four and a half hours till first pitch....

I really want to take a nap, so I will be all fresh and rested for every pitch, every at bat.  Trouble is ... I'm not tired!  Not at the moment anyway.  Hoping I'll be able to doze for an hour or so at some point prior to first pitch.

In the meantime, here are some links with news and notes of the last couple of days - in Japan and here at home...

Guti and Moore start the season on the 15-day DL

Shannon Drayer shares the "clinic trip" with photos

Larry' Stone talks about young hitters who hold promise but wonders if the pitching can hold out

Greg Johns says Felix still looking to improve



Carp and Ackley at the US Embassy...
(thanks, Shannon Drayer!)

This one is worth re-posting - it's such a great shot!

(thanks, M's twit pic)

and, some pre-game tweets...

CarpusMaximus20

Opening Day Japan just a few short hours away. Here we go 2012! Wishing all my teammates good health and best of luck this year.

TheDA53

@shawnkelley23 @BrandonLeague43 good luck today. Pulling for y'all

Mariners

Ladies and gentlemen, we're 12 hours away from the first pitch of the #OpeningSeries. How are you planning to watch the game?

CompassRosy

@Mariners I will try to nap around 11pm and have the alarm and coffee pot set for 2am. Can nap after the game too, since I took the day off!


Mariners
@CompassRosy A fan with a plan. We like it.

• Cl

Happy Birthday to me!

I don't remember ever having snow on my birthday.  But then, they say the memory is the first to go.

No doubt this is what people around the country are imaging when hearing the weather reports for our fair city :-)

photo credit unknown ... pulled from facebook

I think it may have gotten even MORE difficult for Jesus Montero to hit any out at Safeco Field ;-)

Goodbye beloved Diabolical, Hello reluctant Savior...

I've had some time now to read, reflect, mourn and start the process all over again... several times.

So, I get it.  
There are three certainties in life: death, taxes and the Mariners never-ending need for offense.

But, it's hard.  Really hard.  Especially for one like me who ADORES pitching and defense.
Give me 1-0 game over a 10-9 on any day of the week and twice on Sundays.

But, I get it.
Scoring is a necessary evil and the M's were lacking in that necessity .... like, epically lacking.

But, Michael was ours. We watched him grow, we watched him glow. I loved how he would walk to the back of the mound and have a little chat with himself when things weren't going as planned (and, more often than not, it worked!). Of course you could see his grin in person or on TV but, you could also "hear" it when listening to him via the radio. His love for the game was complete and pure.

Yet, I get it.
To get you have to give. No pain, no gain. Well, we are giving and it's painful.

Michael, it seemed, is the closest thing we will ever get to another Felix. But, he is his own man, his own pitcher and as much as Felix seemed to enjoy mentoring Michael, he knew and respected that fact - he let him learn his own lessons, his own way.

Yes, I get it.
Baseball is a business as well as a pastime. Sometimes assets have to shift - for the good of the whole.

I'll never forget how excited I was to see Michael make his Safeco Field debut last April - I even upgraded my seats for the occasion. Then on a day in late May, he told Shannon Drayer it was a great day because he bought his first car and made his first start against the Yankees (I was at that one as well).  He was one of the few bright and shining beacons in another abysmal year of baseball in Seattle.  He represented hope and gave us a reason to go to the ballpark.

But now it's time for him to leave the nest...
(though it's not official yet) Michael will be headed to the Big Apple to pitch in pinstripes. He will be the first Yankee I will openly root for (except when he pitches against the M's of course) and I wish him nothing but supreme success.

In return, we welcome Jesus Montero to our fair city, to our beloved team...
eager to see how his highly touted bat will contribute and if he's able to catch on at catcher.

One thing is clear, it is a two-way street...
Yankee fans are lamenting the loss of Jesus as much (or more) as Mariner fans are dreading Michael's departure. They were looking forward to seeing him in their lineup all year long (likely as DH) providing a much needed spark of youth to a good, but aging lineup.  And, though many recognize Michael's huge potential up-side, they are concerned that they gave up too much - that a power arm is much riskier than a power bat.  I, of course, assured them that Michael is humbly confident and the epitome of a hard worker and eager learner and that they will NOT be disappointed.

And so here we are...
Two fan bases churning through a gamut of emotions regarding the young players being exchanged. I thought this time-lapsed photography of the sunset last Friday evening in Seattle ~happening just as "the trade" details were emerging~ serves as a photographic analogy of those emotions... a flicker of light, slowly becoming brighter, beautiful in it's depth and breadth, burning in it's intensity, yet as you watch, you know darkness looms...

The anticipation and excitement of exchanging young stars for the betterment of both teams is palpable but, so is the sincere feeling of loss reverberating from both coasts.

Goodbye beloved Diabolical (as the late, great Dave Niehaus coined his slider), you WIll be missed.

FantasyBaseballSportal.com

Hello reluctant Savior - we can't wait to get to know you and hope, one day, we can call you our own.

Daily News

2011 Retrospective

Obviously, 2011 was a transition year for the Seattle Mariners.
It was a time to take a good, long look at the youth in the system to learn what's what and who's who.
And lots a looks they got...

• 18 different rookies started 
• 13 rookies made their major league debut 
• 59 games were started by rookie pitchers

My thoughts on what some of our "baby M's" have the chance to become...


SUPER STARS

* Michael Pineda
He pitched much better and much more than anyone expected and, one gets the feeling that he is the type that will totally live and learn from adversity in his pursuit of stardom.

* Dustin Ackley
He look like he belongs in the bigs - despite finding himself there after only one + seasons in the minors. AND, he certainly appears comfortable at his new position ... pretty much like he's been playing it for years.






CONSTANT CONTRIBUTORS

* Mike Carp had a breakout season...
Amazing what some can do when given a chance to play everyday.

* Justin Smoak had a heartbreak season...
How much can one guy take?  After a hot start, personal tragedy struck when he lost his father.  Then, he suffered a thumb injury and just when he was getting back into the swing, a ground ball hits him in the face, breaking his nose and cheekbone.  Only way to go is up.

* Blake Beavan seems to have been a bit overlooked...
Granted, his ERA is not much to write home about but, that was elevated from a couple of really bad outings.  Overall, he had a pretty solid freshman year - averaging over six innings/game and posting 11 quality starts out of his 15 total (including a stellar outing vs. the Rangers: 8 innings, 4 hits 0 runs)



RELIABLE ROLE-PLAYERS

* Josh Lueke had some growing pains...
Mostly against the A's (three of his really bad outings came against Oakland) but he definitely showed progress so it will be interesting to see how a year of experience under his belt and a more defined role will help.

* Kyle Seager was up and down and up in more ways than one...
His first cup of coffee didn't go so well.  Then, after tearing the cover off the ball in Tacoma he was up again and began to do the same in Seattle.  He showed a bit of versatility - playing mostly 3B but had a handfull of games at short as well.




And, there were some nice surprises as well...

* Brandon did a superb job in his unexpected role as closer...
37 saves is a decent amount no matter how you slice it but, for a team that only won 67, it's down right heroic.  Sure, Brandon had a few blips but he always rebounded nicely - what doesn't kill ya makes you stronger.

* Brenden Ryan played some pretty fancy shortstop...
and, despite being new to the team and not exactly a wily vet, showed a great deal of leadership in the clubhouse.  Heal that neck fast and well, BR!

* Tom "the Bartender" Wilhelmsen was a great story...
Slinging drinks in an Arizona bar one spring, slinging pitches from a major league mound the next.



And, of course, the old favorites....

* Felix had a bit of a down year (for him)...
but, he's still a star, very much a leader and THE Ace of the Seattle Mariners

* Jason needs to be more consistant...
but, he has definitely proved durable and was always willing to talk - win or lose.

* Ichiro obviously wasn't his typical self and it will be interesting to see if he is able to bounce back or if 2011 was the beginning of the end

* Guti had a really rough season...
His health issues were finally diagnosed sometime in May and it took him awhile to come around, which he was just starting to do when he strained his oblique and missed most of September.  I'm thinking he's going to come back stronger than ever (at least he knows what he's dealing with now, unlike the mystery he had to deal with all last off season)

* Shawn had a great return from surgery late in the season...
and, would it be a huge lift for the 'pen if he is able to pick right back up where he left off come this spring.

Looking forward to the off season to see what Jack Z has up his sleeve to improve this team...

Will there be a big splash? Or just a couple of ripples?  Realistically, no matter the volume of water movement under the Good Ship Mariner this winter, it's still going to take some time before they are under full sail.

But, as always, I have faith and patience.

On this day...

To some, following sports is a trivial pursuit.

To others, like me, it is a fascinating, fun and fabulous activity.

As both the NFL and MLB take time today prior to their games to remember and pay respect their to the first responders who saved lives, all the brave men and women who lost their own trying to save others and the thousands of others who died or lost lost loved ones, I am also reminded how sports (especially baseball) played such a huge part in the coming together and the healing of a country, a state, a community, a city, a team and a family.

MLB remembers | MLB.com

Baseball and healing in a national crisis | HeraldNet.com

A tribute to heros | SoundersFC.com


Today, at Safeco Field...

Getty Images

Getty Images

via Shannon's twitter page

Keeping Felix...

Here’s my "rosy-teal" two cents on why it doesn’t make sense for the M’s to trade Felix…

Any trade involving a pitcher of his caliber would demand major league proven talent in return – and a LOT of it (not necessarily in terms of quantity but definitely quality). The M’s are rebuilding, that is a fact known from the start of ST (that they were able to compete a bit in May and June was a tribute to their pitching staff). A rebuilding team isn’t necessarily in a position to acquire top notch veteran talent (at least not in the middle of a season where it is apparent they are going nowhere fast). Their top priority is to evaluate the talent throughout their system - bring up the kids who are excelling in the minors and see what they've got - in order to determine what they need going forward and how best to get it – who adds value to the team, who can be a valuable chip in trade.

I've heard some fans mention that teams don’t usually build around pitching. Well, that may or may not be true, I don’t really know (though it seemed to work pretty well for the San Francisco Giants). What I do know is that Safeco Field is a pitcher’s park and that has to be considered as the rebuilding progresses. The strength of this team (despite their blip this road trip) is pitching. IMO – you find ways to strengthen your weaknesses without weakening your strengths. You find a way to keep Felix and Michael (25 and 22 respectively) at the top of your rotation while getting creative in improving the offense. You don’t flush top notch pitching for unproven minor league talent or veterans that won't be enough to make a difference.

Here's to Felix holding court in Safeco Field for YEARS to come...
may he one day wear the ring, with his one and only team, that a king is deserving of.

Remembering 116...

A little ditty I wrote during the magical Mariners run in 2001...
(to the tune of Gilligan's Island)

Just sit right back and enjoy the games

the games of a special year.

They started from this field of dreams,

under blue skies clear.

The team was assembled wisely,

some new, some familiar names.

Spring training prepared them for

one-hundred sixty-two games...one-hundred sixty-two games.

The season started out so hot,

the team on a torrid pace.

Because of the talent on Piniella's crew

they could taste pennant race...taste pennant race.

Fleet of foot on the outfield grass,

the pitching well in hand.

With Ichiro, Mike Cameron, McLemore and Ed-gar,

Stan Javier, the Chief, Aaron and Jamie too,

here in Mariners Land!

So this is the tale of our magical team,

they're here for a long, long time.

They make the best of everything,

to be a fan's sublime.

Bell, Guillen, Boone and Oly too

will do their very best

to turn amazing double plays.

Will Ichiro ever rest?

No slump, no quit, no egos here,

not a single losing streak.

Lake late nineteen ninety-five,

Mariners at their peak.

So join us here each night our fans,

your're sure to give a hand

for twenty-five Louie-ball guys,

here in Mariners Land!

It will be fun to see some of the guys from that team gathered together again tonight at Safeco Field.
There will always be a sense of disappointment at how the post season ended short of a World Series appearance but, it in my mind, it doesn't take away from the greatest regular season in American League history.  The common measure of a major league success is a World Series title but, it isn't always the best team that wins it, it is very often the hottest.  Unfortunately, the 2001 M's were hot as could be for 6 months and just couldn't keep the fire burning into that 'extra season'.

2011 Mariner All Stars and the 2nd half starts with a bang

American League 1 | National League 5

Felix didn't pitch because of his Sunday start but, unlike some others, he was there soaking it all in with both his fellow Mariner and American League teammates.  I missed the introductions (usually my favorite part) and heard they messed up a bit and called Felix's name when it was Miguel Cabrera's turn.  Sounds like they both took it in stride though.

Super proud (if I'm allowed) of Michael.  He pitched the 3rd inning and retired the side in order with 10 pitches -8 for strikes- getting Tulowitzki to fly out to center and striking out both Rolen and Weeks - swinging.

Brandon's mind may have been elsewhere, as his pregnant wife was in attendance at the All Star Game and due to have labor induced for their third child today in Seattle.  He pitched the 7th inning and gave up a single to Pence, struck out Castro, gave up an RBI ground rule double to Sandoval (that drove in the fifth run for the NL) and got Phillips and Sanchez to fly out an pop up respectively.

The second half starts out slightly more than a cake-walk...
oh, just a 4-game homestand with the division-leading Texas Rangers and then off to the east coast for 3-game series with each of Toronto, Boston and New York.  If the M's can manage to keep their head above water (say play .500) it won't necessarily mean they are still in the race, but it will say a lot about their grittiness vs. good teams.  If, however, they stumble mightily, they may be out of the race totally but, did any of us expect that they would be there in the first place?  So, even if that happens, this season if far from a waste as they continue to determine what they have in young talent and what they will need going forward as they continue to lay the foundation and move on to the framework of building a championship team.

Go Mariners!

MLB, meet the newest big league "M" .... Mr. Kyle Seager

Yes, Kyle Seager will be making his major league debut in Anaheim tonight – playing 3B for the Mariners. When your parent club is as impotent offensively as the M’s have been so far this season, you simply cannot ignore stats like .455/.500/.673/1.173 …even if only comprised from 12 games at AAA.

Here’s hoping Kyle takes to the bigs as fast and as well as his former roomy at UNC, Dustin Ackley, who has reached base safely in all but one of the 16 major league games he’s played so far (and only gone hitless 3 times) posting .302/.367/.566/.933 (doing well vs. starters such as: Hamels, Sanchez, Cahill; and relievers like: Venters and Choate)

I’m loving that the kids are getting a chance to prove themselves - it is what I had hoped this season would be about - finding out who has what and who is going to stick. Kyle will be the 11th rookie to play for the M’s the season and the 8th to make his major league debut. No one thought the M’s would go anywhere this season and, in the end, they may not.  But, I’d much rather watch youth struggle as they develop, knowing the future is bright, than watch aging vets in decline (as we have done much too often in the past, and even in the present, e.g., Bradley, Cust, Figgins)

So...go, Kyle!!  
Take a deep breath, "do what you do" and you'll be just fine :-)

Geoff Baker's blog

Wearing gray, batting first, pitchers at the plate at Safeco Field...

This should be fun!
All thanks to U2 and their little scheduling conflict with the Marlins, the M's get to play a road game on their home field.  It's always a pleasure to watch Felix pitch.  Here's a little reminder of his capability at the plate...

Felix's grand slam off Johan Santana

Happy Felix Day!

Go, Mariners!

M's Fab Five staying on turn

I was curious, so checked something out about 2 weeks ago....

I knew the M's were still with their original starting 5 and was wondering if that was an anomaly throughout the majors.  Turns out, at that time, only the Nats, the O's and the Tigers were still "taking turns with five".

I finally remembered to check again today and ...
The M's are now the only team in the majors who have only used five starters so far this season.  I would expect that at some point this season, the M's will need to insert at least one other starter, maybe two  (especially considering Michael rookie season and Erik back after 18 months off). But, it is fun while it's lasting to see them all staying healthy, making adjustments from inning-to-inning, start-to-start and jut being generally efficient and effective.  By the way, the M's starting five is currently tied with Oakland's staff for the lowest ERA in the AL (3.26).

The last time the M's were able to "stay on turn" throughout the entire season was 2003...
Moyer, Garcia, Franklin, Pineiro and Meche helped carry them to 93 wins, which was only good for 2nd in the AL West (behind the A's) and 2 games out of the wildcard (behind the BoSox).

EDIT: as confirmed by a tweet from Larry Stone - the only other team in major league history to accomplish this feat was the 66 Dodgers.

Michael's time to shine

I meant to do a post focusing just on Michael but the day got away...

Hopefully, after tonight's start, there will be even more glowing things to write about him.

Michael has had a start to his career that has exceeded everyone's expectations.  Not only is he an imposing physical presence on the mound, his demeanor is nothing one would expect from a rookie.  He is confident, composed and capable.

Tonight will be his biggest test yet ... here's hoping he's up to it.

Off to The Safe - rocking the teal!

at or near the top, at or near the bottom...

There's been a lot of chatter lately about just how spectacular the M's starting staff has been over the past week or so ... that prompted me to take a look as some of the numbers.  Granted, stats aren't exactly my strong suit (I find myself having to consult glossaries in order to even understand what I'm looking at) but, there were a couple of things that stuck out and, not just for the past week.

Currently, the M's starters...
-have the most strikeouts in the AL
-have allowed the fewest walks in the AL
-have allowed the second fewest homers in the AL
-are 2nd in the MAJORS in ERA

The offense, for good reason (many good reasons, in fact) has been much maligned.  It is obvious, even to me, that this team needs a big-bopper (or three).  But, as you might expect, I thought I'd look for some positives.  Surprisingly, there are a few, granted, they aren't the sexy ones, but they do indicate that fundamentals are being stressed which, especially for a rebuilding team, is a necessary component.

Currently, the M's batters...
-have hit into the fewest double plays in the AL
-are 2nd in sacrifice hits in the AL
-are 5th in the AL in other "small ball" categories: stolen bases, walks and sac-flys

Some of the contrasting stats are interesting...
-batters who have hit into the fewest double plays and fielders who have turned the third most
-starting staff that has walked the fewest batters and batters who have walked fifth most
-starting staff that has given up the fewest homers and batters who have hit the fewest homers

What does in it all mean?

Heck if I know.
Like the title of the post, there are some things the M's do well and some things they are somewhat less than stellar at ~ ok, in general, they suck at hitting.  They are bad bats - last in AVG and SLB and, if it weren't for the Twins, they would also be last in OBP and OPS.

So, while it's unlikely the M's will contend this season, it is still early and the West is tight.  There is plenty of time for improvement, whether it be from struggling vets or new kids that click or both.  It's up to Wedge and his coaches to get the most from the players by continuing to emphasize fundamentals and find ways to improve weaknesses (and for Jack Z to supplement, if possible).  It's up to the players to embrace stated philosophies and to execute on contribute, in attitude and in action, to the very best of their ability.

Get a roof!

Well, it seems the M's won't lose another game this road trip...
Losses have been capped at FOUR due to the seemingly ever-inclement weather in Cleveland (apparently the 12th postponement overall betwixt the M's and the Tribe).  This also has the added bonus of ensuring that Brandon won't blow another save (although Jamey was apparently in line for closing, should such services be necessary).  Hopefully, the break will do Brandon good.

But, in general, rain-outs suck...
I say that from the comfort of my den love seat as a fan of a team who has never had to experience a rain-out at home do to our stupendous retractable roof.  Initially, I was against the idea because I worried that the extra expense would make it less likely a stadium would get built at all.  But, now that we have it, it is ABSOLUTELY the best of both worlds.  Most of the time the games are played without cover, but when needed, it's the roof to the rescue!

As much as another Cleveland rain-out wrecked my plans for the day, I can only imagine how awful it must have been to be a fan with tickets to this game.  Oh yeah, guess it pretty much sucked for the players, coaches and broadcasters as well.

Here's a shot I snapped in mid-April last season, the sentiment behind it being "So glad we have a roof!"

Speaking of rain...

The Sounders and the Timbers played to a 1-1 draw in the pouring rain last night.  Yes, we have season tix and yes, we opted at the last minute to watch from the comfort of our warm, dry couch as opposed to the cold, wet seats.  Lame I know, but at least it was our own decision :-)

from sounders website, couldn't find credit

UPDATE:

And, in other sports news...

• The OC Thunder seem well on their way to winning game 7 of the NBA semi-finals.  Truly torn about their success.  HATE that they left and the way they left.  But, kinda happy for some of the players (who didn't really have a choice in the matter) who are doing so well. Hopefully, they'll always remember their Seattle Sonic roots.
• Holy cow!  Mike Carp has hit THREE homers (so far!) in the Rainiers game today in New Orleans today.  The R's currently lead 15-6 going to the top of the 9th.  Guti DH'd today and recorded ONE hit and TWO RBI.  Dustin recorded FOUR hits, TWO RBI and ONE run scored.

UPDATE:
Carp didn't homer in his last AB, but he did hit a double.  R's win 18-6

So about Milton..

I'll admit to mixed feelings about this whole deal.

My head says the decision made today was the right one for the team (and maybe should have been made long ago).  My heart can't help but feel for a very troubled soul.  

When the original trade of Carlos Silva for Milton Bradley went down, I was hoping (as it turns out, against hope) that the change of venue would be just the ticket for each player - that it would be a win-win situation.  It couldn't have gone much worse for either side. While Silva started out great for the Cubs last season, by the second half, he was back to his old self and by this year's ST he was DFA'd.  As for Milton, he didn't ever provide the M's much save for a distraction.  He reached out to the team for help and they obliged.  Apparently, 'the help' didn't help as he was never able to contribute much on the field and his off the field issues only seemed to escalate.  

Shannon gives some insight here.

So, once again I'm left hoping that things work out for both sides.

The M's are in desperate need of offensive production and are determined to assess the readiness (or lack thereof) of some of their top prospects in order to lay out their future plans.  I actually have faith (surprise, surprise) that they will accomplish this - the M's will return to being competitive.  Likely not this season and maybe not even next but, Mariners Baseball will be fun again someday.

Milton, however, seems to have the taller task.  He needs to work through his issues, if possible, and decide how to go forth in a life without baseball.  Good luck with being well, Milton.

By all accounts, accountability will rule the day ~ and the dugout...

Who is this 2011 Mariners team?

It has the super talents of Felix and Ichiro.

It has the wily vets of Cust, Figgins, Kennedy and Olivo.

It has the sky-high potential of Smoak, Pineda, League and Lueke.
It has the uncertain health of Wilson, Bedard, Aardsma and Guitierrez.

It has the utility/journeymen of Wright, Ray, Kennedy, Rodriguez and Langerhans.

It has the mixed capabilities of Vargas, Saunders, Moore, Pauley, Fister, Laffey and Ryan.
It has the bartender, Tom Wilhelmsen and the ever-impending eruption that is Milton Bradley.

But, it now has a manager who, by all accounts, is BIG on accountability.  this from Ichiro

"Every year is always different," Ichiro said through interpreter Antony Suzuki. "But we have a new skipper. He's pretty clear with what he wants to do, and we all are facing the same direction. He has a strong base that won't sway. We know our roles and we all see the big picture, and that's a big influence for us."

One of Wedge's pushes is to get players working and thinking in tandem with hitters above and below them in the batting order, and Ichiro talked of both directions Thursday.

With regard to No. 2 hitter Chone Figgins, he said the growth from a year is obvious.

"We've played for a little more than a year now, and we obviously know each other a lot more," Ichiro said. "Spring Training and the season are different, so we'll have to see how it works out starting tomorrow. But we trust each other more, we know more about each other's personalities and game style. So that said, we rely on each other more because we know each other. That's how it should be, and that's how it will be."

He also sees good things in having Brendan Ryan and Jack Wilson hitting eighth and ninth at the bottom of the order, setting up more speed on the basepaths in front of him than in recent years, and the potential for more run-producing opportunities.

"It's interesting because I have more to do now with guys on base," he said. "I have to do what I can do to help the team, and that's what I look forward to."

So, while the long term goal is ... WINNING...
The short term expectations have been notably lowered, as this season the team comes together under new leadership to show marked improvement in terms of on the field talent and performance and off the field attitude and accountability.  Baby steps that, over time, this will lead to that ultimate goal.

Patience is a virtue fans....

In the end, I've no doubt it will be worth the wait.

GO MARINERS !!!

The annual "Felix to the Yanks" speculation....

In the wake of Ken Rosenthal's column yesterday there has been much speculation on Yankee and Mariner boards alike as to the wisdom of trading Felix.

my thoughts about the trade "rumors"...

Not now (hopefully not EVER).

Even to those who think that trading Felix is the way to go because of the prospects he could garner, what's the rush?  It's highly unlikely that his value is going to go down in the next year or two.  And, in the meantime, the M's (and their fans) can have the pleasure of watching him pitch every 5th day, not to mention benefit from the intangibles he bring just being on the club - mentoring the young guns by example and deed and providing overall fun and positivity in the clubhouse

Besides, it isn't totally out of the realm of possibility that some of the Mariners own prospects pan out (or better) and/or Jack is able to acquire some decent FA's and/or draft picks, and this thing is rolling along.  Maybe, just maybe, they could make Felix a lifer.

Maybe, just maybe, we don't need no stinkin' yankee prospects.

:-)

Developing a winning culture...

The Everett Aqua Sox won the Northwest League

The Tacoma Rainiers won the Pacific Coast League

Jack Zduriencik made the following comments as the rings were presented at camp...

"I said this last year, and I'm going to say it again, we want to make this the best minor league system in all of baseball."

"You build it with people of character. You build it with people buying in. You build it with talent. You build it with unity."

""Every single player here wants to be a major league baseball player. You are never going to get back these days. You need to maximize your time. Do not sell yourself short."

"A lot of players get to the big leagues of talent, but a lot more players get to the big leagues because of this (pointing to his heart."

"We are here for you, so be here for us."

In 2010 the Mariners had one of the most abysmal seasons in their history.  But, throughout the organization there was success after success as 8 of the Mariners 9 affiliates went to the post season and two of them went on to win their respective league's championship.

Some might say that minor league championships don't really matter and that, much like spring training, it's the individual development and performances that count. But, seems to me that developing a "culture of winning" can be a vital element of a successful organization.  In the Mariners case, the young Aqua Sox can carry that winning experience with them as they move through the system.  And, the Rainiers players can take their winning experience with them when it's their turn at the bigs.

Last season, we saw first hand what a negative impact bad chemistry can have on a team.  It only makes sense that winning experience (and the attitude it cultivates) could impact a team in a positive way.  It won't happen overnight, or even in one season, but the culture seems to be changing.  Here's to a new Mariner culture ... the culture of winning.

Work. Wait. Win.

Congratulations to the 2010 AL Champion Texas Rangers!
Now, go do the AL West proud!

As I was perusing through some of the scads of articles on what seems like their "year of destiny" this one in particular got me thinking...
NY Times | A lesson in teamwork the Rangers can't forget

Of course I tend to read everything through lenses of navy and teal, and this is no different.  While the piece is mostly about Washington's ability to overcome some personal demons and lead his team to the post season (although it was written prior to the Rangers game 6 victory) it was the last few lines that really struck a chord....

"But why did it take four years?" a reporter asked Washington on the eve of Game 6.

"Because I'm no miracle worker," he replied evenly. "Everyone takes time to develop and understand what's right and what's wrong. If it was that easy, I think everybody would be able to go out there and create something.

"But it don't happen like that," he added. "It's a process." 

He is SO right.

Of course it takes talent to succeed (and, unfortunately, save for a handful, the M's have been severely lacking in that category in recent years).  But, especially when coming from near epic failure, it also takes time and consistence.
________________________

Dear Mariners Organization ~

Please consider Ron's sentiments and situation.  Despite some pretty dicey circumstance, he was shown patience and given continuity in order to develop his process.

You have your people in place, now...
Show them patience, provide them continuity and, in time, their process will develop and their plan will come to fruition.

In other words, let them do their jobs.

Work. Wait. Win.
~Rosy

Rosy's Ramblings

So, there's panic in the streets due to the lack of "battage" now from your Seattle Mariners....

• Yes, no home runs in more than a week, even from a light-hitting team is concerning
• Yes, scoring four runs in a three game series is nothing short of pathetic 
• Yes, having that bases loaded multiple times and coming away with squat is frustrating

But here's the thing....
In my mind (and it may very well be only in my mind - what do I know?) if my team is to struggle, I would rather see them struggle offensively.  It just seems to me that it is easier to "fix" a team that loses 1-3 than one that loses 2-10.  Take the two division rivals the M's didn't play over the weekend - the Halos were swept in Detroit, outscored 9-18 and the A's lost two of three in Toronto, outscored 9-22.

The Mariners have something VERY special with this pitching staff...
and chances are, it's just going to improve.  While it seems impossible for Doug to keep up the pace, RRS is likely to improve, Jason has shown some promise, Cliff is just getting started and Felix hasn't even hit his stride yet (and Erik is just around the corner).  The bullpen seems to still be working out a few kinks, but overall has been adequate.

As for the defense...
They have had a few mis-cues lately, but nothing that is worrisome.  As I mentioned in a previous post, the main concern going into the season was "the switch" - no doubt that Jose and Figgy have put all worries to rest.

Back to the bats...
Yes, it would be great to have a big-bopper in the middle of the teal order (and I would expect that Jack Z is doing anything and everything in his power to improve this team) but it seems to me that this team has enough talent, athleticism and speed to manufacture runs and win games consistently - they just, for whatever reason, haven't been performing.  As our old friend Mark McLemore would say, they just need to "do what they do."  Again, without any proof, I contend that it is easier to figure out how to get an offense to score enough to win more games than they lose than it is to figure out how to improve pitching and defense.  Suffice it to say, I think the foundation that Jack Z is building is a darn solid one.

Should be fun to see what moves are made, what attitudes changed, what fires are lit...

Well, I said it was "rambling" ...
ain't baseball great??