g107 | wait, what? a win??

Mariners 3 | Rangers 2

Nice win for the new daddy!
Jason threw a lot of pitches and walked three (all of the lead-off variety) but he got through six giving up only two runs on three hits and was rewarded with his 7th win (his first since July 18th vs. the Halos)

Figgy to Jack to Casey ...
Very nice DP to get Brandon out of DEEP doo-doo in the 8th after he walked the first two batters and then had runners at the corners with only one out

Nice job by Jamey and David ...
only one hit combined and no walks between the two innings they pitched and the DA gets his 19th save

Not exactly an offensive explosion ...

But the ELEVEN hits are a good sign, including two for extra bases (a Guit homer and a Tui single) and a safety squeeze

Nice catch, kid!

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

g102 | rough ride on the south side...

Mariners 5 | White Sox 6

I think I know who's going to win the World Series ;-)
I realize the M's aren't the greatest of competition but, MAN do the Sox look strong.

Lots of good stuff in this game, despite the loss ...
~ Early runs off Buehrle
~ 11 hits, including a double and a home run
~ 5 runs, in the first two innings!
~ the bullpen looking much better of late

't was the "Figgy Show" ...
~ 2 hits, 2 runs, 2 rbi
~ his first Mariner home run
~ a steal of home!

and the bad part ...
~ Jason not havin' it (3 homers, yikes!) in a game where he FINALLY gets some support
~ 9 men left on base

g98 | guys not too far removed from T-Town shut down the sox

Mariners 5 | Red Sox 1

David Pauley made his third start tonight since "replacing" Cliff Lee in the rotation ...
He has now pitched to the Yanks, the White Sox and the Red Sox - no soft landings there.  While he pitched well in all three, he was tagged with the loss in the first two because of the bullpen.  Tonight, he took the no decision, as the bullpen was stellar but the offense didn't come to life till after he had departed.

Coming to life with a little bit of this and a little bit of that ...
It took awhile, but with one out in the 6th, Michael broke up Lester's no-hit bid with a home run after Patterson's error ruined the perfect game chance, allowing Jack to get to second base in the previous at-bat.  Then, in the 8th, Milton tripled and Jack executed a great bunt (eye-level pitch) to bring MB home.  Then a Michael single, Ichiro walked and Figgy doubled, for the second run of the inning.  A Guit walk loaded the bases and then Jose was hit by a pitch making the score 5-1

TED S. WARREN / AP

And how 'bout that pen?!?
While David did well holding the Red Sox to only one run (a solo shot to Big Papi, certainly no shame in that) on five hits - Chris, Jamey and Garrett held them HITLESS and SCORELESS through THREE+ innings.  Chris notched his first major league win and Garrett his first major league save.

Good night all round ... 
Save for one M who was still a bit surly in the clubhouse ~ been busy with some other things, but hope to post some comments on the whole "Figgy falderal"sometime tonight.

Now, it's off to Fenway Northwest ... er, Safeco Field!

g96 | thiiiiiis close

Mariners 6 | Red Sox 8

Crazy one!

Nearly no-hit by Lackey ...
the M's scored a run without the benefit of a hit in the second inning (walk, steal, ground out, passed ball) and continued to go hitless until two outs in the bottom of the 8th when Josh Bard singled but was stranded when Ichi flied out.

Meanwhile, the BoSox were racking up the hits vs. RRS ...
Ryan would go six giving up eight hits and five runs.  Brian would give up one run in his inning of work and the Red Sox would go to the bottom of the ninth up 1-6...

And then it got interesting ...
't was really quite amazing, I'm tired, so I'll take the easy route (courtesy YaHoo!)...

- M. Delcarmen relieved J. Lackey

- C. Figgins singled to left center

- F. Gutierrez homered to deep left, C. Figgins scored

- J. Lopez walked

- M. Bradley safe at first on shortstop M. Scutaro's fielding error, J. Lopez to second

- J. Papelbon relieved M. Delcarmen

- J. Smoak struck out swinging

- C. Kotchman doubled to right, J. Lopez scored, M. Bradley to third

- R. Langerhans ran for C. Kotchman

- J. Bard walked

- M. Saunders ran for J. Bard

- J. Wilson grounded into fielder's choice, M. Bradley scored, R. Langerhans to third, M. Saunders out at second, R. Langerhans scored, J. Wilson to second on second baseman B. Hall's fielding error

- I. Suzuki intentionally walked

- C. Figgins struck out looking

The offense would have their golden opportunity to win it in the 12th ...

Single, single, sac-fly, walk - and then then the balloon burst - foul out, popup

The pen would hang in their for longer than expected ...
Jamey, David and Garrett combined for FIVE innings of NO hit, NO run ball, but Garrett lost the magic in the 13th ... single, out, out, walk, double

And that was all she wrote on a Thursday evening in Fenway Northwest.

By the way, nice catch by Ichi to rob Ortiz of a home run in the first inning....

hoto by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

g95 | no sweep for you!

Mariners 2 | White sox 1

Wak earns his second victory from the clubhouse :-)

Felix was OUTSTANDING and SO deserved the WIN.
Heck, the way he pitched ... allowing only TWO singles, ZERO walks, ZERO runs, EIGHT strikeouts in EIGHT innings and retiring the last SEVENTEEN batters he faced .... he deserved TWO wins.

Floyd was pretty good too - keeping the M's scoreless in his seven innings and the Sox bullpen would succeed well through ten, but then came Jenks in the bottom of the ELEVENTH...

- J. Wilson reached on bunt single

- I. Suzuki sacrificed to first, J. Wilson to second

- C. Figgins singled to shallow center, J. Wilson to third

- C. Figgins stole second

- F. Gutierrez singled to shallow center, J. Wilson and C. Figgins scored

Now THAT is what we expected from this team from the get-go.

Yes, there were once again some serious base-running issues - I trust they will be addressed once and for all.  Right now, I just want to savor the win - they are just too few and far between not to.

g93 | 10 more to go vs. sox

Mariners 1 | White Sox 6

Six more against the white variety (2 at home 4 away) and four more against the red

~ David did a nice job going 6IP giving up 3 runs
~ Figgy with 3 walks and a hit
~ Justin with 2 more hits
~ Russell with an RBI double before leaving with a stiff back
~ Jamey .... not so good
~ Offense ... even worse (bases loaded twice and nothing to show for it)

I'm tired.

g51 | considerable victory

Mariners 7 | Twins 1

I didn't get to see most of this one, but sure looks like there were only rosy thing that occurred...
Stellar starting pitching, reliable relief with 7 runs on 13 hits, a DP and an SB - as it should be.

ELLEN M. BANNER / THE SEATTLE TIMES

Really good to see two who have been struggling mightily break out a bit ~ Figgy and Lopey combined for 4 hits and 4rbi.

Believe Big.

:-)

g45 | all is not lost ...

Mariners 5 | Tigers 3
I eagerly await the day when victory brings true joy instead of mere relief.
Tonight was a step, or five, in that direction.

DEAN RUTZ/SEATTLE TIMES/MCT

on the mound
They call him Mister Fister, but the should call him Mr. Stellar.
Seven of Doug's nine starts have been quality and, with just a smidge more offense he'd be 8-1 instead of 3-2 (two of his last three ND's and his last loss were all by 1-run).  He got into some trouble (although certainly not only of his own accord - his defense wasn't his friend tonight) in the second inning, but great to see him work through it and go 7+  but his ERA did balloon to just over 2.00 with the two runs given up ;-)  Keep up the good work, Dougie!

Nice work Shawn and David!!

at the plate
Wow - over half the hits were for extra bases!
~ Milton and Guti with homers - Chone and Josh with doubles
~ Milton had the single that scored Figgy for the go-ahead run in the 8th
~ And Lopey knocked in Guti with a sac-fly for a little insurance

"The way I was feeling, I needed to share it with my teammates," Bradley said. "It was a good feeling. I came through."

leather-works
Unfortunately, not a lot to crow about here ... save for a nice DP in the 3rd
I was only able to watch the last couple of innings, but on the radio it sure sounded like some of those hits in the 2nd inning should have been outs.  Here's hoping they can get that fundamental focus back.
.
.

g40 | at least the jays didn't leave the yard

Mariners 2 | Jays 3
Yes, it was another loss (5 in-a-row) but...
there really was a lot to be encouraged about in this game.

MARK HARRISON / THE SEATTLE TIMES

#1 - how 'BOUT that Mister Fister?!?!

Doug faced a very difficult test tonight going up against the number one homer team in the league and he passed with flying colors.  Really showing his mettle in the 2nd inning - two runs scored on a double, single, single, walk, HBP - but he managed to limit the damage and went on to pitch a full eight - not allowing a single base-runner the rest of the way.  Look up STUD in Webster's and no doubt Mister Fister's picture will be starin' back at ya ;-)

#2 - Figgy comin' 'round!
Another hit, an RBI and a stolen base.  Kinda fun to see him discussing hitting on the bench with Ichi ... you just get the feeling watching their interaction that things are really starting to turn and he's not letting it get him down


#3 - Offense in general
Second straight night of double-digit hits.  Now, getting more runs than the other team is still an issue.  But, come on, baby steps....


#4 - Solid fundamentals
I wasn't able to see the entire game, but from what I saw and heard, I don't believe there were any major mental lapses of the sort that were all to prevalent on the road trip - in fact, there was some very good defense and very good base running - keep it up boys (control those "controll-ables" as Shannon would say)


#5 Milton returns and goes 2 for 4


Early start tomorrow....
hopefully they can pick up the good things right where they left off tonight and get the split to start off the home stand.

g39 | lotsa good stuff, b u t . . .

Mariners 5 | Athletics 6

no "W" to show for it.

• Figgy with two hits! (including a double and a run and an rbi)
• Casey with two hits! (and two rbi)
• Robby with a homer! (apparently, he likes hitting vs. Sheets)
• Robby also throwing 2 runners out (we won't talk about his out on the basepaths ;-(
• Junior with a hit!
• Mike with a pinch-hit rbi (that tied the game at 5 in the 8th)
• Michael turns an AWESOME DP - shoes string catch and throws the runner out at 2B

10 total hits and 5 walks ... THAT's what I'm talkin' 'bout!

Now, the bad part...

• Felix wasn't Felix but, although he had to work darned hard for it, he did leave with the lead
• The pen, unfortunately, was "the pen" (as of late, they just can't hold it late)
• Guti hesitated on throwing to 2B on a long fly ball out that could have resulted in a DP
• Rob thrown out at 3B (OK, so I mentioned it)

g32 | nap-gate, schmap-gate - they got a win!

Mariners 5 | Orioles 1
Seems the topic of the day was much ado about nothing.
Now, on to baseball - and another win!

AP

The east coast timing sucks, as the game's just getting over as I get home from work (plus, we had a family dinner tonight, so didn't get to hear the post game show) so all I've got to go by is the box score but ... it looks pretty darned good!

• Double digit hits (including two doubles and a homer!)  
• Figgy had an error - but he also had a hit (and an RBI walk) and was involved in two DP's!
• Cliff was Cliff and finally got his first win!
• Brandon was great in relief

The "new guys" seem to be providing a much needed spark.  
In the past two games, Ryan, Josh and Michael have combined for . . .
3homers, 1triple, 1double, 9hits, 7rbi, 8runs and 3walks

g25 | poor Mister Fister...

Mariners 1 | Rangers 3

MARK HARRISON / THE SEATTLE TIMES

on the mound

Another stunning and stellar performance from Mister Fister ... wasted.

Doug pitched EIGHT innings and did not allow the first hit until there was one out in the 6th (a fly ball that would have gone out, if it weren't for "Area 51").  He would end up allowing only three hits, NO runs and NO walks (I heard some crazy stat Rick quoted, I believe it was that Doug went to a 3 ball count on 7 batters, and retired all 7 - amazing).


The DA wasn't able to hold the slim 1-0 lead, but this isn't on him (even though those lead-off base on balls are extremely frustrating).  Closers, even great ones, are going to give up a run here and there.  Brandon did okay in the 10th, but it seems Mark and Rob were not on the same page at all - singles, a bunt, a wild pitch and passed ballS added up to another 2 runs for the Rangers.   It's just a shame that the lack of offense has to manifest itself as pressure on the pitchers and the defense - razor thin margins for error are not very conducive to instilling "confidence in your competence".

at the plate

Meanwhile, not a lot has changed with the bats - a grand total of 4 Mariner runs scored in this SERIES.  Today, only five hits in eleven innings ... one for extra bases (Jose double).  The few good swings that were had were "at 'em" balls or long, loud outs.  But hey, Figgy got a hit, walked twice and had two stolen bases and scored the M's only run (now, if we could just have more of that from him and from Ichiro - this whole manufacturing thing could work).

leather-works

Already addressed some of the mis-cues ... there also were no DP's turned

Apparently, earlier this evening there was a bit of a shake up...

They released outfielder Eric Byrnes, whose averaged dropped to .094 (3 for 32) with an 0-for-4 performance Sunday, and optioned Matt Tuiasosopo to Class AAA Tacoma so he could play every day.

To take their roster spots, outfielder Ryan Langerhans and infielder Josh Wilson were selected from Tacoma. Both will be in uniform Tuesday when the Mariners open a three-game series with Tampa Bay.

"Tui didn't do anything wrong," general manager Jack Zduriencik said when reached by phone Sunday evening. "But he's a young player, and playing time is essential for his development. He'll go down and play every day at multiple positions."

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!

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!!!

g16 | COMPLETE - with high socks!

MARK HARRISON / THE SEATTLE TIMES

Mariners 4 | Orioles 1

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...

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.

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!!

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!

Yesterday pitching, today hitting...

And about 15 days to get it all together!

Lovin' the new pest ~ Ichi-Fig... 
Ichiro and Chone combined for 5 hits (including 2 triples), 3 rbi, 5 runs scored and 1 stolen base

The "D" really shaping up...
2 more double plays (by the way ~ the position switch is officially "a-go")

And there was a little power...
Eric with a 3-run homer

The pitching was really not too shabby...
Luke made it through without too much damage, Sean and Jesus each gave up their first runs of the spring, and Mark and Brandon lookin' rea-DY!

box score Mariners 12 | Angels 6

Welcome to Seattle, Figgy!

It may take awhile for M's fan to remember that they should be excited, instead of perturbed, when you come to the plate. The fact that you are donning navy and teal, instead of devil red (who decided that was a good color for a team named "angels" anyway?) should be there first reminder :-)

It's official: Figgins signs four-year deal with M's | Seattle PI

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the Associated Press has reported the contract at $36 million, with a possible vested option for another $9 million for the fifth season.

"We see Chone as a great fit for our ball club and the city of Seattle," Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik said in a statement released by the team. "We anticipate an exciting time watching Ichiro and Chone batting at the top of our lineup.

"He is an athletic player with speed and versatility. He also brings tremendous character and positive energy to our organization."

Figgins, 31, made his first All-Star team last season and hit .291 with 114 runs scored while leading the American League with 101 walks.

Figgins played four different positions last season with the Los Angeles Angels, appearing in 154 games at third base, two each at second and shortstop and one in left field.

Mariners get Ichiro a running mate | The News Tribune

When a baseball team wins 85 games despite its consistent struggle to score in bunches, the knee-jerk presumption is that they must acquire power. But there are different ways to push runs across the plate, and one of them is to capitalize on the threat of a speedy leadoff man by assuring there’s just as much speed behind him.

Ichiro-Figgins represents the sort of one-two leadoff punch the Mariners haven’t had since Randy Winn typically batted behind Ichiro in 2003 and 2004. And though Winn was fast – he stole 44 bases over those two seasons – he wasn’t as fast as Figgins, who had 42 steals this past season.

Only once, in their 33-year history, have Mariners opened a season with two men at the top of the order who’d go on to steal at least 25 bases. That was in 2001, when Ichiro (56 steals) and Mike Cameron (34) combined to create dynamic tension on the basepaths.

The ’01 Mariners were nothing if not versatile; it’s easy to forget that their almost daily rallies often began by exerting pressure on a pitcher and a catcher – and all the infielders, as well – with speed. No matter that Cameron eventually was replaced by Mark McLemore as the No. 2 hitter in 2001 – McLemore stole 37 bases when he batted second.

Stolen bases, of course, are only a slight measure of a No. 2 hitter’s effectiveness. He must make contact, hit the ball to either side, and put down the occasional bunt. Figgins can do all those things, and while his ability to draw walks makes him more of a prototype leadoff hitter, Ichiro is comfortable in that role. As long as Ichiro is maintaining his All-Star skills, and breaking hitting records that had survived a century, it’s sensible to assemble a batting order with his preference foremost in the equation.

So Ichiro leads off, followed by Figgins, and already Don Wakamatsu has one less conundrum on his hands. The manager never did settle on a successful No. 2 hitter last season, opening with Franklin Gutierrez, who was better suited in the middle of the lineup.

Mariners get Ichiro a Mariners get Ichiro a Running Mate

“I’m batting second, right?” Figgins asked Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik on Tuesday.

:::

Ichiro-Figgins represents the sort of one-two leadoff punch the Mariners haven’t had since Randy Winn typically batted behind Ichiro in 2003 and 2004. And though Winn was fast – he stole 44 bases over those two seasons – he wasn’t as fast as Figgins, who had 42 steals this past season.

Only once, in their 33-year history, have Mariners opened a season with two men at the top of the order who’d go on to steal at least 25 bases. That was in 2001, when Ichiro (56 steals) and Mike Cameron (34) combined to create dynamic tension on the basepaths.

The ’01 Mariners were nothing if not versatile; it’s easy to forget that their almost daily rallies often began by exerting pressure on a pitcher and a catcher – and all the infielders, as well – with speed. No matter that Cameron eventually was replaced by Mark McLemore as the No. 2 hitter in 2001 – McLemore stole 37 bases when he batted second.