Well, we are just past half. The M's are 40-42, as opposed to being 34-48 at this point. They are currently in third place in the AL West, only 3.5 games out of first while last year they had been in 4th place for the last 52 games, never to leave that spot, and were 14 games out of first, a season completely lost.
While their hopes of creating a playoff berth are still a bit of stretch, its been nice to see so much go right.
The starters have been amazing, the relievers have been just as awesome and its nice to see dustin ackley pay some dividends!
Friday, July 1, 2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
2 Months and Still in It!
After a slow 13-15 in April, the M's fought through May to go 15-11 and stand at 28-26 in second place in the AL West, only behind Texas by 1 game. That's right, we're still contending in what's suppose to be a rebuild season. With tonight's win, we've won the last 5 series we've played, including sweeps of the Angels and Padres, and hopefully the momentum is here to stay.
Friday, May 13, 2011
16-23
Well its been a while since I've blogged. Posting every game is a bit ambitious this year, but where have the Mariners gone since I last posted? Well for starters, they've gone 6-8 and are currently suffering through a 6 game losing streak. They're still at the bottom of the West division and its not looking good. Rebuild year for sure.
Its very irritating though, because there is truly only one problem with this team that needs fixing. The defense has been solid for the most part, with double plays being turned left and right. The bullpen has had a few issues recently, but well above the league average. It all comes down to offense.
The Mariners have the lowest batting average in the American league, second least amount of hits, second lowest amount of runs, second to last in homers and the lowest slugging percentage in all of the Big. Whats worse is if you take Ichiro and Smoak out of the equation the team batting average drops from .229 to .209.
Meanwhile, Pineda is on the way to the ROY, Felix is still legit and Vargas and Fister are on the top of their games! Damn!
Its very irritating though, because there is truly only one problem with this team that needs fixing. The defense has been solid for the most part, with double plays being turned left and right. The bullpen has had a few issues recently, but well above the league average. It all comes down to offense.
The Mariners have the lowest batting average in the American league, second least amount of hits, second lowest amount of runs, second to last in homers and the lowest slugging percentage in all of the Big. Whats worse is if you take Ichiro and Smoak out of the equation the team batting average drops from .229 to .209.
Meanwhile, Pineda is on the way to the ROY, Felix is still legit and Vargas and Fister are on the top of their games! Damn!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Game 25: MARINERS 7, TIGERS 3
Well, at least it was a Felix day. The King came in and held them down for, only giving up 2 earned runs while striking out 4 and forcing 11 ground balls to 3 flies.
The big story was the return of Justin Smoak from the bereavement list and his 3rd homer of the season that put the M's on top for the first time in the game. Also of note was Miguel Olivo's first homer of the season that got a little help from Ryan Raburn's glove. Everyone in the lineup, sans Bradley, came up with a hit and it all came together nicely.
The big story was the return of Justin Smoak from the bereavement list and his 3rd homer of the season that put the M's on top for the first time in the game. Also of note was Miguel Olivo's first homer of the season that got a little help from Ryan Raburn's glove. Everyone in the lineup, sans Bradley, came up with a hit and it all came together nicely.
Game 24: A's 5, MARINERS 2
Well, we end up splitting this one and going 8-15 into the off day. Fister pitched well, but then Laffey blew the lead and the offense could do nothing for it. Worst record in the majors. Not good.
Game 22: A'S 9, MARINERS 1
And then slaughter and wasted opportunities. It seems a damn crime when a team can put together 10 hits, 3 from Ichiro and only get 1 run. Goddamn offense.
And then Vargas and Lueke get blasted... Goddamn it all!
And then Vargas and Lueke get blasted... Goddamn it all!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Game 21: MARINERS 4, A'S 0
It's games like these that reinforce why Jack Z does not want to trade Felix. Following a terrific performance from the King, Pineda shutout the A's for 6 innings while striking out 5 and his team leading 3rd win. Pineda has the potential to be another great ace for the M's, so with him and Felix to build around, why would you want to send the King away for more prospects? We potentially have the two best pitchers in the game and we need to capitalize on this rather than start over again by sending away the franchise cornerstone.
Game 20: MARINERS 1, A'S 0
The A's came to town to find Felix in his prime. 4 walks, 3 hits, 8 strikeouts and no runs. Felix didn't quite go 8, but he was helped out of a jam by one pitched by Jamey Wright, who handed it off to Brandon League for save #4.
The run came from Adam Kennedy's second homer of the year. It wasn't much, but usually it just may be enough to get the reigning Cy Young winner to win #2!
The run came from Adam Kennedy's second homer of the year. It wasn't much, but usually it just may be enough to get the reigning Cy Young winner to win #2!
Game 19: TIGERS 3, MARINERS 2
And then we return to a near non-offensive game. Kennedy hit his first homer of the season and Ichiro batted one in. That was about it. Bedard only gave up 3 runs this time... And lost again...
Game 18: MARINERS 13, TIGERS 3
While it would have been nice to disperse some of these runs to the previous nights game, it was nice to see the boys bash into the double digits. It was all backed by Fister pitching a good 6&1/3 innings while striking out 7 and getting his first win of the year.
On the offensive side, Ichiro managed 4 hits while Figgins and Saunders each turned in 3. Ichiro stole a couple and Figgins had a steal as well. This will definitely raise a few batting averages.
On the offensive side, Ichiro managed 4 hits while Figgins and Saunders each turned in 3. Ichiro stole a couple and Figgins had a steal as well. This will definitely raise a few batting averages.
Game 17: TIGERS 8, MARINERS 3
This one reeked of 2009. Jason Vargas pitched an efficient 6 innings while only allowing a couple of runs and striking out 7. Milton Bradley provided a deep homer to right that helped keep the lead for a while.
Then Josh Lueke and Chris Ray let the Tigers rip this open. Even a late inning homer by Justin Smoak was not enough to dent the lead the Tigers had managed at this point.
Then Josh Lueke and Chris Ray let the Tigers rip this open. Even a late inning homer by Justin Smoak was not enough to dent the lead the Tigers had managed at this point.
Game 16: MARINERS 3, ROYALS 2
Leave it to the rookie to become the stopper! Michael Pineda got through 6 innings while only allowing a run and striking out 5. He was a little wild with 4 walks, but still dominating and proving to be the most effective Mariner in the starting rotation. Good enough for his second big league win.
Meanwhile, Bradley provided an RBI triple and Brendan Ryan had a 2 run single, which was just enough to help the M's avoid a sweep. Back to the Safe!
Meanwhile, Bradley provided an RBI triple and Brendan Ryan had a 2 run single, which was just enough to help the M's avoid a sweep. Back to the Safe!
Game 15: ROYALS 7, MARINERS 0
Well, it just gets uglier. King Felix took on his second less while only allowing 2 earned runs. The defense let a few more get by, as did Brandon League in a non-save situation. There was only a few extra base hits and all in all, it was a waste of our ace...
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Game 12: BLUE JAYS 8, MARINERS 3
This one seemed to be going our way, but unfortunately, Chris Ray got pummeled in the 8th. Rather disappointing when you consider that Jason Vargas nearly went 7 innings while striking out 7, while allowing one run, 5 hits and a walk. His first good outing, and its lost.
Justin Smoak did belt his first homer of the season, while Milton got yet another hit and RBI. It was a pretty meager night offensively, but if Chris Ray had managed to shut down the inning, we might have had our first sweep of the season.
Oh well. Its on to Kansas tomorrow for 4 before returning to the Safe!
Justin Smoak did belt his first homer of the season, while Milton got yet another hit and RBI. It was a pretty meager night offensively, but if Chris Ray had managed to shut down the inning, we might have had our first sweep of the season.
Oh well. Its on to Kansas tomorrow for 4 before returning to the Safe!
Game 11: MARINERS 3, BLUE JAYS 2
What a home debut for Michael Pineda! Through 7&1/3 innings, Pineda gave up only 1 earned run, 5 hits and a couple of walks while fanning 7. Not bad for a second big league start. Best of all, we get to see these kind of efforts a day after Felix takes the mound.
Providing the run support was another homer from Ryan Langerhans, his team leading 3rd. Milton Bradley also knocked in a run and Jack Wilson stole his 4th base of the season. It wasn't a big night, but it was enough.
After two series sweeps, it was nice to get a series win.
Providing the run support was another homer from Ryan Langerhans, his team leading 3rd. Milton Bradley also knocked in a run and Jack Wilson stole his 4th base of the season. It wasn't a big night, but it was enough.
After two series sweeps, it was nice to get a series win.
Game 10: MARINERS 8, BLUE JAYS 7
Well, this one had all the makings of typical Mariner loss, and then some. The Jays got their runs often and early, while Felix struggled to stop them in a very un-Felix like outing. Even with Jay's starter Jesse Litsch pitching a pretty ineffective game, this one seemed to be Toronto's bag by the time the 7th rolled around.
Then, Milton Bradley slugged a homer to right and for a second people had something to cheer about. This seemed like all the offense there would be. No one could have seen what the 8th inning had in store.
A combination of ineffective relief pitching and very patient at-bats led to a 5-run 8th inning. Three consecutive walks brought in runs and then Justin Smoak squeezed a two run single. This brought the score to 7-6.
Then in the 9th, Michael Saunders stroked a double and Ichiro was walked to get to lesser batter, Luis Rodriguez. Unfortunately for the Jays and Shawn Camp, it was Luis' day as he then drove in the tying and winning runs with a long single to center. In a season that may have many more downs than ups, this was a game for the ages.
Then, Milton Bradley slugged a homer to right and for a second people had something to cheer about. This seemed like all the offense there would be. No one could have seen what the 8th inning had in store.
A combination of ineffective relief pitching and very patient at-bats led to a 5-run 8th inning. Three consecutive walks brought in runs and then Justin Smoak squeezed a two run single. This brought the score to 7-6.
Then in the 9th, Michael Saunders stroked a double and Ichiro was walked to get to lesser batter, Luis Rodriguez. Unfortunately for the Jays and Shawn Camp, it was Luis' day as he then drove in the tying and winning runs with a long single to center. In a season that may have many more downs than ups, this was a game for the ages.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Game 8: INDIANS 2, MARINERS 1
Well, we went from a beating to a winnable one that our offense couldn't bring back.
Sad, really, because Fister did not deserve his second loss of the season, only giving up one earned run in this one. He managed to lower his ERA 2.31, but still has yet to find a win. Lueke and Ray followed him with some solid innings, but it wasn't enough.
Figgins ended his hitting slump by getting on base a few times late in the game, but nobody picked him up. I know expectations are low, but this season is not going as I hoped...
Sad, really, because Fister did not deserve his second loss of the season, only giving up one earned run in this one. He managed to lower his ERA 2.31, but still has yet to find a win. Lueke and Ray followed him with some solid innings, but it wasn't enough.
Figgins ended his hitting slump by getting on base a few times late in the game, but nobody picked him up. I know expectations are low, but this season is not going as I hoped...
Game 7: INDIANS 12, MARINERS 3
It was a night to remember Dave Niehaus and after the lopsided play, I'm sure that's all anyone would want to remember.
Kristof, Bridgette and I headed on over to Safeco in hopes of seeing a good showing at home. Instead, the Indians took out the M's in 4th inning by plating 10 runs. It was just ugly. We got knocked around by guys like Jack Hannahan and Asdrubal Cabrera.
The all star of the game was Macklemore, by far.
Kristof, Bridgette and I headed on over to Safeco in hopes of seeing a good showing at home. Instead, the Indians took out the M's in 4th inning by plating 10 runs. It was just ugly. We got knocked around by guys like Jack Hannahan and Asdrubal Cabrera.
The all star of the game was Macklemore, by far.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Game 6: RANGERS 7, MARINERS 3
And thus came the sweep. We sent our Ace to the mound and he got:
-Back to back errors from Jack Wilson.
-Meager offense.
-A bullpen that allowed enough runs to make any offensive retaliation in the last 3 innings futile.
While we haven't suffered as miserably as the Devil Rays or Red Sox, it sucks that we weren't able to at least pull into the .500 mark on our first road trip.
Now it wasn't Felix's best outing, but he did go 7 and only gave up 2 earned runs while striking out six. He appears to be in mid-season form, already leading the league in innings pitched and he's the only pitcher to throw a complete game.
As far as positives on the offensive side, Cust had a two hit game and Bradley picked up his third double of the season.
-Back to back errors from Jack Wilson.
-Meager offense.
-A bullpen that allowed enough runs to make any offensive retaliation in the last 3 innings futile.
While we haven't suffered as miserably as the Devil Rays or Red Sox, it sucks that we weren't able to at least pull into the .500 mark on our first road trip.
Now it wasn't Felix's best outing, but he did go 7 and only gave up 2 earned runs while striking out six. He appears to be in mid-season form, already leading the league in innings pitched and he's the only pitcher to throw a complete game.
As far as positives on the offensive side, Cust had a two hit game and Bradley picked up his third double of the season.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Game 5: RANGERS 3, MARINERS 2
Another loss on the road, but at least with a nice glimmer hope due to the solid debut by Michael Pineda. The big 22 year old rookie went 6 innings while allowing 5 hits, a walk and striking out 4. He may have even pulled off the win if the offense had showed up, but at the very least, Pineda showed up as advertised.
The offense attempted to stage a comeback in the 7th, but came up a run short. The Mariner's left 10 on base and only managed one extra base hit. Pretty pathetic.
The biggest thing I see from these losses is that we need Gutierrez back! Langerhans and Saunders have hit a collective 3-19 (.157) and it seems that center field has become the favorite power alley of all our opponents. Last season, Gutierrez was on fire in April and we could really use him over the replacements.
Oh well, tomorrow its stopgap time with Felix getting his second start of the season and hopefully, turning this road trip from a losing one to one where we break even!
The offense attempted to stage a comeback in the 7th, but came up a run short. The Mariner's left 10 on base and only managed one extra base hit. Pretty pathetic.
The biggest thing I see from these losses is that we need Gutierrez back! Langerhans and Saunders have hit a collective 3-19 (.157) and it seems that center field has become the favorite power alley of all our opponents. Last season, Gutierrez was on fire in April and we could really use him over the replacements.
Oh well, tomorrow its stopgap time with Felix getting his second start of the season and hopefully, turning this road trip from a losing one to one where we break even!
Game 4: RANGERS 6, MARINERS 4
Erik Bedard took the mound for his first big league start since 2009 and got knocked around a bit. Surprisingly, Elvis Andrus went deep off Bedard in the first, this being the first home run in the big leagues that Andrus has hit since he last faced Bedard. Unsurprisingly, Nelson Cruz also went deep. All in all, not a well pitched game. However, the Mariners grinded through this one, out hitting the Rangers 10-7 and staying in contention for the win till the bitter end. Once again, Justin Smoak doubled, bringing his batting average up to .385. Milton Bradley went 3-4 to bring his average up to .353, Olivo also had a few hits and an rbi. Sure, they lost this one to a team expected to beat them, but at least the bats didn't look completely feeble as they may have a year ago.
Game 3: A's 7, MARINERS 1
Well, the M's had a chance to be the first Mariners team to open the season with a sweep on the road. Unfortunately, the A's had other ideas about that and knocked the M's around a bit. Doug Fister took the mound for his first start of the season and pitched decent enough. He gave up 8 hits, but managed to avoid walking any batters and almost went a full 6 innings. It didn't help that Milton Bradley lost a ball in the sun, or that Josh Lueke gave up 4 runs in relief, to make this game go from competitive to unwinnable. Offensively, Ryan Langerhans became the second Mariner to go deep this season and Justin smoak kept his hitting streak alive with his second double of the season. Pretty quite otherwise. At least we won this series. On to Texas!
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Game 2: MARINERS 5, A's 2
While it's smallest winning streak possible, its not bad to start a season by winning the first two games, especially against a division rival that many believe will take the division.
After Felix completed his game last night, it came down to Jason Vargas to keep the consistent staring pitching going. Varg went 6&2/3 innings giving up 5 hits and a walk will fanning 6 and only allowing 1 run. Varg would have had a W except Chris Ray blew the small one run lead in the 8th.
Luckily, Ichiro singled in the go ahead run in the 9th, en route to a 3 run 9th, which was good enough for League to close out with the first Save of the season. It also put Ichiro at the top of the Mariner All time hits list with 2248, passing Mariner great, Edgar Martinez. Ichi also scored and stole his 3rd base of the season. Everybody had a hit except Adam Moore and Michael Saunders, with Milton Bradley and Jack Wilson grabbing a couple. Looks like we may have some offense this season after all.
Good times and let's keep this thing going!
After Felix completed his game last night, it came down to Jason Vargas to keep the consistent staring pitching going. Varg went 6&2/3 innings giving up 5 hits and a walk will fanning 6 and only allowing 1 run. Varg would have had a W except Chris Ray blew the small one run lead in the 8th.
Luckily, Ichiro singled in the go ahead run in the 9th, en route to a 3 run 9th, which was good enough for League to close out with the first Save of the season. It also put Ichiro at the top of the Mariner All time hits list with 2248, passing Mariner great, Edgar Martinez. Ichi also scored and stole his 3rd base of the season. Everybody had a hit except Adam Moore and Michael Saunders, with Milton Bradley and Jack Wilson grabbing a couple. Looks like we may have some offense this season after all.
Good times and let's keep this thing going!
Game 1: MARINERS 6, A'S 2
Well, it sounds like I missed out on a good one, but it was worth a trip to Portland with the Jefferson to see the Trailblazers take down the Zombie Sonics. Nonetheless, let me piece it together.
The M's sent Felix to the mound and he basically pitched the Cy Young Caliber ball we've come to love in Seattle. It started off rocky with a 2-run shot in the first by Josh Willingham and the strikeouts were not overly plentiful, but the King managed a complete game while only allowing 5 hits and no walks to the opposition. He's also the first pitcher in either league to throw a complete game and is well on his way to Cy Young #2.
Unlike many times last year, Felix actually got some run support. Our top of the order guys turned in a good one with both Ichiro and Figgins getting 2 hits, including a solo homer by Figgins, of all people, to take the lead. They also stole 3 bases, (2 Ichi, 1 Figgy). Olivo also turned in 2 hit game and Jack Cust walked 3 times. The A's did help our offense with 5 errors that allowed quite a few runs to score in the 7th.
Either way, a great start to the year!
The M's sent Felix to the mound and he basically pitched the Cy Young Caliber ball we've come to love in Seattle. It started off rocky with a 2-run shot in the first by Josh Willingham and the strikeouts were not overly plentiful, but the King managed a complete game while only allowing 5 hits and no walks to the opposition. He's also the first pitcher in either league to throw a complete game and is well on his way to Cy Young #2.
Unlike many times last year, Felix actually got some run support. Our top of the order guys turned in a good one with both Ichiro and Figgins getting 2 hits, including a solo homer by Figgins, of all people, to take the lead. They also stole 3 bases, (2 Ichi, 1 Figgy). Olivo also turned in 2 hit game and Jack Cust walked 3 times. The A's did help our offense with 5 errors that allowed quite a few runs to score in the 7th.
Either way, a great start to the year!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Spring Training 2011: Days 3 & 4
So, for the 3rd day of Spring Training, Dad and I headed of to Surprise, Arizona to watch the Giants take on the Texas Rangers in a world series rematch. It was a sweltering day and the stadium was packed with 12,000 plus people, but what a day it was.
The Giants had Ryan Vogelsong on the mound, looking to make his way onto the 25 man roster. Once thought to be a top prospect in the Giants organization around the turn of the century, Vogelsong meandered through the Bigs until taking a hiatus after the 2006 season. He ended up going to Japan in 2007 and did not return to the Majors until signing a minor league contract with the Angels. In this outing, he outpitched Tommy Hunter, by going 4 innings giving up a couple of runs, walking 1, allowing 4 hits and striking out 2. Not a stellar performance, but solid enough for spring.
The big story was Kung Fu Panda himself, Pablo Sandoval. Sandoval had a couple of hits including a stand up triple and a stolen base! A lot of people kind of wondered about Sandoval and his level of athleticism after he showed up overweight to camp last year and subsequently lost his starting job to Juan Uribe in the World Series following a meager regular season performance. Well, he sure seemed to be hustling along and looks ready to return to his rookie form.
Another note was that Gaylord Perry was signing baseballs for charity under a tent on the main concourse. I couldn't resist and got myself a ball. As he signed, I said, "Thank you for the year in Seattle and sorry about the tugboat." He chuckled a little and it was a great baseball moment that I'll always remember.
DAY 4:
Once again, we found ourselves in Peoria as the Mariners were to take on the Cubs. It started the same as our last Peoria endeavor: multiple first pitches and a national anthem singer that couldn't remember all the words.
Doug Fister had his longest start of spring, managing to go 4&1/3 innings, but it was sloppy, with 6 hits and 3 walks. Fister's control struggled and while this wasn't the worst an outing could go, it still leaves one hoping that Fister finds his control by April.
The one thing I really enjoyed about this particular game was watching the Mariner offense finally work how we had hoped it would work last year. Figgins got on a few base hits and beat out a force at second that kept an inning going. Figgins did get picked off in a run down, but he, Ichiro, and Josh Wilson all managed to steal a base. Justin Smoak had a few big hits and even Dustin Ackley managed one in his only at bat. Sure, no moonshot home runs, but production enough to get the M's out of a deficit.
Also, years after being duped at a baseball training camp, I finally got a legitimate Robby Thompson autograph!
The Giants had Ryan Vogelsong on the mound, looking to make his way onto the 25 man roster. Once thought to be a top prospect in the Giants organization around the turn of the century, Vogelsong meandered through the Bigs until taking a hiatus after the 2006 season. He ended up going to Japan in 2007 and did not return to the Majors until signing a minor league contract with the Angels. In this outing, he outpitched Tommy Hunter, by going 4 innings giving up a couple of runs, walking 1, allowing 4 hits and striking out 2. Not a stellar performance, but solid enough for spring.
The big story was Kung Fu Panda himself, Pablo Sandoval. Sandoval had a couple of hits including a stand up triple and a stolen base! A lot of people kind of wondered about Sandoval and his level of athleticism after he showed up overweight to camp last year and subsequently lost his starting job to Juan Uribe in the World Series following a meager regular season performance. Well, he sure seemed to be hustling along and looks ready to return to his rookie form.
Another note was that Gaylord Perry was signing baseballs for charity under a tent on the main concourse. I couldn't resist and got myself a ball. As he signed, I said, "Thank you for the year in Seattle and sorry about the tugboat." He chuckled a little and it was a great baseball moment that I'll always remember.
DAY 4:
Once again, we found ourselves in Peoria as the Mariners were to take on the Cubs. It started the same as our last Peoria endeavor: multiple first pitches and a national anthem singer that couldn't remember all the words.
Doug Fister had his longest start of spring, managing to go 4&1/3 innings, but it was sloppy, with 6 hits and 3 walks. Fister's control struggled and while this wasn't the worst an outing could go, it still leaves one hoping that Fister finds his control by April.
The one thing I really enjoyed about this particular game was watching the Mariner offense finally work how we had hoped it would work last year. Figgins got on a few base hits and beat out a force at second that kept an inning going. Figgins did get picked off in a run down, but he, Ichiro, and Josh Wilson all managed to steal a base. Justin Smoak had a few big hits and even Dustin Ackley managed one in his only at bat. Sure, no moonshot home runs, but production enough to get the M's out of a deficit.
Also, years after being duped at a baseball training camp, I finally got a legitimate Robby Thompson autograph!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Spring Training 2011: Day Two
So, today it was the Mariners taking on the A's in what became a 10-2 blow out. Yes, this is spring training we're talking about, results will vary come April 1st, and blah blah blah, but this one felt good, especially at the plate.
The Mariners appear to be showing a lot more patience, with only 3 strike outs, none courtesy of Jack Cust, Milton Bradley or Justin Smoak. Instead, the M's managed to draw 6 six walks and pick up 13 hits. They definitely weren't pressing.
-The Big Bad Bradley had a few hits that could have been outs, but hustled them out and made his way to third 3 times. He was heckled by fans, but merely waved his hands at the jerks as if he was shooing away a fly. He appears to be enjoying himself out there while having a monster spring.
-Justi Smoak crushed one to deep center and walked twice, showing that he may be a bit like Jack Cust. Will be even better if Smoak can avoid the k's.
-Speaking of Cust, he legged out a double and then went from second to home on the next play. Didn't know he could run like that.
-Ichiro was pegged in his first at bat, but got his revenge with an opposite field single on the next at bat.
-French looked good, with 4 k's against legitimate big leaguers in 3 innings. I wouldn't mind if he place holds for Pineda to start the season.
-I made off with a Milton Bradley signed ball and another signed by Dustin Ackley, Justin Smoak, and Greg Halman.
The Mariners appear to be showing a lot more patience, with only 3 strike outs, none courtesy of Jack Cust, Milton Bradley or Justin Smoak. Instead, the M's managed to draw 6 six walks and pick up 13 hits. They definitely weren't pressing.
-The Big Bad Bradley had a few hits that could have been outs, but hustled them out and made his way to third 3 times. He was heckled by fans, but merely waved his hands at the jerks as if he was shooing away a fly. He appears to be enjoying himself out there while having a monster spring.
-Justi Smoak crushed one to deep center and walked twice, showing that he may be a bit like Jack Cust. Will be even better if Smoak can avoid the k's.
-Speaking of Cust, he legged out a double and then went from second to home on the next play. Didn't know he could run like that.
-Ichiro was pegged in his first at bat, but got his revenge with an opposite field single on the next at bat.
-French looked good, with 4 k's against legitimate big leaguers in 3 innings. I wouldn't mind if he place holds for Pineda to start the season.
-I made off with a Milton Bradley signed ball and another signed by Dustin Ackley, Justin Smoak, and Greg Halman.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Spring Training 2011: Day 1
So, I've been on hiatus... In fact, I wasn't sure if I was going to keep this going, much to the dismay of my 3 followers. However, I've decided that I enjoy this as a hobby and should continue for at least another. I do not promise large, in depth summaries of each game, but at least weekly input, (probably more like bi-tri weekly most of the time).
Anyways, my first blog in nearly 2 months will not have too many things about the Mariners as I took in a Giants-Padres game instead, but in the spirit of baseball, here's how it went down:
-This was the first time I got to see Tim Lincecum pitch in-person and it was a sight to watch. It wasn't a stellar outing, as Tim did walk the first batter and give up a home run to Orlando Husdon. However, he did manage to strikeout 4 and it was a sight to behold him after he settled down. Watching Jorge Cantu swing through a Lincecum fastball and come up with nothing was a thing of beauty.
-Pablo Sandoval showed some hustle, making some great grabs at third and going first to third on a single to right-centerfield. The Panda is looking to be in better shape and can hoepfully return to 2009 form.
-Mike Fontenot hit what appeared to be a homer to rightfield in the first inning, but the official ruled it a foul ball. Fontenot then managed to smack a second ball out in the fifth inning that was undeniably fair. This coming from a guy that hit 1 homer all last season.
-Felix Romero closed out the game and from a back-up closer/setup man position, I liked what I saw. He wasn't over powering with velocity, but he kept the pitches low and got a quite few guys to swing over the top of the ball as it sunk on them. The only hit he allowed was about a foot over the head of the firstbaseman.
-The national anthem singer apparently believes the thing that the line "twilight's glass gleaming," somehow fits in their.
-The two owners of the Deschutes Brewey each threw out the first pitch. Then some rodeo cowboy named Skeeter also threw out the first pitch. This set the record for most first pitches at any MLB exhibition game at 3.
-Apparently, when some dumb ass college kid walks around with a plastic pink flamingo you're suppose to shotgun Smirnoff Ice with it to impress some drunk girls. This guy and his friend must have drank 10-15 drinks with the girls in the middle of the main concourse in what is probably the biggest amount of binge drinking I've seen that was totally disregarded by staff at a public venue. Needless to say, these guys did get some digits after 8 innings of begging.
-Ex-Mariner Guillermo Quiroz managed to lose a wild pitch from about 20 seconds after took a big hop in front of him and landed behind Quiroz as he spun in several directions while waving his fists in confusion.
Anyways, my first blog in nearly 2 months will not have too many things about the Mariners as I took in a Giants-Padres game instead, but in the spirit of baseball, here's how it went down:
-This was the first time I got to see Tim Lincecum pitch in-person and it was a sight to watch. It wasn't a stellar outing, as Tim did walk the first batter and give up a home run to Orlando Husdon. However, he did manage to strikeout 4 and it was a sight to behold him after he settled down. Watching Jorge Cantu swing through a Lincecum fastball and come up with nothing was a thing of beauty.
-Pablo Sandoval showed some hustle, making some great grabs at third and going first to third on a single to right-centerfield. The Panda is looking to be in better shape and can hoepfully return to 2009 form.
-Mike Fontenot hit what appeared to be a homer to rightfield in the first inning, but the official ruled it a foul ball. Fontenot then managed to smack a second ball out in the fifth inning that was undeniably fair. This coming from a guy that hit 1 homer all last season.
-Felix Romero closed out the game and from a back-up closer/setup man position, I liked what I saw. He wasn't over powering with velocity, but he kept the pitches low and got a quite few guys to swing over the top of the ball as it sunk on them. The only hit he allowed was about a foot over the head of the firstbaseman.
-The national anthem singer apparently believes the thing that the line "twilight's glass gleaming," somehow fits in their.
-The two owners of the Deschutes Brewey each threw out the first pitch. Then some rodeo cowboy named Skeeter also threw out the first pitch. This set the record for most first pitches at any MLB exhibition game at 3.
-Apparently, when some dumb ass college kid walks around with a plastic pink flamingo you're suppose to shotgun Smirnoff Ice with it to impress some drunk girls. This guy and his friend must have drank 10-15 drinks with the girls in the middle of the main concourse in what is probably the biggest amount of binge drinking I've seen that was totally disregarded by staff at a public venue. Needless to say, these guys did get some digits after 8 innings of begging.
-Ex-Mariner Guillermo Quiroz managed to lose a wild pitch from about 20 seconds after took a big hop in front of him and landed behind Quiroz as he spun in several directions while waving his fists in confusion.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Return of the Big Bad Bradley...
Milton Bradley was released on $50,000 dollars in bail for making an unspecified threat to an unidentified woman in Los Angeles. This means we probably won't be seeing him in an M's uniform this year.
However, it could have larger implications. Depending on the language of Bradley's current contract, the M's may be able to void some, if not all of Bradley's salary. That's a cool 12 million back in the hands of Jack Z, and it could potentially make next season a bit more interesting. However, to hope for such a thing is rather lofty, as in most cases, the M's would probably only realistically look to get back a much smaller portion of that salary.
Of course, the case could get thrown out, Bradley could be innocent and find himself one of the spendiest bench players in the league next year. Even so, it may be worth it to swallow the salary, avoid bad press, and fill the roster spot with someone slightly more productive. I remember being excited to see Bradley potentially return to form and find himself more at home with the M's, but I was wrong. Let's move on.
In other M's news, Aardsma, Vargas, and League were tendered contracts to avoid arbitration, so there will be no haggling between the club and the players.
However, it could have larger implications. Depending on the language of Bradley's current contract, the M's may be able to void some, if not all of Bradley's salary. That's a cool 12 million back in the hands of Jack Z, and it could potentially make next season a bit more interesting. However, to hope for such a thing is rather lofty, as in most cases, the M's would probably only realistically look to get back a much smaller portion of that salary.
Of course, the case could get thrown out, Bradley could be innocent and find himself one of the spendiest bench players in the league next year. Even so, it may be worth it to swallow the salary, avoid bad press, and fill the roster spot with someone slightly more productive. I remember being excited to see Bradley potentially return to form and find himself more at home with the M's, but I was wrong. Let's move on.
In other M's news, Aardsma, Vargas, and League were tendered contracts to avoid arbitration, so there will be no haggling between the club and the players.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Adam Kennedy Joins the Fold
So, this news is a few days old, but anyway, veteran utility infielder Adam Kennedy has been signed to a minor league contract with an invite to spring training. Hardly a move that will put the Mariners much closer to an AL West pennant, but a solid move with many potential upsides.
First, it will allow Dustin Ackley time to get seasoned at Triple-A without pushing him to up to the big club. Sure, I'd love nothing more than Ackley to smash his way through Spring Training, set the league on fire and win both the Rookie of the Year and MVP award in his first year, but experience dictates that such possibilities are long shots. There's a better chance that Ackley gets rushed into the M's lineup, starts off at a lackluster pace, and sets himself back, so adding Kennedy lets Ackley start the year in Tacoma, barring a torrid Spring that doesn't allow Ackley to be passed over.
Secondly, Kennedy is a better offensive player than the other infield reserves available to the club. A career .275 hitter, Kennedy had a higher batting average (.249) and on-base (.327) in a down year for the Nationals last year, than Matt Tuiasosopo (.173, .234), Josh Wilson (.227, .278). In fact the only Mariners on the entire roster that had a higher batting average were Chone Figgins, Jack Wilson, Mike Sweeney and Ichiro. Add to mix that Kennedy is a lefty and something a base stealing threat.
Finally, Kennedy adds much needed competition to the infield positions. With Ackley in the minors, Kennedy competes for playing time with Brendan Ryan, Chone Figgins, and Jack Wilson. Kennedy can play 100+ games and with Wilson's health issues, Ryan will probably push Wilson for playing time with Kennedy covering second. However, if there are issues with Figgins, he can also cover 3rd. When Ackley comes up, Kennedy will probably mostly backup 3rd and platoon at 2nd.
First, it will allow Dustin Ackley time to get seasoned at Triple-A without pushing him to up to the big club. Sure, I'd love nothing more than Ackley to smash his way through Spring Training, set the league on fire and win both the Rookie of the Year and MVP award in his first year, but experience dictates that such possibilities are long shots. There's a better chance that Ackley gets rushed into the M's lineup, starts off at a lackluster pace, and sets himself back, so adding Kennedy lets Ackley start the year in Tacoma, barring a torrid Spring that doesn't allow Ackley to be passed over.
Secondly, Kennedy is a better offensive player than the other infield reserves available to the club. A career .275 hitter, Kennedy had a higher batting average (.249) and on-base (.327) in a down year for the Nationals last year, than Matt Tuiasosopo (.173, .234), Josh Wilson (.227, .278). In fact the only Mariners on the entire roster that had a higher batting average were Chone Figgins, Jack Wilson, Mike Sweeney and Ichiro. Add to mix that Kennedy is a lefty and something a base stealing threat.
Finally, Kennedy adds much needed competition to the infield positions. With Ackley in the minors, Kennedy competes for playing time with Brendan Ryan, Chone Figgins, and Jack Wilson. Kennedy can play 100+ games and with Wilson's health issues, Ryan will probably push Wilson for playing time with Kennedy covering second. However, if there are issues with Figgins, he can also cover 3rd. When Ackley comes up, Kennedy will probably mostly backup 3rd and platoon at 2nd.
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