Saturday, April 30, 2011

g28 | Some call him Mr. Fister, some call him Houdini

Mariners 2 | Red Sox 0




MICHAEL DWYER/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Yes indeedy, Doug did his best Houdini impression this evening, multiple times...
He had a 1-2-3 second, but every other inning was a struggle.  The Red Sox loaded the bases TWICE (once with no outs) against Doug and both times he got out of the inning without giving up any runs: in the 1st via a strikeout and a popup and in the 5th via a nifty DP and a foul out.  The DP was a line drive right to Jack who flipped to Brendan to double the runner off second (turns out from the replay he was safe, but considering the earlier bad call from the 1st base ump, described below, we'll take the "make-up").  Doug also escaped the 6th without damage but, not without help.  There were runners at the corners with two outs when Aaron took the mound and got Salty to pop up and Miggy made an awesome catch over the rail and into the stands amid flailing Red Sox fans' hands.

There were a few shenanigans in the top of the 3rd...
Ichiro walked and then Figgy and Milton both doubled getting Ichiro home.  Then Miggy hit a ground ball to 3B, the baseman double clutched to ensure Figgy stayed put at 3B but his hesitation allowed Miggy to make it to 1B safely.  Unfortunately, the umpire had another opinion and called him out.  Eric came out to argue the case and the ump took it pretty well, knowing he was in error.  Then, the next thing we know, Milton is walking toward the dugout.  Apparently he just couldn't leave it be and was tossed for his concern.



MICHAEL DWYER / AP

The defense was a help instead of a hinderance for a change...
All the routine plays were made and some rather special ones as well.  Figgy made an awesome diving catch of a hot shot grounder, checked the runner at 2B and threw to Justin to get the runner a 1B by a step for one of the two DP's.  Justin made a nice catch at the rail, though not as far into the crowd as Miggy's, he had to travel pretty far.

What a relief to have reliable relief!
Aaron got into some trouble of his own in the 7th after a walk and a double left runners at the corners with two outs but, he got out of it via a fly out deep to left.  Then, he cruised through the 8th, retiring the side in order.  Brandon allowed a single to lead off the 9th, but then got a double play and a fly out to close out the game to earn his 7th save, preserve Doug's 2nd win and the team's FIFTH victory in a row (on the road, no less!)


~ By the way, the Red Sox had a double in each of the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th innings - but failed to score and it was the first time they have been shut out at home since April 22, 2010 ~

Friday, April 29, 2011

g27 | winning road trip secured!

Mariners 5 | Red Sox 4


Justin picked up right where he left off in Detroit...
he drove in TWO (Figgy and Miggy) via a two-out single (really nice to get some early runs).  The Sox got to within one run in the bottome of the 2nd when Cammy hit a solo shot that even the Red Sox fans were calling "cheap".  In the bottom of the 3rd, the Sox got a break when Jason had the lead-off batter struck out on a foul tip on 3-2 count but the 1B ump said the ball hit the dirt (it didn't - Miggy caught it cleanly).  On the next pitch, the batter walked but was erased on the next play, a FC and the next batter flied out.  That would have been the end of it, if the home plate ump would have over-ruled the 1B ump on the foul tip.  Instead a couple more singles yielded a couple more runs to take a 3-2 lead and Cammy's totally NOT cheap shot over the Green Monster in the 4th would make it 4-2.

The M's turned a couple of nice DP's in the next couple of innings...
To end the 4th, Brenden tagged a runner between 2B and 3B then threw to Justin.  Then in the 5th, Big Pappy hit a laser shot right into Justin's glove and caught Youk offf the bag.

The M's were able to pull within one run in the 5th (after DiceK left with an injury) by way of a couple of singles and a FC.  And then Jason cruised through the 5th, 6th and 7th - retiring all nine batters in order (after giving up 4 runs on 8 hits in the first 4 innings).  And Jamey and League did their respective things for the Hold and the Save.

It was the top of the 7th when the M's took the lead again via an Ichiro single, a Figgy double,  Miggy ground out (Ichi scored to tie it) a Justin walk and a CUST RBI DOUBLE (which would prove to be the game-winner) made it 5-4 M's!

AP Photo
They would threaten in the 8th with a couple of walks (Michael and Ichiro) but Figgy hit into a DP :-(to end it.  A couple of LONG, loud outs off the first two batters in the 9th - one into the glove of Michael, one into the glove of Ichiro and then Brandon strikes out PH JD Drew

Congrats to Jason!  First win since August 14, 2010

AP Photo

Thursday, April 28, 2011

g26 | road sweet sweep

Mariners 7 | Tigers 2


Due to the early time, I wasn't able to follow the game properly (only heard a couple innings worth - and not consecutively) and then saw some highlights later.

By all accounts (even the Tigers announcers, as what few moments I heard was the Detroit broadcast) Michael Pineda just keeps on phenom-ing on.  Another SIX innings and NINE strikeouts.  People seemed to be especially impressed by the slider he threw to Miguel Cabrera that got him swinging for striKe 3.

Oh, and just another day at the office for the offense ...
TWELVE hits and SEVEN runs including RBI doubles for Ichiro and Justin Smoak and homers by Miggy and Luis.

Kinda hard to believe, this is our M's I'm talking about...
Not only did they just sweep the Tigers, they did it on the road and by out-scoring them 24 to 6.

I shouldn't overlook the bullpen...
continued awesome work by David (1.10ERA and Jamey (.79ERA) - yowsa!!!


Next up ...
a little weekend visit to Fenway Park.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

g25 | a little of this and a little of that...

Mariners 10 | Tigers 1


Oooookie dooooookie.....
We have waited a long time for THIS and THAT!


PAUL SANCYA / AP

By THIS I mean seeing Erik do something he had't done since July 7, 2009 - start and WIN a major leagued baseball game for the Seattle Mariners.

And, by THAT I mean seeing Erik do something he had't done since May 5, 2009 - pitch 7 full innings in a major league baseball game for the Seattle Mariners.

And, Erik did both THIS and THAT about as efficiently as possible - needing only 88 pitches to get through 7 innings, giving up only 5 hits, 1 run and ZERO walks.
Wedge said....
"They were aggressive against him, but if he's not making pitches, it's a different ballgame," Wedge said. "He was making pitches."
Bravo, Mr. Bedard.  Bravo.

And guess what?  We still get to talk about the OFFENSE...
for a change, it wasn't ..... offensive!  I can actually use adjectives such as:  effective, productive, substantive, redemptive, impressive, extensive ... okay, I've run out of " 'ive's" but you get the idea.

The only black hole was poor Brenden...
I really like him - well, as much as you can "like" (in a non-facebook way) someone you have never met.  I love his attitude, have since early ST.  He's very energetic and really accountable.

Okay, Jack Cust was a definitely black hole in his first four AB's....
He struck out not once, twice or thrice but - FOUR times!  Ay yi yi.  Luckily, he was FINALLY able to gain a bit of redemption with a one-out RBI double in the 9th - granted, 't would have been nice if he could have done it in one of our one-run games as opposed to one where we are leading by seven - but we'll take what we can get, when we can get it and hope he can build off each success.

But, I digress, this is supposed to be a focus on the positive (oh - another "ive!")
- 6 different players scored (4 more than once)
- 6 different players had hits (4 had more than one)
- 6 different players recorded RBI (sweet Justin with FIVE of his own!)
- 4 different players walked (Justin did it twice)
Talk about spreading out the production!

So, speaking of Justin....
It does a person good to see a player with such a heavy heart pouring every ounce of energy and emotion into his team and into his performance - another homer and 5 RBI (he now has 4 homers on the season - 2 from the left and 2 from the right).  You can just feel the honor he holds for his dearly departed father - he played for him while he was alive and he honors him in death.

and then there's Figgy and Miggy!
Is it really possible they are comin' 'round?!?  Not to make excuses for them, but it really does seem that over the past week to ten days they have both hit the ball hard - either right AT a fielder or in the vicinity of a fielder who made an AWESOME play to get the out.  I'll choose to take these last two games as good signs for the Fig and the Mig.


So, tomorrow is Merry Michael Day...
Dare we dream of clean floors and bristles and sticks and the things upon which witches fly?

Ah, what the heck!

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

g24 | of tipped and tributed homers and two-run triples

Mariners 7 | Tigers 3

Even on a night when he doesn't have his best stuff and even on a night when his defense was letting him down left, right and center, Felix can seemingly overcome anything vs. the Tiggers.  After dropping his first two career starts against Detroit (including his major league debut in August of 05) Felix has won his last seven straight decisions against them.

Mr. Coke, on the other hand, would just as soon never see navy and teal in the batter's box against him, as he has allowed 13 runs in 8 innings vs. the M's - and that's just this past week!  That's either some really bad pitching or some really bad luck.

Speaking of luck reminds me of Miguel Olivo - if that guy didn't have bad luck lately, he'd have no luck at all.  Well, tonight, the curse was reversed.  If you saw his "home run" than you know what I mean.  The distance and angle that that ball traveled as it was tipped off the outfielder's glove and over the wall had more the look of a bicycle kick on a soccer pitch. But hey, it was worth four bases and one run - I think we'll take it.  And then there was Figgy's triple (another who has been specializing in at 'em balls lately).  Sure would be great if this was the start of some better at bats and more runs.  Milton was the only one without a hit, but he did make a nice play in the field and stole a base.

LEON HALIP / GETTY IMAGES

AP Photo
Thankfully, due to the early start time, I was spared some of the early shenanigans (Brendon's error that allowed the lead-off hitter to get aboard, Jack W's brain-fart that allowed him to be doubled off first on Ichiro's long fly ball).  Between those things and Felix seemingly not being Felix, things weren't looking good...

But, lo and behold - someone invited an offense who seemed to be more than happy to crash Detroit's party - TEN hits??  SIX of the extra-base variety?? Who ARE these guys in the navy and teal and what have you done with my Mariners?!?  Oh, and here's the kicker ... 3 for 6 w/RISP!!!  I'm no math whiz but I do believe that equates to a .500BA  - sure it's only one game.  Baby steps.

Ok, so we had Felix battling, Coke struggling, the defense bumbling and the offense finding itself ... what more could you ask for?!?  How 'bout a little heartfelt sentimentality?  It was Justin's first game back since being away on bereavement leave for the loss of his father.  In his second at bat, he hit a 2-run home run.  Shannon reported...
Olivo was the first to greet Smoak and did so at home plate after scoring from second. While he didn't see his own home run, he did see Smoak's.
"When he hit it I got chills," Olivo said. "I think his father did that for him. I told him, 'Hey, that was for Papa.'"
After Smoak hit the home run his teammates were there to greet him in the dugout with high fives. At the end of the line was Felix Hernandez with a hug. Felix had trouble finding the words to describe what it meant to see Smoak hit the ball out and his voice shook a little when he said, "He's just coming back. He looks like he feels ready. It is tough those things that happened right now but he is going to be better."
Yep, it was a special night in Detroit.
Let's have two more.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

g23 | split series

Mariners 2 | Athletics 5


AP Photo
Being that it was Easter AND my hubby's birthday, didn't get to watch/listen to much of this game - busy preparing for early dinner guests.

I gather that the gist of it was same old, same old ...
Mr. Fister was simply stellar but both the offense AND the bullpen were simply stinker.  The bats mustered up all of six hits and two walks that equated to only two runs.  Oh yes, and there was the recurring theme of 0 fer 8 w/RISP.  The bullpen was no help what so ever - Laffey, Wright and League combined to yield four runs in three innings (which means that Wright finally has an ERA - I guess it was bound to happen).

Poor Mr. Fister - he definitely deserved better.  Not only did he pitch well (accomplishing things like stranding a lead-off triple) but he fielded his position well (like fielding a bunt and turning to get the out at second, negating the bunt).

Overall the defense was OK, but Figgy let one slip through the wickets.

Skips clips...
"These guys are going to have to fight through what ever they are going through mentally or fundamentally for that matter."

Saturday, April 23, 2011

g22 | three-in-a-row ever elusive

Mariners 1 | Athletics 9


It has become evident that my decision to exchange my ticket for tonight's game in favor of Felix's Thursday start was a good one.  In a nutshell, the pitching finally faltered (big time) ending a streak 24 scoreless innings, the A's took advantage of opportunities and the M's didn't.

AP Photo
Jason looked good in the first couple of innings (despite being hit in the foot by the ball off the lead-off batter's bat) and the offense had all kinds of early chances to get to Cahill, but just couldn't get over the hump.  Figgy was thrown out at the plate trying to score on Adam's double in the first - can't really fault the aggressiveness there, the A's had to make a great play - and they did.  Then in the second, the M's got three singles that earned a run - but that would be it.

The A's tied it up in the 3rd and could have gotten more.  Crisp was on second and could have easily scored the go-ahead run on Barton's single to right field but there appeared to be some mis-communication between him and his 3B coach because he doubled back after making the turn at 3B.  That would be the last break of the game for the M's and they certainly didn't make any of their own - in the bottom of the third, Saunders knocked a lead-off double but got thrown out trying to steal 3B.

Things really unravelled quickly for Jason in the 4th  He found it again in the 5th but then in the 6th a walk and a single would lead to his exit.  Josh Lueke's entrance only made things worse.  He struck out the last two batters he faced but, unfortunately, the damage of a homer, a double, two singles and a walk had already been done.  The lone bright spot of the staff tonight was Tom Wilhelmsen who threw two scoreless.  And, despite the lead-off single in the 9th (you could almost hear the thought bubbles ... "here we go again!") Chris Ray was improved.

Here's to THREE of FOUR - you go, Mr. Fister.

g21 | Mikey, we Likey!

Mariners 4 | Athletics 0

DEAN RUTZ / THE SEATTLE TIMES
Thoroughly enjoyable game to be at.  Michael threw a lot of pitches and ran into the first bit of adversity in his young career, allowing a couple of base-runners in three different innings...
  • back-to-back walks in the 2nd
  • a single and a wild pitch in the 5th 
  • a couple of singles in the 6th
But, he worked threw it without giving up a run and, no doubt he gained valuable lessons from the experience.

In the end, David, Aaron, Jamey and Brandon were able to keep the shutout in tact and preserve the win for Michael and the team.  Jamey, however, made things a little more interesting than they should have been in the 9th.  I was a bit skeptical when Wedge called in Jamey from the pen for the top of the 9th, I wondered at the time how he would perform in a seemingly "non-critical" situation.  I haven't looked at the stats, but it seems like he's come in to games, more often than not, in the middle of an inning where things are a bit dicey (runners on, close game, etc.) as opposed to the top of an inning with a decent lead.  He struck out the lead-off batter, but proceeded to issue a single, single, walk to load the bases.  Thankfully, Brandon entered stage left and did what Jamey's been known to do in a high leverage situation - get a quick out, in this case it was two quick outs - a double-play on four pitches.

The other thing that pleased me to no end was the solid defense and even a couple of stellar plays like:  Adam's great throw to Miggy to nail Pennington at the plate and the Ryan-to-Wilson-to-Kennedy double play turned in the 7th.

DEAN RUTZ / THE SEATTLE TIMES
And, whadaya know?  There was a bit of offense for a change as well.  Now, we'd all prefer it if Jack Cust would start hitting home runs like he was brought here to do but, he did manage to draw his 4th bases loaded walk (7th overall base-loaded walk for the M's who lead the league in all walks).  Adams two-run single would make it 4-0 and there it would stay.

Oh, and by the way, the roast beef crepes in the 'pen are to die for!


Thursday, April 21, 2011

g20 | Happy Felix and Adam Everywhere Day!

So, just because only one run was scored, doesn't mean it wasn't an eventful game.  Being the pitching and defense lover that I am, single run games are my idea of cool to start with (as long as the M's are the ones with the singular run) but, this one was a bit special, in more ways than one.

AP PHOTO

Of course, it all starts with Felix...
Lately, he's not been the King we have all come to know and love, but we all knew it was only a matter of time for him to come around.  He's no stranger to early struggles but, due to the team's sad sac start, speculation and rumors abound.  Some have said Felix appears "distracted" and frustrated by the poor play of his team (offensively AND defensively).  Others have surmised that it's only a matter of time before he's donning pinstripes.  To both schools of thought I say ....Balderdash!

We heard from Shannon after the KC start where Felix seemed rather frustrated.  Turns out, that the frustration more incredulity - he was genuinely shocked that they were hitting good pitches.  Maybe he shouldn't have been surprised (the Royals offense is certainly near the top of the heap in the early going this season) but, in any case he vowed to figure it out.  And, he did.  Granted, it was against the A's, the team he dominated on Opening Day in Oakland and one of the three other teams that have scored even fewer runs than the M's.  But, you gotta start somewhere. 

AP PHOTO
Now, where the surprise specialness come in, is from a vet off the bench...
Adam Kennedy was in the line up and playing first base in place of Justin (who, as mentioned in a previous post is out on bereavement leave due to the death of his father).  Talk about stepping in and stepping up.  Not only did his homer accounted for the only run of the game (thereby the winning run) but he played stellar defense at first.  He was part of a great double play in the 7th that snuffed out the only lead-off batter to reach base vs. Felix and a couple of great grabs (including an Beltre-like basket-catch, stops, tosses that accounted for four other outs.


The third element of specialness is the bullpen guy with NO ERA....
None other than Jamey Wright who's got a bran-new nick nickname: "One-Pitch"
Which is exactly how many pitches he's thrown in each of his last two outings - last night for the last out in the 8th and in the 13-3 win over Detroit, he threw one pitch that resulted in the last TWO outs of the 7th.

Lastly, Brandon can make things interesting in the 9th, but he's gotten it done when he had the chance.  Four of four in save opportunities.
 

Oh, and how could I forget?!? 
Carlos Peguero recorded his first major league hit! (we'll just forget that he got picked off first after that)
And - his favorite snack is .... peach yogurt (displayed on the big screen when he was at bat ;-)

And, kudos to McCarthy...
He basically matched Felix - a couple less K's, a couple less walks and way less pitches.


Wednesday, April 20, 2011

g19 | "this" close to taking the series

Mariners 2 | Tigers 3

on the mound
I'm not sure how much longer it'll take, but I sense the natives getting restless with Erik and "getting his work in".  Today he was able to go longer (5IP)and give up fewer runs (3) than his last couple of outings, but he also allowed five walks.  It's getting a bit difficult to assess progress - but I'll still hold out a bit of hope.

As for his relief, David Pauley was great!  4IP - 1H - 0ER - 0BB - 1K
THAT is what you call reliable long relief and definitely giving the team the chance to win.

at the plate
Adam gets an honorable mention for his solo shot in the 9th that brought then to within one run.
Carlos Peguero made his major league debut ... and went o'fer, including a strikeout to end the game :(

Overall the bats were o'fer nine - nuf said.

of base paths and leather works
No DP's - No SB's

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

g18 | Mr Fister gets some run support!

Mariners 13 | Tigers 3


AP Photo
On a night when the team plays with a heavy heart in support of teammate Justin Smoak....
Prior to the game, Justin was placed on the bereavement list in order to fly home to North Carolina and be with his family as his father was gravely ill (diagnosed with lung cancer several months ago).  Unfortunately, late in the game, we found out that his father had indeed passed away.

on the mound
Mr. Fister was cool as a cucumber (110P - 6.1 IP - 6H - 2ER - 2BB - 7K), the bats were smokin' hot and the combination added up to VICTORY (for pitcher and team)!
By the way, the M's scored exactly ONE run in each of Doug's previous THREE starts

Jamie Wright entered the game in the 7th inning...
with the bases loaded and one out.  He threw ONE pitch and got EXACTLY what he wanted ....
a 4-6-3 double play.

Aaron Laffey had mop up duty...
He allowed a run on four hits and a couple of walks but, considering the score was 11-2 at the point he entered the game, that was focused enough.

at the plate
Where to begin?!?
Every starter but two (Jack and Brendon) had as least ONE hit...
  • the hitless (Jack and Brendon) = 1R - 1RBI - 4BB
  • Ichi-Fig = 7H - 6R - 5RBI - 2BB
  • 3-4-5 (Bradley-Cust-Olivo) = 3H - 2R - 4RBI - 3BB
  • 8-9 (Gimenez, Saunders) = 5H - 4R - 2RBI - 2BB
No homers but another ELEVEN WALKS...
M's lead the majors with 79 (next closest, Boston with 67 - league average is 52)

of base paths and leather works
  • THREE double-plays (vs. NONE hit into)
  • THREE stolen bases (Ichi 2, Figgy 1)
Gotta love Brendon Ryan ... 
he was absolutely giddy in his interview after the game [paraphrased]  "Nice to play with a lead for a change.  Have we scored in the first inning yet?  How many'd we get. 2?  4!?!  Love Fisty's intensity, his passion and energy, love playing behind him.  He's always picking you up in the dugout, whether he's pitching or not."
As for not getting one of the 15 hits ...
'Well, I sped up the game, gotta move it along.'

;-)

Monday, April 18, 2011

g17 | so sorry, Jason

Mariners 3 | TIgers 8


AP
on the mound
Jason definitely didn't have his "A" stuff tonight but, man, did he battle!  He threw more pitches in his six innings tonight than he did an any of his starts last season.  The 1st and the 4th were easy ~ 1-2-3 but but other than that, don't think I've ever seen a pitcher work harder.
(114P - 6IP - 6H - 2ER - 2BB - 4K)
  • 2nd - three straight singles but only one run (and 34 pitches)
  • 3rd - one walk, but no runs
  • 5th - strands a lead off double
  • 6th - a walk, a double, a single and a 12-pitch AB to the batter who made the third out
Josh Lueke - yikes!
He only recorded one out (sac bunt) and allowed 2 runs on 3 singles, a walk and a wild pitch in the 7th

Chris Ray took over with runners at 1B and 2B and only one out and it didn't get any better.  He promptly walked the first batter to load the bases and then let loose a wild pitch that scored a run.  But wait - there's more!  After throwing three straight balls to the next batter he throws a called strike and then a strike that is hit for a THREE-RUN TRIPLE.

Jason's effort deserved SO much better than this.

The only bright spots in the pen came too late...
Pauley (8th) and Wilhelmsen (9th) combined for two scoreless innings

at the plate
  • Milton hit his second homer of the season with Figgy aboard (yes - he finally hit one where they weren't!) to give the M's a 2-1 the lead in the 3rd inning.
  • Justin smoked his second homer - a solo shot - into the bullpen in the 8th
  • almost got to double-digit hits (9)
  • added another SEVEN to their league-leading walk total
  • unfortunately, racked up some more o'fers with RISP (six tonight)
of base paths and leather works
  • Figgy out at 3B on a double steal attempt
  • Error on a throw by MB - runner scores to tie the game at 2 in the 6th
  • Brendon muffs a hot shot grounder (not an error) that should have been third out in the 6th

Sunday, April 17, 2011

g16 | the Prince deThrones the Royals

Mariners 3 | Royals 2

Charlie Riedel   The Associated Press
on the mound
Michael passes another test vs. yet another hot-hitting team (not to mention a bunch of lefties!) to earn his second major league victory by the same score as his first (94P - 6IP - 5H - 1ER - 4BB - 5K)

I hate intentional walks but, the plan for which one issued in the bottom of the 6th worked perfectly - IBB Butler, Kila grounds out on one pitch to keep the score tied.

Jamie had his first struggle of the season...
but, he avoided establishing an ERA despite issuing lead-off walks in both the 7th and 8th innings.  He got out of the 7th via a strikeout and a DP and got out of the 8th with a HUGE break for the second out (he fielded the ball at first from a toss from Smoak - the throw beat the runner but Jamie didn't touch the bag until after the runner did) whew!  Sometimes you get the breaks and sometimes you don't.  I'd say the M's were far overdue to get one.

Brandon made things interesting in the 9th...
he gave up a couple of singles to allow the Royals to get within one but, he got the ground ball when he needed it to earn the save and preserve Michael's second victory.

at the plate
Hey, lookie here!  2-4 w/RISP!  No walks though, a rarity.
  • Milton gets the M's first triple of the season and it comes with Ichiro on 3rd who scores to tie the game in the 6th inning.
  • Justin and Miggy with back-to-back singles in the 7th (Miggy breaking an 0-27 slump)
  • Ryan and Ryan - Ryan L bunts to move the runners to 2nd and 3rd B Ryan 2RBI single to give the M's the lead (first time M's have had the lead since the 1st inning of Friday's game)
  • Figgy - I know he's sucking but, you gotta feel for the guy, just a bit - if he didn't have bad luck he'd have no luck at all.  How many at 'em balls has he hit and/or just flat out awesome defensive plays have been turned against him?
of base paths and leather works
Nice to see a crisply played game today...
a couple of really good plays but, mostly just making the plays that should be made.
  • 5-4-3 in the 2nd  (improvement by Jack)
  • nice dive by Smoak and toss to Michael to end the 2nd inning
  • 1-6-3 in the 7th
  • NICE play by Brendon - tries to back hand it, drops it, picks up and bare-hands a strong throw and Justin who does the splits to get the runner at first for the second out of the 9th (on the post game show when he was complimented on the play, he said he should have turned two)
skip's clips...
"...lots of hard outs, better at bats, much better defense..."
"...don't get caught up in results when you are at the plate, get caught up in your approach..."


    Saturday, April 16, 2011

    diagnosing Guti

    DEAN RUTZ / THE SEATTLE TIMES


    Early this morning, before we even knew how depressing the day would be due to a Mariner 0-7 loss, with Felix on the mound, Shannon informed us via tweet that Guti's gut is still not right.  He was supposed to make a rehab start in last night but, he was feeling poorly and they have decided to send him (possibly to the Mayo Clinic) for yet more tests.  I feel so bad for him - it must be so frustrating, not to mention scary, to really not know what is wrong.

    g15 | woe is "O" (and "D" and "P" for that matter)

    Mariners 0 | Royals 7


    AP
    Believe it or not...
    it's the first time the M's have been shutout this season.

    Not a whole lot to say...
    I think we'd all rather forget this one (and the last one, and the one before that).  Felix really didn't have it again today in his shortest outing so far this season (90P - 5IP - 2ER - 2BB - 6K) but certainly was not helped in any way shape or form by the super, sloppy play behind him - THREE UNearned runs.

    Apparently, Wedge went off on the team after the game...
    Not sure it'll do any good but, at this point, doesn't seem like it could hurt.

    On a lighter note...
    Nice story on Tom Wilhelmsen by ESPN's Jim Caple

    That's all I got.

    Merry Michael Day tomorrow!

    Friday, April 15, 2011

    g14 | A L m o s t (yeah, I know, grenades and horseshoes)

    Mariners 5 | Royals 6

    AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
    on the mound
    Erik continues to struggle ... (106P - 4.2 - 7H - 4ER - 3BB - 6K)
    To be expected when one has had three surgeries in the past two years - it's going to take some time.  The main thing is, he feels good and continues to build up his arm strength.  Obviously, he'll have to get deeper into games eventually but, this is the first time he went over 100 pitches.

    The bullpen was decent...
    Pauly and Laffey combined for 2.2 innings, allowing one run on two hits and one walk with one strikeout.

    at the plate
    Okay, this late inning stuff makes things a bit exciting, but can we please stop being too late to the party?
    Today was actually the first time ALL SEASON the M's have scored in the first innning - Cust grounded out scoring Ichiro who had lead off with a double.  That double would stand as the ONLY hit until the EIGHTH inning.  In the 8th and 9th inning, the M's scored FOUR runs on FOUR hits and FOUR walks.  But alas, TLTL is becoming an all to familiar refrain.

    Get this - the M's have scored just 19 runs in innings 1-6 and THRITY in innings 7-9.
    Maybe they should play several innings simulated game prior to each real one .... argh!

    of base paths and leather works
    Not a whole lot here other than a steal of 2B by Luis - who, (surprise, surprise) was left stranded.


    Thursday, April 14, 2011

    g13 | rain, rain, go away

    Mariners 1 | Royals 5

    from Shannon's twitter
    on the mound
    I didn't get to watch any of the game, listened here and there ...
    I get the feeling that Mr. Fister pitched better than his line reflects (106P - 7IP - 8H - 5ER -1BB -5K)
    And, hey, with the rain-shortend game, at least the bullpen got a rest.

    at the plate
    It is becoming the same old story ... "Offense where art thou?"
    The bats managed only SIX hits off Chen (who has always been stellar vs. the M's 4-0 with an 2.73ERA).  Another emerging pattern seems to be that whatever offense does appear, it's a bit late to the party - of the six hits two were doubles - one by Ryan in the 7th and one by Figgy in the 9th - too little, too late.

    of base paths and leather works
    While the defense wasn't particularly crisp (hard to be in the rain) it was the second straight game without an error.  That may not sound like much, but the M's had made at least one error in the previous six games.  No stolen bases, but one DP (wilson-to-ryan-to-smoak)

    Wednesday, April 13, 2011

    g12 | Jason bounces back, bullpen implodes

    Mariners 3 | Blue Jays 8

    Due to the afternoon first pitch, I was unable to watch or even listen to the game.  Good thing.  I'd have nearly wept for Jason.  Looking at the box score, seems he left the Cleveland game long behind and put in a fabulous performance (105P - 6.2IP - 5H - 1ER - 1BB - 7K).  After striking out his 7th batter for the second out in the 7th inning, Wedge took him out in favor or Wright who fanned the only guy he faced.  The curious part was that Wedge didn't continue with Wright, but instead opted to go with Ray - and that's where the  bullpen's 17 inning scoreless streak came to an end.  Ray promptly gave up two singles and a home run and then, after a couple of doubles, and a couple more runs, Ray was out and Lueke was in.  Josh wasn't on either and gave up a run before being relieved by Wilhelmson who allowed another.

    Poor Jason.


    Nice catch, Milton!
    AP Photo

    Tuesday, April 12, 2011

    g11 | Merry Michael Day!

    Mariners 3 | Blue Jays 2

    Lookie here, a series win!

    As I've probably mentioned before, I'm a "half-season ticket holder" - I have tickets to all the Friday, Saturday, Sunday games.  Over the weekend, it became imperative that I attend Michael Pineda's Safeco Field debut, and I decided to really treat myself (just as I had for Felix's home debut) so I traded a couple of my 300 level tickets + a little cash (it was a "value" game) for a seat in the 100 level - in the 11th row!

    But first, a stop in The 'pen for some pizza and to watch Michael warmup...




















    Then, the first pitch...

    I wish I'd remembered my regular camera but, you get the idea of my seat location - pretty sweet!

    on the mound
    Michael was SPECTACULAR - all 6'7" and 260 lbs of him! (103P - 7.1IP - 5H - 1ER - 2BB - 7K)

    Essentially, he sailed through SEVEN innings, walked ONE in the 2nd inning, gave up TWO singles in the 4th and another in the 5th - all without allowing a run.  His fast ball was consistently in the upper 90's and his slider was working ~ "Diabolical!" (as Dave would say).  But, it was evident that he was tiring in the 8th (what do I know, but I would have taken him out after he gave up a lead-off single, K'd the next batter and then allowed another walk) but, Wedge left him in.  Olivo was charged with a passed ball on the next batter that allowed both runners to advance and eventually score when said batter (none other than that pesky almost-M Cory Patterson) singled.

    Nevertheless, Michael received a really nice standing O when Wedge finally did take him out.  Oh, and thanks to the new pitch-counter at Safeco Field, I noted that Michael threw 24 (out of 29) first pitch strikes.

    Chris Ray followed, a little scary, but he got the HUGE benefit of an AWESOME double play (described below) keeping Michael's ER total and his chance for victory in tact.  Then, in the top of the 9th, Brandon came in  and CLOSED the door for his second save of the season and Michael's first big league win.

    Some video clips of Michael's mound presence...

    Shannon got some great sound after the game - as Matt Pittman put it, Michael was "talking through a huge grin"

    at the plate
    As usual, not a ton of offense...
    the Mariners, like the Jays, only had 5 hits but they made the best of them and were FINALLY able to get on the board early in a game - all of their runs came in the 3rd when Ryan singled, Langerhans homered and Wilson scored on Milton's single after getting on base via an error and then stealing second (his third).  Lost in the Pineda mania was Romero's great performance - granted, his was vs. M's bats, whereas Michael's was against the 3rd best offense in the league.

    of base paths and leather works
    Jack notched another SB.
    Miguel had an extremely rough night ...
    not only did he go 0-4, he was charged with a throwing error and a passed ball.
    But, he was also part of a double play that likely saved the game...
    After Patterson's two-run single, he stole 2B and took 3B on the afore-mentioned throwing error by Miguel.  Bautista was up next and he popped out to the 1B line where Justin made a great catch, turned, planted and threw a one-hop strike to Miguel who met Patterson standing up at the plate .... OUT!!

    Michael gets the game ball...

    from Mariners twitter


    Monday, April 11, 2011

    g10 | wait, what?!?

    Mariners 8 | Blue Jays 7

    the celebration! (from Larry Stone's blog


    on the mound
    Felix definitely wasn't Felix tonight (112P - 6IP - 12H - 7R - 2BB - 6K)
    But, in comes the 'pen (Laffey, Wilhelmsen, Lueke) adding another THREE scoreless innings to give the bats a chance.  And guess what?  It worked!  Turns out it wasn't a "Happy Felix" day but, it was truly an Merry Mariners Day!

    at the plate
    The game was certainly not without it's frustration...
    ~ bases loaded in the 1st and the 3rd = NO runs
    ~ two on in the 4th = NO runs
    ~ two-out double in the 5th = NO runs

    And then, things started to turn...
    ~ none on, Milton homer in the 7th = ONE run
    ~ bases loaded in the 8th, walk + walk + walk + Smoak single = FIVE runs (one-run game)
    Could it be?!?
    ~ lead-off Saunders double in the 9th + sac bunt + IBB + Luis GWH = TWO runs

    New deal...
    ~ patience?  from the M's?  They saw a total of 214 pitches from the Jays staff, translating to ELEVEN walks!
    ~ M's now with 41 total walks - good enough for THIRD in the MAJORS in that category! 

    of base paths and leather works
    Not the prettiest of games...
    ~ a botched run down that resulted in a SB
    ~ Figgy had to leave the game with a wrist contusion sustained diving for a ground ball
    ~ Little flairs were dropping in instead of being caught (Smoak with an error on a dropped fly ball)
    But also...
    ~ ONE double-play
    ~ THREE stolen bases

    Prior to this game, I had decided I would trade in a couple of my weekend tix to get one really good one for tomorrow night ~ Michael Pineda's debut!  After this thrilling, victory I'm thinking there will be quite the buzz about the place come 7pm .... can't wait!

    Sunday, April 10, 2011

    g9 | swept? more like turbo-vac'd

    Mariners 4 | Indians 6


    Nice grab in LF by Michael Saunders | AP Photo
    on the mound
    Well, that was a much different Erik than we saw in spring training (83P - 4IP - 10H - 6ER - 1BB - 6K)
    Apparently still got some things to work on.  But, not surprising after nearly two years lost.

    Now the bullpen was another story ... a GOOD one!
    Pauley, Wright and League combined for FIVE scoreless innings, allowing only ONE hit, NO walks and striking out SIX.  In fact, the bullpen has been spectacular in this series.  Since Jason and Tom's supreme struggles in the home opener, the 'pen has gone TWELVE scoreless innings allowing only FOUR hits, TWO walks and striking out ELEVEN.  Not too shabby.

    at the plate
    ~ Figgy drew his FIRST walk of the season in the 4th inning.
    ~ As many homers in this game (2 - Langerhas' second, Saunders first) as they had so far this season.
    It seemed to me the M's have scored a good portion of their runs in the later innings, so I decided to check.  Sure enough, 16 of the M's 29 runs have come in the 7th inning or later.  Not sure if that's good or bad, just something to note.

    of base paths and leather works
    ~ Ichiro with an outfield assist, but also an error on a throw.  
    ~ No DP's and no SB (in the entire series).
    The Tribe sure can catch it in the outfield (especially xM, Choo!).  M's were robbed of at least a couple of doubles by great catches and at least a couple more by perfect placement (talk about at 'em balls!)

    Tomorrow is Happy Felix Day!
    Tuesday is Merry Michael Day!
    (I think I'm going to have to exchange on of my weekend tix to see Michael's Safeco Field debut!)

    Saturday, April 09, 2011

    g8 | Mr. Fister's start wasted

    Mariners 1 | Indians 2


    First of all, SO good to be home!  My view from row 8 of section 331...



    As frustrating as this game was (with a lot of the same issues as last season), after last night's debacle, it didn't seem so bad.  The pitching was great, the defense was solid - must find a way to GET THOSE BATS GOING.

    on the mound
    Fister pitched a great game (105P - 6IP - 6H - 1ER - 2BB 3K).  While he threw a ton of pitches and allowed his share of base-runners, he made pitches when he had to and fielded his position well.  If the M's could get SIX SOLID from him every time out - I think they'd take it.

    AWESOME work by the bullpen (Lueke and Ray) to allow only ONE hit, ONE walk and NO runs over the last THREE innings.

    at the plate
    They had their chances - THREE of their SIX hits were doubles, TWO of the lead-off variety.  Seems they are good at getting things started and an abject failure at finishing - ONE for ELEVEN w/RISP

    of base paths and leather works
    THREE double-plays! (one really nifty one of Smoak-Ryan-Smoak)
    And, while Bradley was charged with an error on a throw to the infield after catching a fly ball, Wedge actually said that Ryan was in the wrong spot (should have been covering 3B)

    g7 | fabulous pomp, disastrous circumstance

    Mariners 3 | Indians 12


    It started out so well.  All of the events and ceremony leading up to the game seemed destined to leave an indelible mark upon the collective Mariner memory.  It was a little odd, being the first Mariner Opening Day held at night since 2001 (which I chose to take as a good omen, little did I know that the bad omen would over-shadow the good when my phone battery died prior to the 4th inning).

    I didn't abide with my tradition of taking the day off and spending the morning at a spa.  Instead, I went to work a couple hours earlier than usual so I could leave in time to get to the corner of Royal Brougham and the "new street" to be witness to the unveiling ceremony.  I arrived just as just as the crew was finishing the audio setup.  A huge crowd was gathered at "The Glove" awaiting the final unveiling (the veil was a sign in itself that read "My Oh My!").

    I was tapped on the shoulder by Chuck Armstrong as he parted the crowd, clearing the way for the entire Niehaus family.  Several city and county politicians took turns reading portions of the proclamation and giving credit to the citizens who started the grassroots campaign.  And then....


    I had a couple of hours before my "date" would arrive (my mom-in-law was planning to meet me at 6:15pm) so I decided to meander through the Team Store and, of course, couldn't escape without purchasing a couple of items.  Then, my stomach was talking to me, so decided I'd head up to the 300 level where I knew I could get a gyro.  I enjoyed said gyro from my regular seat (had to buy other tix for the evening, since I only have one season seat these days) while watching the Indians take batting practice and listening to the pre-game show ... a lot of talk about the Jack Wilson controversy - more on that later.  Then, got a call from my mom-in-law - she was here!  So went down to meet her so we could make our way to our seats for the evening (section 306 - right center field) and we were good and settled in with plenty of time to spare before the festivities.


    It started, as every home opener since 1999 (when Safeco Field opened) with a Make-A-Wish kid being the first to "touch 'em all!".  Eleven year-old Kamrin Cramer soaked up every minute of his trot around the bases, stopping at each one to wave to the crowd.

    Then it was time for the introductions - the visiting Tribe first, of course.  Then the red carpet was rolled out and the 2011 Mariners ran in one-by-one from the centerfield gate to the first base line as they were introduced.  Felix, of course, received the loudest ovation, followed closely by Ichiro and Michael Pineada (yay!).  A huge flag was carried onto the field and the Navy Band Northwest performed the National Anthem.


    Next, the awards for the 2010 season were presented.  Guti (who is still rehabbing in Arizona) and Ichiro received their Gold Gloves and Felix his Cy Young (what a birthday gift - Happy 25th, Felix!).  Then, a little extra something - Edgar was there to present a framed photo commemorating the new Mariner hit-king (Ichiro surpassed Gar in that category during the second game of the season).  They embraced and exchanged words (would have loved to hear that conversation!).  It was a very nice moment.

    Then came the tough but touching part.  Macklemore and Ryan Lewis performed the fabulous "My Oh My" song.  Even those who are not rap fans (like me) had to be moved to tears by his sincere emotion.  Add to that the video highlights and Dave's calls interspersed, it was a quite perfect tribute.

    Marilyn Niehaus made her way out to the mound and threw a strike to Felix with her entire family standing behind her.  Another "what a moment" moment.  Then, all the Niehaus grandchildren signaled the start of the game with a hearty "PLAY BALL!"  It was 7:20pm and 53 degrees.

    Okay - that's about all I have for you.  From that point on, it's a bit of a blur.  Seems my cell phone battery wasn't the only thing that died and I'm relatively sure that the real Jason Vargas was abducted by aliens - or at least the ghost of Chief Wahoo found a way to extract Jason's command.  I mean, we are used to offensive woes ... we are not used to the pitching being offensive.

    It's a shame that the fabulous pomp had to be over-shadowed by the disastrous circumstance but, I've no doubt that, from above, Dave was singing the Wabash Cannonball.  And, that he truly appreciated the love and respect that over-flowed from Safeco Field last night.


    Better days ahead...

    Friday, April 08, 2011

    In anticipation....

     
    from knowyourvenue.com
     
    of green grass and blue sky and yellow mustard on hot dogs.
     of strikeouts and home runs and oh, those base-on-balls.
    of garlic fries and lemonade and dippin' dots.of stolen bases and home-run-robbing catches.
    of popcorn, peanuts and cracker jack.

    of outfield assists and home plate slides.
    of infield singles and sacrifice flies.
    of sparkling, crisp double-plays.

    of eyes that well with tears when it finally hits - "the voice" is gone but never forgotten.

    Not sure how we are going to do it without you, Dave.
    But, we know that you would want us all to carry on...
    with rye bread and mustard and white shoes and a love for the game that is pure and true.

    Go Mariners!
    Make Dave proud.

    Wednesday, April 06, 2011

    g6 | swept out of Arlington

    Mariners 3 | Rangers 7

    AP Photo
    Due to the early start time, I was only able to catch audio snippets of the game here and there.  Other than the walks, seems like Felix had a decent day (105P - 7IP - 6H - 2ER - 3BB - 6K) ~ especially considering the lineup he was going against and the ball park he was pitching in.

    Unfortunately, there were a few too many similarities to 2010 in this game:  inability to drive in runs (2-6 w/RISP), bullpen implosion and THREE errors (TWO in ONE inning by Wilson that accounted for TWO unearned runs as well as his removal from the game).




    Oh yeah - another injury.  Adam Moore to have an MRI on his knee tomorrow.  Here's hoping it's not too serious, but Shannon warns us to expect a roster move...


    Now they head home to Seattle so come Friday night...
    so we can welcome baseball back and say farewell to Dave.