Thursday, April 29, 2010

Road Reflections | CHI, KC


Chicago was about as bad as it gets...
Three games, three heart-breaking losses, all by one-run (in fact, all but one of the games on this road trip were decided by one run, and that one by two).  To twist the knife a bit more, two were walk-offs and one was in the 8th.  RRS continued to struggle, Doug and Jason continued to shine.  While the bullpen's lapse was a bit concerning, the late surge by the offense in two of the three games was encouraging.  As for the "D", despite a couple of errors, there were five DP's turned.

Back on track in KC...
Felix took his first loss, but still put up a quality start (maybe not to "Felix quality", but quality nonetheless).  Ian's line wasn't great, but the way in which he was able to escape self-induced trouble was pretty impressive.  RRS was on his way to a solid start, looking good for five innings, but couldn't finish things in the 6th - apparently, April is not his month.  As for the rest of the pitching staff, right back up on that horse, er,  mound they got.  The pen as a whole pen recovered pretty darn well from their debacle on the South Side - pitching 8 scoreless innings in KC and the DA notched two more saves (of the one-run variety).  The offense, while certainly far from potent, showed a little spunk, especially in the last game, bunching some runs to go ahead early, losing the lead and then scratching out a run late to win.

Regarding Jose...
Something occurred to me the other day.  Many are concerned, understandably so, about the offense and there's already be quite a lot of mention about Jose ... his lack of patience, etc. This is nothing new and he's typically a slow starter.  The thing that struck me was the lack of concern about something that many had a fair amount of trepidation about going into the season... how would he perform at his new position?  Well, so far, question answered - in spades!  He has not only performed adequately, he has embraced the change and seems very comfortable in his new home at the hot corner.  Considering the shoes he had to fill, this is excellent, if seldom mentioned, news.

Milty = Mr Happy...
Some good signs from MB ... he was out of commission in Chicago, but back in action in KC and contributing.  Some nice gestures with the fans as well - like when he tried to toss a ball to a Mariner fan above the M's dugout in KC, but a Royals fan interviened and caught the ball - he went into the dugout, got another ball and personally handed it to the fan.  Love it.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

g22 | back to .500 and goin' home

Mariners 6 | Royals 5

A road series win!
While it's an early novelty, here's hoping it becomes boringly familiar ;-)

Ed Zurga   AP Photo
Gotta be some concern re: RRS ...
Other than the lead-off homer, he looked great through five but the wheels came off in the 6th - single, HBP, wild pitch, walk, single, triple - and just like that, tie ball game.

But let's focus on the positive, shall we?
  • Ichi-Fig was alive and well in KC!  5 hits, 3 rbi, 1 run, 1 walk, 1 stolen base
  • the bottom third of the order was responsible for 2 runs 2 rbi and a walk
  • MS and MB contributing in most of the O columns as well
  • and while not a single homer was hit there were 4 doubles and a triple
  • bullpen proves resilient after the nightmare that was Chicago

  • And then there is the "D"...
  • two more DP's
  • a great pirouetting play by J-Dub, complete with description by Mr. Neihaus that involved the word "tu-tu"

  • Day off at home tomorrow and then, on Friday, the night we've been waiting for since last winter...
    Mr. Lee taking the mound at Safeco Field for your Seattle Mariners!

    Tuesday, April 27, 2010

    g21 | neeeeeeeded that!



    Mariners 3 | Royals 2

    Now THAT is the way the "one-runners" are supposed to go :-)

    AP Photo/Ed Zurga

    Whodathunk?
    Zack, not surprisingly, had a shutout through 7 innings (that would be 29 scoreless innings in-a-row vs. the M's).  The good news is, despite no runs or walks and only 6 hits vs. Zack through seven, the M's were able to get his pitch count up and get him out of the game - so they could go to work vs. the Royals pen.

    Crazy 8!
    You know what?  Sometimes a little luck is all it takes to spark things.  In the 8th, after Jack struck out, Ichiro got on via a bunt single, Figgy walked, Guti singled and Ichi scored, Jose "doubled" (pitcher deflected a likely DP ball through the hole into centerfield) and Figgy scored, Jr. walked, and Milton walked in a run to give the M's 3-2 lead!  OK it would have been nice to get another run (or four) with the bases loaded and only one out (both Casey and Adam struck out) but, beggars can't be choosers.

    Oh, and don't forget "Snel-dini"...
    WOW - can't really give Ian enough credit in this game.  He hadn't pitched in NINE days (with the last two starts just before and just after family tragedy, not to mention his physical ailments) and yet he goes out and keeps his team in it.  Things looked VERY bleak in the first inning when he loaded the bases with NOBODY out - but he ESCAPED!  He would allow runners in every inning, but only 2 runs (one in the 4th, one in the 5th) and would leave with two on, one out in the 6th.

    And then the pen...
    You know - the one we all know and love
    (not that silly impostor that appeared for 3 days in Chicago)
  • Mark = one-two-three
  • DA = out, hit, DP, case CLOSED

  • Y-aY!!!

    Monday, April 26, 2010

    g20 | where O where is the O?

    Mariners 1 | Royals 3

    Wasn't able to listen/watch tonight... maybe that was for the best.
    Seems Felix wasn't super sharp and took the loss (his first of the young season) but still managed a quality start vs. the team with the best team BA in the league ~ proving that Felix on his bad day is better than most others on their best.

    Kudos to Davies who held the M's hitless through five.  M's apparently had the makings of a rally in the 9th, but 't wasn't to be.

    Zack vs. Ian tomorrow...
    My first impression is not to be filled with joy and anticipation.  I'll say right now that I don't usually like surprises, but in THIS case, I'll make an exception...
    com' on bats, com' on Ian ~ SURPRISE me!



    Sunday, April 25, 2010

    g19 | bristles on the south side it is...

    Mariners 2 | White Sox 3
    Holy Moly!  Another great start spoiled by the bullpen.  And some thought (maybe me included) that it was going to be the bullpen bailing out the starters not named Felix.  Three games, three one-run losses .... what happened to those guys who racked up all those one-run victories last season?

    Kudos to Jason.  Another stellar start, made even more impressive by how he was able to overcome early struggles - he threw a ton of pitches and yielded a run in the first, but settled down and almost got through the 7th (you could tell he was peeved having to come out of the game).  Sean was able to get the last out of the 7th, but Brandon gave up homer to Konerko (his 3rd of the series) in the 8th.  And, despite the M's getting two on, with two out in the top of the 9th, that homer would prove to be the game winner.

    Thank goodness they are gettin' the heck out of Chicago....
    On to KC ... and Felix Day tomorrow!

    oh  by the way - nice rehab start for Cliff down in Tacoma
    6IP - 3H - 0BB - 0ER - 4K
    Can't wait for Friday night at The Safe, when Mr. Lee makes his Mariner debut (I'll be there in the Terrace Club!)


    Saturday, April 24, 2010

    g18 | seriously?

    Mariners 4 | White Sox 5
    Talk about walk-off road woes :-(
    • Yesterday it was a matter of mediocre starting pitching and some great, clutch hitting and then a mistake pitch from the pen ~ Mark 
    • Today it was a matter of great starting pitching and just enough hitting and then two (or three!) mistake pitches from the pen ~ David
    so, "from the pen" seems to be the common denominator... 
    Early on, seemed like they were over-used, as the starters just weren't quite stretched out yet.  Lately, seems like they may be suffering from a bit of rust now that the starters are going long.  Also, there has been a bit of flux in the roles ... maybe not quite fully defined yet.  I'm thinking this is the sort of thing that a little time and "Wetteland wonder" will take care of.

    definitely not time to panic yet....
    The bats have finally started to come alive, the "D" is still looking awesome and, for the most part, the starting pitching has been great of late.  I am a little concerned about RRS but, apparently he and Wak had a sit-down today - here's hoping it will have the same effect on him as it did on Felix last May.

    Go, Jason!  Go, bats!
    Let's see you avoid spittin' bristles on the south side....

    Friday, April 23, 2010

    g17 | dem's the breaks ...

    Mariners 6 | White Sox 7
    buuuummm-er!

    RRS definitely didn't have it tonight and unfortunately, the defense didn't help him much.  There was the excitement of Lopey's first home run of the season that, oh by the way, was also the first grand slam of his career - off old buddy, old pal J.J.  That made the score 6-5 in the 7th.  The ChiSox would tie it up in the bottom of the inning and tied it would stay ... until the bottom of the 9th with 2 out and a pitch that no doubt Mr. Lowe would like to take back - to Andrew Jones (his second of a game that saw 5 homers).

    Here's hoping the bats can pick up where they left off today and Mister Fister can continue his dominant ways to help the M's avoid back-to-back losses (last time 11th and 12th).

    Oh, and here's to J-Dub getting well soon ....
    injured thumb in the 3rd inning and was replaced by Tui - supposedly not broken, but likely day-to-day.

    Thursday, April 22, 2010

    Homestand Highlights | oak, det, bal




    7-2 = 3 series wins + 1 sweep

    2.00 ERA
    Starters = 6 of 8
    Closer = 4 for 4

    3.70 BA w/RISP

    RD in wins = 37-11
    RD in losses = 2-8


    Milton in a happy place


    Wak says, in Adam we trust

    Larry Stone details "projected weaknesses that have proved strengths" so far



    Wednesday, April 21, 2010

    g16 | COMPLETE - with high socks!

    MARK HARRISON / THE SEATTLE TIMES
    Complete is the word of the day....
    • Felix's first complete game of the season (and I just LOVE those high socks)
    • Mariners complete their first sweep!
    on the hill
    Felix left some pitches up early and didn't get much help (uncharacteristically) from his "D" but then he buckled down (you KNOW he hated giving up that run in the first) and took it... all. the. way.  Wak gave big cred to Rob (it's a catcher to catcher thing) and one has to admit that Rob and Felix are definitely simpatico.  Well, maybe with the exception of Felix being a bit to anxious to field certain balls that he should leave to others to handle (whew!)
    AP
    at the plate
    In a nutshell, hits and rbi's at the bottom, walks at the top and runs in the middle and all that mattered in the 4th - where the M's scored all four of their runs (thanks, in large part, to the hustle of Mr. Tui!)

    Rob Johnson(notes), who had Seattle’s first hit off Millwood, chopped a grounder back up the middle that was cut off near the outfield grass by second baseman Justin Turner(notes). Instead of trying a difficult throw across his body to get Johnson, Turner made an underhand flip to shortstopCesar Izturis(notes) covering second.
    Tuiasosopo hustled and slid his foot into the bag ahead of the ball, scoring Lopez and tying the game at 1-1. Wilson then followed with a drive to deep right-center.
    “That changed the whole game,” Wilson said. “The ball gets hit and you think they’re out of the inning and next thing you know (Tuiasosopo) makes a big play, gets everybody pumped up, gets me pumped up to go to the plate.”
    And then, with the bases loaded J-Dub hits his FOURTH in three games...
    this one of the bases-clearing variety.

    MARK HARRISON / THE SEATTLE TIMES
    leather-works
    There were the rare 2 errors ...
    but, the good thing is, those who committed them (Tui and Figgy) more than redeemed themselves with hustle and 2 DP's respectively.

    7-2, nice way to head off on the road.
    Homestand Highlights, comin' up...

    Tuesday, April 20, 2010

    g15 | series win!

    Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images
    Mariners 3 | Orioles 1
    And some were worried about the 3,4,5 .... hmph!
    As mentioned previously, we'll cut Ian some slack with the emotional AND physical stuff he's had to deal with the past 10 days or so.  We saw Mister Fister last night and the start before last and now.... methinks some difficult decisions coming for Skip and crew when Mr. Lee returns...

    on the hill
    ~ Jason records his second SOLID start...
    7IP - 3H - 1R (in the first) - 2BB - 5K
    ~ Mark in the 8th
    ~ David in the 9th
    The way it's spoze to be :-)

    at the plate
    Not quite the hit explosion of last night, but certainly adequate, considering the pitching performance.  Nice to see the hits spread throughout the lineup and a couple more doubles (Adam and Jack)

    leather-works
    Jose had a little boo-boo, but also a really nice bare-handed charge play.  Again, just lookin' more and more like he belongs at the hot corner.  And Kotch continues to dig...

    Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

    Tomorrow.... Felix Day!

    Cliff's late to the one-two punch party, but....

    Better late than never!

    Doubly great news today for the M's regarding Mr. Lee....
  • Suspension suspended!
  • Sim game went well - rehab start scheduled for Sunday in Tacoma and then his Mariner debut will be either April 30th or May 2nd - on one side or the other of his one-two punch partner who starts tomorrow, Monday in KC and then back at home on May 1st.

  • Good news regarding Guti too ~ there was a bit of a scare last night when he left the game in the 7th with tighness ins his groin but, Wak says likely weight-lifting related, not a pull or a strain (although I thought the weights were out for the most part - hmmm).  In any case, Guti was back in the line up tonight - 1/2 so far with an rbi....

    Monday, April 19, 2010

    g14 | and they call him Mister Fister

    Elaine Thompson   The Associated Press

    Mariners 8 | Orioles 2
    Well this was quite the game to have missed!  We had dinner guests and had the radio with the game on in the background - paying just enough attention to know that the M's had gone up big, early.  It wasn't till after our guests left, when I sat down to watch from the bottom of the 8th, that I realized we'd missed something special.

    on the hill
    Mister Fister was on the mound and he had no-hit the O's through six innings.  Markakis (same guy who spoiled Jarrod's last season) broke it up in the 7th but, what a performance!  In the first, he allowed walk and hit a batter, then retired the next 16-in-a-row.  After the game, Wak said he was extremely impressed with Doug's composure and command and how he has learned from every start in his young ML career.

    at the plate
    7 runs in the 3rd! and one in 7th - you almost feel sorry for the O's ...
    And it doesn't appear there were any cheapies either ~ we are talking FIVE doubles and a homer (one of each from Casey "with the bat" Kotchman!).  The rbi's were bunched in the middle of the order (even Jr. got into the scoring action with a 2-run single in that 3rd inning) while batters 1-2-3 accounted for 4 hits, all 5 walks and 5 of the 8 runs.

    leather works
    Rarely does a pitching performance such as the one Mister Fister turned in come without some outstanding defensive plays - and this one did not disappoint (even rated TWO of the top five ESPN WebGems) including a great DP by Jack and Doug helping out his own cause with a super pick at first of a snazzy spin and throw from Figgy.

    Sunday, April 18, 2010

    g13 | no brooms for you

    Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

    Mariners 2 | Tigers 4
    Now there's a rare sight, a Mariner hitting a home run.  It was Casey's second of this young season and he commented after the game that it would be nice to hit one in a win.  It was a solo shot and accounted for the second and final run of the game for the M's.

    Casey continues to show off his lovely glove over at the cold corner (ok, I made that up, I just figure if third is the hot corner....).  He did, however, commit a bit of a base running blunder, though he's certainly not alone in that regard of late.  Coach Lee Tinsley isn't too worried though, [paraphrased] "It's like the old saying, about being easier to rein 'em in than crack the whip."

    All things considered (death in the family, having the flu and not pitching in 8 days) Ian really pitched okay today.  Sure, the 4 walks weren't great (and the NINE by the combined staff - brutal!) but seems there were only a couple of pitches he'd take back - like that one to Mags that didn't come back.

    The bullpen wasn't super sharp (maybe a little rusty?) each walking at least one and allowing at least one hit - except Tex who pitched a hitless/scoreless 6th.  Jesus struggled the most, needing 33 pitches to get through the 8th and allowing that insurance run.

    The good news is - a series win, is a series win and the M's now have two such in a row.
    O's coming in - here's hoping that series win total increases by Wednesday.

    g12 | so glad we have a roof at our disposal...


    courtesy Compass Rosy's PalmPrePlus

    Mariners 4 | Tigers 2
    While last night was GREAT (let's face it, scoring 11 runs is always a good thing) tonight was really more like we expected the M's to win - with SOLID pitching, SPARKLING defense, SPEEDY running and (it wrecks the alliteration, but) TIMELY hitting.

    on the hill
    ~ RRS only allowed 4 hits thru 6 (the 3 walks were a little disappointing, but an improvement).  He gave up a solo shot to Magglio (who hasn't done that?) and the lead off double he allowed before leaving the game in the 7th came around to score.
    ~ Brandon allowed that inherited runner so score, yet he would get the eventual win ... something wrong with this picture...
    ~ Mark wasn't super sharp, allowing a run and a walk, but escaped unscathed via the DP
    ~ David with another 1-2-3 save (we could get used to this!)

    at the plate and around the bases
    ~ Ichi-Fig = 3 hits - 3 runs - 1 walk - 1 rbi - 2 sb
    ~ Guti still smokin' hot with another 2 hits and 2 rbi (including an insurance run in the 8th)
    ~ Milty contributing with a run, a walk and a stolen base
    ~ Casey with a double for the go-ahead rbi in the 7th (though he was out attempting 3rd)

    leather-works
    ~ Jose is looking more and more at home over at the hot corner and Casey's a truly great first-bagger - case in point?  The aforementioned DP (Jose to Figgy to Casey) to end the 8th.
    ~ Oh yeah, and that Area 51 guy ain't too shabby either
    ~ And what about Milty?  He made a couple of very nice catches in left

    shhhh.... I think I hear bristles rustling...

    Saturday, April 17, 2010

    A song for Hyphen and other M's notes....

    In honor of his start today, thought I'd post this fun little ditty (originally found on
    Larry Stone's blog) about our "wonder from down under"...

    Number 18 - Ryan Rowland-Smith song

    In other news....

    Shannon reports that Cliff Lee's simulated game went VERY well yesterday and he'll throw another on Tuesday and likely have a minor league rehab start after that before returning to action with the big club in early May.  Suspension appeal still pending...

    No definitive word, but various reports have Erik Bedard only about 2 weeks behind Cliff.  Wouldn't THAT be cool?!?

    Friday, April 16, 2010

    g11 | eleven is a nice number..

    courtesy Compass Rosy's PalmPrePlus

    Mariners 11 | Tigers 3
    I usually enter the stadium through the Right Field gate because I walk from Stadium Station after disembarking from light rail.  Tonight though, I walked all the way around to the west side because I had some business to do at the Ticket Exchange window - traded three of my View Reserve seats for one Terrace Club seat (first row!) for the Friday night game vs. the Rangers on the 30th.  So, that put me near the Home Plate entrance ... little did I know when I snapped the photo above (Batting 1.000 - one thousand bats) that it would be a bit of an omen for the the M's bats tonight - and they would absolutely explode!  (of course, at this point, I'm thinking I need to enter through that gate from now on - what the heck, I could use the exercise).

    Anyhoo, I was doubly, er triply excited ...
    ~ first Friday night game (always my favorite)
    ~ Felix Day
    ~ AND, was looking forward to sitting in my new seat in section 331
    My old seat was in section 339, so I still headed to my normal concession stand to get a corn dog - but, what's this?  Gyros!  Even better ... Yum!  Then I find my way to my seat and BOY am I happy with it.  I'm in the last row of the first section of the third level (up against the wall) ... and, it's an aisle seat just a smidge to the 3rd base side of home plate - awesome.

    OK, now the game - whew!
    Let's have some more fun with numbers, shall we?

    FOUR 0 NINE Guti's average
    TWELVE hits
    ELEVEN runs
    TEN total Tiger K's
    NINE by Felix
    SIX walks
    THREE sac flys
    THREE two out rbi
    TWO stolen bases
    ONE double play (Felix to Jack to Casey)
    ONE triple
    ONE sac bunt
    ONE bunt base hit
    ZERO homers
    ZERO doubles

    The SIX runs the M's scored in the 5th inning was more than any game total so far this season.  Talk about a breakout ... even this pitching and defense gal can appreciate that (especially given the slumbering lumber of late).

    Felix has made THREE starts so far and the M's have won all of them but, this was win number ONE for Felix. He and Bonderman both started out great, but Bonderman would lose it in the 3rd (and never recover) while Felix had a little hiccup in the 4th but, was able to regain his composure and command.  His 105 pitches wouldn't quite get him through SEVEN (he went 6.2) but with a NINE run lead, at least he could exit (with the tip of his cap to a standing "O") comfortably.

    AP Photo/Elaine Thompson
    When asked if he had everything working, Hernandez smirked and said, "Yep," before laughing."Everything was good," he said. "Everything was working."---Seattle Times
    Sean and Mark gave up a couple of hits and a run respectively in "garbage time" but that was all she wrote .... M's win!! M's win!!

    Of course everyone loves solid pitching and stellar D.  But, I'm likely in the minority in lovin' this kind of offense.  Maybe I'm just getting old (like a certain "Kid" we know).  Sure, home runs are exciting and sexy.  But infield hits, sac flies, sac bunts, stolen bases are interesting and ... cerebral ;-)

    And, whether some like it or not ...
    it's Mariners Baseball.

    Oh, by the way, lovin' my view from section 331...

    courtesy Compass Rosy's PalmPrePlus

    Wednesday, April 14, 2010

    g10 | series win!!!

    Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images
    Finally!
    2 wins in a row AND a series win!
    Nice for the boys to go into the off day at home on a good note.

    on the hill
    Another solid start by a BoR guy - gotta love it.  Way to go Jason!
    6IP - 5H - 2ER - 6K - and our favorite (for the second night in a row, I might add) ZERO walks!
    And, how 'bout Brandon League?  2 scoreless/hitless innings tonight (heck of a lot better than "the other Brandon") and, the DA a rare 1-2-3

    at the plate
    Hits all up and down the lineup (including Adam's first two hits of the season) and RBI's all in the middle (all with 2-outs!).  Only one extra base hit (Jose's double) and a few too many left on base - but hey, it was enough and looks to be headed in the right direction.

    leather-works
    Jose is looking comfortable at 3rd ... very nice snare of a hot shot and another cool bare-handed throw of a slow roller.  Adrian would be proud.

    We'll let Wak deal with the base-running faux pas....

    g9 | you go, Mister Fister and Uncle Milty!

    AP
    Mariners 3 | Athletics 0
    Save for the error ('s okay Jose, even Adrian made a few) this game seemed to be a microcosm of what I thought the M's would show us this season...
    SOLID pitching, SPARKLING defense and JUST ENOUGH offense
    (ok - thought they'd run a bit more, but Ichiro's a slow starter, so come May, watch out for the Ichi-Fig!)

    on the hill
    What a performance from Mister Fister!
    8 full innings, 100 pitches, 3 hits, 4 strikeouts, 0 runs and ZERO walks for the M's first "starter W"
    And the DA came in and, as per usual, made things a bit interesting, but got the job done for his 3rd Save

    at the plate
    Now, there WERE several frustrating moments - er, at bats, er innings, leading up to the 8th inning.  But, at least there were occasional base-runners and the frustration was gettin' 'em over and in as opposed to Opening Day, when they couldn't even get them on.  Then, the break through - Jose singled, Mike walked and, after showing bunt, Milton homered.  Relief from M's fans everywhere was audible.

    AP
    leather-works
    2 DP's! and JW looking more like the defensive wiz that JZ traded for

    The spark has been lit, can the roaring flames be long behind?

    Monday, April 12, 2010

    g8 | well, so much for the home cookin'

    Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images
    Mariners 0 | Athletics 4
    I remember turning to my mother-in-law after the great pre-game ceremonies (Jack Z and Ichiro receiving their awards, the National Anthem, Randy's first pitch, the Make-a-wish kid running the bases, etc.) and saying, "Wow, that was pretty great, and we still get to watch a ball game!"
    Little did I know, the pre-game would be the highlight.

    Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images


    AP
    Looks like retirement agrees with the Big Unit, that's the biggest smile I've ever seen on him.  So anyway....

    on the hill
    RRS was looking awesome, perfect in fact, through three.  Then the A's were able to score one in the 4th, still without the benefit of a hit when Ryan walked the bases loaded and Oakland scored on a sac-fly.  Ryan was able to escape without further damage with a pretty nifty DP turned behind him. The A's first hit didn't come until the 6th - and it counted, a home run to left.  The five walks were u g l y - but.... the 7IP and 3H (vs. a hot team) were good and hopefully something to build on.  Shawn and Sean allowed one hit and no runs each in the 8th and 9th innings respectively.

    at the plate
    How 'bout let's not even go there.  Suffice it to say, the M's were shut-out for the first time this season.

    leather-works
    A couple of awesome DP's and definitely seeing why Kotchman is manning 1B.

    There was that little faus-paux by Milty in LF that allowed two runs to score - hard to say though - was it Ryan's walks, Rob's drop of a third strike or MB's error that was really to blame?  None of it was good, that's for sure.

    Tip o' the cap the the A's and especially to Justin Duchscherer.

    Anderson and Mr. Fister tomorrow...

    ODE ~ Opening Day Eve...

    Well, it's almost here and I find myself rather antsy.  Between breakfast with my BFF and chores and other errands, I did at least manage to make it to the Team Store today to check out the new merchandise.  Unfortunately (or fortunately, if you're my debit card) not a whole lot I couldn't live without (although I only made it to the South Center location, I'm sure the Safeco Field one will have LOTS of goodies to choose from - I'll check that out tomorrow).  Anyhoo, I did pick up some gloves and a cute/cozy little hat...

    Here are some links about some new stuff around my "summer home"...

    New eats at The Safe
    Something for everyone with everything from vegan soup to prime-rib nachos!

    Oh no - whistle stops?!?
    New overpass may force train whistles to cease when passing Safeco Field.

    And there's the new LED Out of Town Scoreboard...
    They say it's better in person.
    I think maybe they are right - you've gotta be there - and, thankfully, I will be!

    And then there's the latest on the re-habbing lefties - both seem ahead of schedule

    Now, here's to a homestand that features the Mariners...
    ~ starters goin' long and strong
    ~ bullpen working effectively and efficiently
    ~ defense sparkling like we know it can
    ~ offense proving that home runs are boring (but surprising ups with a few anyway) by showing that hit 'n' run, sacrifice and thievery are where it's at

    Come on M's, do what you do and let's get this ALW party started!

    Sunday, April 11, 2010

    g7 | the ugliest of all...

    AP
    Mariners 2 | Rangers 9

    Never a good sign when the manager makes a visit to the mound in the first inning and, this visit proved no different.  Ian just didn't have it today (allowing 4 earned runs through only 5 innings) and the Rangers bats did (recording 2 doubles, a triple and a home run along with 12 other hits).  The bullpen didn't fare any better - allowing four earned runs of their own.  While the M's managed 9 hits, only one was for extra bases (a Figgy double) and w/RISP they went 2/9

    Okay .... time for our boys to head back to Seattle and feel the hometown love!

    OPENING DAY at THE SAFE tomorrow!!!

    I'll be there - will you?

    Go Mariners!!!

    Saturday, April 10, 2010

    g6 | the Guti show!

    Associated Press
    Yesterday was good start, bad finish.
    Today was mediocre start, excellent finish ~ and, Guit had a hand (er, bat AND glove) in it :-)

    on the hill
    Felix Day!
    ~ He wasn't super sharp, but still managed to get through seven, keeping his team in the game - and good to see the walk totals significantly reduced (only one)
    the pen comes through!
    ~ Mark was a bit shakey (walked two) but was able to get out of the 8th unscathed.
    ~ the D.A. pitched a scoreless 9th striking out batter #1 and batter #3 and allowing a VERY loud, long fly ball, that if 't weren't for Guit would likely have tied the game.

    at the plate
    Started well, scoring in the first by stringing three singles together and advancing on a wild pitch.  A good throw got Guti at home, otherwise would have scored more.  Then, at least a hit an inning in all but 5th, 6th 8th - but no runs.  Then came the 9th ... yowsa - what a comeback!  Nothing more than singles, but when you string 'em together along with a walk and a sacrifice, sometimes it's enough.  And, in this case, the 3-run 9th was JUST enough.

    leather-works
    Well, there was a nice DP (as depicted in the photo above).
    But, the talk of the town (and SportsCenter's #5 play of the day) was this ....

    MTC

    Paul Moseley MCT

    Some thoughts on "the catch"...
    “That’s the greatest catch I’ve ever seen,” batting coach Alan Cockrell said.
    Aardsma wasn’t totally surprised.  “I thought it was long gone, but if it’s in our hemisphere, Franklin can catch it,” he said.
    And in the Seattle dugout, the manager turned to the man next to him and shook his head.  “I said, ‘If he’s not the best center fielder in baseball, I’ll kiss your (rear),’ ” Wakamatsu said. “I’ll challenge a lot of guys to make that play.” 
    Starting pitcher Felix Hernandez, who worked seven tough innings and allowed two earned runs, watched that catch from the clubhouse on television.  “I got a little excited,” he acknowledged. “After losing four in a row, that’s just what we needed.” 
    Gutierrez was asked if he’d ever had a better ninth inning – game-winning hit, game-winning catch. He thought a moment and shrugged, the way Edgar Martinez used to do.  “Given the circumstances, losing four in a row, that inning was pretty important,” Gutierrez said. “I’d put that catch in my top 10.”

    Friday, April 09, 2010

    g5 | good start, bad finish

    AP

    Mariners 2 | Rangers 6
    Once again, not a great start time for optimal viewing/listening pleasure (since the game was more than half over by the time I left work) but here's what I gather from what I did catch and read about...

    on the hill
    Jason got off to a great start - yielding only five hits and one run (solo shot) through five innings.  Then, the wheels fell off and unfortunately, Shawn wasn't much help, although Sean did well after that - too little, too late.

    at the plate
    Not a lot to crow about here either - only six hits.  Although with three for extra bases (including Casey's first home run as a Mariner) you'd expect at least a couple more runs - but no when you go 0-7 w/RISP.

    leather-works
    A couple trademark "Guti-gloves" (one in the photo above) were the defensive highlights.
    No errors (like the nightmare that was the Oakland series) but no DP's either.

    Tomorrow = FELIX DAY!

    g4 | leaving OakTown...

    Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images
    Mariners 2 | Athletics 6
    Thank goodness!
    Opening Day was great, and it seemed to go down hill from there.

    Unfortunately, due to the start time, I was unable to see/hear the game (hate it when work gets in the way of baseball!).  Let's just say, it does not appear that things went well.

    I decided to take my best friend up on her offer to attend the Tacoma Rainiers Opening Night to help distract from the not-so-good feelings of the past couple days.  That game didn't go too well either (and it was frEEEzing!).  But, it was live baseball and good for the soul :-)

    On to Arlington they go... 
    Here's hoping the defense sharpens up, the offense lightens up and the pitching buckles up.

    Thursday, April 08, 2010

    g3 | another walk-off loss

    BENMARGOT/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
    Marniers 5 | Athletics 6

    on the hill
    He ended the season strong last year, after being injured early, and had a decent spring this season, so, expectations were high for RRS (especially with Cliff on the DL to start the season).  His first start of the season is not likely one he'll be writing (or tweeting) home about, but I'm sure he'll learn from it.

    Unfortunately, RRS wasn't alone in the less than stellar performance category.  In fact, other than Sean White, none of the arms were at their best.  't is early ... 

    at the plate
    The scoring was back and forth all evening betwixt these two "power-houses" and the M's showed some offense life and a little bit of everything...
    ~ Milton with his first hit as a Mariner - a two-run home run
    ~ Figgy with his first RBI as a Mariner - a sac-fly
    ~ Jack W with his first hit this season - an RBI single
    ~ Jose with a stolen base!

    But, though they answered well, they just couldn't add on despite multiple chances.

    leatherworks
    As Matt Pitman was complaining about the 2 errors on the post game (Ichiro and Adam), I thought I'd take a quick peek at Baseball-Reference.com to see how this platinum gloved team fared early on last season - sure enough - they had 3 errors in a series in Oakland.  Must be something in the water....
    Anyhoo, then there was that play, depending upon your vantage/view point, that Milton should/could have made - but instead ended up being the game winner for the A's.  It was a pretty tough play, I don't think I'm willing to blame him for the loss (he did after all contribute offensively with his blast in the first and made a couple of great run-saving plays in the field). 

    And so, despite this being the first game the M's recorded any errors and no double-plays, I'm not worried about the defense.  It will be fine.  More than fine, in fact.

    Now, if the M's ever need a good 7+ innings from a starter, today would be the day...
    You go, Mr. Fister - help salvage the split!!

    Tuesday, April 06, 2010

    g2 | We knew there'd be nights like this...

    Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
    Mariners 1 | Athletics 2
    So you look to the positives, namely, the pitching .... 
    • Ian ~ 6.0IP - 3H - 1ER - 2BB - 4K
    • Mark and Shawn ~ a scoreless inning each
    • Tex ~ yes he surrendered the winning run, but he also showed poise and promise
    “He’s our long guy and we have to stretch him out as long as we can until we score a run,” Wakamatsu said. “We weren’t able to do that but what a gutsy performance.”
    And the defense ...
    • Casey was showing some of that leather he's known for
    • another double-play
    • and Eric running into wall
    But, at the end of the day (as Jack would say) when the only run your team scores is via a wild pitch, you know the offense has stalled and/or the opposing picher is locked in - likely a bit of both on this night in Oakland.

    Monday, April 05, 2010

    g1 | See Ichi-Fig run, see KC hit, see M's win!

    Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

    Mariners 5 | Athletics 3


    Let's have some "Fun with Opening Day Numbers"!
    We could go with that new pest known as the "Ichi-Fig" that combined for...
    1H - 3BB - 3R - 3SB
    Or, we could look at the exHalo combo "KC-Figgins" that combined for...
    3H - 2BB - 2R - 2SB - 4RBI
    And let's not forget "RoboRob" who had...
    1H - 2BB - 2R and, oh yeah, a home run (all by his lonesome!)

    Any way you slice it, it adds up to a Mariners win!!!
    What fun to watch Ichiro and Chone running wild, forcing errors - love, Love, LOVE it!

    Felix....
    He started a little slow, then cruised, then ran out of gas - probably about par for Opening Day. The walks (six!) were a bit concerning, although I wouldn't be the only one if I happened to mention some of the umps calls that were also a bit concerning...

    And then there's my FAV .... 
    4 DP's!!!
    Figgy in three of them and Lopey started two - so far, so good for the switch-er-roo :-)

    It's one of 162, but if this game is ANY indication of what's to come this season...
    we are in for a VERY fun summer!


    And then there were 25....


    Okay - all set....

    Rotation
    34 Felix Hernández
    35 Ian Snell
    18 Ryan Rowland-Smith
    58 Doug Fister
    38 Jason Vargas

    Bullpen
    53 David Aardsma
    23 Shawn Kelley
    43 Brandon League
    57 Mark Lowe
    54 Kanekoa Texeira
    46 Sean White

    Catchers
    32 Rob Johnson
    10 Adam Moore

    Infielders
    13 Casey Kotchman 1B
    9 Chone Figgins 2B
    4 Jose López 3B
    2 Jack Wilson SS
    27 Matt Tuiasosopo BN

    Outfielders
    15 Milton Bradley LF
    21 Franklin Gutierrez CF
    51 Ichiro Suzuki RF
    12 Ryan Langerhans BN
    1 Eric Byrnes BN

    Designated Hitters
    24 Ken Griffey Jr.
    5 Mike Sweeney

    Disabled List
    7 Jack Hannahan, Jack
    45 Erik Bedard
    36 Cliff Lee

    If you ask me, far too many names in that last section. The good news is, those afflicted seem to be healing/rehabbing better/faster than expected, so here's hoping the guys in navy and teal will be at 100% in the not too distant future.

    Anxious am I to see this defense in all it's regular season splendor....
    ~ By all accounts, the big 2B/3B switch-eroo has worked and the super sure hands at SS and 1B should only help the entire infield move forward from springtime experiment to proven success.
    ~ Obviously, every inch from waaaay left center to the right field wall is covered. Now that area to the left could be a bit of an adventure - have heard that MB isn't necessarily a stellar fielder - apparently he can get to most balls, but his throws tend to be ... somewhat less than accurate. Byrnes will likely get a good amount of playing time there - just cross every appendage you have that as he can keep all of his in tact. Ryan is fully capable and good a late inning defensive replacement.
    ~ It will be very interesting to see how the catching tandem goes. Rob seems to be healing well after his multiple surgeries and knows he has the utmost respect from his manager (and pitchers) for what he went through last year. Adam is the up-and-comer who is poised to break out, but knows there is still so much to learn and that on-the-job-training is no picnic in MLB.

    The rotation and what coulda,woulda, shoulda been - but we got what we got...
    ~ Between that pesky little MLB suspension looming and that nasty little abdominal strain, we'll have to wait a couple/three weeks on the much anticipated one-two punch of Mr. Hernandez and Mr. Lee.
    ~ RRS, despite some rocky patches this spring, seems he's ready and rarin' and Jason is lookin' good.
    ~ But Ian and Doug both had a bit of an adventure this spring but, maybe they'll rebound once the lights come on. 
    ~ Encouraging words lately regarding Erik's progress. Do we dare dream of Felix, Cliff and Erik all at full strength sometime before the All Star break?!?

    Small ball anyone?
    Ichi-FIg is sure to be a pest on the base paths - gettin' on and running rampant and providing ample RBI opportunities. The question is, make that the questions are...
    ~ Who will take full advantage of said opportunities?
    ~ Will Guti build on his breakout season?
    ~ Will MB keep his head in the game and produce like he's capable?
    ~ Will our part time DH's, full time jester/dali lamas stay healthy and contribute as much ON the field as OFF?

    Yes, that's a lot of questions but, I remain hopeful that the answers will very interesting and even a little exciting.

    Last year gladiators, this year .... ?
    The bullpen looks to be even stronger and steadier than last season. Everyone knows their roles going in and most of them just throw heat. If the starter can get through 7, or even 6, and offense can manage just a run or two more than the opposition, I certainly like the M's chances.

    PLAY BALL!!!!

    Sunday, April 04, 2010

    Getting to know the coaches...

    It seems they are oft over-looked...
    Not a lot of credit given when the goin' is good, only blame (and scape-goating) when things go awry.  Here are links to the "capsules" for the coaches of the 2010 campaign along with some links to articles written over the course of Spring Training...


    Ty VanBurkleo - Bench Coach

    stresses the importance of solid first base "D"




    Alan Cockrell - Batting Coach

    says offense won't be an issue


    Rick Adair - Pitching Coach

    follows his uncle's advice


    John Wetteland - Bullpen Coach

    says there is no substitute for "power in the pen"


    Lee Tinsley - 1B Coach


    Mike Brumley - 3B Coach

    feels repetition (drills) are the key to success


    Steve Hecht - Performance Coach