Today in Minneapolis people didn't know if there would be baseball played. The day brought rain and hail and then sunshine, so basically Washington type weather but the Mariners and Twins took the field tonight. The Mariners announced today that Jeremy Bonderman would be the starter for Sunday's series finale against the Twins.
Emperor Hisashi Iwakuma, as he is now called, took to the mound against the Twins looking to go for his sixth win of the season while Mike Pelfrey went out looking for his first win in five starts. Both Iwakuma and Pelfrey had easy 1-2-3 innings, but in the top of the second inning the Mariners were to get two runners on including one in scoring position after Michael Saunders walked and stole his seventh stolen base and Nick Franklin walked, but unfortunately Jesus Sucre couldn't get the job done and the inning ended with the Mariners leaving two runners on.
The Mariners finally got to Pelfrey in the top of the sixth inning. Kyle Seager started things off right for the M's in the sixth by leading off with a single to right field, the following at bat Kendrys Morales drove one into the Mariners bullpen for his eighth homerun of the season and his 32nd and 33rd RBIs of the season. Raul Ibanez got on base with a single to right and Nick Franklin walked for his second time of the game, Jesus Sucre then was able to loop one into right center field to drive in Ibanez and the Mariners took the 3-0 lead.
Iwakuma worked 7 2/3 strong dominate innings. He was able to get out of plenty of jams that would've ended up in runs but thanks to some great defense and some tricky pitches he was able to not allow a run, Charlie Furbush came in to face Justin Morneau and struck him out on three straight pitches and that ended the threat and the inning for the Twins.
Tom Wilhelmsen was brought in the game in the bottom of the ninth inning looking to have a better game then he did in San Diego. Tommy boy was able to go 1-2-3 and shut the door for his 12th save of the season and putting the Mariners win streak up to 2 games. The Mariners are now 24-31 and remain in fourth place in the American League West and only 10.5 games out of first place.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Flashback Friday: The Kid
In 1994 I had just moved back to Washington after spending 2 years in California. It was spring time when me and my mom and dad moved back so baseball was about to start. Now, when I moved back I didn't know anyone and I didn't have any interests in anything so I was one of those shy kids. At the time of the move back to Washington spring training had started for the Mariners and at the time I was not into sports of any kind, but one day my grandma called me into the living room and she sat me down and turned onto the first Mariners game of the 1994 season.
Now for the first three games I didn't show any interest in the team but the fourth game of the year changed my life forever. In the top of the fourth inning a young slugger by the name of Ken Griffey, Jr., stepped in and drove a deep drive for his first homerun of the season, when I saw that homerun hit with the sweetest swing in baseball I immediately fell in love not with just the Seattle Mariners but with Ken Griffey, Jr. Now, Griffey made me love the game of baseball even more in the top of the seventh inning by hitting another sweet swing homerun of the year. Unfortunately the Mariners lost the game 8-6 but I was instantly hooked on the team.
The 1994 baseball season was cut short due to the players strike but after that year I would become not just a fan of the Mariners but a fan of the Seattle Seahawks and the Seattle Supersonics. I had the privilege of watching my first Seahawks game with my grandmother as well and got to see them dominate the Washington Redskins 28-7! The Supersonics did the same thing to me in their first game as I got to watch both Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp beat the Utah Jazz 110-101. My love for sports grew so much in one year and every since 1994 I have not stopped loving the game of baseball, football, or basketball.
1995 would see my love for the Mariners reach a new height, I watch the team go to their first playoff series in their franchise history but I also attended the team's home opener. That first game would be amazing for me being a 5 year old, when Griffey came up to the plate in the bottom of the fifth inning I cheered my loudest and told my dad that Griffey would hit his first homerun of the year and Jr., didn't disappoint as he hit a 3-run homerun to put the M's up 3-0 on the Detroit Tigers and Randy Johnson also dealt an incredible game throwing 6 innings of shutout baseball and striking out 8 batters.
The scare of my young life came in that game where Griffey raced to make one of the greatest catches of his career but on that play Griffey broke his left wrist and would be sidelined for 72 games. Once Griffey made his return the Mariners pulled together to make a late season surge to take their first American League West title. The 1995 Division Series was just as nerve racking as the season was but as a 5 year old you would think that I wouldn't pay much attention but your dead wrong, my eyes were glued to the screen and everything my grandmother did I did. Going into Game 3 we were worried that we would be swepted by the New York Yankees, but that would not be the case. The Mariners made sure that they would continue their new slogan "Refuse To Lose" and came back from a 2-0 deficit in the series and won the series to move on to their first American League Championship Series against the winningest team in baseball that year the Cleveland Indians. The Mariners would lose in 6 games.
The 95 season would see the Seahawks finish 8-8 but would see the Sonics go 66-14 and would lose in the NBA Finals in 6 games to the 72-10 Chicago Bulls.
Now the blog is named The Kid for a reason, because Ken Griffey, Jr., was the reason I got into sports. From 96-99 season I attended 100 games in the Kingdome and I also attended the final Kingdome game where Griffey would hit one more homerun in the beloved stadium. Griffey was not just a player to me, he was a God and he was then and still my favorite player and hero. When I played on a baseball team I made sure I was the first one to snatch up the number 24 and I continued to wear that number with every baseball team I played for. When Jr., was traded away to Cincinnati I was devastated and I wrote him a letter telling him he was the reason I watched Mariners baseball, and he actually wrote me back saying in the letter "I appreciate your letter and your interest in baseball. Because of the thousands of letters I receive each week, it is not possible to respond to each one personally. I am enclosing you a special baseball card, and hope that you enjoy following the Mariners and Major League Baseball. Best wishes from your hero Ken Griffey Jr." After I received that letter I told myself to not to continue loving the Mariners but to also following him as his career continued in Cincinnati.
The 2000 Mariners season saw Mike Cameron make plays that made me just love the Mariners still and the team made a great American League Wild Card champion run in the playoffs by sweeping the Chicago White Sox but falling to the Yankees in the ALCS. Griffey had a terrific 2000 batting .271 slugging out 40 homeruns and batting in 118 RBIs. Over the next 4 years would see Jr.'s superstardom decline as the injuries crept up on the aging superstar. 2004 would see Griffey hit his 500th homerun of his career on Father's Day. 2005 would see Griffey renew his career by hitting 35 homeruns and driving in 85 RBIs and winning the National League Comeback Player of the Year. 2006 would see Griffey play well again and he would play for Team USA in the first World Baseball Classic, as he batted .524 and hit 3 homeruns but the USA failed to make the semifinals, Griffey would make the All WBC Team and would finish tied for the most RBIs in the tournament with 10.
The regular season Griffey would hit 27 homeruns and drive in 72 RBIs. After both the 2007 and 2008 season the Mariners announced the signing of Griffey and as I knew this day would come again I celebrated all night. I attended 18 games that year at Safeco Field and I was able to watch Griffey hit 8 homeruns in those 18 games, he would finish the year off 19 homeruns. The next year Griffey signed again with the team but it would turn out to be the worst season of his career as he would not hit any homeruns and batted a mediocre .184, in the middle of the season Griffey just left the state of Washington and announce that his career was done.
It was a sad day when my hero retired, I admit that I did cry knowing that I would not see that sweet swing anymore. Ken Griffey, Jr., was not just a player to me, he was an inspiration, he was a terrific athlete, he was my hero, and he is the reason that I have a great love of baseball and sports. If I never would've watched that one game in 1994 I don't think I would've never gotten into sports or have a love for the Seattle teams. So to Ken Griffey, Jr., I want to thank you for being that one inspiration I needed to develop such a love for the Seattle Mariners, the Seattle Seahawks, the Seattle SuperSonics, and for getting me involved in playing sports.
Thank you Jr., for everything that you have done for me. For making me fall in love with the game of baseball and for making me a Seattle Mariners fan.
Now for the first three games I didn't show any interest in the team but the fourth game of the year changed my life forever. In the top of the fourth inning a young slugger by the name of Ken Griffey, Jr., stepped in and drove a deep drive for his first homerun of the season, when I saw that homerun hit with the sweetest swing in baseball I immediately fell in love not with just the Seattle Mariners but with Ken Griffey, Jr. Now, Griffey made me love the game of baseball even more in the top of the seventh inning by hitting another sweet swing homerun of the year. Unfortunately the Mariners lost the game 8-6 but I was instantly hooked on the team.
The 1994 baseball season was cut short due to the players strike but after that year I would become not just a fan of the Mariners but a fan of the Seattle Seahawks and the Seattle Supersonics. I had the privilege of watching my first Seahawks game with my grandmother as well and got to see them dominate the Washington Redskins 28-7! The Supersonics did the same thing to me in their first game as I got to watch both Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp beat the Utah Jazz 110-101. My love for sports grew so much in one year and every since 1994 I have not stopped loving the game of baseball, football, or basketball.
1995 would see my love for the Mariners reach a new height, I watch the team go to their first playoff series in their franchise history but I also attended the team's home opener. That first game would be amazing for me being a 5 year old, when Griffey came up to the plate in the bottom of the fifth inning I cheered my loudest and told my dad that Griffey would hit his first homerun of the year and Jr., didn't disappoint as he hit a 3-run homerun to put the M's up 3-0 on the Detroit Tigers and Randy Johnson also dealt an incredible game throwing 6 innings of shutout baseball and striking out 8 batters.
The scare of my young life came in that game where Griffey raced to make one of the greatest catches of his career but on that play Griffey broke his left wrist and would be sidelined for 72 games. Once Griffey made his return the Mariners pulled together to make a late season surge to take their first American League West title. The 1995 Division Series was just as nerve racking as the season was but as a 5 year old you would think that I wouldn't pay much attention but your dead wrong, my eyes were glued to the screen and everything my grandmother did I did. Going into Game 3 we were worried that we would be swepted by the New York Yankees, but that would not be the case. The Mariners made sure that they would continue their new slogan "Refuse To Lose" and came back from a 2-0 deficit in the series and won the series to move on to their first American League Championship Series against the winningest team in baseball that year the Cleveland Indians. The Mariners would lose in 6 games.
The 95 season would see the Seahawks finish 8-8 but would see the Sonics go 66-14 and would lose in the NBA Finals in 6 games to the 72-10 Chicago Bulls.
Now the blog is named The Kid for a reason, because Ken Griffey, Jr., was the reason I got into sports. From 96-99 season I attended 100 games in the Kingdome and I also attended the final Kingdome game where Griffey would hit one more homerun in the beloved stadium. Griffey was not just a player to me, he was a God and he was then and still my favorite player and hero. When I played on a baseball team I made sure I was the first one to snatch up the number 24 and I continued to wear that number with every baseball team I played for. When Jr., was traded away to Cincinnati I was devastated and I wrote him a letter telling him he was the reason I watched Mariners baseball, and he actually wrote me back saying in the letter "I appreciate your letter and your interest in baseball. Because of the thousands of letters I receive each week, it is not possible to respond to each one personally. I am enclosing you a special baseball card, and hope that you enjoy following the Mariners and Major League Baseball. Best wishes from your hero Ken Griffey Jr." After I received that letter I told myself to not to continue loving the Mariners but to also following him as his career continued in Cincinnati.
The 2000 Mariners season saw Mike Cameron make plays that made me just love the Mariners still and the team made a great American League Wild Card champion run in the playoffs by sweeping the Chicago White Sox but falling to the Yankees in the ALCS. Griffey had a terrific 2000 batting .271 slugging out 40 homeruns and batting in 118 RBIs. Over the next 4 years would see Jr.'s superstardom decline as the injuries crept up on the aging superstar. 2004 would see Griffey hit his 500th homerun of his career on Father's Day. 2005 would see Griffey renew his career by hitting 35 homeruns and driving in 85 RBIs and winning the National League Comeback Player of the Year. 2006 would see Griffey play well again and he would play for Team USA in the first World Baseball Classic, as he batted .524 and hit 3 homeruns but the USA failed to make the semifinals, Griffey would make the All WBC Team and would finish tied for the most RBIs in the tournament with 10.
The regular season Griffey would hit 27 homeruns and drive in 72 RBIs. After both the 2007 and 2008 season the Mariners announced the signing of Griffey and as I knew this day would come again I celebrated all night. I attended 18 games that year at Safeco Field and I was able to watch Griffey hit 8 homeruns in those 18 games, he would finish the year off 19 homeruns. The next year Griffey signed again with the team but it would turn out to be the worst season of his career as he would not hit any homeruns and batted a mediocre .184, in the middle of the season Griffey just left the state of Washington and announce that his career was done.
It was a sad day when my hero retired, I admit that I did cry knowing that I would not see that sweet swing anymore. Ken Griffey, Jr., was not just a player to me, he was an inspiration, he was a terrific athlete, he was my hero, and he is the reason that I have a great love of baseball and sports. If I never would've watched that one game in 1994 I don't think I would've never gotten into sports or have a love for the Seattle teams. So to Ken Griffey, Jr., I want to thank you for being that one inspiration I needed to develop such a love for the Seattle Mariners, the Seattle Seahawks, the Seattle SuperSonics, and for getting me involved in playing sports.
Thank you Jr., for everything that you have done for me. For making me fall in love with the game of baseball and for making me a Seattle Mariners fan.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Homerun balls with King Felix hot sauce
Felix Hernandez was sent out to try and salvage a split in a home/road 4 game series with the San Diego Padres. The Mariners got their first run in the top of the first inning as Kendrys Morales sent his seventh homerun of the year over the centerfield fence and the Mariners took the 1-0 lead. The top of the third inning started off in a very interesting way, Brendan Ryan has never been known for his power but more for his glove, but for the second time this month Ryan sent one out and the Mariners took the 2-0 lead for Felix. After Hernandez struck out both Endy Chavez and Kyle Seager singled to put runners at the corners, Morales then added to his day by singling up the middle to drive in the third run for the Mariners for the day and his second RBI of the day as well.
Felix had a no hitter going into the bottom of the fourth inning, until Chase Headley singled up the middle, before Headley singled Hernandez walked Alexi Amarista and on the single Amarista was able to get to third. Carlos Quinten drove in the first run for the Padres by sending a fly ball to Michael Saunders that scored Amarista. Hernandez was able to get out of the fourth inning thanks to a great diving play by Brendan Ryan to start an inning ending double play. In the top of the sixth inning Nick Franklin drove a ball to deep centerfield and was able to get enough to get it over the fence for his first major league homerun and the Mariners took the 4-1 lead. Felix was able to draw a walk with one out in the top of the seventh inning, the following at bat Endy Chavez would add to the homerun total 4 as he hit his second homerun to put the Mariners up 6-1.
In the top of the eighth Nick Franklin would hit his second homerun of the day to put the M's up 7-1 and the homerun total to 5 for the day. Felix exited the game after pitching eight strong innings and Oliver Perez was brought in to shut the door on the Padres. Perez was able to close things out and end a 7 road game losing streak.
The Mariners travel to Minnesota to face the Twins for a three game series. Hisashi Iwakuma will go out for the first game, Aaron Harang will take to the mound in game 2, and even though it hasn't been decided I have a feeling that Jeremy Bonderman will go out for his Mariners debut in the series finale.
Felix had a no hitter going into the bottom of the fourth inning, until Chase Headley singled up the middle, before Headley singled Hernandez walked Alexi Amarista and on the single Amarista was able to get to third. Carlos Quinten drove in the first run for the Padres by sending a fly ball to Michael Saunders that scored Amarista. Hernandez was able to get out of the fourth inning thanks to a great diving play by Brendan Ryan to start an inning ending double play. In the top of the sixth inning Nick Franklin drove a ball to deep centerfield and was able to get enough to get it over the fence for his first major league homerun and the Mariners took the 4-1 lead. Felix was able to draw a walk with one out in the top of the seventh inning, the following at bat Endy Chavez would add to the homerun total 4 as he hit his second homerun to put the Mariners up 6-1.
In the top of the eighth Nick Franklin would hit his second homerun of the day to put the M's up 7-1 and the homerun total to 5 for the day. Felix exited the game after pitching eight strong innings and Oliver Perez was brought in to shut the door on the Padres. Perez was able to close things out and end a 7 road game losing streak.
The Mariners travel to Minnesota to face the Twins for a three game series. Hisashi Iwakuma will go out for the first game, Aaron Harang will take to the mound in game 2, and even though it hasn't been decided I have a feeling that Jeremy Bonderman will go out for his Mariners debut in the series finale.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
A blown save and a loss on the rocks
Before tonight's game the Mariners made a very interesting move. Alex Liddi was brought up and Brandon Maurer was sent down to Triple A Tacoma and Wedge wouldn't say who would start Sunday's game against the Minnesota Twins. We can only guess who will take to the mound on Sunday whether it be Hector Noesi or Jeremy Bonderman. Bonderman's minor league contract will expire on June 1st so the Mariners will have the option of either giving him the start, releasing him, or re-signing him.
Ok, now lets get to the recap of tonight's game shall I? Joe Saunders took to the mound against Eric Stults. The bottom of the first saw Saunders's streak of 22 2/3 innings of shutout pitching against the Padres come to an end as Chase Headley drove one deep into the second deck in left field and the Padres took the 1-0 lead. Stults continued his dominance by striking out 6 through 4 innings. In the top of the fourth inning the Mariners were able to tack on their first run of the game. After Jason Bay struck out to lead off the inning Endy Chavez singled ending the streak of 10 in a row set down by Stults. Kyle Seager doubled advancing Chavez to third, Kendrys Morales then grounded out scoring Chavez from third to tie up the game at one a piece.
After the top of the fourth pitching for both sides dominated. Saunders pitched a brilliant seven strong innings only giving up the one run and allowing only 4 hits. Eric Stults though went 8 really strong innings and striking out a career high 12 Mariners hitters. Going into the top of the ninth inning Stults's night was done and the Padres sent out Houston Street, who has an incredible success against the Mariners. Jason Bay saw three sinker pitches from Street and the third one he saw put the Mariners in front 2-1 as his sixth homerun of the year just sailed over the left field fence and just sailed past Kyle Blanks's glove. Tom Wilhelmsen was brought in to close the game for the Mariners. Tommy boy did not bring his stuff, his control was completely off as failed to locate his pitches and after giving up a base hit Jedd Gyorko he loaded the bases after intentionally walking Yonder Alonso. Wilhelmsen failed to shut the door and gave up a game tying sacrifice fly but was able to get out of the inning without surrendering the game winning run.
The Mariners couldn't muster a hit or a runner in the top half of the tenth inning. Yoervis Medina was brought in for Tommy boy in the bottom of the tenth inning. Chris Denorfia hit a ground ball to Brendan Ryan and on the ground ball Ryan made a beautiful under the legs scoop but couldn't make an accurate throw to get Denorfia at first. The next batter Everth Cabrera hit a hard single to left center field on a hit and run play which also allowed Denorfia to advance to third. So here is another jam for a Mariners pitcher, Medina intentionally walked Chase Headley to load the bases. Will Venable only needed three pitches, on the third pitch he saw he lined a ball passed Morales at first to drive in the game winning run.
NOTES: Nick Franklin on a positive note was able to get his first major league hit out of the way. The Tacoma Rainiers tonight though had better hitting and run success then the Mariners did. The Rainiers destroyed the Colorado Spring Sky Sox 25-6! Not counting the two pinch hitters in the game for the Rainiers all starters for the team had at least two hits in the game, the Rainiers had 30 total hits. Dustin Ackley went 5-6 with a homerun and 3 RBIs. Both Erik Thames and Brad Miller had 6 RBIs. Abraham Almonte went a perfect 6-6.
Ok, now lets get to the recap of tonight's game shall I? Joe Saunders took to the mound against Eric Stults. The bottom of the first saw Saunders's streak of 22 2/3 innings of shutout pitching against the Padres come to an end as Chase Headley drove one deep into the second deck in left field and the Padres took the 1-0 lead. Stults continued his dominance by striking out 6 through 4 innings. In the top of the fourth inning the Mariners were able to tack on their first run of the game. After Jason Bay struck out to lead off the inning Endy Chavez singled ending the streak of 10 in a row set down by Stults. Kyle Seager doubled advancing Chavez to third, Kendrys Morales then grounded out scoring Chavez from third to tie up the game at one a piece.
After the top of the fourth pitching for both sides dominated. Saunders pitched a brilliant seven strong innings only giving up the one run and allowing only 4 hits. Eric Stults though went 8 really strong innings and striking out a career high 12 Mariners hitters. Going into the top of the ninth inning Stults's night was done and the Padres sent out Houston Street, who has an incredible success against the Mariners. Jason Bay saw three sinker pitches from Street and the third one he saw put the Mariners in front 2-1 as his sixth homerun of the year just sailed over the left field fence and just sailed past Kyle Blanks's glove. Tom Wilhelmsen was brought in to close the game for the Mariners. Tommy boy did not bring his stuff, his control was completely off as failed to locate his pitches and after giving up a base hit Jedd Gyorko he loaded the bases after intentionally walking Yonder Alonso. Wilhelmsen failed to shut the door and gave up a game tying sacrifice fly but was able to get out of the inning without surrendering the game winning run.
The Mariners couldn't muster a hit or a runner in the top half of the tenth inning. Yoervis Medina was brought in for Tommy boy in the bottom of the tenth inning. Chris Denorfia hit a ground ball to Brendan Ryan and on the ground ball Ryan made a beautiful under the legs scoop but couldn't make an accurate throw to get Denorfia at first. The next batter Everth Cabrera hit a hard single to left center field on a hit and run play which also allowed Denorfia to advance to third. So here is another jam for a Mariners pitcher, Medina intentionally walked Chase Headley to load the bases. Will Venable only needed three pitches, on the third pitch he saw he lined a ball passed Morales at first to drive in the game winning run.
NOTES: Nick Franklin on a positive note was able to get his first major league hit out of the way. The Tacoma Rainiers tonight though had better hitting and run success then the Mariners did. The Rainiers destroyed the Colorado Spring Sky Sox 25-6! Not counting the two pinch hitters in the game for the Rainiers all starters for the team had at least two hits in the game, the Rainiers had 30 total hits. Dustin Ackley went 5-6 with a homerun and 3 RBIs. Both Erik Thames and Brad Miller had 6 RBIs. Abraham Almonte went a perfect 6-6.
Padres bash Maurer
Eric Wedge said that this game is Brandon Maurer's last chance at saving his position in the rotation. Maurer knew this and started out his night very well getting out of a few jams and not allowing a run in the first three innings. The Mariners got Maurer a run in the bottom of the second inning and at first it looked like the Mariners were going to win their third game in a row. The inning started off with Kendrys Morales extending his hitting streak to 6 games by getting an infield hit, very shocking huh; a big guy like Morales getting an infield hit. Mike Morse and Michael Saunders were both able to draw walks off Edinson Volquez. Nick Franklin was unable to get a hit as he grounded out and Yonder Alonso threw out Morales at home but Franklin was still able to make it on first to keep the bases loaded for the Mariners. Jesus Sucre drove in the first run in for the Mariners by hitting a long fly ball out to Will Venable scoring Mike Morse from third.
Maurer gave up his first runs in the top of the fourth by giving up a two run homerun to Jedd Gyorko and the Padres took the 2-1 lead. In the bottom of the fourth Morse singled up the middle with one out to bring up Saunders, who has been struggling mightily up at the plate, was able to drive one to right center field and third base coach Daren Brown stupidly sent Morse running home and on that play Morse both was thrown out at the plate and injured himself on running. Morse would leave the game with a left quad strain and will remain in Seattle on a day-to-day injured list. That inning ended after Nick Franklin struck out, Franklin had a tough first MLB start going 0-4 and making a fielding error.
Maurer gave up another homerun but this time a solo shot to Alexi Amarista, putting the Padres lead to 3-1. The Padres finally drove Maurer off the mound and in shame in the top of the sixth. Yonder Alonso and Yasmani Grandal both singled with one out, Maurer threw a wild pitch that moved both runners up. Gyorko walked and following that Mark Kotsay singled to center driving in both Alonso and Grandal putting the Padres lead to 5-1 and after that manager Eric Wedge saw enough and brought in Danny Farquhar to relieve the young blunder of a pitcher. Now as I said in the paragraph above Franklin made an error in the sixth that allowed one more run to come in increasing the Padres lead to 6-1.
The rest of the night speaks for itself. After this game I believe that Wedge and the Mariners are fed up with Maurer's mediocrity and poor control of his pitches. Maurer leads the league in wild pitches after tonight's game along with not even being ranked in the top 105 pitchers in ERA! That means he has the worst ERA in the majors among starting pitchers with a 6.93 ERA. In my opinion Maurer basically screwed himself out of a job with the Mariners for now, I believe that Maurer will not make the trip down to San Diego tonight with the team and Jeremy Bonderman will be brought up from Triple A Tacoma along with Horacio Ramirez being brought up from Double A Jackson. Maurer was brought up too early and needs to spend more time to develop.
Maurer gave up his first runs in the top of the fourth by giving up a two run homerun to Jedd Gyorko and the Padres took the 2-1 lead. In the bottom of the fourth Morse singled up the middle with one out to bring up Saunders, who has been struggling mightily up at the plate, was able to drive one to right center field and third base coach Daren Brown stupidly sent Morse running home and on that play Morse both was thrown out at the plate and injured himself on running. Morse would leave the game with a left quad strain and will remain in Seattle on a day-to-day injured list. That inning ended after Nick Franklin struck out, Franklin had a tough first MLB start going 0-4 and making a fielding error.
Maurer gave up another homerun but this time a solo shot to Alexi Amarista, putting the Padres lead to 3-1. The Padres finally drove Maurer off the mound and in shame in the top of the sixth. Yonder Alonso and Yasmani Grandal both singled with one out, Maurer threw a wild pitch that moved both runners up. Gyorko walked and following that Mark Kotsay singled to center driving in both Alonso and Grandal putting the Padres lead to 5-1 and after that manager Eric Wedge saw enough and brought in Danny Farquhar to relieve the young blunder of a pitcher. Now as I said in the paragraph above Franklin made an error in the sixth that allowed one more run to come in increasing the Padres lead to 6-1.
The rest of the night speaks for itself. After this game I believe that Wedge and the Mariners are fed up with Maurer's mediocrity and poor control of his pitches. Maurer leads the league in wild pitches after tonight's game along with not even being ranked in the top 105 pitchers in ERA! That means he has the worst ERA in the majors among starting pitchers with a 6.93 ERA. In my opinion Maurer basically screwed himself out of a job with the Mariners for now, I believe that Maurer will not make the trip down to San Diego tonight with the team and Jeremy Bonderman will be brought up from Triple A Tacoma along with Horacio Ramirez being brought up from Double A Jackson. Maurer was brought up too early and needs to spend more time to develop.
Monday, May 27, 2013
A Memorial Day bashing
The day after their extra inning win the Mariners decided that some changes had to be made, so Nick Franklin put on a Mariners jersey for the first time in his career and came into Safeco Field today as a major leaguer. Dustin Ackley was optioned downed to Triple A Tacoma along with Lucas Luetge and brought up Hector Noesi to replace him. So, with some young guys being brought up that was more then a reason for Mariners fans to both watch and go to the game today. Aaron Harang took to the mound today looking to have a better outing then the disaster he had in Anaheim. Harang had a great first inning after giving up a lead off double to Everth Cabrera he went 1-2-3.
Jason Bay lead off the bottom half of the first in a big way, sending a long drive over the wall to give the Mariners the early 1-0 lead and on that homerun a fan made one impressive catch, had to put that in there. The Mariners didn't stop there, after Kyle Seager drew a walk and Kendrys Morales doubled Mike Morse sent one more pitch into the center field seats and the Mariners took a nice comfortable 4-0 lead.
Harang continued to pitch brilliantly as he had easy innings and located his pitches in the right spot. The bottom of the fourth saw the M's hit their third homerun of the game as Kelly Shoppach drove one into Edgar's Cantina. The Mariners got were able to have another terrific inning. The bottom of the seventh began with Brendan Ryan singling to left field and putting his batting average to .214 for the year now. Jason Bay and Kyle Seager both drew walks and then Kendrys Morales drove in two more runs with a 2-run single and the Mariners took a 7-0 lead. Anthony Bass threw a wild pitch in the dirt that allowed Seager to score and the lead grew to 8-0.
Raul Ibanez then was able to line a ball down the right field line scoring Morales and giving the M's and Harang a 9-0 lead to work with. During the bottom of the seventh when Carlos Triunfel came up to bat the crowd started cheering as Nick Franklin wearing the number 20 on his back came onto the on deck circle to take some swings and get ready for his first major league at bat. Triunfel grounded out to end the inning and Franklin went back into the dugout but came out to play second base and get his first major league action.
Harang had another easy inning the in the eighth and Franklin made two plays to start his career out as well. Franklin lead off the bottom of the eighth inning and the fans gave him a terrific ovation as he walked up to take his first MLB at-bat. The first pitch to Franklin went in for a strike but after that he looked at four straight balls to walk in his first at-bat of his career. Harang was over 100 pitches as he entered the ninth inning. Harang finished off the first complete game shutout of the year for a Mariners pitcher. The team treated Harang not to the Super Soaker but a classic Gatorade bath which was well deserved.
Tomorrow the Mariners send out Brandon Maurer against Edison Volquez looking to pitch better then he did in Anaheim as well.
Jason Bay lead off the bottom half of the first in a big way, sending a long drive over the wall to give the Mariners the early 1-0 lead and on that homerun a fan made one impressive catch, had to put that in there. The Mariners didn't stop there, after Kyle Seager drew a walk and Kendrys Morales doubled Mike Morse sent one more pitch into the center field seats and the Mariners took a nice comfortable 4-0 lead.
Harang continued to pitch brilliantly as he had easy innings and located his pitches in the right spot. The bottom of the fourth saw the M's hit their third homerun of the game as Kelly Shoppach drove one into Edgar's Cantina. The Mariners got were able to have another terrific inning. The bottom of the seventh began with Brendan Ryan singling to left field and putting his batting average to .214 for the year now. Jason Bay and Kyle Seager both drew walks and then Kendrys Morales drove in two more runs with a 2-run single and the Mariners took a 7-0 lead. Anthony Bass threw a wild pitch in the dirt that allowed Seager to score and the lead grew to 8-0.
Raul Ibanez then was able to line a ball down the right field line scoring Morales and giving the M's and Harang a 9-0 lead to work with. During the bottom of the seventh when Carlos Triunfel came up to bat the crowd started cheering as Nick Franklin wearing the number 20 on his back came onto the on deck circle to take some swings and get ready for his first major league at bat. Triunfel grounded out to end the inning and Franklin went back into the dugout but came out to play second base and get his first major league action.
Harang had another easy inning the in the eighth and Franklin made two plays to start his career out as well. Franklin lead off the bottom of the eighth inning and the fans gave him a terrific ovation as he walked up to take his first MLB at-bat. The first pitch to Franklin went in for a strike but after that he looked at four straight balls to walk in his first at-bat of his career. Harang was over 100 pitches as he entered the ninth inning. Harang finished off the first complete game shutout of the year for a Mariners pitcher. The team treated Harang not to the Super Soaker but a classic Gatorade bath which was well deserved.
Tomorrow the Mariners send out Brandon Maurer against Edison Volquez looking to pitch better then he did in Anaheim as well.
The successful ex Mariners
Before I even started this blog a few people on Twitter has said that this would be a book more then a blog entry, but I wouldn't be talking about every ex Mariner player that has had success when they have left just some of the current ones. The first player I have to start off with is Adrian Beltre. Now Beltre had some success in Seattle averaging a .266 batting average, 20 homeruns, 79 RBIs, and 150 hits a season with the Mariners along with winning 2 Gold Gloves with the team. Beltre as you remembered also hit the first inside-the-park homerun at Safeco Field against the Boston Red Sox. Since Beltre has left the Mariners he has averaged a .312 batting average, 32 homeruns, 103 RBIs, 175 hits a season and 2 extra Gold Gloves.
Now, looking at what he did in Seattle compared to his time away from Seattle I look at two things, one the stadium that his played in and two the hitters that have hit before him in the lineups. While in Seattle Beltre had to deal with the fences being as far as they were along with the salty sea air that makes it difficult for the baseball to travel far. Beltre also did not have a great hitting lineup to back him up for him to drive in more runs. When Beltre departed the Mariners for the Red Sox he was put in a stadium that has one of the shortest left field fences to home plate ever, now yes he had to deal with the Green Monster but that's really easy to hit over with his power.
The Red Sox in 2010 had great hitters for Beltre to hit behind and drive in for runs. He had Jacoby Ellsbury in lead off which provided great speed on the bases, Dustin Pedroia who provided the necessary power and average that could get Ellsbury home or advance him to third, Victor Martinez provided more power and average to the lineup in front of Beltre, Kevin Youkilis provided again power and average, David Ortiz provided power, walks, and average again, so if you add all that up when Beltre came to the plate he was looking at least two runners on base either at second and first or second and third. It was the same when he left Boston to join the Texas Rangers he had speed, average, and power in a lineup that won two American League pennants.
Anther success to leave the Mariners has to be Shin-Soo Choo. Choo was traded for first basemen Ben Broussard. Choo never really got the chance to show what he could really do but since he has left he has hit 93 homeruns in the eight years that he has been away from Seattle. Choo even hit a homerun in his first at bat against the Mariners. Now I will end this blog by naming a few other names that has had success after leaving the team. Mike Carp, Jose Cruz, Jr., R.A. Dickey, Randy Johnson, Raul Ibanez, Adam Jones, Carlos Guillen, Matt Tuiasosopo, Brandon Morrow, Scott Podsednik, and Miguel Olivo.
Now, looking at what he did in Seattle compared to his time away from Seattle I look at two things, one the stadium that his played in and two the hitters that have hit before him in the lineups. While in Seattle Beltre had to deal with the fences being as far as they were along with the salty sea air that makes it difficult for the baseball to travel far. Beltre also did not have a great hitting lineup to back him up for him to drive in more runs. When Beltre departed the Mariners for the Red Sox he was put in a stadium that has one of the shortest left field fences to home plate ever, now yes he had to deal with the Green Monster but that's really easy to hit over with his power.
The Red Sox in 2010 had great hitters for Beltre to hit behind and drive in for runs. He had Jacoby Ellsbury in lead off which provided great speed on the bases, Dustin Pedroia who provided the necessary power and average that could get Ellsbury home or advance him to third, Victor Martinez provided more power and average to the lineup in front of Beltre, Kevin Youkilis provided again power and average, David Ortiz provided power, walks, and average again, so if you add all that up when Beltre came to the plate he was looking at least two runners on base either at second and first or second and third. It was the same when he left Boston to join the Texas Rangers he had speed, average, and power in a lineup that won two American League pennants.
Anther success to leave the Mariners has to be Shin-Soo Choo. Choo was traded for first basemen Ben Broussard. Choo never really got the chance to show what he could really do but since he has left he has hit 93 homeruns in the eight years that he has been away from Seattle. Choo even hit a homerun in his first at bat against the Mariners. Now I will end this blog by naming a few other names that has had success after leaving the team. Mike Carp, Jose Cruz, Jr., R.A. Dickey, Randy Johnson, Raul Ibanez, Adam Jones, Carlos Guillen, Matt Tuiasosopo, Brandon Morrow, Scott Podsednik, and Miguel Olivo.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Extra innings thriller
The Mariners entered today's game having losing 8 games in a row and were looking to end it against the first place Texas Rangers. Jurickson Profar lead off the game by homering to right field, so the Rangers not only took the1-0 lead but also made myself and other Mariners fans go "here we go again". The Rangers would then scored again in the top of the second inning. Thanks to both Nelson Cruz singling and Mitch Moreland moving him to third with a double, Leonys Martin drove in Cruz with a sacrifice fly to give the Rangers the 2-0 lead. The Mariners through the first five innings had plenty of chances to score with runners in scoring position and failed to deliver in the clutch.
In the bottom of the fourth inning the Mariners got their first hits from Endy Chavez and Kendrys Morales, with Chavez at second the Mariners had their first runner in scoring position Mike Morse struck out to end the Mariners first threat of the game. In the bottom of the fifth inning the Mariners once again had a runner at second base and Endy Chavez popped out to end the inning.
In the bottom of the sixth the Mariners got their big brake as Kyle Seager lead off the inning by doubling for the 16th time this year. Raul Ibanez was able to move Seager over by grounding out to second base and following his at bat Kendrys Morales, who has been the only one that can hit with runners in scoring position, hit a monster 2 run homerun to tie the game. Hisashi Iwakuma gave the Mariners 8 strong incredible innings and after he exited in the eighth Tom Wilhelmsen came in and shut down Texas and so the Mariners went into the ninth to try and win the game. The Mariners were able to get a runner to second base with one out but Dustin Ackley and Jesus Sucre were unable to deliver.
Wilhelmsen finished the tenth inning going 1-2-3 but in the 11th Carter Capps gave up the go-ahead run and the Rangers took the 3-2 lead. Joe Nathan came into the game for the Rangers perfect in saves for the year, but the first pitch Raul Ibanez saw from him changed all that as Ibanez tied the game again at 3-3.
The bullpen continued to get out of jams in the twelfth and thirteenth innings. In the bottom of the thirteenth inning the Mariners DJ decided to play a little rally jig music to get us started. Kendrys Morales continued his hot game by doubling with one out, following that Carlos Triunfel moved him over by grounding out. Jason Bay then came up an inning before this at bat he came inches away from ending the game with a walk off homerun but thanks to David Murphy that didn't happen.
So Bay decided to make up for not ending the game there and lined a single to left field scoring Morales and ending an eight game losing streak. During his post game interview he got Aaron Harang's Super Soaker hero soaking.
The Mariners will now open interleague play against their biggest National League rival the San Diego Padres.
In the bottom of the fourth inning the Mariners got their first hits from Endy Chavez and Kendrys Morales, with Chavez at second the Mariners had their first runner in scoring position Mike Morse struck out to end the Mariners first threat of the game. In the bottom of the fifth inning the Mariners once again had a runner at second base and Endy Chavez popped out to end the inning.
In the bottom of the sixth the Mariners got their big brake as Kyle Seager lead off the inning by doubling for the 16th time this year. Raul Ibanez was able to move Seager over by grounding out to second base and following his at bat Kendrys Morales, who has been the only one that can hit with runners in scoring position, hit a monster 2 run homerun to tie the game. Hisashi Iwakuma gave the Mariners 8 strong incredible innings and after he exited in the eighth Tom Wilhelmsen came in and shut down Texas and so the Mariners went into the ninth to try and win the game. The Mariners were able to get a runner to second base with one out but Dustin Ackley and Jesus Sucre were unable to deliver.
Wilhelmsen finished the tenth inning going 1-2-3 but in the 11th Carter Capps gave up the go-ahead run and the Rangers took the 3-2 lead. Joe Nathan came into the game for the Rangers perfect in saves for the year, but the first pitch Raul Ibanez saw from him changed all that as Ibanez tied the game again at 3-3.
The bullpen continued to get out of jams in the twelfth and thirteenth innings. In the bottom of the thirteenth inning the Mariners DJ decided to play a little rally jig music to get us started. Kendrys Morales continued his hot game by doubling with one out, following that Carlos Triunfel moved him over by grounding out. Jason Bay then came up an inning before this at bat he came inches away from ending the game with a walk off homerun but thanks to David Murphy that didn't happen.
So Bay decided to make up for not ending the game there and lined a single to left field scoring Morales and ending an eight game losing streak. During his post game interview he got Aaron Harang's Super Soaker hero soaking.
The Mariners will now open interleague play against their biggest National League rival the San Diego Padres.
Friday, May 24, 2013
Flashback Friday: Blue Friday
Well, I'm going to be writing two flashback blogs including today's and then ill write one tomorrow. Today's flashback isn't that far, because of today's on Russell Wilson on NFL Top 100 which was #51, I think ill write about last year's incredible run by the Seattle Seahawks after their loss to the Miami Dolphins. The Seahawks took to the road again to take on the Chicago Bears with having a dismal road record of 1-6. The Seahawks were able to pull out the win in Chicago, thanks to a terrific overtime opening drive by Russell Wilson. Wilson threw the game winning touchdown to Sidney Rice.
The next week the Seahawks came home to play host to the Arizona Cardinals and the Seahawks pulled all their cards out in this game. The Seahawks set a franchise record for points scored and forced eight turnovers in the game with both Richard Sherman and Bobby Wagner intercepting two passes.
The following week the Seahawks traveled to Toronto to play the Buffalo Bills at Rogers Centre. The Seahawks once again pounded their opponent winning 50-17. Russell Wilson finished the game with 3 rushing touchdowns and a passing touchdown. The next week was the most important game of the season for the Seahawks. If the Seahawks won the game they would secure a spot in the playoffs. The 49ers came into Seattle with a hot Colin Kaepernick and a shot at the NFC West title.
The Seahawks decided to bash them around as they crushed the 49ers 42-13 with the biggest play coming from Richard Sherman, Sherman returned a blocked field goal 93 yards for the touchdown. After the Seahawks won their fifth game in a row against the St. Louis Rams they were on their way to our nations capital for a Wild Card showdown with the Redskins.
That Sunday was the showdown that people wanted to see; Robert Griffin III vs Russell Wilson. Seahawks fans were hoping for this match, that way RW3 could show up RG3. The game did not start out in the Seahawks favor as the NFL's best defense allowed 14 unanswered points in the first quarter and on Twitter Seahawks fans were saying that this game was over, but I was staying positive and tweeting that we were going to win this game. The Seahawks defense did not allow another score after the first quarter and Russell Wilson did his job. The Seahawks scored 13 points in the second quarter to pull with in 1 after the first half.
The second half saw a scoreless third quarter but in the fourth quarter the Seahawks scored a go ahead touchdown after Marshawn Lynch picked up a possible fumble and took it to the house. RG3 suffered an ACL injury along with the Seahawks DL Chris Clemmons suffering the same injury.
The following week the Seahawks faced the Atlanta Falcons in the Divisional round. The Seahawks were able to take the lead with 30 seconds left in the game, but due to a breakdown in the defense the Falcons kicked a game winning field goal. The Seahawks season was over, with the horrible feeling of defeat the whole team was welcomed home by the whole 12th Man nation cheering for them as their bus drove past thousands of fans. The Seahawks are the favorite to win this year's Super Bowl. I can tell you this, I wish football season would start now!
The next week the Seahawks came home to play host to the Arizona Cardinals and the Seahawks pulled all their cards out in this game. The Seahawks set a franchise record for points scored and forced eight turnovers in the game with both Richard Sherman and Bobby Wagner intercepting two passes.
The following week the Seahawks traveled to Toronto to play the Buffalo Bills at Rogers Centre. The Seahawks once again pounded their opponent winning 50-17. Russell Wilson finished the game with 3 rushing touchdowns and a passing touchdown. The next week was the most important game of the season for the Seahawks. If the Seahawks won the game they would secure a spot in the playoffs. The 49ers came into Seattle with a hot Colin Kaepernick and a shot at the NFC West title.
The Seahawks decided to bash them around as they crushed the 49ers 42-13 with the biggest play coming from Richard Sherman, Sherman returned a blocked field goal 93 yards for the touchdown. After the Seahawks won their fifth game in a row against the St. Louis Rams they were on their way to our nations capital for a Wild Card showdown with the Redskins.
That Sunday was the showdown that people wanted to see; Robert Griffin III vs Russell Wilson. Seahawks fans were hoping for this match, that way RW3 could show up RG3. The game did not start out in the Seahawks favor as the NFL's best defense allowed 14 unanswered points in the first quarter and on Twitter Seahawks fans were saying that this game was over, but I was staying positive and tweeting that we were going to win this game. The Seahawks defense did not allow another score after the first quarter and Russell Wilson did his job. The Seahawks scored 13 points in the second quarter to pull with in 1 after the first half.
The second half saw a scoreless third quarter but in the fourth quarter the Seahawks scored a go ahead touchdown after Marshawn Lynch picked up a possible fumble and took it to the house. RG3 suffered an ACL injury along with the Seahawks DL Chris Clemmons suffering the same injury.
The following week the Seahawks faced the Atlanta Falcons in the Divisional round. The Seahawks were able to take the lead with 30 seconds left in the game, but due to a breakdown in the defense the Falcons kicked a game winning field goal. The Seahawks season was over, with the horrible feeling of defeat the whole team was welcomed home by the whole 12th Man nation cheering for them as their bus drove past thousands of fans. The Seahawks are the favorite to win this year's Super Bowl. I can tell you this, I wish football season would start now!
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Changes must be made
The Mariners have now dropped 6 games in a row at the hands of horrible pitching from their starter. The Mariners pitching have now allowed 46 runs in the past 6 games. During this losing streak the Mariners have shown us that they have lost team unity. In quoting Danny Glover from Angels in the Outfield "I have never ever seen a worst group of 25 players! You don't think as a team, you don't play as a team, you don't even lose as a team!". I swear if Lou Pinella was still managing the team he would have had 8 heart attacks, 10 strokes, 36 aneurisms, and would have been restrained from killing the players. This team has also had a lot of anger from the fans including myself, I'm not going to lie I'm pissed off as well. The Mariners are just making fans in Seattle wish football season would come even faster. The Mariners thank God have an off day tomorrow to get their heads out of their asses and make some call ups to improve the team.
The Mariners called a team-member only meeting after the game to probably discuss their problems and to probably discuss the problems that they are having with each other. Now, during this upcoming day off the Mariners front office need to make some decisions both managerial and roster wise. To me Eric Wedge is not a manager that I want managing this team. He is constantly making excuses for poor performances from the players, he does nothing but keep his thumb up his ass and just watches his team lose, lose, and lose in a horrible fashion, and I never see him stand up for the team. If Pinella was managing the team he would have been ejected in about 15-20 games, all Wedge does is just stare and says nothing to the umpires when they make mistakes or horrible calls.
The roster moves that the Mariners could/should possibly make are these. Robert Andino should be DFA'd and call up Carlos Triunfel. Why not Nick Franklin you ask? Because rushing Franklin is a bad idea, look what happened to Dustin Ackley. The same goes with Mike Zunino, with how bad Jesus Montero has been producing the Mariners may have no choice but to give Zunino the call up. Another move the Mariners have to make is to improve the pitching staff. Aaron Harang and Brandon Maurer must be sent down. Maurer struggles with both his control and consistency to pitch deep into the late innings, while Harang has struggles from day one since the Mariners signed his washed up has been ass!
Jack Zduriencik once again made me scratch my head when he signed a worthless pitcher when he had plenty of free agents to choose from. One more pitcher that should be sent down should be Lucas Luetge. Now the best candidate's for the call up should be Jeremy Bonderman, Blake Beaven, and Andrew Carraway for the starting pitching or call all three and place Beaven in the bullpen. Logan Bowcom is another great choice for a bullpen pitcher.
All of these moves are possible in the next two days but I hardly doubt that Eric Wedge has the brains to make the moves.
The Mariners called a team-member only meeting after the game to probably discuss their problems and to probably discuss the problems that they are having with each other. Now, during this upcoming day off the Mariners front office need to make some decisions both managerial and roster wise. To me Eric Wedge is not a manager that I want managing this team. He is constantly making excuses for poor performances from the players, he does nothing but keep his thumb up his ass and just watches his team lose, lose, and lose in a horrible fashion, and I never see him stand up for the team. If Pinella was managing the team he would have been ejected in about 15-20 games, all Wedge does is just stare and says nothing to the umpires when they make mistakes or horrible calls.
The roster moves that the Mariners could/should possibly make are these. Robert Andino should be DFA'd and call up Carlos Triunfel. Why not Nick Franklin you ask? Because rushing Franklin is a bad idea, look what happened to Dustin Ackley. The same goes with Mike Zunino, with how bad Jesus Montero has been producing the Mariners may have no choice but to give Zunino the call up. Another move the Mariners have to make is to improve the pitching staff. Aaron Harang and Brandon Maurer must be sent down. Maurer struggles with both his control and consistency to pitch deep into the late innings, while Harang has struggles from day one since the Mariners signed his washed up has been ass!
Jack Zduriencik once again made me scratch my head when he signed a worthless pitcher when he had plenty of free agents to choose from. One more pitcher that should be sent down should be Lucas Luetge. Now the best candidate's for the call up should be Jeremy Bonderman, Blake Beaven, and Andrew Carraway for the starting pitching or call all three and place Beaven in the bullpen. Logan Bowcom is another great choice for a bullpen pitcher.
All of these moves are possible in the next two days but I hardly doubt that Eric Wedge has the brains to make the moves.
Mariners are up to their usual self
The Mariners have now lost their last 5 games. During their this losing streak the Mariners pitching have allowed 39 runs. The hitting has been just as atrocious, as the team has struggled to hit with runners in scoring position and that has cost them plenty of games. Now the Mariners have been hitting homeruns like crazy but hitting these homeruns has been a problem because most of them have come with no runners on base. Homeruns will win you games but you must have runners on to win and the Mariners for some reason just take a dump when it comes with runners on. This team has been one of the worst teams in the past few years with hitting with runners in scoring position and that is why this team hasn't been in the playoffs as well.
Now, the pitching has been just as bad, the Mariners have the best 1-2 pitchers in the game in Felix Hernandez and Hisashi Iwakuma but the M's 3-4-5 pitchers have been one of the worst in baseball. Brandon Maurer has been terrible in his consistency and has control problems, Joe Saunders is horrible on the road and cant win a game unless he's at home, and Aaron Harang is.........well he's Aaron Harang.
Thanks to last night's 12- embarrassment Harang's ERA rose to 8.58 and Lucas Luetge's ERA jumped to 8.10 as well. The Mariners bullpen must improve if this team has any hopes of trying to get back to .500 or above. Charlie Furbush, Lucas Luetge, Joe Saunders, Aaron Harang, and Brandon Maurer all have ERA's above 5. During the 5 game losing streak the Mariners pitching staff, starting and bullpen, have had an ERA of 7.60 and the Mariners defense has also made some critical errors including a dropped ball by Tom Wilhelmsen that would've have been the final out of the game. The Mariners hitting has been just as bad as the M's have gone 4 for 32 (.125) with runners in scoring position and have left 36 runners stranded on base as well.
The Mariners have done this in the last three years, when they have been on a winning pace or at least have had success they have blown it. 2010 they started out 11-11, they then responded by losing 15 of their next 18 games and finished the season 61-101. In 2011 they finished the first half at .500 by posting a 43-43 record, they then opened the second half of the season by going on their historic not to remember 17 game losing streak and finishing the season at 67-95. Finally last year, the Mariners posted a successful 11-10 April and followed up the next month by losing 13 of their next 18 games and finishing off the season 75-87. The Mariners don't want to finish off the season again bellow .500 and have the seats of Safeco Field to be empty.
Now with Harang's horrible night he is a big target for demotion along with Brandon Maurer, who keeps showing us that he is not yet ready for the big leagues. Now if Eric Wedge is smart enough (hardly doubt it) he will make a move and in my opinion there are three excellent selections for the call ups. Jeremy Bonderman is the first; he made the team thanks to a great Spring Training and has posted some great numbers down in Triple A Tacoma going 2-3 and has posted a 3.79 ERA. Blake Beaven is the next choice in the three possible call ups. Beaven had a tough time while up in Seattle but has had some positive stats in Triple A posting a 2-2 record with a 3.70 ERA. Finally, Andrew Carraway is the last call up that is a great possibility. Carraway was drafted in 2009 by the Mariners and got the call up to Triple A after Brian Sweeney was placed on the DL. Carraway has posted a 4-1 record with a 3.19 ERA. Now for the bullpen I suggest demoting either Lucas Luetge or Charlie Furbush and calling up either Logan Bawcom or Bobby LaFromboise.
The Mariners must either make managerial changes or come together as a team and play as a team again. Wedge to me has to go he's not a great manager or Dave Hansen has to go. What ever the Mariners are going to do they have to do it now to try and get their season back on track.
Now, the pitching has been just as bad, the Mariners have the best 1-2 pitchers in the game in Felix Hernandez and Hisashi Iwakuma but the M's 3-4-5 pitchers have been one of the worst in baseball. Brandon Maurer has been terrible in his consistency and has control problems, Joe Saunders is horrible on the road and cant win a game unless he's at home, and Aaron Harang is.........well he's Aaron Harang.
Thanks to last night's 12- embarrassment Harang's ERA rose to 8.58 and Lucas Luetge's ERA jumped to 8.10 as well. The Mariners bullpen must improve if this team has any hopes of trying to get back to .500 or above. Charlie Furbush, Lucas Luetge, Joe Saunders, Aaron Harang, and Brandon Maurer all have ERA's above 5. During the 5 game losing streak the Mariners pitching staff, starting and bullpen, have had an ERA of 7.60 and the Mariners defense has also made some critical errors including a dropped ball by Tom Wilhelmsen that would've have been the final out of the game. The Mariners hitting has been just as bad as the M's have gone 4 for 32 (.125) with runners in scoring position and have left 36 runners stranded on base as well.
The Mariners have done this in the last three years, when they have been on a winning pace or at least have had success they have blown it. 2010 they started out 11-11, they then responded by losing 15 of their next 18 games and finished the season 61-101. In 2011 they finished the first half at .500 by posting a 43-43 record, they then opened the second half of the season by going on their historic not to remember 17 game losing streak and finishing the season at 67-95. Finally last year, the Mariners posted a successful 11-10 April and followed up the next month by losing 13 of their next 18 games and finishing off the season 75-87. The Mariners don't want to finish off the season again bellow .500 and have the seats of Safeco Field to be empty.
Now with Harang's horrible night he is a big target for demotion along with Brandon Maurer, who keeps showing us that he is not yet ready for the big leagues. Now if Eric Wedge is smart enough (hardly doubt it) he will make a move and in my opinion there are three excellent selections for the call ups. Jeremy Bonderman is the first; he made the team thanks to a great Spring Training and has posted some great numbers down in Triple A Tacoma going 2-3 and has posted a 3.79 ERA. Blake Beaven is the next choice in the three possible call ups. Beaven had a tough time while up in Seattle but has had some positive stats in Triple A posting a 2-2 record with a 3.70 ERA. Finally, Andrew Carraway is the last call up that is a great possibility. Carraway was drafted in 2009 by the Mariners and got the call up to Triple A after Brian Sweeney was placed on the DL. Carraway has posted a 4-1 record with a 3.19 ERA. Now for the bullpen I suggest demoting either Lucas Luetge or Charlie Furbush and calling up either Logan Bawcom or Bobby LaFromboise.
The Mariners must either make managerial changes or come together as a team and play as a team again. Wedge to me has to go he's not a great manager or Dave Hansen has to go. What ever the Mariners are going to do they have to do it now to try and get their season back on track.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
A playoff team turned into a nightmare
Well, the Mariners have now lost 5 games in a row and they have lost those games thanks in mostly the bullpen. But in hindsight this team 5 games ago was one game under .500 and since then it has been a nightmare to watch this team. The bullpen cost us every game in Cleveland and the starting pitching has been just as terrible. The Mariners hitting have been in a rut as well as they cant hit with runners in scoring position. Point that I am making here is that changes have to be made now! One change that has to be made is Aaron Harang. Eric Wedge has made excuses over and over and for some reason I really think he's so stupid that he forgot he had an experienced pitcher down in Triple A Tacoma in Jeremy Bonderman.
He also has Andrew Carraway, who has been putting up great numbers in Tacoma going 4-1 with a 3.19 ERA. Wedge is another problem to me, he and Jack Z must go. Jack has said in one of his interviews that this team is rebuilding........we have been rebuilding ever since 2010 that's enough with rebuilding the fans want results! Eric Wedge is just in my opinion a horrible manager who makes excuses for poor performances when Lou Pinella would have said it to the media and the players face that they suck. The Mariners have to do something to make this nightmare stop.
For 5 games the Mariners pitching staff has allowed an average of 7 runs in this losing streak. The Mariners have gone from a team that fans want to go watch, to a team that fans don't want to waste their time with watching. I read one tweet today saying that they wasted $150 to watch their games on DirectTV since they live on the east coast. I cant wait for Dave "Softy" Mahler tomorrow to rip on them because he tells it like it is and the fans will put in their 2 cents as well on the phone calls that he will take. To me the Mariners are playing like the Houston Astros and they look like they are getting worse.
Nobody knows what has happened to this team after the series in New York but whatever did happen they need to get over it and get some unity back and play like they were in New York. With now sinking to 6 games under .500 the Mariners have to pull themselves together and play again as the team who were a threat in the AL West and who got the attention of the media of being a playoff contender. Changes need to be made and they better make them now.
He also has Andrew Carraway, who has been putting up great numbers in Tacoma going 4-1 with a 3.19 ERA. Wedge is another problem to me, he and Jack Z must go. Jack has said in one of his interviews that this team is rebuilding........we have been rebuilding ever since 2010 that's enough with rebuilding the fans want results! Eric Wedge is just in my opinion a horrible manager who makes excuses for poor performances when Lou Pinella would have said it to the media and the players face that they suck. The Mariners have to do something to make this nightmare stop.
For 5 games the Mariners pitching staff has allowed an average of 7 runs in this losing streak. The Mariners have gone from a team that fans want to go watch, to a team that fans don't want to waste their time with watching. I read one tweet today saying that they wasted $150 to watch their games on DirectTV since they live on the east coast. I cant wait for Dave "Softy" Mahler tomorrow to rip on them because he tells it like it is and the fans will put in their 2 cents as well on the phone calls that he will take. To me the Mariners are playing like the Houston Astros and they look like they are getting worse.
Nobody knows what has happened to this team after the series in New York but whatever did happen they need to get over it and get some unity back and play like they were in New York. With now sinking to 6 games under .500 the Mariners have to pull themselves together and play again as the team who were a threat in the AL West and who got the attention of the media of being a playoff contender. Changes need to be made and they better make them now.
Monday, May 20, 2013
What the Mariners have to do
The Mariners in the past six games have shown us that they are not a playoff contender yet. This road trip so far has shown us positives and negatives. I'll start off of course with the positives. The Mariners have shown us that they can hit homeruns and long ones. Raul Ibanez has put up 5 homeruns on this road trip along with raising his batting average by 32 points along. Brendan Ryan's bat has come alive on this road trip and he looks like he's finally found his rhythm as he has raised his batting average by 51 points. Mike Morse's bat has also come alive as he has had four multi hit games and showing Mariners fans that he does not want to be the next Richie Sexson, he's also cut down on his strikeouts as he's only struck out 3 times in 19 at bats. Justin Smoak has also been tearing the cover off the ball on this road trip as he has ripped 6 hits on this road trip and raised his average up to .254.
Ok, now let's get to the negatives. The biggest negative on this road trip has been the Mariners ability to hit with runners in scoring position, as they have gone 9 for 51 with runners in scoring position, which is a .176 if you do the math. That's not what a playoff team does, maybe on an off week but when it comes to playing for the Wild Card or any shot at the playoffs you have to hit with runners in scoring position. The Mariners need to improve on that category along with trying figure out what they are going to do with Jesus Montero and Dustin Ackley. For some reason with these two whenever one gets hot they then have a streak of games or weeks where they are ice cold and cant come up in a clutch situation.
The Mariners also have a catcher situation, yes we have Kelly Shoppach and Jesus Montero but here's the thing none of them cant throw anyone out or block pitches. One more thing the Mariners have to improve on is there consistent pitchers in the 3-4-5 hole. Brandon Maurer is inconsistent and has control problems, Joe Saunders is horrible on the road, and Aaron Harang........well you know what Harang is. Now the Mariners could make a move to send Maurer down and call up the experienced Jeremy Bonderman in his place, that would at least solve one pitching problem.
If the Mariners would like to get back up to .500 or finish above, make a run to the playoffs, or have a shot at the Wild Card they have to improve on everything I have just wrote. They have to learn to hit with runners in scoring position......PERIOD! They have inconsistent pitchers that they have to fix, maybe look at free agent pitchers if they have to, their catchers need to improve on their throwing ability especially Montero, and their players have to become more consistent. If the Mariners improve on these things then I see them getting up and or above .500 and possibly making run to the playoffs.
Ok, now let's get to the negatives. The biggest negative on this road trip has been the Mariners ability to hit with runners in scoring position, as they have gone 9 for 51 with runners in scoring position, which is a .176 if you do the math. That's not what a playoff team does, maybe on an off week but when it comes to playing for the Wild Card or any shot at the playoffs you have to hit with runners in scoring position. The Mariners need to improve on that category along with trying figure out what they are going to do with Jesus Montero and Dustin Ackley. For some reason with these two whenever one gets hot they then have a streak of games or weeks where they are ice cold and cant come up in a clutch situation.
The Mariners also have a catcher situation, yes we have Kelly Shoppach and Jesus Montero but here's the thing none of them cant throw anyone out or block pitches. One more thing the Mariners have to improve on is there consistent pitchers in the 3-4-5 hole. Brandon Maurer is inconsistent and has control problems, Joe Saunders is horrible on the road, and Aaron Harang........well you know what Harang is. Now the Mariners could make a move to send Maurer down and call up the experienced Jeremy Bonderman in his place, that would at least solve one pitching problem.
If the Mariners would like to get back up to .500 or finish above, make a run to the playoffs, or have a shot at the Wild Card they have to improve on everything I have just wrote. They have to learn to hit with runners in scoring position......PERIOD! They have inconsistent pitchers that they have to fix, maybe look at free agent pitchers if they have to, their catchers need to improve on their throwing ability especially Montero, and their players have to become more consistent. If the Mariners improve on these things then I see them getting up and or above .500 and possibly making run to the playoffs.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Mariner problems
The past three days now myself and every Mariner fans have had to watch as the Cleveland Indians rip our team a new asshole. The first two games ended in heartbreaking ways, both games were won with a walk off hits by the Indians and then today Felix was bashed around for 6 runs, his worse outing of the season. In a week where Brendan Ryan has seemed to finally find his swing the Mariners are hitting 1 for 20 in the series with the Indians. If this team, who has the potential to be a .500 or better team, wants to have a shot at the Wild Card or in that fact the playoffs all together, they have to learn to hit with runners in scoring position.
Michael Saunders has cooled down dramatically as well on this road trip going 3 for 23 and lowering his batting average by 39 points. A big positive on this road trip for the Mariners has been Brendan Ryan, who has raised his batting average an incredible 51 points and hit his first homerun of the year. Raul Ibanez has also been another huge story for the Mariners on this road by hitting 5 homeruns and raising his average 32 points.
The Mariners have a big problem, other then the cant hit with runners in scoring position problem, the other big problem is the Mariners 3, 4, and 5 pitchers. Brandon Maurer can not seem to be consistent and he continues to have control and location problems. The Mariners manager Eric Wedge has to quit making excuses for him and send him back in the minors and call up Jeremy Bonderman, who has a great deal more experience then Maurer and he has better control. Another pitching problem the Mariners have is Joe Saunders failure to win on the road and only be successful at home. Saunders is plain horrible on the road posting an 0-4 record in 5 starts with a 11.25 ERA.
Not only is Aaron Harang a problem that needs no explanation, the other problem is some of our bullpen guys. Charlie Furbush and Lucas Luegte have been terrible out of the bullpen. Luegte has only pitched in 7 innings and has posted a 9.00 ERA. Furbush has appeared in 17 games and has posted a 4.11 ERA and has blown 1 save. Im hoping that in the next few days that the Mariners can improve on most of their problems. Tomorrow Hisashi Iwakuma will try and get the Mariners at least one win in this 4 game series.
Michael Saunders has cooled down dramatically as well on this road trip going 3 for 23 and lowering his batting average by 39 points. A big positive on this road trip for the Mariners has been Brendan Ryan, who has raised his batting average an incredible 51 points and hit his first homerun of the year. Raul Ibanez has also been another huge story for the Mariners on this road by hitting 5 homeruns and raising his average 32 points.
The Mariners have a big problem, other then the cant hit with runners in scoring position problem, the other big problem is the Mariners 3, 4, and 5 pitchers. Brandon Maurer can not seem to be consistent and he continues to have control and location problems. The Mariners manager Eric Wedge has to quit making excuses for him and send him back in the minors and call up Jeremy Bonderman, who has a great deal more experience then Maurer and he has better control. Another pitching problem the Mariners have is Joe Saunders failure to win on the road and only be successful at home. Saunders is plain horrible on the road posting an 0-4 record in 5 starts with a 11.25 ERA.
Not only is Aaron Harang a problem that needs no explanation, the other problem is some of our bullpen guys. Charlie Furbush and Lucas Luegte have been terrible out of the bullpen. Luegte has only pitched in 7 innings and has posted a 9.00 ERA. Furbush has appeared in 17 games and has posted a 4.11 ERA and has blown 1 save. Im hoping that in the next few days that the Mariners can improve on most of their problems. Tomorrow Hisashi Iwakuma will try and get the Mariners at least one win in this 4 game series.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
The bullpen wins it for the Mariners
The Mariners tonight were going for their first series win in New York since 2004. Aaron Harang was scheduled to start the game but due to stiffness in his lower back, so Eric Wedge gave Hector Noesi the start. Now as all Mariners fans remember Noesi from last year you understand the reason why I was nervous. Last year Noesi went 2-12 with a 5.82 ERA. Along with starting Noesi the Mariners had another test, that would be the pitcher on the mound for the Yankees, 16 year veteran Andy Pettitte who in the past hasn't all that much succes against the Mariners. Pettitte has gone 11-12 in 24 starts entering tonight's game against the Mariners with a 4.39 ERA. Well, getting off stats how bout I give you the recap already?
Pettitte began his night by going 1-2-3 and the following half inning Noesi was able to go 1-2-3 as well. The second inning started off very well for the Mariners as the first two hitters were able to reach base. Kendrys Morales drew the lead off walk and then Mike Morse continued his hot streak by singling and extending his hitting streak to four games. Raul Ibanez struck out on a very questionable call; on the replay Ibanez clearly held up on the swing and didn't get help by the home plate umpire to check with the third base umpire. After Jesus Montero flew out, Dustin Ackley managed to line one to right field to drive in Morales and the Mariners took the 1-0 lead. After the inning manager Eric Wedge was ejected by first base umpire Hunter Wendelstedt after protesting that Brendan Ryan's line drive to Ichiro hit the ground. After Noesi got the first two batters to strikeout, Curtis Granderson was able to get an infield hit and move up on the throwing error by Noesi. David Adams got his first career RBI by driving one over Mike Morse's head scoring Granderson.
The Mariners pushed in another run in the fourth inning thanks to Brendan Ryan. Yes, that's correct I said Ryan drove in a run, but he had help from Dustin Ackley as Ackley beat another throw to second. In the top of the fifth saw Andy Pettitte exiting the game with what I found out later to be a tight left trapezius muscle in his throwing arm and former Mariner Shawn Kelley was brought into replace him. Noesi also exited early after he reached his pitch limit for the night in the fifth and Oliver Perez was brought into to get out of a jam. Perez did the job, getting Brett Gardner to strikeout and getting Jason Nix to pop out. Mike Morse lead off the sixth inning by hitting his 10th homerun of the year and giving the Mariners the 3-1 lead. In the bottom of the seventh inning the Yankees came back and scored a run to cut the lead to one run, Carter Capps was brought in to get out of the jam and succeeded by getting Vernon Wells to pop out on the first pitch.
Tom Wilhelmsen was brought in the ninth to go for his 11th save of the year. After getting Austin Romnie to ground out Brett Gardner was able to get on base with a single. Gardner then proceeded to steal second and third base and the Yankees had the tying run on with only one out; Whilhelmsen struck out Nix and then got Robinson Cano to ground out to end the ball game.
The Mariners have now won their last 5 series out of 6 and have won 12 of their last 18 games. Thanks to the win tonight the Mariners are in full control of second place in the American League West standings by a half game.
NOTES: Mike Morse extended his multi-hit game streak to 4 games and has raised his batting average to .261! Brendan Ryan also had a great day as he went 2-4. Wilhelmsen lowered his ERA to an incredible 0.50!
Pettitte began his night by going 1-2-3 and the following half inning Noesi was able to go 1-2-3 as well. The second inning started off very well for the Mariners as the first two hitters were able to reach base. Kendrys Morales drew the lead off walk and then Mike Morse continued his hot streak by singling and extending his hitting streak to four games. Raul Ibanez struck out on a very questionable call; on the replay Ibanez clearly held up on the swing and didn't get help by the home plate umpire to check with the third base umpire. After Jesus Montero flew out, Dustin Ackley managed to line one to right field to drive in Morales and the Mariners took the 1-0 lead. After the inning manager Eric Wedge was ejected by first base umpire Hunter Wendelstedt after protesting that Brendan Ryan's line drive to Ichiro hit the ground. After Noesi got the first two batters to strikeout, Curtis Granderson was able to get an infield hit and move up on the throwing error by Noesi. David Adams got his first career RBI by driving one over Mike Morse's head scoring Granderson.
The Mariners pushed in another run in the fourth inning thanks to Brendan Ryan. Yes, that's correct I said Ryan drove in a run, but he had help from Dustin Ackley as Ackley beat another throw to second. In the top of the fifth saw Andy Pettitte exiting the game with what I found out later to be a tight left trapezius muscle in his throwing arm and former Mariner Shawn Kelley was brought into replace him. Noesi also exited early after he reached his pitch limit for the night in the fifth and Oliver Perez was brought into to get out of a jam. Perez did the job, getting Brett Gardner to strikeout and getting Jason Nix to pop out. Mike Morse lead off the sixth inning by hitting his 10th homerun of the year and giving the Mariners the 3-1 lead. In the bottom of the seventh inning the Yankees came back and scored a run to cut the lead to one run, Carter Capps was brought in to get out of the jam and succeeded by getting Vernon Wells to pop out on the first pitch.
Tom Wilhelmsen was brought in the ninth to go for his 11th save of the year. After getting Austin Romnie to ground out Brett Gardner was able to get on base with a single. Gardner then proceeded to steal second and third base and the Yankees had the tying run on with only one out; Whilhelmsen struck out Nix and then got Robinson Cano to ground out to end the ball game.
The Mariners have now won their last 5 series out of 6 and have won 12 of their last 18 games. Thanks to the win tonight the Mariners are in full control of second place in the American League West standings by a half game.
NOTES: Mike Morse extended his multi-hit game streak to 4 games and has raised his batting average to .261! Brendan Ryan also had a great day as he went 2-4. Wilhelmsen lowered his ERA to an incredible 0.50!
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Mariners bash the Bronx Bombers
The Mariners came into tonight's game looking to improve on their hitting with runners in scoring position from last night when they went 2-11. Well, I think they got the message from last night. After Michael Saunders began the game by flying out Dustin Ackley drew the first walk of the game and Kyle Seager singled which brought up Kendrys Morales. Morales drove in the first run of the game by singling in Ackley, following that Mike Morse continued his hot streak hitting by lining a ball to right field and Seager was able to score from second and the Mariners took a 2-0 lead. Phil Hughes for some reason couldn't locate any of his pitches as he walked Justin Smoak on four pitches. Raul Ibanez then came up with the bases loaded and unloaded on a curveball and gave the Mariners the 6-0 lead with his 11th career grand slam.
The Mariners weren't finish as Jesus Montero singled on the next pitch Hughes threw but was erased on a fielder's choice. Michael Saunders who popped out in his first at bat drove one into right center field to drive in Brendan Ryan and the Mariners were not only able to take a 7-0 lead but after that Phil Hughes night was done. During this pitching change Yankee fans made their way from their seats to their cars, Preston Claibourne was able to end the nightmare inning facing his first batter in Dustin Ackley by getting him to pop out.
Hisashi Iwakuma had only a bump in his first inning of work as he gave up a one out homerun to Vernon Wells but he was able to get out of the first inning without giving up another run. In the top half of the fifth the Mariners decided to give the Yankee fans more reasons to leave, as Raul hit his second homerun of the game and giving the Mariners the 9-1 lead. The Yankees added their second run of the game as Chris Stewart lead off the bottom of the fifth with a homerun. The top of the sixth saw the Mariners offense humiliate the Yankees one more time.
Saunders lead off by walking, Ackley was able to line one to center and the Mariners had another shot with runners in scoring position. Kyle Seager did just that as he hit one into the Yankees bullpen for his fifth homerun of the season and the Mariners put their lead to 12-2. Hisashi was able to finish his night off after seven strong innings. Oliver Perez came into the game and struck out two batters in his one inning of work. Tom Wilhelmsen came into the game to get some work in and was able to go 1-2-3 and finish the game.
As a result of tonight's win the Mariners moved into a tie for second place with the Oakland Athletics. Funny thing by the end of the first inning at least 1,000 fans were out of the stadium and then by the seventh inning at least 30,000 fans were gone. That shows you that the Yankees really should stop paying so much money for players and start buying fans. Brendan Ryan finally was able to get a hit in his last at bat and finished the game 1-5 and putting his average to .124.
NOTES: Mike Morse has now had 2 or more hits in 3 consecutive games and has raised his batting average up to .252. Ibanez has now hit 3 homeruns in the last 2 games and has raised his batting average to .224.
The Mariners weren't finish as Jesus Montero singled on the next pitch Hughes threw but was erased on a fielder's choice. Michael Saunders who popped out in his first at bat drove one into right center field to drive in Brendan Ryan and the Mariners were not only able to take a 7-0 lead but after that Phil Hughes night was done. During this pitching change Yankee fans made their way from their seats to their cars, Preston Claibourne was able to end the nightmare inning facing his first batter in Dustin Ackley by getting him to pop out.
Hisashi Iwakuma had only a bump in his first inning of work as he gave up a one out homerun to Vernon Wells but he was able to get out of the first inning without giving up another run. In the top half of the fifth the Mariners decided to give the Yankee fans more reasons to leave, as Raul hit his second homerun of the game and giving the Mariners the 9-1 lead. The Yankees added their second run of the game as Chris Stewart lead off the bottom of the fifth with a homerun. The top of the sixth saw the Mariners offense humiliate the Yankees one more time.
Saunders lead off by walking, Ackley was able to line one to center and the Mariners had another shot with runners in scoring position. Kyle Seager did just that as he hit one into the Yankees bullpen for his fifth homerun of the season and the Mariners put their lead to 12-2. Hisashi was able to finish his night off after seven strong innings. Oliver Perez came into the game and struck out two batters in his one inning of work. Tom Wilhelmsen came into the game to get some work in and was able to go 1-2-3 and finish the game.
As a result of tonight's win the Mariners moved into a tie for second place with the Oakland Athletics. Funny thing by the end of the first inning at least 1,000 fans were out of the stadium and then by the seventh inning at least 30,000 fans were gone. That shows you that the Yankees really should stop paying so much money for players and start buying fans. Brendan Ryan finally was able to get a hit in his last at bat and finished the game 1-5 and putting his average to .124.
NOTES: Mike Morse has now had 2 or more hits in 3 consecutive games and has raised his batting average up to .252. Ibanez has now hit 3 homeruns in the last 2 games and has raised his batting average to .224.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Bad calls and pitching cost Felix the win
Felix Hernandez entered tonight's having great success at Yankee Stadium and he hoped to continue his dominance in the Bronx. The first inning was a tough one for the Mariners hitters as C.C. Sabathia struck out 2 batters and got an easy 1-2-3 inning for himself. Felix though didn't have the easiest innings of his season, the inning started off with Brett Gardner singling and then stealing second. Felix then walked Robinson Cano, but as all Mariners fans know Felix always knows how to get himself out of those tough innings and he did just that by getting Vernon Wells to fly out to right and then getting Curtis Granderson to ground into an inning double play. The top of the third is when the Mariners got to Sabathia, Michael Saunders was able to get on first on an error then Kyle Seager came up with two outs and as we know Seager with 2 outs he manages to come through and he did again by doubling to right scoring Saunders all the way from first.
The bottom of the fourth saw the first of many bad calls by the home plate umpire as Lyle Overbay was granted first base after Felix was called for interference, though on the replay you clearly see that the first base umpire called Overbay out before he came close to touching the bag. Felix recovered from that though by striking out Jason Nix and Ichiro to end the inning. The top of the sixth inning for the Mariners started off well, as Kelly Shoppach was able to get the lead off single. Raul Ibanez came up and reminded Yankees fans of October magic he had in the playoffs as he hit a 2 run homerun and the Mariners took a 3-0 lead. The Yankees were able to strike for their first run in the bottom half of the sixth, Robinson Cano started things off by singling to lead off the inning but was erased after Curtis Granderson grounded into a fielder's choice.
After the fielder's choice there was an injury delay as Felix seem to have tweaked the leg that Lyle Overbay bumped into on the collision back in the fourth but Felix was able to walk it off, Overbay then came up and was able to double home Granderson and the Yankees scored their first run of the ball game. Felix recovered and got Ichiro to line out to Michael Saunders to end the inning.
Felix didn't return and Yoenis Medina was brought in to try and hold the Yankees off. Medina gave a single to Chris Nelson and Nelson moved up on a wild pitch after that Medina got Austin Romnie to strike out swinging, Eric Wedge decided to play it safe and brought in Charlie Furbush to face the lefties. Home plate umpire Jerry Layne made some very questionable calls as Brett Gardner walked, Layne then made two more questionable calls as he called two balls that were in the strike zone balls, now if he would've called those strikes Furbush would have gotten Cano to strike out instead Cano drove a ball to deep right center field and both Nelson and Gardner scored and there went Felix's gem in one inning. The Yankees weren't done as Lyle Overbay was able to score Cano by hitting a fly ball to Saunders in center field and the Yankees now took the lead 4-3. Wedge then went out to get Furbush out of the game to bring in Carter Capps, Capps didn't have a problem as he was able to end the nightmare inning by striking out Jason Nix.
The Mariners now had some work to do, Dustin Ackley got things started in the top of the eighth by walking on four straight pitches. Brendan Ryan then laid down a bunt that went out only a few feet but thanks to Ackley's speed he was able to beat the throw by catcher Austin Romnie. Unfortunately the Mariners struggles with runners in scoring position, Michael Saunders failed to get the bunt down as he struck out then Justin Smoak lined into an inning ending double play. In the ninth inning Mariano Rivera came in to close out the game. Rivera got a 1-2-3 inning and earned his 16th save of the year and his 624 save of his amazing Hall of Fame career.
NOTES: Mike Morse went 3-5 in the game and was able to raise his average to .244. The Mariners went 2-11 with RISP and the Yankees went 1-11. Felix remains in second in the majors for ERA with a 1.53.
The bottom of the fourth saw the first of many bad calls by the home plate umpire as Lyle Overbay was granted first base after Felix was called for interference, though on the replay you clearly see that the first base umpire called Overbay out before he came close to touching the bag. Felix recovered from that though by striking out Jason Nix and Ichiro to end the inning. The top of the sixth inning for the Mariners started off well, as Kelly Shoppach was able to get the lead off single. Raul Ibanez came up and reminded Yankees fans of October magic he had in the playoffs as he hit a 2 run homerun and the Mariners took a 3-0 lead. The Yankees were able to strike for their first run in the bottom half of the sixth, Robinson Cano started things off by singling to lead off the inning but was erased after Curtis Granderson grounded into a fielder's choice.
After the fielder's choice there was an injury delay as Felix seem to have tweaked the leg that Lyle Overbay bumped into on the collision back in the fourth but Felix was able to walk it off, Overbay then came up and was able to double home Granderson and the Yankees scored their first run of the ball game. Felix recovered and got Ichiro to line out to Michael Saunders to end the inning.
Felix didn't return and Yoenis Medina was brought in to try and hold the Yankees off. Medina gave a single to Chris Nelson and Nelson moved up on a wild pitch after that Medina got Austin Romnie to strike out swinging, Eric Wedge decided to play it safe and brought in Charlie Furbush to face the lefties. Home plate umpire Jerry Layne made some very questionable calls as Brett Gardner walked, Layne then made two more questionable calls as he called two balls that were in the strike zone balls, now if he would've called those strikes Furbush would have gotten Cano to strike out instead Cano drove a ball to deep right center field and both Nelson and Gardner scored and there went Felix's gem in one inning. The Yankees weren't done as Lyle Overbay was able to score Cano by hitting a fly ball to Saunders in center field and the Yankees now took the lead 4-3. Wedge then went out to get Furbush out of the game to bring in Carter Capps, Capps didn't have a problem as he was able to end the nightmare inning by striking out Jason Nix.
The Mariners now had some work to do, Dustin Ackley got things started in the top of the eighth by walking on four straight pitches. Brendan Ryan then laid down a bunt that went out only a few feet but thanks to Ackley's speed he was able to beat the throw by catcher Austin Romnie. Unfortunately the Mariners struggles with runners in scoring position, Michael Saunders failed to get the bunt down as he struck out then Justin Smoak lined into an inning ending double play. In the ninth inning Mariano Rivera came in to close out the game. Rivera got a 1-2-3 inning and earned his 16th save of the year and his 624 save of his amazing Hall of Fame career.
NOTES: Mike Morse went 3-5 in the game and was able to raise his average to .244. The Mariners went 2-11 with RISP and the Yankees went 1-11. Felix remains in second in the majors for ERA with a 1.53.
Showdown in the Bronx
The Seattle Mariners enter today 2 games out of second place of the American League West and 6 games out of first place in the standings and finally 4 games out of the 2nd spot in the American League Wild Card. Not bad for a team 2 games under .500 huh? Today the Mariners go into New York for a showdown with the Yankees and what a pitching matchup for the first game, the 2007 Cy Young award winner CC Sabathia and the 2010 Cy Young Felix Hernandez. Both pitchers have terrific records against the teams in this series. Felix has a 5-2 record against the Yankees with a 4-1 record at Yankee Stadium with 2 complete game shutouts and he has also posted a 2.06 ERA against the Yankees. Sabathia though has posted a 12-4 record against the Mariners with a 2.46 ERA in 20 starts against the Mariners. So basically its a clash of the pitching titans today, not a bad matchup for the first of a three game series huh?
The Mariners have been one of the hottest teams in their last 15 games going 10-5. The Mariners right now are playing as though their season is on the line and this series will test the 3rd place Mariners in a few ways, 1) It will test their pitching staff to try and hold a power hitting team to few runs, 2) It will test their hitters to get hits off of a tough pitching staff and will need to score early and knockout the starters early as well, and 3) It will basically test the whole team pitching and hitting wise to take the series against a tough first place team.
The Yankees have been riddled with injuries this year with most of their big bats on the DL but thankfully Vernon Wells has provided power and is getting his career back on track. Nobody knows what will happen in this series but I do know this, the team that scores early and scores enough runs will come out on top. Both teams have the pitching to be great playoff teams this year, but the Mariners hitting must keep improving if they would like a shot at the playoffs this year.
NOTES: Dustin Ackley is out again for the second day in a row and Robert Andino will be playing in his place. Curtis Granderson will be back in the lineup for the Yankees batting cleanup.
The Mariners have been one of the hottest teams in their last 15 games going 10-5. The Mariners right now are playing as though their season is on the line and this series will test the 3rd place Mariners in a few ways, 1) It will test their pitching staff to try and hold a power hitting team to few runs, 2) It will test their hitters to get hits off of a tough pitching staff and will need to score early and knockout the starters early as well, and 3) It will basically test the whole team pitching and hitting wise to take the series against a tough first place team.
The Yankees have been riddled with injuries this year with most of their big bats on the DL but thankfully Vernon Wells has provided power and is getting his career back on track. Nobody knows what will happen in this series but I do know this, the team that scores early and scores enough runs will come out on top. Both teams have the pitching to be great playoff teams this year, but the Mariners hitting must keep improving if they would like a shot at the playoffs this year.
NOTES: Dustin Ackley is out again for the second day in a row and Robert Andino will be playing in his place. Curtis Granderson will be back in the lineup for the Yankees batting cleanup.
Monday, May 13, 2013
Mariners-Yankees preview
We all know that the Mariners and the Yankees rivalry started in 1995. After the 95 American League Division Series the Mariners and the Yankees were arch enemies, basically they started the East coast West coast rivalry again, but with less bullets flying and no one dying this time. Well, anyways the Mariners will send out in the ultimate 1-2 knockout in MLB, Felix Hernandez and Hisashi Iwakuma. Felix has a terrific record against the Yankees, especially in New York where he currently holds a 5-2 record with 2 complete games with a 2.06 ERA. In all of Felix's 8 starts he's gone at least 6 innings, 5 starts of 7 or more innings, and 4 starts of 8 innings. Felix has shown that he is worth the money the Mariners are paying him for the next 7 years and he is also showing us that he wants more Cy Young awards and is doing his best to get us into the playoffs.
Felix is also averaging 7 strikeouts a start this year. Ok now how bout I talk about Iwakuma? Iwakuma has been amazing for the Mariners since last year, he started the 2012 year in the bullpen but was able to work his way in the starting role and since then he has done nothing but dominate. In 8 starts this year Iwakuma is 4-1 with 51 strikeouts with a 1.74 ERA. Iwakuma has been nothing but Cy Young material just as much as Felix and I have to say that Felix and Hisashi have to be the most deadly 1-2 pitchers in baseball.
Ok now lets get off the stats and get down to business (with some stats in between). Over the last 6 years the Mariners have a record of 22-35 against the Yankees and only have one .500 record year against them. If the Mariners are going to win this series against the Yankees there are a few things the M's must do. 1) Give their pitchers run support, 2) Hit with runners in scoring position, 3) Starting pitchers have to keep the Yankees in the yard, and 4) Score first and score big. The Mariners the past 5 games are batting .212 with runners in scoring position. Although in this previous series with the Athletics the Mariners batted .272 with runners in scoring position, so they are getting better but lets just hope they keep that momentum going into New York.
The Yankees have been plagued with injuries this year, with Curtis Granderson, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeria, Joba Chamberlain, Michael Pineda, and Kevin Youkilis still out the Yankees have still manage to post a 24-14 record. The Yankees have also manage to bang out 47 homeruns as well, with 10 coming off Robinson Cano's bat, the Mariners pitching have to keep Cano's bat under control in this series. Vernon Wells has also provided some power by hitting 9 and getting his career back on track.
If the Mariners also would like to win not only the series but sweep the Yankees then the M's big bats have to keep up with hitting well. Michael Saunders, Kyle Seager, and Kendrys Morales have been providing plenty of offense to the lineup. Mike Morse's bat has to wake up and he has to hit a few of those homeruns he hit to start off his year. Morse hasn't hit a homerun since the 1st of May, which incidentally is ironic because the day before he hit a homerun as well. With this huge series coming up for the Mariners if they manage to take 2 out of three from the Yankees will keep them 1 game under .500 and if they manage to earn a sweep of the Bronx Bombers they will be a game over .500 and depending on how the Athletics do take over second place.
Now before I end this blog I will say this like I said in my last blog if Brendan Ryan doesn't pick up his hitting his chances of staying with the Mariners or finding another job might be in jeopardy.
Felix is also averaging 7 strikeouts a start this year. Ok now how bout I talk about Iwakuma? Iwakuma has been amazing for the Mariners since last year, he started the 2012 year in the bullpen but was able to work his way in the starting role and since then he has done nothing but dominate. In 8 starts this year Iwakuma is 4-1 with 51 strikeouts with a 1.74 ERA. Iwakuma has been nothing but Cy Young material just as much as Felix and I have to say that Felix and Hisashi have to be the most deadly 1-2 pitchers in baseball.
Ok now lets get off the stats and get down to business (with some stats in between). Over the last 6 years the Mariners have a record of 22-35 against the Yankees and only have one .500 record year against them. If the Mariners are going to win this series against the Yankees there are a few things the M's must do. 1) Give their pitchers run support, 2) Hit with runners in scoring position, 3) Starting pitchers have to keep the Yankees in the yard, and 4) Score first and score big. The Mariners the past 5 games are batting .212 with runners in scoring position. Although in this previous series with the Athletics the Mariners batted .272 with runners in scoring position, so they are getting better but lets just hope they keep that momentum going into New York.
The Yankees have been plagued with injuries this year, with Curtis Granderson, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeria, Joba Chamberlain, Michael Pineda, and Kevin Youkilis still out the Yankees have still manage to post a 24-14 record. The Yankees have also manage to bang out 47 homeruns as well, with 10 coming off Robinson Cano's bat, the Mariners pitching have to keep Cano's bat under control in this series. Vernon Wells has also provided some power by hitting 9 and getting his career back on track.
If the Mariners also would like to win not only the series but sweep the Yankees then the M's big bats have to keep up with hitting well. Michael Saunders, Kyle Seager, and Kendrys Morales have been providing plenty of offense to the lineup. Mike Morse's bat has to wake up and he has to hit a few of those homeruns he hit to start off his year. Morse hasn't hit a homerun since the 1st of May, which incidentally is ironic because the day before he hit a homerun as well. With this huge series coming up for the Mariners if they manage to take 2 out of three from the Yankees will keep them 1 game under .500 and if they manage to earn a sweep of the Bronx Bombers they will be a game over .500 and depending on how the Athletics do take over second place.
Now before I end this blog I will say this like I said in my last blog if Brendan Ryan doesn't pick up his hitting his chances of staying with the Mariners or finding another job might be in jeopardy.
Ryan and Andino have got to go
After Sunday's win Erik Wedge was questioned about both Brendan Ryan poor batting average, which was sunk down to .122. Wedge's response was typical "I just think once we get everybody else going, he'll come along and be better himself," Wedge said. "The difference he makes is real. But he's not the difference between us being a good offensive club and not. That's where people put their focus in the wrong direction." He's not going to be the difference maker [offensively]. The difference maker is everybody else. He needs to be a contributor. But where he's a difference maker is defensively. And when you have players who are difference makers, you keep them. Whether it be offensively, defensively, on the base paths, starting pitching, bullpen, whatever it may be. He's a difference maker defensively. We need everybody else offensively to do their job and for him to be a contributor."
Yeah, you know I really hate to......wait no I don't, Wedge get over your self! Ryan is one of the worst hitters that I have ever seen in baseball. Over Brendan Ryan's career he has batted .292/.223/.248/.194 and of course this year he is batting .122. In his last 6 games he has gone 0-15. Now I have to tell you guys, Robert Andino is no different he's got to go to. Look I don't care that Ryan's career fielding percentage is .927, when you cant hit the broad side of a barn you have no place in the majors. I mean Nick Franklin and Carlos Triunfel have been tearing the cover off the ball in Triple A Tacoma and Wedge continues to make excuses for lack of progress and poor batting.
I don't know when Franklin or Triunfel will be called up but this is coming from one Mariners fan to another that it has to be soon. If I was to ask 100 Mariners fans if they would like to see Ryan and Andino go and see Franklin and Triunfel called up I bet the at least 70% of the fans will say they want Franklin and Triunfel up. If you look at both Franklin and Triunfel these kids are terrific at the shortstop position and both present power to the lineup as well.
Now this blog gets posted to both my Twitter and Facebook account and this message is to all my followers and friends that read my blog; RT this blog if you agree and favorite to disagree with me. Seriously Wedge has to quit making excuses for Ryan and Andino and do something about the shortstop situation. Now one more thing who would you like batting if the Mariners make the playoffs? The pathetic Brendan Ryan who's only purpose is making Gold Glove plays and being an embarrassment to himself as a major league hitter or Nick Franklin who has a great glove at shortstop and who can hit the ball a mile away?
Man this is such a tough choice, man I guess I'll take the kid who can play shortstop and hit for power instead of the washed up MLB player. Now this is just a blog so I have no power over what Eric Wedge does, but you know and I know that Brendan Ryan is hitting so bad that by the end of the year (if he plays the rest of the year) will end up with a batting average bellow .100 and Wedge has got to see that if he would like to make the playoffs.
Yeah, you know I really hate to......wait no I don't, Wedge get over your self! Ryan is one of the worst hitters that I have ever seen in baseball. Over Brendan Ryan's career he has batted .292/.223/.248/.194 and of course this year he is batting .122. In his last 6 games he has gone 0-15. Now I have to tell you guys, Robert Andino is no different he's got to go to. Look I don't care that Ryan's career fielding percentage is .927, when you cant hit the broad side of a barn you have no place in the majors. I mean Nick Franklin and Carlos Triunfel have been tearing the cover off the ball in Triple A Tacoma and Wedge continues to make excuses for lack of progress and poor batting.
I don't know when Franklin or Triunfel will be called up but this is coming from one Mariners fan to another that it has to be soon. If I was to ask 100 Mariners fans if they would like to see Ryan and Andino go and see Franklin and Triunfel called up I bet the at least 70% of the fans will say they want Franklin and Triunfel up. If you look at both Franklin and Triunfel these kids are terrific at the shortstop position and both present power to the lineup as well.
Now this blog gets posted to both my Twitter and Facebook account and this message is to all my followers and friends that read my blog; RT this blog if you agree and favorite to disagree with me. Seriously Wedge has to quit making excuses for Ryan and Andino and do something about the shortstop situation. Now one more thing who would you like batting if the Mariners make the playoffs? The pathetic Brendan Ryan who's only purpose is making Gold Glove plays and being an embarrassment to himself as a major league hitter or Nick Franklin who has a great glove at shortstop and who can hit the ball a mile away?
Man this is such a tough choice, man I guess I'll take the kid who can play shortstop and hit for power instead of the washed up MLB player. Now this is just a blog so I have no power over what Eric Wedge does, but you know and I know that Brendan Ryan is hitting so bad that by the end of the year (if he plays the rest of the year) will end up with a batting average bellow .100 and Wedge has got to see that if he would like to make the playoffs.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Mother's Day beating by the Mariners
Last night I completely forgot to write the recap on the Mariners loss to the Athletics. Last night's loss was embarrassing, the fact of the matter is that the home plate ump played a part in the A's win. Home plate umpire Alfonso Marquez called a ball that was up in the zone a strike after that Kyle Seager grounded out to end the ball game. This call came with 2 runners on and on a 3-0 count, if the call would have been reversed the Mariners would have loaded the bases for Kendrys Morales, but instead Seager grounded out and the A's won 4-3. Well, now we move on to today. Before first pitch the Mariners have yet to lose a series since they lost 2 out of three to the Houston Astros on April 22-24. Safeco Joe Saunders entered today's game for his 13th start at Safeco Field where he still holds an unbeaten record with a 8-0 record with a 1.75 ERA. Saunders started off today's Mother's Day edition of Mariners baseball by going 1-2-3 in front of a crowd of 27,599 fans. In the three game series against the A's 25,000+ have turned up to watch their Mariners......now that's what I love seeing! None of this 15,000 fans or 9,853 fans, its awesome that 27,000+ turned up.
Now back to the game, the Mariners were looking to get over the past nights loss in which they hit 1-6 with runners in scoring position, so they were looking to get over that and start fresh today. Well, they did just that, as Michael Saunders got things started off by ripping a single into left field, Kyle Seager, who has been one of the most patient hitters the Mariners have had this season, drew a walk to bring up Kendrys Morales. Morales decided that he'll make his team 1-1 with hitting with runners in scoring position by ripping one into the Athletics bullpen and giving the Mariners the early 3-0 lead. Safeco Joe had a rough second inning by giving up two doubles and one the second double John Donaldson scored and the A's got their first run on the board. After Derek Norris singled, Nate Freiman grounded out to Brendan Ryan and thanks to some quick thinking by Ryan, he threw out Luke Montz out at home plate. Saunders then struck out Brandon Moss and got Michael Taylor to pop out to end the inning for the Athletics and erasing a huge threat.
Mike Morse got the bottom of the fourth inning started off by lining a double into left center field. Justin Smoak was able to move Morse over after grounding out to Jed Lowrie, following Smoak's ground ball Jesus Montero improved the Mariners RISP for the day to 2-3 as he lined a base hit to left field scoring Morse from third and the Mariners took a 4-1 lead. After Montero, Robert Andino and Brendan Ryan continued to struggle batting wise as both flied out to end the bottom of the fourth inning. The bottom of the fifth saw the Mariners scoring another run. Michael Saunders started things off by bunting himself on first. Saunders then showed just how fast he is, on a single by Jason Bay Saunders advanced to third on a bang bang play. Kyle Seager was able to score Saunders on a sacrifice fly and put the Mariners lead up to 5-1.
The Mariners added one more run in the bottom of the seventh inning as Jason Bay hit a long one out homerun for his fourth HR of the season and the Mariners lead increased to 6-1.
The Mariners bullpen finished the game off for Joe Saunders. Yoenis Medina and Oliver Perez were able to finish off the Athletics. Medina came into the top of the seventh and was able to get Yoenis Cesepedes to ground into an inning ending double play. Medina would then have an easy 1-2-3 top of the eighth inning. Perez came into the top of the ninth inning and struck out the side 1-2-3. With this win Joe Saunders now is 9-0 lifetime at Safeco Field. The Mariners now improved to 18-20 and are only a half game behind the Oakland Athletics for second place, six and a half games out of first place, and are four games out of the first and second Wild Card spot.
The Mariners get another off day tomorrow as they travel to the Bronx to face the aging, yet power hitting New York Yankees. Felix Hernandez will start game 1 of the 3 game series and go against C.C. Sabathia, Hisashi Iwakuma will go against Phil Hughes in game 2, and finally Aaron Harang will go against Andy Pettitte. All of these games will be huge not only for the Mariners starters but also the batters.
NOTES: Brendan Ryan went 0-4 lowering his batting average down to .122 and Robert Andino went 0-3 and lowered his batting average down to .159. Mike Morse had 2 hits for the first time in 9 games. Michael Saunders was able to break out of his 0-fer by going 2-4 scoring twice and raising his batting average to .286.
Now back to the game, the Mariners were looking to get over the past nights loss in which they hit 1-6 with runners in scoring position, so they were looking to get over that and start fresh today. Well, they did just that, as Michael Saunders got things started off by ripping a single into left field, Kyle Seager, who has been one of the most patient hitters the Mariners have had this season, drew a walk to bring up Kendrys Morales. Morales decided that he'll make his team 1-1 with hitting with runners in scoring position by ripping one into the Athletics bullpen and giving the Mariners the early 3-0 lead. Safeco Joe had a rough second inning by giving up two doubles and one the second double John Donaldson scored and the A's got their first run on the board. After Derek Norris singled, Nate Freiman grounded out to Brendan Ryan and thanks to some quick thinking by Ryan, he threw out Luke Montz out at home plate. Saunders then struck out Brandon Moss and got Michael Taylor to pop out to end the inning for the Athletics and erasing a huge threat.
Mike Morse got the bottom of the fourth inning started off by lining a double into left center field. Justin Smoak was able to move Morse over after grounding out to Jed Lowrie, following Smoak's ground ball Jesus Montero improved the Mariners RISP for the day to 2-3 as he lined a base hit to left field scoring Morse from third and the Mariners took a 4-1 lead. After Montero, Robert Andino and Brendan Ryan continued to struggle batting wise as both flied out to end the bottom of the fourth inning. The bottom of the fifth saw the Mariners scoring another run. Michael Saunders started things off by bunting himself on first. Saunders then showed just how fast he is, on a single by Jason Bay Saunders advanced to third on a bang bang play. Kyle Seager was able to score Saunders on a sacrifice fly and put the Mariners lead up to 5-1.
The Mariners added one more run in the bottom of the seventh inning as Jason Bay hit a long one out homerun for his fourth HR of the season and the Mariners lead increased to 6-1.
The Mariners bullpen finished the game off for Joe Saunders. Yoenis Medina and Oliver Perez were able to finish off the Athletics. Medina came into the top of the seventh and was able to get Yoenis Cesepedes to ground into an inning ending double play. Medina would then have an easy 1-2-3 top of the eighth inning. Perez came into the top of the ninth inning and struck out the side 1-2-3. With this win Joe Saunders now is 9-0 lifetime at Safeco Field. The Mariners now improved to 18-20 and are only a half game behind the Oakland Athletics for second place, six and a half games out of first place, and are four games out of the first and second Wild Card spot.
The Mariners get another off day tomorrow as they travel to the Bronx to face the aging, yet power hitting New York Yankees. Felix Hernandez will start game 1 of the 3 game series and go against C.C. Sabathia, Hisashi Iwakuma will go against Phil Hughes in game 2, and finally Aaron Harang will go against Andy Pettitte. All of these games will be huge not only for the Mariners starters but also the batters.
NOTES: Brendan Ryan went 0-4 lowering his batting average down to .122 and Robert Andino went 0-3 and lowered his batting average down to .159. Mike Morse had 2 hits for the first time in 9 games. Michael Saunders was able to break out of his 0-fer by going 2-4 scoring twice and raising his batting average to .286.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
IwaKKKKKKKKKuma takes care of the A's
The Oakland A's came into Seattle for a three game series with the M's and taking the mound in game one was Hisashi Iwakuma. Iwakuma came into last nights game just 1 point above Felix Hernandez. Iwakuma started off the game on the right pace, after John Jaso lead off with a single he got Seth Smith out by getting him to fly out, Jed Lowrie to ground out, and striking out Yoenis Cespedes. The Mariners were able to get to A's starter Dan Straily early, Kyle Seager was able to draw a walk and Kendrys Morales singled to put runners at the corners with only one out; Mike Morse, who has been struggling with hitting not only with runners in scoring position but hitting period, hit a shot up the middle to drive in Seager so the Mariners took the early 1-0 lead. Justin Smoak then hit a rocket down the right field and Morales was able to score and put the Mariners up 2-0, the Mariners were able not only to get to Straily early but they made him throw 29 pitches in the first inning. Iwakuma dominated the A's through the first 3 innings by retiring the next 9 hittiers after Jaso lead off with a single.
In the bottom of the 3rd Seager lead off the inning off with a single, after Morales and Morse failed to get on base Justin Smoak was able to draw a walk, Raul Ibanez was put into the lineup last night to get some swings in. Well, Ibanez took his swing to the seats into right field. The Mariners now gave Iwakuma a 5-0 lead. After that Iwakuma was lights out only allowing 2 runs and striking out 9 Athletics. Oliver Perez came in and gave up an extra run in the top of the eighth and in the top of the ninth Tom Wilhelmsen walked back onto Safeco Field to Jimmy Hendrix Voodoo Child, after that he went 1-2-3 and got his 10th save of the year and lowered his ERA down to 0.56. Iwakuma's ERA jumped up 1.74.
NOTES: Michael Saunders went 0-4 in last nights game.
In the bottom of the 3rd Seager lead off the inning off with a single, after Morales and Morse failed to get on base Justin Smoak was able to draw a walk, Raul Ibanez was put into the lineup last night to get some swings in. Well, Ibanez took his swing to the seats into right field. The Mariners now gave Iwakuma a 5-0 lead. After that Iwakuma was lights out only allowing 2 runs and striking out 9 Athletics. Oliver Perez came in and gave up an extra run in the top of the eighth and in the top of the ninth Tom Wilhelmsen walked back onto Safeco Field to Jimmy Hendrix Voodoo Child, after that he went 1-2-3 and got his 10th save of the year and lowered his ERA down to 0.56. Iwakuma's ERA jumped up 1.74.
NOTES: Michael Saunders went 0-4 in last nights game.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Flashback Friday: A Sonics finale
So the year is 2008, and for most of the basketball year myself and other Seattle Sonics fans have been in suspense for the most of the year. The reason why is because the new owner of the Sonics and a full time Nazi Clay Bennett was trying to relocate the team to his home of Oklahoma City. The city of Seattle wouldn't give out the money to build the new arena for the team but the fans were gathering and chanting "Save Our Sonics! Save Our Sonics! Save Our Sonics!". I went to 10
Sonics games that year and during that year I actually met the greatest Seattle fan Big Lo (BigLo66). Now during the 2007-08 Sonics season was one to forget, but the good news was that Kevin Durant was making a name for himself.
The Sonics though did not play the greatest season ever going 20-62 for the whole season. But that's not the point of this flashback Friday blog, the point of this blog was the last Seattle Sonics home game I ever went to was the final and last one. Now the 10 games I went to that year were very memorable. The first game I went to the Sonics lost by 2 points to the Utah Jazz after Carlos Boozer made a 17 footer with 17 seconds left. Next game I went to they won their first home game against the Indiana Pacers as Kevin Durant put down 35 in a 95-93 win.
Ok I've told you the first two games that I went to, now lets get to the final game. I bought my ticket and decided that after this game, win or lose, I would save the ticket, because I knew that this would probably be the last home game that the Sonics will ever play at KeyArena. Before the game began I decided to head to the team store and with only $100 in my pocket that my parents gave me.......well ok I basically coned them by asking them both for $50. Anyways I headed to the Team Store knowing that I had to grab some gear before the game and before the team moved to Oklahoma City.
I was able to grab a Sonics hat, a Ray Allen jersey, and a Rashard Lewis jersey. Now how much did I pay you ask, only $46.86 not bad for a hat and two jerseys huh? Well after that I grabbed a quick slice a pizza and then headed down to the court to try and get some autographs......didn't really work out for me but I did manage to have a cool chat with Luke Ridnour but for some reason I forgot to ask him to sign my basketball. So after all the exciting pre game stuff I did I headed to my seat and I actually sat in the same spot I sat in the last win, which was only 7 days ago when the Sonics won 151-147 in overtime.
So after all the pre game rituals tipoff began and the Dallas Mavericks took the first quarter easily outscoring the Sonics 26-19. Now the Sonics took the second quarter with Jeff Green scoring 7 points and Damien Wilkins scored all 12 of his points as well. The Sonics came out of the locker room and again outscored the Mavs 31-27 and lead 81-78. Now during most of that season whenever the Sonics had the lead going into the 4th quarter they found someway to blow the lead and lose the game. This game was different both teams didn't shoot well in the fourth quarter but in the final minute of the final Sonics home game, the crowd of 16,272 including myself got up and started chanting, Save Our Sonics, Save Our Sonics, Save Our Sonics. The final buzzer sounded and after that the Sonics waved their final goodbye's to the fans and the city of Seattle and traveled to Golden State and won their final game in franchise history 126-121 on Kevin Durant's then career high 42 points.
Since then the KeyArena has only been home to the Storm and lets face it......who cares about the WNBA anymore? Seattle fans have been without a team since 08 but Chris Hansen continues to give the Seattle faithful hope as he put down another $75 million today on the Sacramento Kings. So when will we see the Sonics play again in Seattle? Only time will tell.
Sonics games that year and during that year I actually met the greatest Seattle fan Big Lo (BigLo66). Now during the 2007-08 Sonics season was one to forget, but the good news was that Kevin Durant was making a name for himself.
The Sonics though did not play the greatest season ever going 20-62 for the whole season. But that's not the point of this flashback Friday blog, the point of this blog was the last Seattle Sonics home game I ever went to was the final and last one. Now the 10 games I went to that year were very memorable. The first game I went to the Sonics lost by 2 points to the Utah Jazz after Carlos Boozer made a 17 footer with 17 seconds left. Next game I went to they won their first home game against the Indiana Pacers as Kevin Durant put down 35 in a 95-93 win.
Ok I've told you the first two games that I went to, now lets get to the final game. I bought my ticket and decided that after this game, win or lose, I would save the ticket, because I knew that this would probably be the last home game that the Sonics will ever play at KeyArena. Before the game began I decided to head to the team store and with only $100 in my pocket that my parents gave me.......well ok I basically coned them by asking them both for $50. Anyways I headed to the Team Store knowing that I had to grab some gear before the game and before the team moved to Oklahoma City.
I was able to grab a Sonics hat, a Ray Allen jersey, and a Rashard Lewis jersey. Now how much did I pay you ask, only $46.86 not bad for a hat and two jerseys huh? Well after that I grabbed a quick slice a pizza and then headed down to the court to try and get some autographs......didn't really work out for me but I did manage to have a cool chat with Luke Ridnour but for some reason I forgot to ask him to sign my basketball. So after all the exciting pre game stuff I did I headed to my seat and I actually sat in the same spot I sat in the last win, which was only 7 days ago when the Sonics won 151-147 in overtime.
So after all the pre game rituals tipoff began and the Dallas Mavericks took the first quarter easily outscoring the Sonics 26-19. Now the Sonics took the second quarter with Jeff Green scoring 7 points and Damien Wilkins scored all 12 of his points as well. The Sonics came out of the locker room and again outscored the Mavs 31-27 and lead 81-78. Now during most of that season whenever the Sonics had the lead going into the 4th quarter they found someway to blow the lead and lose the game. This game was different both teams didn't shoot well in the fourth quarter but in the final minute of the final Sonics home game, the crowd of 16,272 including myself got up and started chanting, Save Our Sonics, Save Our Sonics, Save Our Sonics. The final buzzer sounded and after that the Sonics waved their final goodbye's to the fans and the city of Seattle and traveled to Golden State and won their final game in franchise history 126-121 on Kevin Durant's then career high 42 points.
Since then the KeyArena has only been home to the Storm and lets face it......who cares about the WNBA anymore? Seattle fans have been without a team since 08 but Chris Hansen continues to give the Seattle faithful hope as he put down another $75 million today on the Sacramento Kings. So when will we see the Sonics play again in Seattle? Only time will tell.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Felix sinks the Pirates ship
Well Felix Hernandez took the mound for the Mariners today. Now when Felix takes the mound in interleague play I am always reminded of 5 years ago when Felix took Johan Santana deep for his first homerun and grand slam of his career. Felix went against the A.J. Burnett and both pitchers were ready to go. Here on the west coast I had to wake up early that way I could watch the 9 AM start time. A.J. Burnett came out dealing as he struck out the 2 out of the first 3 batters, Felix didn't have an easy first inning as Burnett did. Starling Marte lead off the bottom of the first by doubling to left field then after that Andrew McCutchen burned Mariners pitching staff again with his 5th straight hit to drive in Marte and give the Pirates the early 1-0 lead. Burnett went 1-2-3 in both the second and third inning while striking out five batters. After the first inning Felix was the same way having easy innings.
The top of the fourth inning the Mariners finally got to Burnett. Michael Saunders got the inning started by becoming the first base runner of the game for the M's by walking, he then advanced to second base on a wild pitch by Burnett. Jason Bay then walked bringing up Kyle Seager, who is always great in a clutch situation, but not this time, Burnett got Seager looking for the first out of the inning. Kendrys Morales grounded out to move Bay and Saunders over and on another wild pitch Saunders was able to score easily and the Mariners tied the game at 1-1 without even getting a hit in the fourth. Felix continued to dominate the Pirates by pitching extremely well. Felix got into a jam in the fifth, Jordy Mercer got the inning started by doubling to left and following that Clint Barmes was able to fly out and advance Mercer to third, but thankfully Felix was able to get out of the jam by striking out A.J. Burnett and Starling Marte.
In the top half of the seventh Jesus Montero helped out Felix by hitting a big fly to center field and giving the Mariners the 2-1 lead. Felix was able to finish 8 strong innings and got one more at bat and then in the bottom of the ninth inning Tom "The Bartender" Wilhelmsen came in to shut the door and close the game for Felix and the Mariners. Wilhelmsen had an easy inning and earned his ninth save of the year and securing Felix's fifth win of the season as well. The Mariners improve back to 3 games under .500 at 16-19 and will take tomorrow off and come home and play the Oakland A's for a three game series.......im sure @Shakabrodie is going to watch that series with interest. With this win Felix moves into second place in the MLB in wins with 5, 2nd in ERA with a 1.53, fourth in the MLB in strikeouts with 56, and finally 5th in WHIP with a 0.90.
NOTES: The only note I have is that the M's need to work on their hitting as they went 3-30 today.
The top of the fourth inning the Mariners finally got to Burnett. Michael Saunders got the inning started by becoming the first base runner of the game for the M's by walking, he then advanced to second base on a wild pitch by Burnett. Jason Bay then walked bringing up Kyle Seager, who is always great in a clutch situation, but not this time, Burnett got Seager looking for the first out of the inning. Kendrys Morales grounded out to move Bay and Saunders over and on another wild pitch Saunders was able to score easily and the Mariners tied the game at 1-1 without even getting a hit in the fourth. Felix continued to dominate the Pirates by pitching extremely well. Felix got into a jam in the fifth, Jordy Mercer got the inning started by doubling to left and following that Clint Barmes was able to fly out and advance Mercer to third, but thankfully Felix was able to get out of the jam by striking out A.J. Burnett and Starling Marte.
In the top half of the seventh Jesus Montero helped out Felix by hitting a big fly to center field and giving the Mariners the 2-1 lead. Felix was able to finish 8 strong innings and got one more at bat and then in the bottom of the ninth inning Tom "The Bartender" Wilhelmsen came in to shut the door and close the game for Felix and the Mariners. Wilhelmsen had an easy inning and earned his ninth save of the year and securing Felix's fifth win of the season as well. The Mariners improve back to 3 games under .500 at 16-19 and will take tomorrow off and come home and play the Oakland A's for a three game series.......im sure @Shakabrodie is going to watch that series with interest. With this win Felix moves into second place in the MLB in wins with 5, 2nd in ERA with a 1.53, fourth in the MLB in strikeouts with 56, and finally 5th in WHIP with a 0.90.
NOTES: The only note I have is that the M's need to work on their hitting as they went 3-30 today.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
The good, the bad, and the really ugly!
Well Aaron Harang took the mound tonight against the Pittsburgh Pirates and they got to him early in the game. The Pirates lead off the game with 3 straight hits. Starling Marte lead off with a check swing infield single after beating Harang to first base. After that both Travis Snider and Andrew McCutchen doubled home a run and the Pirates took the 2-0 lead. Harang was able to get out of the inning by getting the next three batters out. The Mariners couldn't figure out Jeanmar Gomez or the rest of the Pittsburgh pitching staff. Mike Morse once again couldn't get ahold of anything as he struck out three times in four at bats and Brendan Ryan continued his hitless streak and went 0-2. The Mariners did however get a run in the top half of the seventh inning when Raul Ibanez hit a pinch hit double that scored Dustin Ackley. The Pirates got two extra runs in the bottom of the eighth and then Jason Grilli came in and got his major league leading 13th save of the year.
Now that's not the blog, as the title does say I'm going to be talking about the good, the bad, and the ugly. First off I'm going to save the good for the last so I'll start with the bad. The bad is both Mike Morse and Brendan Ryan. Mike Morse continues to struggles and reminds us all of Richie Sexson. In his last 3 games he is 0-10 with 3 strikeouts. Morse has struck out now 34 times this season which means he strikes out at least once every game and has lowered his batting average to .226. When he started out he was hitting over .300 and hitting like crazy, now he is the new Richie Sexson for the Mariners. Before the beginning of the season Morse said he was the savior for the Mariners........yeah I'm not seeing that, what I'm seeing is Richie Sexson but with more head and facial hair. Now the ugly. The ugly is Brendan Ryan, in his last 10 games he is 3-30, which means he's been batting .100! Ok I don't know why Eric Wedge keeps putting up with him? Yes he has a great glove but come on a .137 batting average?! I mean Chone Figgins could hit better then that!
Now before I get to the good lets go through some options Eric Wedge has. Now for the pitching staff I think Wedge really needs to look at calling up Jeremy Bonderman. I say that because the Mariners 3-4-5 guys are just not cutting it. Their combined average ERA is 6.96. To tell you the truth Bonderman, Danny Hultzen, and Andrew Carraway are great examples of good call ups. Now for the shortstop position only two stick out, Carlos Triunfel and Nick Franklin. Well, now that that's done I'll get to the good in this blog. If you didn't watch today's game then you missed one of the Mariners and Seahawks best fans at the game, CBS News Pittsburgh journalist Tim Williams (@12thmanTim). The last good of this blog was that @FanzoFans ranked yours truly the 47th best Mariners fan out of thousand's of other fans!
Tomorrow's starters for the Mariners will be the great King Felix and will go against the NL strikeout leader A.J. Burnett.
Now that's not the blog, as the title does say I'm going to be talking about the good, the bad, and the ugly. First off I'm going to save the good for the last so I'll start with the bad. The bad is both Mike Morse and Brendan Ryan. Mike Morse continues to struggles and reminds us all of Richie Sexson. In his last 3 games he is 0-10 with 3 strikeouts. Morse has struck out now 34 times this season which means he strikes out at least once every game and has lowered his batting average to .226. When he started out he was hitting over .300 and hitting like crazy, now he is the new Richie Sexson for the Mariners. Before the beginning of the season Morse said he was the savior for the Mariners........yeah I'm not seeing that, what I'm seeing is Richie Sexson but with more head and facial hair. Now the ugly. The ugly is Brendan Ryan, in his last 10 games he is 3-30, which means he's been batting .100! Ok I don't know why Eric Wedge keeps putting up with him? Yes he has a great glove but come on a .137 batting average?! I mean Chone Figgins could hit better then that!
Now before I get to the good lets go through some options Eric Wedge has. Now for the pitching staff I think Wedge really needs to look at calling up Jeremy Bonderman. I say that because the Mariners 3-4-5 guys are just not cutting it. Their combined average ERA is 6.96. To tell you the truth Bonderman, Danny Hultzen, and Andrew Carraway are great examples of good call ups. Now for the shortstop position only two stick out, Carlos Triunfel and Nick Franklin. Well, now that that's done I'll get to the good in this blog. If you didn't watch today's game then you missed one of the Mariners and Seahawks best fans at the game, CBS News Pittsburgh journalist Tim Williams (@12thmanTim). The last good of this blog was that @FanzoFans ranked yours truly the 47th best Mariners fan out of thousand's of other fans!
Tomorrow's starters for the Mariners will be the great King Felix and will go against the NL strikeout leader A.J. Burnett.
Who's going to be called up?
Well so far in this young Seattle Mariners season there have been a lot of questions, but the biggest questions have been; When will we see our prospects get the call up? Well here's the thing the kids may be showing signs of major league readiness but you don't want to call up kids too early. For a good example of when the Mariners called up Brandon Morrow the year after he was in the minors. He did impressively well 3-4 with a 4.12 ERA in 60 games and he set the club record for rookies in holds with 18. The next year Morrow would go 3-4 with 10 saves and finished with a 3.34 ERA. In his last year with the Mariners he went 2-4 with a 4.39 ERA. Not a bad first 3 years for getting the call up huh? Well, this year the Mariners might be calling up a shortstop and a catcher. The reason I say that is because both Brendan Ryan and Robert Andino have not been producing or hitting well, Ryan is batting a pathetic .141 not great. Andino is hitting .169 since being in the lineup almost everyday. So when is Eric Wedge's patience going to run out on these two terrible hitters?
Wedge has some great shortstops to choose from in Triple A Tacoma. He has Nick Franklin and Carlos Truinfel. Franklin has played 23 games for the Rainiers and has hit .325 with 6 doubles, 3 homeruns, .518 slugging percentage, and 28 hits. Truinfel has played in 31 games while hitting .311 with 10 doubles, 3 homeruns, .500 slugging percentage, and 38 hits. These guys would be excellent call ups to replace Ryan and Andino. Now its not yet known if these guys will be brought up to replace Ryan and Andino but the other position that is of concern is the catcher position. Jesus Montero has been struggling with not only hitting (.203) but in fielding. I hate to say it but Montero is one of the worst catchers I have seen. He has yet to throw out a runner stealing a base (0-15). So unless you have a broken leg you wont be thrown out by Montero. Now Mike Zunino is the fan favorite to get the call up but he has been struggling to hit after a hot start. He is hitting .195 with 5 homeruns, and 29 RBIs along with 2 triples. Most of those stats came in the first 8 games of the season.
So I have given all of my opinions on the catcher and shortstop problems the Mariners are having. Along with myself and the other Mariners fans are waiting for Wedge to make the decision to call these players up and probably add a little more power and hitting to the lineup.
Wedge has some great shortstops to choose from in Triple A Tacoma. He has Nick Franklin and Carlos Truinfel. Franklin has played 23 games for the Rainiers and has hit .325 with 6 doubles, 3 homeruns, .518 slugging percentage, and 28 hits. Truinfel has played in 31 games while hitting .311 with 10 doubles, 3 homeruns, .500 slugging percentage, and 38 hits. These guys would be excellent call ups to replace Ryan and Andino. Now its not yet known if these guys will be brought up to replace Ryan and Andino but the other position that is of concern is the catcher position. Jesus Montero has been struggling with not only hitting (.203) but in fielding. I hate to say it but Montero is one of the worst catchers I have seen. He has yet to throw out a runner stealing a base (0-15). So unless you have a broken leg you wont be thrown out by Montero. Now Mike Zunino is the fan favorite to get the call up but he has been struggling to hit after a hot start. He is hitting .195 with 5 homeruns, and 29 RBIs along with 2 triples. Most of those stats came in the first 8 games of the season.
So I have given all of my opinions on the catcher and shortstop problems the Mariners are having. Along with myself and the other Mariners fans are waiting for Wedge to make the decision to call these players up and probably add a little more power and hitting to the lineup.
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About Me
Im a huge Seattle sports nut. Thats basically about me. But im an upcoming blogger who writes only about the Mariners, Seahawks, Sounders, and when they come back the Sonics. Now if you would like me to write about something tweet me and i will write it. Now i should mark that im also Irish and have a beard that is feared above Brian Wilson's beard. His beard can kiss my beard's ass!