April 9; Two In a Row

The M's made it two in a row with their 7-1 win over the Rays. Some solid starting pitching combining with a strong offensive output, and more importantly a mistake free bullpen.

Boxscore.

Game Notes

Jarrod Washburn pitched seven innings, his only blemish being an RBI double to Justin Ruggiano in the third inning. Washburn gave up six hits and walked one, while fanning a pair of Rays. Ryan Rowland-Smith came in and pitched a one hit eighth, striking out one as well. Sean Green had the same line as RRS in his ninth inning appearence.

The offense came out and took the Rays' pitching deep twice. Beltre with a solo shot, and Burke with a three run bomb. Ichiro hit his first two bagger of the season. He finished 1-5 on the day. Beltre went 2-5 with the homerun mentioned. Jamie Burke had a solid day at the plate going 2-3 while driving in three and scoring two. He also drew a walk. Richie Sexson's line really takes away from what was a solid offensive showing throughout the lineup. The Big Strikeout went 0-4, and scored a couple runs on a walk. He struck out three times. Another three K's for Sexson. If he had a hit or two, or atleast a couple RBI's, I'd look past that atrocious stat. Jose Lopez stole his second base of the season.

Miguel Batista will take the mound in the final game of this three game set tomorrow against Edwin Jackson.

Mariners Finally Win

Wow. Finally the Mariners pulled their heads out, and W-O-N.


Boxscore.


Game Notes


What a difference one game makes. I'm still somewhat skeptical though. I have to keep reminding myself that it's only just over a week in to the season.


Erik Bedard came out, well pitching. Six innings of work, 3 earned runs, 5 runs allowed. Five hits, four BB's. Roy Corcoran came in and pitched 1.1 innings of scoreless work, allowing only one hit and walked one. He also had a pair of strikeouts. His ERA is still 0.00. Ryan Rowland-Smith cam in and finished off the 1.2 innings to get his first save of the season. He had a couple of strikeouts.


Ichiro went 3-5 and scored a pair of runs. Jose Lopez also went 3-5 and scored once, and drove in one. Richie Sexson went 2-4 and brought in three, and DIDN'T STRIKEOUT. Yuni went 2-4 and scored twice. Adrian Beltre went 1-5, and left 7 men on base.

Atleast the boys came out and gave it a good effort. A much needed win, and momentum boost going in to tomorrow's game.

Series Preview: M's @ Rays; 4/8-10/08

Time for a bounce back after a terrible series. Interesting stat: The Orioles are 6-1 and the Marienrs are 2-5 (before today).

Projected Starters:
4/08 - Erik Bedard vs. Matt Garza
4/09 - Jarrod Washburn vs. Andy Sonnanstine
4/10 - Miguel Batista vs. Edwin Jackson

Keys to the Series

Get Over It
The M's have to keep a short memory, and start over again. Maybe we could give them all concussions to forget their most recent memories.

DON'T Take a Breather
The Mariners can't go in to Tampa and think 'let's take it easy because this team sucks'. The Rays have a talented team, that is very energetic. The M's need to go out and put out, not a 'good' effort, but a 'worked-your-butt-off' effort.

Other then that, there's not much else. Better pitching management would be ideal, but let's not live in a fantasy world.

Series Review: M's @ Orioles; 4/4-7/08

Absolutely puke worthy. I almost puked in my Mariners hat and sent it to Bill Bavasi, actually, he hasn't done anything wrong. Mac can take care of it. When I previewed this, I wasn't anticipating such, awfulness.

April 4
April 5
April 6
April 7

Watch Out for the Fearsome Lineup
My sarcasm turned out to hurt someone after all, well 25 I guess. Probably 30 once you add in the coaching staff and whatever else. I can't say that the starters didn't do their jobs. The bullpen was crap.

Put Runs Up Early
Again, the poor bullpen and end result overrules the fact that the Mariners did alright in this category.

Plate Discipline
See above. Richie Sexson struck out a couple less times and walked as well. Moving in the right direction in less ways then more.

Take a Breather
I didn't mean completely give up. I meant relax a little now that Opening Day is done with and the fact that you were playing in Baltimore. Man, maybe a wasn't clear enough in my title.

04.07.08 Mariners 4 Baltinomore 5

Boxscore.

Ichiro and Ibanez hit homeruns. Silva pitched all right. Lookout Landing sums the rest up. Absolutely embarresing. Four game sweep. Disgusting.

Mariners Talking With Felix, Again

Larry Stone comes in to tell us that the Mariners have once again approached Felix Hernendez about a contract extension. That's just about all that I can say really. No numbers have really been thrown around, but it would cover his arbitration years, and maybe beyond. So, with that remark, it would be a 4-7 year deal probably. No Johan Santana money yet, but atleast upwards of $5M a year. I'd look up some comparables, but I really don't feel like it right now.

The Closing Situation

All of us should know by now that JJ Putz will be out for a while, and the Mariners will be going with a closer by comitee. The fact that the Mariners used Miguel Batista to close out a game gives the Mariners more options in the ninth, but then what? Break out your scalpals because it's time to dissect!

Options

The Mariners can't pull out the old 'we don't have enough depth' theory, because they do have the depth nesseccary to get them through their tough time. Mark Lowe, Ryan Rowland-Smith, Sean Green, Tim Corocan, Brandon Morrow too I guess, and now Miguel Batista either have the ability, or probably could close out a game. Depth is not the issue here, it's more of a can they do it thing.


Miguel Batista
Batista brings the most closing experience to the bullpen, but hasn't closed since 2005 when he was with the Blue Jays. He saved 35 games that year, but who would take the rotation spot? That shouldn't be a problem. Maybe even going with a four man rotation might work. Batista has already saved one game this year, but still made his last scheduled start. Or, rather he lost his last start. Batista may get another oppurtunity, who knows right now.

Mark Lowe
After today's debacle, no, probably not. I know that one bad game can't really determine what the person is capable of, but one bad game can definitely scare off people, and that's what he's done to me. He may or may not get another oppurtunity.

Ryan Rowland-Smith
RRS has 16 saves in his professional career (from A-AAA), and seems to be a good choice, because he already was in a set-up role with the club. It's only been a few days, and fewer oppurtunities. Look for RRS to get an oppurtunity, if one actually comes up, after three losses to the Orioles.

Brandon Morrow
Although Morrow seems a little ways away, he is making some progress, but still seems like Putz may be back before him. If Morrow does jump through the minors, he could get a few oppurtunities to close.

I know that there are more options, but these are some of the more obvious options. Another idea is just letting the starters go nine, or not bothering going to anyone for the closer, and just leaving whoever was pitching in the eigtht finish the job. Fatigue and performance are variables of course, but I think that you get the point.

06.05.08 Mariners 2 Orioles 3

Ughhhhhhhhhhhh. An abosultely terrible ninth inning cost the Mariners an elite performance by King Felix.

Boxscore.

Game Notes

• King Felix pitched a gem, eight scoreless inningsgiving up only five hits while walking two. He struck out six. His ERA is still at 0.00. A No-decision for Felix today.
• Eric O'Flaherty got his second hold of the season, if that stat means anything, but in 0.2 IP he gave up the two runs needed for the O's to tie the game.
• Mark Lowe got his first save oppurtunity and blew it, giving up the winning run in 0.0 IP. Lowe also took the loss.
• Bad Wilkerson went 0-3, walked once, and struck out two times. He was caught steeling once.
• Raul Ibanez picked up his first HR of the season. Raul went 3-4.
• Richie Sexson went 1-2 and hit a double, and an RBI. We walked twce, AND DIDN'T STRIKE OUT.

This series was a wash.

Brandon Morrow Rehab Watch

Brandon Morrow has started the season at AA, with what was being called 'a dead arm'. Time to see how his rehab has been going.

April 3
1 IP, 2 K

April 4
0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 BB

Morrow has yet to reach AAA, so he probably won't be see Major League action for a little while yet. I don't think that 1.2 innings are enough to prove that he's ready, but they're taking it slow with him. He may see action in today's doubleheader after last night's game was postponed due to rain.

Prospect Watch

Time for a new little feature for this blog. I'm going to expand my horizon in to the minors a little bit, by looking at what the Mariners top prospects have been doing in the minors. To start:

Ryan Feierabend
Feierabend pitched six scoreless innings for the Rainers on Thursday, in Tacoma's 2-0 win over the Sacramento River Cats. Feierabend struck out seven, while walking three and giving up four hits. He also picked off two.

Prognosis: Feierabend is still on the Mariners radar, but it's too early right now to say much. He was in the running for a relief role this Spring. He got some work with the M's last season, and probably will get a couple chances this summer.

Yung Chi Chen
Chen went 2-4 to start the Minor League season in Feierabend's win. He scored one run and drove in one. One of his two hits was a two bagger.

Prognosis: Almost the same thing as Feierabend. It's still too early to say much, but if the Mariners see poor performances from Jose Lopez, or even Jose Vidro, Chen probably will be getting a call-up.

Phillipe Amount
The Mariners most recent first rounder made his debut on Saturday with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, pitching four scoreless innings, only walking one, and striking out four.

Prognosis: Amount is still a while away from the bigs, but should see some time in AA or maybe AAA this season. He's starting the season at Class A.

Bedard Scratched

Erik Bedard's start will be pushed back from today untill Tuesday against Tampa Bay. King Felix is taking the mound today, and Carlos Silva on Monday.

Bedard has, what Manager John McLaren is calling "a little inflammation of the hip". He said that he felt it when he was pushing off, while playing catch before the game. Bedard has had the same type of thing before, and has been fine.

05.04.08 Seattle 4 Baltimore 6

The Mariners came up short again, losing to the O's for the second time in a row.

Boxscore.

Game Notes

• Miguel Batista pitched his self in to a loss, giving up five runs, four earned on seven hits and four walks in 5 IP. He K'd 4 if that really means anything.
• Sean Green pitched one inning, but walked three and gave up two hits. By now it won't matter that he gave up a run.
• Tim Corocan pitched another scoreless inning.
• Eric O'Flaherty walked two and struck out one in a single inning of work.
• Sidenote: Frank Thomas just absolutely crushed a fastball from Manny Delcarman for a Grand Slam to give the Jays a 6-2 lead over the BoSox. The Jays aren't kidding around this year.
• Jose Lopez went 1-4, hitting a two run homerun.
• Mike Morse went 0-3 in his first start of the season in right field, but had two outfield assists.
• Jose Vidro had the same line as Lopez: 1-4, two run homer.

04.04.08 Mariners 4 Orioles 7

I'm a little but behind, but things happen, and I'm going to get caught up ASAP.

Boxscore.

Game Notes

• Jarrod Washburn pitched poorly, picking up the loss in five innings of work. He gace up two runs on two hits and two walks. He struck out one and gave up a homerun.
• Cha Seung Baek faired no better, giving up three runs on two hits and one walk. He struck out one, but gave up two long balls.
• Tim Corocan pitched 1.2 innings of scoreless relief and struck out two.
• Ichiro went 0-4. As did Kenji Johjima and Jose Vidro.
• Adrian Beltre belted his first homerun of the season, picking up a pair of RBI.
• Richie Sexson went 2-4, and also hit his first long bomb of the season . He also picked up a pair of RBI. He also walked once, but stuckout once as well.
• Jose Lopez went 2-3 and stole a base.

Ichiro Suzuki Profile

I'm going to start profiling players and who better to start with than Ichiro?

Vitals

Born: October 22, 1973

Hometown: Kasugai, Japan

Height: 5'9"

Weight: 170

Bats: Left

Throws: Right

Family: Wife, Yumiko

Position: CF

Alternate Position: OF

Before Pro Ball

Ichiro was born on October 22, 1973 in Kasugai Japan. Ichiro now makes his home in Kobe, Japan with his sportscaster wife, Yumiko. The 5’9” lefty ways in at a below average 170 pounds, and his small frame closed some doors for him with the Orix Blue Wave (his Japanese team). This left handed batter was originally a pitcher and hit right handed, until his coach switched him to the other side of the plate to get him closer to first base. Starting at the young age of seven, Ichiro went to his father Nabuyuki, and asked him to help him get better at baseball. The two then began a daily training routine that included doing the following: throwing 50 pitches, hitting 200 pitchers from his father, fielding 50 infield balls and 50 outfield balls, and hitting 250-300 pitches from a pitching machine. It was at the age of twelve, that Ichiro had professional baseball set as his goal. While he was playing Little League, Ichiro had the word shu-chu written on his glove, which is Japanese for concentration. Ichiro said that he didn’t enjoy his training sessions with his father, and they were a struggle, but helped him become the player that he is today. When Ichiro was ready to enter high school, he was selected into Nagoya’s prestigious baseball program, Aikodai Meiden Ko-ko-. During his time there he did drills such as: hitting waffle balls with a heavy shovel and throwing car tires. These exercises improved his wrists and hips and added power and endurance to his slim frame. Ichiro wasn’t drafted until the final round of the professional draft in November 1991 because most teams were put off by his size.After graduating from Aikondai Maiden High School in March of 1992, Ichiro was selected by the Blue Wave and began his career as a professional.

Before Pro Ball In America

Earlier in his professional career, 1994 to be exact, Ichiro changed the name on the back of his jersey from Suzuki, to Ichiro. At first Ichiro said he was embarrassed by the name, but he received lots of publicity and endorsements. Ichiro became one of the most prolific hitters in Japan, dominating seven seasons in the JPL with the Orix Blue Wave. He won seven Gold Glove awards, and three MVP's, while putting up a career average of .353. Ichiro helped lead the Blue Wave to their first Pacific League pennant in 12 years in 1995, winning his second batting title by hitting .342 with 25 home runs, 80 RBIs and 49 stolen bases. The same types of numbers carried over when Ichiro came to the Mariners in 2000. He was posted by the Blue Wave, at it cost the Mariners about 1.4 Billion yen, only $13.125M American to get an oppurtunity to sign him. They wasted no time and had him signed to a three year contract worth $14M, which would make him the first ever Japanese position player to play in the MLB.

A Year to Remember

In Ichiro’s rookie season (2001), he won the Rookie of the Year Award, a Gold Glove (Outfield), made an All-Star Appearance as a starter, set a rookie record for hits (242), won the AL MVP Award, a Silver slugger award (outfield), and led the league with his .350 batting average and 56 stolen bases. Ichiro had created an explosion with the media on both sides of the Pacific. Fans from Japan were taking tours to see games, and ticket and merchandise sales went through the roof at Safeco Field. Ichiro even had his own, “Ichirolls” made in his honor.

After a Kick Start

Over the next two seasons after his outstanding rookie year, Ichiro continued to shake the American League with Gold Gloves and All-Star appearances in both. Ichiro’s record breaking 2004 season would enough on a Hall of Fame resume, to make Cooperstown. I had never in my life seen so many records broken in one year. On August 26, Ichiro doubled off of Kansas City reliever Jeremy Affeldt to become he first ever MLB player to hit 200 plus hits in each of his first four seasons. Then on August 28, He became the first ever MLB payer in history to have three 50-hit months in one season. Ichiro finished August with 56 hits, the most since Jeff Heath’s 58 in 1938. He batted .463 and won AL player of the month for the first time in his career. On September 17, Ichiro broke the Major League record for singles with his 199th of the season. The total topped the post-modern record of 190 set by Lloyd Warner of the Pittsburg Pirates in 1927. On September 22, he broke Harry Heilmann’s 1925 record for hits on the road (134) with 135.

On Octerber 1, Ichiro achieved one of the hardest records,to achieve, by breaking George Sisler’s single season hit record of 258. Ichiro finished the season with 262 hits. With his 257th hit, Ichiro set the record for most hits over a four year span with 919. Ichiro’s 225 singles blew the previous all-era record of 206 set by Wee Willie Keeler in 1898. Finally, Ichiro’s 704 at bats fell one short of Willie Wilson’s record of 705.

Where He is Today

Ichiro's past makes up a tremendous amount of where he is at today. He signed a five year contract extension with the Mariners last summer that will pay him $90M, enough to buy him a few Ichirolls. He is one of the premier players in the game, although his popularity has fallen with the infatuation with power numbers, something that Ichiro doesn't produce too much in. He has been a perenial All-Star all his career. He has also been one of the best defensive outfielders in the game. Last season, Ichiro became the first player ever to hit an inside the park home run at in All-Star Game, earning him the MVP award and a vehicle I think. What Ichiro brings to the game, is far beyond what many have done. His eye at the plate has been compared with Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn's. He calculates every percentage at every at bat, in order to find the place to put the ball in order to get on base. He hits the ball really hard, beyond what the average 170 pounder can do, and combines excellent ability to make contact at the plate, with unbelievable speed on the basebaths, and in the outfield. His range is unheard of. Not to mention his durability, as Ichiro has never been injured throughout his seven year Major League career. Ichiro is cool, calm and collected, and has earned his way in to the Major Leagues' elite group. Ichiro is closing in on 3000 hits in his proffesional career, and could do so this season. If he continues his 200+ hits a season rate, and playes for another 5-7 years, he could very well break Pete Rose's all time hit record. What's in store for the 34 year old Japanese susperstar? Maybe a second playoff appearence, and maybe, just maybe, a ring that has the words 'World Series Champs' on it.

Around the League: April 3, 2008

Today's MLB goings on.

• Carl Crawford would like to stay in Tamba Bay. Who wouldn't? The team is building up towards an exciting climax with all of the young talent that they have in stock. There haven't been any known talks between the two sides as of now.
• You can add the Mets to the list of teams that like Oakland pitcher Rich Harden to their crosstown rivals the Yankees. With Pedro Martinez out for 4-6 weeks with a hamstring injury, a trade is possible. The Mets are also interested in Claudio Vargas, but would like him to pitch in the minors for a little but first.
• Today's MLB action. CWS 2 CLE 1; ARI 2 CIN 3; KC 4 DET 1; WSH 7 PHI 8; LAA 5 MIN 4; COL 0 STL 3; MIL 3 CHC 6; HOU 2 SD 3; PIT 4 ATL 3; TOR 2 NYY 3; TB @ BAL -PPD.