WOWSERS!!

I know it was going to be a high flying, entertaining affair. I thought we had a good chance. We let it slip away.

If you didn't sit down and watch this game last night, you missed out. While neither team has a defense to talk about, the offenses were as advertised. This was the first time I actually got the see more of RG3 than just highlights. That kid is good. The one who looked like a Heisman winner last night was UW's Keith Price. The kid throws for 438 and 4 TD's, and run for 3 more TD's. To think he's only a sophomore!

One thing I would like to say to Coach Sark that I've said all year: FIRE NICK HOLT!! I even do the dirty work for you, I would tell him right now, GET OUT!! Dude coaches his defense to give up 777 yards on defense. He has done nothing on the defense all year and we got our pants pulled and spanked last night.

Congratulations to Baylor even if I'm bitter over the 67-56 loss. I have great hope for the Dawgs next year. Keith Price will be back and most all the offense minus probably Chris Polk will be here. Look out Pac 12, the Dawgs are coming for you next year.

Merry ChristHanaKwanzMas!

I know it sounds like I have been drinking, I haven't yet. I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who has or still does read my little blog. I know that I'm not always consistent on my posts and they sometimes lack content and substance. I want to let everyone that I have traded with or hopefully will trade with in the future a great holiday. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or none of the above I hope you are able to enjoy this time with family and friends.

The King's Crown Jewels

Not too long ago, our friend Kevin at The Diamond King had a little contest. I shouldn't call it little when there were many chances to win. I decided to get in on a second entry and won that day's loot. I went for it because it had two cards I thought would be hardest to ever get to finish off my Mariners collection. The two biggest Mariner RC's:

I guess I won't have to pay some LCS top dollar for those cards to go in the binder. Also in the winnings was a 1981 Topps Nolan Ryan in all his Astros orange glory. The fourth card might be desired by some fans of the HOF'er or just Cubs fans in general. I would be open to trading Ryne for some Mariners I need if you got them.

Big thanks again to Kevin for his great contest, and for getting them up the I-5 corridor in time for Christmas.

Jump in the DeLorean

Just like Doc Brown and Marty, let's jump in the DeLorean and go back in time see what what was and if we want to bring it back.

Recently I've been posting about how teams are celebrating anniversaries and plan to wear throwbacks on certain home games. I think it would be great to see teams go to special uniforms for a whole year to celebrate. That includes no pajama pants, and guys have to wear the pant mid calf with stirrups. Jerseys must be somewhat tight and not hanging off them like a sheet. What is your opinion on some of the older looks? Should teams stick to classic look, for some that's all they have:

Or should teams be willing to poke a little fun at themselves and have to wear some of the bright, gawdy duds form the 70's?

 

Would you be up for mix and match of hats and jerseys from different years? Let me know what you would like to see, and soon I will start a team by team of the top five uniforms of each team that I would like to see again.  

Recurring Nostalgia

I saw this the other day and thought I would share another team celebrating an anniversary. As we all know, the Washington Senators returned in 1961 after the first team left for Minnesota after 1960. This Senators would leave again after 1971 to go to Arlington, Texas.

The new team would be known as the Texas Rangers in tribute to the Old West lawmen. Since 1972 was their first season, that means this year is 40 years since moving south. While it took a long time for the Rangers to find success, they have been to the World Series for the last two years.

I think it is awesome that the Rangers will do flashback Fridays at home this year showing off some old uniforms. I think it was neat to see the Angels do it last year for their 50th.

I know the Astros will also be doing it for their 50th this year too.

 What do you think, more or less flashbacks if they do the uniforms right?

The King is leaving

Today at 10 AM PT, that's 1 PM to all you wrong coasters. The Diamond King has been having a great little contest. He closes it today, but go look and see if you want to put in to win some great cards. If you win one of these packages you will be dancing on your toes like the King!

It is simple math

While their playoff hopes are still slim, we have found a formula to win. The question is can we get him signed and keep him here long term? Can you figure out the answer to the math problem below before time's up?

+

+

=

=

It makes perfect sense doesn't it?

Retro Mariner Sunday 12/11/11

It would be five days before the beginning of the 1985 season. The Mariners were wrapping up Spring Training in Tempe, AZ. When deciding on backup catchers for the aging Bob Kearney, the Mariners decided to swap the light hitting 22 year old Orlando Mercado to the Texas Rangers. In return the Mariners would receive 23 year old Donnie Scott who spent most of the 1984 with the Rangers. His bat had a little more pop, and he might be a little better behind the plate. It seems as though he had done a fairly good job for the M's behind the dish in 1985 and would push for more time in 1986.

Although Donnie had done fairly well in the 74 games he was in behind the plate, there was another kid coming through the system at catcher. Near the end of the 1986 Spring Training the Mariners decided to release Donnie in favor of a young Dave Valle. Scott would spend 1986 at AAA Rochester in the Orioles system. From 1987 to 1989, Donnie was part of the Brewers system spending tome at both AA El Paso, and AAA Denver. Donnie even pitched 1 2/3 innings for the Zephyrs in 1987. Scott would move to the Reds organization in 1990 playing at AAA Nashville. After spending 1991 again at AAA, Donnie would get a September call to the Reds. Deciding he had had enough time in the minors, Scott retired after the 1991 season.

Donnie would move on to manage the Billings Mustangs to three straight league titles from 1992 to 1994 and would have the best record with the team in 1995. 1996 would see Donnie manage the A Charleston AlleyCats in the Reds system. 1997 would bring a return to Billings for a year. For two years in 1998 and 1999 he would spend time as the Minor League fielding coordinator. He would spend some time on the bench in '99 with the Gulf Coast Reds. 2000 was another year as the fielding coordinator. From 2001 through the 2003 seasons, Donnie would be the manager of the A Dayton Dragons.

The year in 2004 would bring a change, becoming the pitching coach for the Gulf Coast Reds. In 2005 Donnie was able to work with young catchers as the Minor catching coordinator. In 2006 it was time to manage the Sarasota Reds. For the 2007 and 2008 seasons it Donnie's path back to Dayton to manage the Dragons again. In 2011, Donnie would be hired to manage the Battle Creek Bombers of the Northwoods League. He would lead the Bombers to the title of the summer wood bat college league.

While Donnie never got to spend the time that might have been deserved in the Majors, he has done many good things in the minors. He has had a hand in helping develop young players in to Major League players. Thank you for your short time in Seattle Donnie. Big thanks also to Coot Veal for reminding me of Donnie Scott in his post a few months ago.

The Big Game

Today is one of the greatest days in college football. In Washington DC today, they will play the 112th game in this great rivalry. It is the Army-Navy game.

There is no losers in the end of this game except in the standings. All of these young men that play the game, and all the men and ladies in the stands deserve high praise. You may not know one name on either roster, but if this game doesn't get you excited, you're crazy. Navy is looking to extend their win streak to 10 games this year over Army. Which side do find yourself tending to root for? Are you with the Black Knights

Or do you you believe in the power of Fear the Goat

I personally know where my loyalty has stood in this rivalry for many years. Having a friend's son graduate from one of these academies a few years just helped increase my love for the school. I hope to be hearing plenty of Anchors Aweigh and I will be behind the Midshipmen again today.

Put up or SHUT up

As we all know, the baseball world got a bit of a shock yesterday. Some unknown named Albert Pujols got a 10 year $254 million dollar deal from the Angels. They also got C.J. Wilson which will help their rotation put not as much as some pitchers.  Now that the Rangers are still strong, and the Angels just got a whole lot better, it's time for the Mariners to do it, or we will get left behind in the division for a long time.
Marketing idea for the Mariners for next year:

The King's Court make a return next year,

And we add the Prince's Porch. I'm not the biggest fan of his, but the kid can play. He would help bring fans back to a struggling franchise. I think he would be a start this year, and once we save 18 million next year on an older RF we can go after some more talent in the off season next year. I have faith in Jackie Z, let's make it happen management.

King's court and Prince's Porch
in 2012!!

Let us NEVER forget

It was on this day 70 years ago, we lost our innocence. Let's never forget those who fought for us and those who paid the ultimate price for us.

December 7th, 1941 -- a date which will live in infamy.

Retro Mariner Sunday 12/4/11

Why not revive a series that we haven't done for awhile? Since it is the off season and we all are dreaming of baseball again, let's relive the good times.

The Mariners would see the playoffs for the second time as AL West champions in 1997. Late in August of 197, one of Ken Griffey Jr.'s 37 different left fielders would come to Seattle in a trade. On August 20th the Minnesota Twins sent 32 year old Roberto Kelly to the Mariners for two PTBNL. Those two would eventually be Joe Mays and Jeromy Palki. Roberto would come to the Majors 10 years earlier with the Yankees. After five years in New York it was off to Cincinnati, Atlanta, Montreal, the Dodgers, and Minnesota. Roberto would hit .298 for the M's in September 1997, to help make a playoff push.

The Mariners would lose to the Baltimore Orioles in 4 games in the ALDS, but Kelly would be in all four games and hit .308 going 4 for 13 with 3 doubles. Roberto would take free agency after the 1997 season and move to Texas for two years before finishing back with the Yankees in 2000. After signing with the Rockies in 2001 and spending the year at AAA Colorado Springs, Roberto would spend 2002 and 2003 in Mexico City playing for the Diablos Rojos(Red Devils) of the Mexican League. Kelly would call it quits at age 39 and spend the 2004 year at home in Panama.



courtesy of http://clydes-stalecards.blogspot.com/

 Roberto came back tot he game in 2005, and would spend three years as the manager of the Augusta GreenJackets in the Giants system. In 2008 the Giants would bring Kelly to the big club as the first base coach. He also work as the base running coach for the Giants. Roberto would earn a World Series ring with the Giants in 2010. While it has been 15 years since Mr. Kelly came to Seattle for a short time, he is remembered for helping us get to the playoffs in 1997.

Owl Droppings

I came home yesterday to a small but much appreciated package in my mailbox. Thankfully it wasn't on my doorstep for me to step in. We all know about Greg from Night Owl Cards. He is one of the best bloggers about cards, is a die hard Dodgers fan, and is a very generous giver of cards. When I opened it up I felt like Brendan Ryan, and wanted to congratulate somebody like Adam Kennedy here.

The nice thing about those two cards is that finishes 2011 for me. Also in the little bubble, I was PINEDA'd!! As a Mariners fan I think that is a good thing. Even though his second half kind of fell off, you can see the potential in this kid for years to come. I think he and Felix are good building blocks to start around.

Also in there was a sad reminder of the tragedy that struck the Mariners family not too long ago. Two new cards of former Greg Halman. It is sad that he was taken over something so petty.

Big thanks again to one of the kings of the card world in the Night Owl. If you want cards or have cards to give you need to get in contact with him. I know everybody reads his works, how could you not? Thanks Owl!

(Not so) Hot Stove League

While we all know it is early in the off season, we need something. True, there have been a few managers come and go and some small movement of players. I like to dream big, but when it comes to my team, I'm very realistic. So many Mariners fans seem to dream big every year. This year is no different. Everyone seems to think that with Jack Zduriencik's past history we can land this guy.

I say there is no way he is coming to Seattle. If he came here he would become an overpriced DH. That's not to say his isn't a good hitter, but is any DH worth 20-25 million a year?Some lunatics have even said that we should and could bring this guy to Seattle (I say when pigs fly).

One guy that I would like to kick the tires on for the Mariners is a shortstop. I don't think there is anybody of great desire in the system for the future. I don't know what the price range is for him, or much about his past. Might look good as a DP combo with Dustin Ackley.

The Mariners have made one move bringing in John Jaso in a trade for Josh Lueke. I think it will be an upgrade behind the plate from Miguel Olivo.

Where is your team in the off season? Who would you dream of signing, or who do you think your team can realistically get for next year?

Division Enemies=Trading Friends

Have you ever noticed that fans of teams in your division make great traders? I have had great experiences in the past with Rangers fans. The Angels are a team I have a soft spot in my heart for. Their #1 blogger is Tom from The Angels, In Order. He does pretty historical and in depth work on the Angels. He sent me a few cards to help out on the Mariners Super Set.

The Peguero gets me one closer to finishing 2011. The two Donruss cards finish the 1982 and 1992 sets. I'm finding that the more I chip away at this thing, it seems like myself and no one else was collecting in the mid to late 1990's. Most of my wants seems to be in that era.

Tom also sent these that will be going into the boxes of different Mariners cards. I like the two players with coneections to the ownership in Japan. The gutierrez is my first Lineage card since I don't really buy much other than flagship stuff. I can't figure out why the A-Rod has a hole in it, is that where the steroid syringe goes into his butt cheek? I think it's cool to see a pitcher like Salkeld with a bat in his hands. I don't like to see pitchers hit though, both leagues need to use the DH. Jay Buhner is wearing the face mask and glasses so nobody will reconize him in New York.


Big thanks again to you Tom. Keep up the great work on the Angels. I wonder if Athletics fans make good trade partners? Does anybody know of some active A's traders? Hello Oakland fans are you out there?

Hail to the Victors! A cup full of Apples!

While I have to spend most of my day at work today, my mind will be on football. The game I will miss seeing live will be this one:

I think you all know by now where my loyalties lie. If you don't, let me help you with this one. I like two colors in this game, and they AIN'T scarlet and gray, they are Maize&Blue!!

The other game is should be home in time for. It is a Washington home game, but it's being played at Seahawks Stadium.

When it comes to this game and any other sports in Washington, I bleed Purple and Gold baby! Go Dawgs!!

I hope if your team is playing today, they win. If your team is Ohio State or Washington State, then I hope you get spanked.

Eye Catchers part 2

I realized later in the day yesterday that I cut the first anniversaries post short due to having to leave for work. I need to send a big thanks to Dodgerbobble for reminding me about some other noteworthy ones for 2012. Let's start with the logo for his team first.

The Dodgers will be celebrating their 50th year at dodger stadium this coming year. The Dodgers spent their first four years at the Memorial Coliseum after moving to LA from Brooklyn in 1958. The 1962 season would see the Dodgers move to their new home in Chavez Ravine. It's been many years since I've been, but it is still a cool stadium.

Next, we have a team that has a ballpark that set a precedent for most teams to rebuild stadiums. The pioneer in the retro ballpark craze is Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore. It was the first, opening in 1992.

The Orioles decided to not only celebrate the park, but also went back to some sweet looking uniforms for next year. I personally am excited to see the cartoon bird come back to the O's.

The Royals have done a lot of work to Kaufmann Stadium. I miss being able to see the fountains in the outfield like you use to. I know they are still there and visible, but not like before. The 2012 All Star Game will be played in Kansas City this year. The Roylas will be wearing this to commemerate the game in their city.

The last one, whether you love or hate the team, you have to definitely celebrate. 2012 will mark the 100th birthday of the famed Fenway Park in Boston. Having gone there in 2009, I have to say it is a pretty awesome stadium. It is amazing that a ballpark can make it that long and not be too far off from what the original was.

Can anybody think of any other celebrations, anniversaries, or mile stones that I missed? Is there some uniforms changes that teams are doing that we should look at?