up a hold against his former team.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Chris Seddon, for 3 solid relief innings as long as we ignore the homer he gave up to Alex Rios.

Game 93 Summary: WHITE SOX 6, MARINERS 1

The White Sox rolled into town and rolled over our M's rather efficiently. Russell Branyan brought a run in to start the game and promptly was withdrawn from the lineup with back problems. Could have used him as then the White Sox plated run after run through out the rest of the innings. The M's scattered seven hits and we found ourselves with another L.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Russell Branyan for the most efficient game played in less than 2 innings played.

Game 92 Summary: MARINERS 2, ANGELS 1

Another 1 run ball game, but this one turned out more like last year with the M's picking up a clutch base hit by Jose Lopez in the 10th inning. Unfortunately for Vargas, the runs came too late for him to pick up the win, especially when he contributed to by going nearly 8 innings, striking out 9 and only giving up 1 run. Sure the offense was weak, but Vargas pulled off a win ala Jarrod Washburn M's 2009 edition.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Vargas, hopefully a middle of the rotation starter with consistency to boot for years to come.

Game 91 Summary: ANGELS 7, MARINERS 6

Going into this game, I had my usual misgivings about sending Ryan Rowland-Smith to the mound. Totally justified when I tuned into the game and the Mariners were down 6-1 in the third inning. At this point, we Seattle fans have been ready to call it a game with maybe a couple runs being scored at the end, but altogether futile once the other team pulls away by more than 3 runs, typically.

However, tonight was different. The M's managed to rally back and tie this thing in the 7th. Sure, Brian Sweeney gave up a go ahead homer to Juan Rivera and we were unable to get that run back, but to get back 5 runs is something this team hasn't been able to do. At the helm of the offensive was new acquisition, Justin Smoak, 3-3 with a homer, a double and a couple of RBIs. Hopefully, a taste of things to come.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Smoak, starting to fit in nicely.

10 Keys of the Future

So, with all the talk about the Mariners season dwindling down to a rebuild session, here are 10 players to watch and will be who we depend on for more success next year and hopefully the years to follow:

1. Felix Hernandez, SP: Right now, Felix is the franchise player. He sets the tone for the entire pitching rotation and is our ace for the next 5 year, even managing as. He's proven himself having gone 65-46 since he first broke into the bigs, managing to start at least 30 games a year since his second season, and he currently stands to surpass the 1000 strikeout mark before he turns 25. He has the makings of a great and is the most dependable pitcher the Mariners have. As long as he continues to work hard and put out his greatest effort, he will always give his team the best chance any pitcher has to win.

2. Justin Smoak, 1B: Yep, the guy we traded for Cliff Lee. I put him second, because he's the other side of the coin. Jack Z has really focused on the pitching side of the game with a good defense in order to prevent runs, but what we've found out this season is that we need a better way to produce runs. Right now, Justin Smoak is our cornerstone, our future cleanup hitter and with good reason: he's already hit more homers than any other Mariner this season, sans Russell Branyan, and he did it as a minor leaguer rushed to the big leagues to fill holes in the Rangers lineup. This year is about getting him playing time and working him into the lineup everyday, but he projects to be the everyday first baseman and the big bat by next opening day. As long as he gets comfortable and finds his stroke, he should add more to an offense based on luck right now.

3. Chone Figgins, 2B/3B: Our biggest free agent that we brought in this season with an invitation to stay a while, Figgins hasn't quite lived up to the level of expectation we had for him at the beginning of the season. His hitting has been a bit off, as has his fielding, but luckily, the speed is there and he's starting to pickup more hits. Like Ichiro, Figgins needs to be able to get on base for guys like Smoak to knock in. Once Dustin Ackley reaches the M's, Figgins will probably move to the hot corner and maybe his fielding will improve. Either way, the Mariners need Figgins to play at the level he did in Anaheim and be a run catalyst in seasons to come.

4. Dustin Ackley, 2B: Our number one draft pick is coming along nicely in the minors. In 82 games at Double-A, he's got an on base pct. of .389, with more walks than strikeouts and 21 doubles. He just got promoted to Triple-A where he will likely play out the rest of the season, unless he gets the call up in September with opportunities to start. Ackley looks to fill out the lineup with semi regular power and great on base percentage abilities, but he still has this next level to get through. Should Ackley find his power stroke and continue to improve in the minors, he will be a great addition and hopefully an All Star second baseman for years to come.

5. Franklin Gutierrez, CF: Another franchise player extended to a lengthy contract, Franklin has more than proven himself defensively, but he has also shown great flashes at bat, with some power as well. He should win a gold glove this season, and until last month, was the second most consistent offensive player on the team. However, Guti has been placed in the 3rd slot more most of the season and while he's done okay at this spot for most of the season, but he'd be better suited in the 5th or 6th spot. Again, this is if Ackley and Smoak can be forces to reckon with, because while Gutierrez may not be much of a threat hitting out of a power spot on a team with no depth, but a pitcher who faces Ackley and Smoak, and then has to face Guti somewhere deeper in the order will have more to contemplate. Let's hope Guti keeps swingin and finds himself in a more complimentary position next year.

6. Michael Pineda, SP: The 21 year old phenom that a lot have heralded as another potential ace in the Mariner's rotation. He's well on his way, having gone 8-1 in double A and 2-0 since coming to Tacoma. He's been said to be a little wild, but he's striking out at least a batter an inning and is becoming a dominant force in the minors. If he finds his control and continues to abuse to hitters in the minors, he should be with the M's come September. Then, next year he should slot as the #2 starter and hopefully give us back the 1-2 punch.

7. Jason Vargas, SP: Vargas has really come around as a great middle of the rotation starter, and if he continues to pitch well this season, he may find himself a spot in that rotation for a while. He's not over powering, he's not dominant, but he gets grounders, he doesn't walk much, and he's only allowed 8 homers in 107 innings. With Felix and Pineda atop the rotation, Vargas can hold down the third spot, pitch 6 or 7 and give the M's another chance to win. With run support, he can even win quite a few. Vargas has to just stay healthy and remain consistent with his control.

8. Adam Moore, C: When the Mariners traded Lee for Smoak, Adam Moore probably breathed a little easier. He started in the bigs at the beginning of the season, but his offense and his defense both struggled. Now, in Triple-A, he's batting over .350 and slugging .488. He could be a definite force in the lineup if those numbers translate to the bigs, but if he can't the M's might end up trading or drafting another candidate. Of course, if they decide to keep their faith in Moore, he's gonna need to bring the lumber.

9. Michael Saunders, OF: Currently, Saunders is starting everyday in left field, and he's even added some power to his swing. His defense is great, but can he be a consistent hitter at the major league level? As of now the job is his, but if he can't at least find .250 then it will be hard to keep justifying playing him in left.

10. Greg Halman, OF: The guy currently blocked by Saunders who has hit 20+ homers in each of his last 4 seasons in the minors, and he has 20 already at the all star break in Triple-A Tacoma. Plus, he's only 22. He could be the answer to the Mariner's offensive woes, but he does strike out a bit and has a low on base pct. (this is common for power hits though). Hopefully, he gets his chance sooner than later.

Well, that's my list of ten impact players that the Mariners will need to build around in order to start winning divisions. I know that one player absent is Ichiro, but I left him off for several reasons:

1. Ichiro is the most consistent Mariner in the last decade, and probably one of the all time consistent Mariners that ever played. He really doesn't need to prove himself anymore, nor do we have to worry about him getting 200+ hits each season, fielding well in right, and scoring runs, (as long as someone can drive him in).

2. Ichiro is only signed through 2012 and while it would seem that the M's would resign him, nothing is ever for certain.

3. Ichiro is 36 and nearly in the twilight of his career. He still has some good years ahead, but when he hits 40, nothing is guaranteed. I would love for him to be the Jamie Moyer of position players, but would hate that conclusion to merely be assumed.

Game 90 Summary: ANGELS 3, MARINERS 2

Well, the King had another good outing wasted by a weak offense. He went all 8 innings, gave up 10 hits, but walked none and only allowed 3 runs. However, 2 cannot catch up to 3.

Meanwhile, we saw some Smoak blaze up. The rookie homered for the first time as Mariner and brought in the only runs. Saunders also had a couple of hits, but otherwise it was a few scattered hits and nothing strung together.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

The King. Pitching like a Cy winner for a team who can't give him enough support. Goddamnit, RRS starts tomorrow!

Game 89 Summary: ANGELS 8, MARINERS 3

Into Anaheim, first game back from the break and not how we wanted it to go. Fister took the ball and gave up 6 runs that was enough to keep our boys out of it. The bullpen let 2 get through as icing on the cake, because we still have an offense that can't get back 6 runs, let alone 8.

Speaking of offense, Ichiro was the big man at the plate, doubling in 3 runs. There a few other hits, 2 from Guti, but hardly threatening.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Ichiro, extending his hitting streak and driving in all the runs.

Game 88 Summary: YANKEES 8, MARINERS 2

Well, not a great note to go out on to end the first half. RRS found himself knocked out by the 4th, the offense was kept in check by CC Sabathia, and the M's fell further out of contention. Kotchman had a 3 hit game and did those things we wished he could have done earlier, but to no avail.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Ryan Garko, the guy who we would have had platoon first base with Kotchman at the beginning of this season. My theory is that Kotchman is better offensively since his starting time has been threatened by the additions of Branyan and Smoak, so if we had held onto Garko, the Kotch could have been on an MVP-like season by now.

Game 87 Summary: MARINERS 4, YANKEES 1

With Lee going to Texas and throwing a complete game while giving up 6 runs, Felix came to the mound and threw a better one. Sure, 10 hits were scattered, but the King only gave up 1 run, a couple of walks and struck out 9. Felix appears to be in line with his dominant stuff of last year, and while his slump may have lasted a little longer this time, it will be nice if he can maintain and maybe pitch his way to the Cy this year. Wins-wise, he's a bit down the list, but he's in the top 10 categories in ERA (2.88, ranked 7th), strikeouts (131, ranked second) complete games (4, ranked second and this should actually be 5 since he pitched 9+ innings in a game that went into extra innings), WHIP (1.15, tied for 10th), Opponents batting average (.228, tied for 10th). He's tied for the lead with 19 games started and 1 shutout thrown, but he leads the league in inning's pitched with 137.2.

Meanwhile, Lopez hit his second grand slam of the season and got the King all the runs he would need. Lopez started slow this season, but maybe he's making the turn.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Another great outing for Felix. With Lee gone, he's the M's only bonafide ace now.

Concession Time

Well, we've all know for a while now that taking back the AL West isn't possible, but it still stings now that the trading of Lee is the final move that makes this season of rebuilding. I thank my luck that at least I'm not in Pittsburgh, who've been "rebuilding," since Barry Bonds left for San Francisco, or Arizona, where rebuilding won't do much to threaten the 4 other potential playoff teams in the same division. Nonetheless, there are 76 games in this season and though we hope each one results in a win, it's a bit deflating to know that we are now playing for the next season rather than the one at hand.

It's sad, because this season was supposed to be a progressive improvement from last year. I didn't assume a Mariner dominated AL West, but with improvements made in so many spots on the roster, it seemed like they should have at least been able to maintain the same amount of success as last years campaign. Lee, of course, was a giant upgrade to a pitching rotation led by Felix and a rotating cast of pitchers. An field with Kotchman, Wilson, and Figgins next to each other was a great defensive improvement, and Figgins brought speed as well as the ability to get on base. Brandon League added another capable setup man alongside Mark Lowe. Milton Bradley added a potential threat at the plate with occasional power. Griffey was healthier, Sweeney had an awesome spring.

Unfortunately, none of that played out as it should with the exception of Lee. Figgins and Bradley struggled mightily at the plate to start the season, Griffey couldn't find his swing at all, Sweeney couldn't stay healthy, League hasn't been consistent, and the defense has hardly been up to par. Oh wait, Kotchman hasn't made an error in 200-something games or whatever, but him being a first baseman that isn't hitting well on a team that isn't hitting well collectively means I don't want to hear about his stupid error-less streak anymore. You know who else hasn't committed an error and has started a majority of M's games? Franklin Gutierrez.

Anyways, where do we go from here? Obviously, Smoak joins the M's tomorrow and that should get Jack Z on the phone because we have an abundance of guys who can only play first (Smoak/Kotchman/Branyan), or DH (Smoak/Bradley/Branyan). Sure, Bradley can play left, but the M's like Saunders there. Plus, Mike Sweeney is due back from the DL in a couple of days, to make this house even more crowded. Kotchman is most likely the odd man out.

Rumor wise, the Phillies have expressed interest in Jose Lopez as a replacement for Chase Utley or Placido Polanco. Several teams have expressed interest in Aardsma to add depth to their bullpens.

Looking at the next few years, Guttierrez, Hernandez, Figgins, Ichiro, and Dustin Ackley signed through 2012 as the cornerstone pieces of the organization. Bradley is signed through 2011 and is unlikely to be moved due to his reputation. Vargas and Fister should return with the promising stuff they've shown this year and if he continues to develop Saunders could return next year. Otherwise, there are a lot places for new faces.

Game 86: YANKEES 6, MARINERS 1

With only hours to play and Cliff Lee traded to Texas, David Pauley was sent to the mound for this one. Not the worst outing as he managed 5 innings, only giving up 1 earned run, a homer by Mark Texeira. However, Chad Cordero let a few across in an inning's work and Luke French allowed a second homer from Texeira.

Offensively, the Mariners scattered 9 hits, Figgins stole another base, and noting much else happened. We're on fumes to the All Star Game, but at least Felix pitches tomorrow.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Though he didn't play, Justin Smoak, because we gave up a good shot at win by trading for him a few prospects.

C'est La Lee Pt. 2: Goinin' for Smoak

So, in a change of direction, the Mariners appear to not be trading Lee to the Yankees, but instead, it's being confirmed that the M's are trading Lee along with reliever Mark Lowe for first baseman Justin Smoak, right handed pitchers Josh Lueke and Blake Beavan, and second baseman Matthew Lawson. I still don't know exactly how I feel about this trade, but at least we managed to disappoint baseball royalty. Hats off to Jack Z for getting the Yankees into bed and then rolling out and hopping onto Texas in the 11th hour!

Now, obviously, trading to Lee is about as close as the Mariners can come to gift wrapping the AL West to Texas. Sure, we were out of it a while back, but I don't know if I want the Rangers to get to the World Series before we do. Just seems kind of wrong.

Also, Mark Lowe is useless for the current season, but if he were able to comeback and pitch next year like he did in 2009, it sucks that we gave a great setup man away to rivals. Still, Lowe has had health issues previous to this year and there is no guarantee he can be consistently healthy.

Immediately, it comes down to what Smoak can do for the M's. He has great triple-A numbers, but while his power numbers for the Rangers have been good, his batting average and onbase are a bit lower than I'd like. I am anxious over how he will workout.

As for the others, It seems as if Beavan can have an impact immediately while the other two prospects may need more minor league time. Hopefully, this works out for us like the Bedard trade worked out for Baltimore.

C'est La Lee..

Well, with Cliff Lee scheduled to take the mound tonight against Phil Hughes, it sounds like a deal is imminent between the Mariners and Yankees that will send Cliff Lee to New York. It's sad, because even a week ago, I was thinking it may be worth it to just keep Lee for the season, because while it is impossible to find a way back into contention, it would be nice to have another Cy Young award given to a Seattle pitcher. Then we could get the draft picks, retool next year and go from there.

But the state of the offense is just to horrible to ignore, so I am ready to send Cliff Lee to New York, as much as I hate to admit it. His pure dominance on the mound will be missed, but with Felix finding his form, Fister and Vargas pitching very well, and possibly Bedard, we may have enough depth at starter to makeup for his loss to some degree.

For Lee, we will at least receiving top Yankee's catching prospect Jesus Montero and second base prospect, David Adams. If this means Montero is brought up to M's and can start hitting, then Adams follows at least by next season, then fine. Get er done! I am just so damn sick of losing every game that Felix Hernandez doesn't complete or Cliff Lee doesn't pitch!

Game 85 Summary: YANKEES 3, MARINERS 1

Well, so Vargas handled it for 7, only giving up a run and holding the Yankees to a tie. But then Aardsma couldn't keep it going as he gave up 2 runs in the 9th to lose it to the Yankees. Surprise, surprise, the offense slept for this one and the losing continues.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Vargas with solid starting pitching again, but we need some goddamn runs!

Game 84 Summary: ROYALS 7, MARINERS 3

Swept by the Royals. Sounds worse than, "season ending injury," or, "now pitching, Bobby Ayala." Sadly, Fister did awesome for the first time since returning from the DL. He went 6 innings and gave up only 1 run. Then each subsequent reliever gave up 1 run, with Brandon League giving up 3 and blowing the save.

It's sad, because Casey Kotchman homered twice and that won't happen again this season. Damn waste.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Doug Fister for ponying up and Kotchman for slugging a few out.

Game 83 Summary: ROYALS 3, MARINERS 2

Wow, RRS is now 1-8. 1-8 and still in the starting rotation, filling in for Bedard, who is still not ready to return to the Bigs. Sure, RRS went up against Zac Grienke and only gave up 3 runs, but just another loss. Of course, the offense didn't do much themselves.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Still RRS, because no one else showed up to this one.

Game 82 Summary: ROYALS 6, MARINERS 4

Well, Felix went 7 and only gave up 2. He wanted to keep going, but Wak decided to bring in the relief corps and they blew the 4-2 lead. No win for Felix, no save for anybody and no chance in moving up the standings.

Wasted were Branyan's homer, two Lopez doubles, and a respectable amount of offense.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Felix, because pretty soon he'll be the only ace left.

Game 81 Summary: MARINERS 7, TIGERS 1

Well, halfway through the season and we're watching Cliff Lee save the M's from another sweep. He did not pick up his 4th straight complete game, but he gave up 1 run, struck out 11, and became that much more appealing to all the contenders seeking his arm.

Ironically, the offense showed up with homers from the bats of Kotchman and Branyan, a double from Lopez, and stolen bases from Ichiro and Gutierrez. It would have been nice if some of these runs could have been spread out over other games, but I'll take the W.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Cliff Lee and the season that should have been.

Game 80 Summary: TIGERS 6, MARINERS 1

As with Fister the day before, Jason Vargas was less than stellar. He gave up 6 over 4&1/3 and of course that's too much for our offense to get back. Kotchman had a few hits and Michael Saunders drove in the only run, but it was another damn dismal day.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Kotchman, for showing up to the plate, albeit a bit late.

Game 79 Summary: TIGERS 7, MARINERS 1

Fister took the mound for his second start since coming off the DL and took another step backward. He gave up 5 runs over 4&2/3 and ended up taking the loss in this debacle. Max Scherzer worked the M's over, only giving up 1 run through the 8th.

The run came off a homer from Gutierrez.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Guti.

Game 78 Summary: YANKEES 4, MARINERS 2

Going into this game, I had misgivings about the capability of Ryan Rowland-Smith to handle a match up against Yankee's ace, CC Sabathia. Luckily, RRS had an okay outing, managing to go 6 innings and only give up a couple of runs. Russell Branyan drove in a few runs in the top of the 8th to tie the game and it seemed quite possible we could have taken this game back.

Then A-Rod singled in a few runs off Aardsma, Mariano Rivera closed out the 9th and it ended like so many Mariner Yankee match ups of old. If it isn't the offense, its the bullpen. Goddamn it!

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

RRS for probably his best outing this season, though giving up 3 runs is hardly spectacular.