After analyzing Ken Griffey Jr.'s reachable milestones for 2010, it's time to look at the Mariners' other active Hall of Fame shoe-in, Ichiro Suzuki, and the possible achievements we could bear witness to in the upcoming season.
Unfortunately, there are no career categories that Ichiro comes close. That's the down side to being an MLB rookie at the age of 27.
Then, there is only one franchise record Ichiro could set this season worth noting. He only needs 218 more hits to pass Edgar Martinez as the Mariners all time hits leader.
Interestingly enough, Ichiro already holds quite a few team records even though he's only played 9 seasons. Ichiro leads the all Mariners in batting average (.333), triples (68), and stolen bases (341).
Of course, if he reaches 200 hits this year, he notches up 10 consecutive season of 200 hits or more, and makes that record ever so much harder to reach.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Junior Milestones for 2010
With the 2010 season to look forward to as yet another season that will see Griffey in a Mariners uniform it is a good time to take note of the potential milestones that the future hall of famer should or could reach this following season.
First and foremost on everyone's minds is Griffey's place on the career home runs list. As the current active home run leader with 630, Griffey is fifth on the list behind Willie Mays, Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, and Barry Bonds. Griffey needs 31 to pass Mays (660), and with a very productive season, Griffey could do it in 2010. However, its been a couple of seasons since Griffey has surpassed even 20 homers and this would depend on him staying healthy as well as productive.
In the runs batted in category, Griffey finds himself ranked 16th all time with 1829, a mere 4 behind Dave Winfield and 6 behind Rafael Palmeiro. If Griffey can knock in 85 rbis this season, he'll Willie Mays and reach the top 10. Even with a very mediocre season, Griffey should pass hall of famers Winfield, Ted Williams (1839), Carl Yastrzemski (1844), and Mel Ott (1860).
Then there are several lesser known statistical categories that Griffey should advance in this following season:
-With 3 extra base hits, Griffey will find himself ranked 6th overall in that category behind Mays, Ruth, Stan Musial, Bonds, and Aaron.
-Griffey currently has the 4th highest amount of intentional walks (246), and with 15 more he will pass Willie McCovey, though Bonds has probably made the all time record damn near untouchable with 688 lifetime.
And finally, there are the franchise records. Griffey is already the Mariner's franchise leader in home runs (417), Intentional Walks (172), and On base plus slugging percentage (.935). In many categories, Griffey finds himself second to only one other future Mariner's hall of famer, Edgar Martinez. Though most of these categories seem unlikely for Junior to reach next season, only 53 more rbis will claim the franchise top spot from Martinez.
Thus, several milestones await to be reached by Junior this coming season. Next up, we'll see what's instore for Ichiro this season to top reaching 2000 career hits in the MLB, 3000 career hits when combining his MLB and Japanese totals, and 9 consecutive seasons of producing 200 hits or more.
First and foremost on everyone's minds is Griffey's place on the career home runs list. As the current active home run leader with 630, Griffey is fifth on the list behind Willie Mays, Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, and Barry Bonds. Griffey needs 31 to pass Mays (660), and with a very productive season, Griffey could do it in 2010. However, its been a couple of seasons since Griffey has surpassed even 20 homers and this would depend on him staying healthy as well as productive.
In the runs batted in category, Griffey finds himself ranked 16th all time with 1829, a mere 4 behind Dave Winfield and 6 behind Rafael Palmeiro. If Griffey can knock in 85 rbis this season, he'll Willie Mays and reach the top 10. Even with a very mediocre season, Griffey should pass hall of famers Winfield, Ted Williams (1839), Carl Yastrzemski (1844), and Mel Ott (1860).
Then there are several lesser known statistical categories that Griffey should advance in this following season:
-With 3 extra base hits, Griffey will find himself ranked 6th overall in that category behind Mays, Ruth, Stan Musial, Bonds, and Aaron.
-Griffey currently has the 4th highest amount of intentional walks (246), and with 15 more he will pass Willie McCovey, though Bonds has probably made the all time record damn near untouchable with 688 lifetime.
And finally, there are the franchise records. Griffey is already the Mariner's franchise leader in home runs (417), Intentional Walks (172), and On base plus slugging percentage (.935). In many categories, Griffey finds himself second to only one other future Mariner's hall of famer, Edgar Martinez. Though most of these categories seem unlikely for Junior to reach next season, only 53 more rbis will claim the franchise top spot from Martinez.
Thus, several milestones await to be reached by Junior this coming season. Next up, we'll see what's instore for Ichiro this season to top reaching 2000 career hits in the MLB, 3000 career hits when combining his MLB and Japanese totals, and 9 consecutive seasons of producing 200 hits or more.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Awards, Rumors, Etc
With Albert Pujols announced as the NL MVP for a second year in a row, the MLB awards have all been dulled out. Unfortunately, Felix Hernandez was not able to pick up the Cy Young, but instead, came in a strong second to Zac Grienke. Can't blame the sportswriters for this pick, as Zac Grienke had an amazing season on a team that finished 32 games under the .500 mark and 21.5 games out of first place in the central division. Besides, Hernandez is young and has something more to shoot for next year.
The only Mariner to add to the trophy case this year was Ichiro. He picked up his 3rd Silver Slugger award for setting a new record with 9 consecutive season of 200 hits or more and he picked up his 9th straight gold glove, which ties the club record set by Ken Griffey Jr. Essentially, Ichiro added yet a few more reasons to make him a first ballot hall of famer when the time comes.
On a side note, former UW pitcher and San Francisco Giants phenom Tim Lincecum won his second straight Cy Young Award. Yep, that kid from Bellevue that the Mariners past over in the 2006 draft. Having routed for the Giants many years, I'm happy for their success, but when you think about the difference he could have made in Seattle's rotation, it's a little bittersweet.
Meanwhile, the season of free agency continues and so far, there are no new major developments on that front. The Mariners made some roster changes that resulted in the losses of pitchers Chris Jakubauskas and Robert Manual. Still unsigned are free agents Endy Chavez (OF), Erik Bedard (SP), Adrian Beltre (3B), Miguel Batista (RP), Mike Sweeney (DH), and Russell Branyan (1B), but it appears that only Branyan is in any kind of negotiating process with the front office. Josh Wilson, the rookie shortstop of last year that filled in for Jack Wilson towards the end of the season, refused his minor league assignment and also becomes a free agent.
Rumor wise, the Mariners have their eyes on some potential bats, since they ended the 2009 season last in batting average (.258), runs scored (640), runs batted in (631), and on base percentage (.314). At times, the Mariners have been linked to Red Sox Outfielder Jason Bay, but being that Bay is the most sought after free agent this post-season and has interest from just about every team that can afford him, the rumor is pretty weak. The only indication that Mariners would be towards the top of his list of potential clubs is that Bay's residence is on the west coast and he has mentioned that he'd like to play closer to home.
More attention has been paid to Curtis Granderson of the Detroit Tigers. Granderson hit 30 homers, stole 20 bases, and could easily fit in as a great offensive force for the Mariners' lackluster offense. There have been talks between Detroit and Seattle to move Granderson with starting pitcher Edwin Jackson to Seattle for some prospects. In addition to Granderson's offense, Jackson could potentially fill out spot in the rotation with experience that some of the other potential starts lack. However, these talks have slowed down as it appears Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik doesn't want to foot the bill with his organization's biggest prospects.
Though, no one should fret yet, because Outfielder Dustin Ackley, the Mariners' #1 draft pick of this year, is getting some training at second base this off season meaning that Mariners' front office could be looking for an offensive outfielder. Hell, we need it. Anything to drive in some runs and give the pitching staff a break.
Heres a look at the potential starters for the 2010 Mariners. Keep in mind, this is with how the roster looks currently:
Catcher: Rob Johnson/Adam Moore
Firstbase: Russel Branyan/Mike Carp
Secondbase: Jose Lopez
Shortstop: Jack Wilson
Thirdbase: Jack Hannahan/Bill Hall/Matt Tuiasosopo
Leftfield: Michael Saunders/Ryan Langherhans/Bill Hall
Centerfield: Franklin Gutierrez
Rightfield: Ichiro Suzuki
Designated Hitter: Ken Griffey Jr./Russell Branyan/Bill Hall
Starting Rotation:
Felix Hernandez
Ryan Rowland-Smith
Carlos Silva
Ian Snell/Brandon Morrow/Doug Fister/Luke French
Relievers:
Mark Lowe
Sean White
Shawn Kelley
Garrett Olson
Yusmeiro Petit
Closer:
David Aardsma
Happy Thanksgiving all and hopefully by Christmas, we'll be closer to soldifying that lineup which will bring us the series!
The only Mariner to add to the trophy case this year was Ichiro. He picked up his 3rd Silver Slugger award for setting a new record with 9 consecutive season of 200 hits or more and he picked up his 9th straight gold glove, which ties the club record set by Ken Griffey Jr. Essentially, Ichiro added yet a few more reasons to make him a first ballot hall of famer when the time comes.
On a side note, former UW pitcher and San Francisco Giants phenom Tim Lincecum won his second straight Cy Young Award. Yep, that kid from Bellevue that the Mariners past over in the 2006 draft. Having routed for the Giants many years, I'm happy for their success, but when you think about the difference he could have made in Seattle's rotation, it's a little bittersweet.
Meanwhile, the season of free agency continues and so far, there are no new major developments on that front. The Mariners made some roster changes that resulted in the losses of pitchers Chris Jakubauskas and Robert Manual. Still unsigned are free agents Endy Chavez (OF), Erik Bedard (SP), Adrian Beltre (3B), Miguel Batista (RP), Mike Sweeney (DH), and Russell Branyan (1B), but it appears that only Branyan is in any kind of negotiating process with the front office. Josh Wilson, the rookie shortstop of last year that filled in for Jack Wilson towards the end of the season, refused his minor league assignment and also becomes a free agent.
Rumor wise, the Mariners have their eyes on some potential bats, since they ended the 2009 season last in batting average (.258), runs scored (640), runs batted in (631), and on base percentage (.314). At times, the Mariners have been linked to Red Sox Outfielder Jason Bay, but being that Bay is the most sought after free agent this post-season and has interest from just about every team that can afford him, the rumor is pretty weak. The only indication that Mariners would be towards the top of his list of potential clubs is that Bay's residence is on the west coast and he has mentioned that he'd like to play closer to home.
More attention has been paid to Curtis Granderson of the Detroit Tigers. Granderson hit 30 homers, stole 20 bases, and could easily fit in as a great offensive force for the Mariners' lackluster offense. There have been talks between Detroit and Seattle to move Granderson with starting pitcher Edwin Jackson to Seattle for some prospects. In addition to Granderson's offense, Jackson could potentially fill out spot in the rotation with experience that some of the other potential starts lack. However, these talks have slowed down as it appears Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik doesn't want to foot the bill with his organization's biggest prospects.
Though, no one should fret yet, because Outfielder Dustin Ackley, the Mariners' #1 draft pick of this year, is getting some training at second base this off season meaning that Mariners' front office could be looking for an offensive outfielder. Hell, we need it. Anything to drive in some runs and give the pitching staff a break.
Heres a look at the potential starters for the 2010 Mariners. Keep in mind, this is with how the roster looks currently:
Catcher: Rob Johnson/Adam Moore
Firstbase: Russel Branyan/Mike Carp
Secondbase: Jose Lopez
Shortstop: Jack Wilson
Thirdbase: Jack Hannahan/Bill Hall/Matt Tuiasosopo
Leftfield: Michael Saunders/Ryan Langherhans/Bill Hall
Centerfield: Franklin Gutierrez
Rightfield: Ichiro Suzuki
Designated Hitter: Ken Griffey Jr./Russell Branyan/Bill Hall
Starting Rotation:
Felix Hernandez
Ryan Rowland-Smith
Carlos Silva
Ian Snell/Brandon Morrow/Doug Fister/Luke French
Relievers:
Mark Lowe
Sean White
Shawn Kelley
Garrett Olson
Yusmeiro Petit
Closer:
David Aardsma
Happy Thanksgiving all and hopefully by Christmas, we'll be closer to soldifying that lineup which will bring us the series!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
So it begins
Spring Training is still off in the distance, but it's not too early to start getting excited for the next season of Seattle Mariners baseball. The franchise enters its 34th season still looking for its first trip to the World Series, and folks, I feel we will find ourselves their next October. Along the way, I will chronicle the journey, so with out further ado, let's pickup with what the Mariners have been doing so far this off season.
The first major move the Mariners made was the resigning of Seattle's most popular athlete of all time, Ken Griffey Jr. He was picked up for 2.5 million with incentives and was the initial inspiration behind this blog when he stated that his, "ultimate goal is for the Mariners to get to and win the World Series." His role this season may be a bit diminished as far as actual playing time, but his leadership in the clubhouse is priceless. Plus, 19 home runs and 57 rbis from a guy who played less than 120 games ain't bad.
Also returning is shortstop, Jack Wilson. Jack came over in trade from the Pittsburgh Pirates to give the Mariners a strong defensive shortstop and hopefully, a batting average that doesn't hug the Mendoza line (Sorry, Ronny Cedeno). Wilson was not all the Mariners could hope last season, as he sustained an injury that affected his play towards the end of the season, but with the off season to rest, hopefully he returns to snuff come March.
Not returning is fan favorite and Ichiro's countryman, Kenji Johjima. After losing quite a bit of playing time to injury and communication difficulties with some pitchers on the starting staff, he found himself in a platooning role with Rob Johnson for most of the 2009 season. Not wanting to return as a part timer, Kenji returned to Japan and signed with the Hanshin Tigers. While he was a great defensive asset, his contract (15.8 million over the next 2 years), seems a little steep for the Mariners to pay a part time catcher. In Japan, he will be able to play full time and the M's can free up a chunk salary.
A few free agents remain on the Mariners roster. Firstbaseman and team home run leader, Russell Branyan, has been offered a one year contract which he rejected. He's holding out for a multi-year deal, but it appears the new Mariners front office is a little weary of him getting Richie Sexson syndrome. It would be nice if they can compromise. Also, Thirdbaseman Adrian Beltre, Starting Pitcher Erik Bedard, Reliever Miguel Batista, Outfielder Endy Chavez, and Designated Hitter Mike Sweeney remain unsigned. Of these, Batista has already claimed a, "99.9% chance" that he will not be with the Mariners next year. Bedard and Beltre were injured for long stretches of last season and have yet to live up to their previous contracts, so it seems unlikely they will be back. Endy Chavez was lost to a season ending surgery midseason and with the advent of Franklin Gutierrez it seems unlikely that the Mariners will have a spot for Chavez, especially if he's lost a step from the injury. Sweeney is getting on in years and with the signing of Griffey its uncertain where he'd fit in.
Well that's all for now. I have to clock back in!
The first major move the Mariners made was the resigning of Seattle's most popular athlete of all time, Ken Griffey Jr. He was picked up for 2.5 million with incentives and was the initial inspiration behind this blog when he stated that his, "ultimate goal is for the Mariners to get to and win the World Series." His role this season may be a bit diminished as far as actual playing time, but his leadership in the clubhouse is priceless. Plus, 19 home runs and 57 rbis from a guy who played less than 120 games ain't bad.
Also returning is shortstop, Jack Wilson. Jack came over in trade from the Pittsburgh Pirates to give the Mariners a strong defensive shortstop and hopefully, a batting average that doesn't hug the Mendoza line (Sorry, Ronny Cedeno). Wilson was not all the Mariners could hope last season, as he sustained an injury that affected his play towards the end of the season, but with the off season to rest, hopefully he returns to snuff come March.
Not returning is fan favorite and Ichiro's countryman, Kenji Johjima. After losing quite a bit of playing time to injury and communication difficulties with some pitchers on the starting staff, he found himself in a platooning role with Rob Johnson for most of the 2009 season. Not wanting to return as a part timer, Kenji returned to Japan and signed with the Hanshin Tigers. While he was a great defensive asset, his contract (15.8 million over the next 2 years), seems a little steep for the Mariners to pay a part time catcher. In Japan, he will be able to play full time and the M's can free up a chunk salary.
A few free agents remain on the Mariners roster. Firstbaseman and team home run leader, Russell Branyan, has been offered a one year contract which he rejected. He's holding out for a multi-year deal, but it appears the new Mariners front office is a little weary of him getting Richie Sexson syndrome. It would be nice if they can compromise. Also, Thirdbaseman Adrian Beltre, Starting Pitcher Erik Bedard, Reliever Miguel Batista, Outfielder Endy Chavez, and Designated Hitter Mike Sweeney remain unsigned. Of these, Batista has already claimed a, "99.9% chance" that he will not be with the Mariners next year. Bedard and Beltre were injured for long stretches of last season and have yet to live up to their previous contracts, so it seems unlikely they will be back. Endy Chavez was lost to a season ending surgery midseason and with the advent of Franklin Gutierrez it seems unlikely that the Mariners will have a spot for Chavez, especially if he's lost a step from the injury. Sweeney is getting on in years and with the signing of Griffey its uncertain where he'd fit in.
Well that's all for now. I have to clock back in!