Hit the road, Jack!!

I have been waiting for this day since the middle of the 2010 season! The three letters that have escaped the Mariners for so long finally came yesterday: DFA!!

Say it with me, Chone Figgins you are out of here!! The Donkey days are no more. While it wasn't a Bill Bavasi signing, it was as bad as some of his. I think we've learned our lesson about picking through the Angels scrap heap with Scott Spiezio, Jarrod Washburn, Jeff Weaver, and Chone Figgins. 10 days to trade(ha,ha), release, or outright him to the minors. Goodbye Donkey!!

Perfect History

When was the last time there was two perfect games in the same stadium in the season?? When was the last time a time a team was perfected only to throw their own perfect game in the same season?? If you answered never you would be incorrect. Those statements were true until about 3:30 PM on the west coast today. The Mariners are young, and sometimes look like they might have some promise to come in the future. They had a superstar that really never connected with the fans and was traded to the Yankees earlier this year. There is a Mariner player that is loved throughout the Northwest.

He is a homegrown talent that is in his 8th season as a Mariner. As he has continued to get more mature, he has found ways to connect with the fans only to fuel the love fest. He loves his fans on Twitter, has fun with his alter ego Larry Bernandez, continues to embrace the King's court sections in the stadium during home games when he pitches, and doesn't hide by making believe that he doesn't speak the language. All the work that he does on and off the field were rewarded today. King Felix gave 21,889 fans at a sun soaked Safeco Field the honor of watching him pitch the 23rd perfect game in MLB history. While I missed the game due to having to work to continue living a modest lifestyle. The text alerts were coming and I was excited even though I couldn't see or hear the game. You can guarantee that I am watching the replay right now as I type. Here's to hoping that we will continue to watch The King continue to expand his already fabulous career in a Mariner uniform.

Today is all about Royal Perfection!!!

Definitely not HOF'ers...

It is sad to say that probably is no one close to having even a sniff of the Hall of Fame in this Mariners lineup. These guys are more schizophrenic than Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. They have had a perfect game against them at home, scored 21 runs against the Rangers, just threw a no hitter at the Dodgers, and now this. That's right, they lost a Felix Hernandez start to the Padres, and get shut out last night for two losses in a row to a lowly team in the San Diego Padres (sorry Padres fans for the description).



I'm sure you see this and think this guy is a HOF'er, and he is. The reason why I took his picture is it is being used by our friend Matthew at Number 5 Type Collection. His blog has hit the 4 year mark and he is holding a contest. Click on the name of his blog to go there. While I admit I don't pimp too many contests because everybody does it and the blog world get overrun with pimp posts. I wanted to rant about the Mariners first anyways.

Also, for all of those who didn't stay up or were in bed out east, a big Congratulations to Matt Cain. Matt threw the first perfect game in Giants history last night. It was fun to flip back and forth to watch him pitch last night. It is a nice sight to see for the faithful that brave the weather at AT&T Park. Way to go to Matt Cain and the Giants!

HISTORY!!!

For those of you that don't live out here on the West Coast, you were asleep when it happened. That's right folks, that's the manual scoreboard from Safeco Field last night. The Mariners worked together to NO-HIT the team with the best record in baseball.

As I sat on my couch last night I decided to watch the game since I don't get to see the Dodgers very often. While Kevin Millwood has been up and down at best for the M's, I thought there was a chance for the hometown 9 since they weren't facing one of the top of the rotation guys. Millwood actually looked like he was special last night right out the gate. Kevin was perfect through 4 innings, but walked Juan Rivera to start the 5th. No big deal the no hitter was still intact. Kevin got out of that inning and cruised in the 6th. The replays look like he did something on the final strikeout of the 6th, and after the first warm up toss in the 7th he was done. There was a small scare with an error and a runner on 2nd in the 7th inning, but wiggle off the hook did the Mariners. In the bottom of the 7th the M's get two on, and my choice for the Mariners All Star this year gets a single off the shortstop's glove to give Seattle a 1-0 lead.

Two walks and a sacrifice fly get the Dodgers in business with 1 out and runners at 2nd and 3rd. Somehow the bullpen comes through and gets out of the inning with a little help by "Donkey" Chone Figgins making a nice catch in left. It was then "closing time for the Bartender" Tom Wilhelmsen. Tom throws 9 pitches, gets the 3 outs and the Mariners make history. Was Dee Gordon out on the play in the 9th? I still can't say for sure, but I guarantee you the umpire didn't want to be roasted like Jim Joyce for a close call either way in the last inning.

The Mariners combined to use six pitchers to get the no-no, and because Millwood didn't get the decision because of the right groin strain it went to an unlikely guy. Just one week ago on June 1st the Mariners called up rookie Stephen Pryor from AAA Tacoma. Because Pryor got the final out in the top of the 7th inning, his first MLB win comes in the form of a no hitter. Let's see what the Mariners can put together tonight against Clayton Kershaw. GO MARINERS!!!

The GREATEST 21 EVER!!

That's right folks I said the greatest ever! I know what you are thinking, how can some other guys that wore #21 not be the greatest? That's because they didn't play for the Mariners. I decided in honor of the Mariners scoring 21 runs on the Rangers the other night, I wanted to put up a card of the greatest #21 to wear Mariners colors. Here is the first card I pulled of Alvin from a pack of 1985 Topps:

While Alvin Davis never got the national recognition he deserved minus the 1984 Rookie of the Year, he was a great player and person. Alvin went to John W. North High School in Riverside, CA and then attended Arizona State. He quickly made his way to the Mariners and never looked back. AD would spent 8 seasons as the Mariners anchor at 1st base and was always a solid hitter in the lineup. He would spend a brief time with his hometown California Angels at the end of his time, but he will always be "Mr. Mariner." One Mariner I think is really coming into his own this year is Kyle Seager. I think this kid has a shot at the All-Star team in Kansas City soon.

Are they clueless?

Today the Mariners decided to activate Miguel Olivo from the DL.

 Someone had to be moved to make room for a third catcher. Can someone tell me why in the hell the move was to option to Casper Wells to AAA Tacoma? Casper has been doing pretty well in the field, and is hitting at a decent clip when he's given the chance.

Why not rid ourselves of the $9M albatross in Chone Figgins? Manager Eric Wedge said that at this time ridding ourselves of "Donkey" was not an option. The guy can't hit and does nothing but ride the pine. I thought this rebuilding thing was about seeing young guys and having them continue to develop. I hate to sound like a Debby Downer, but I'M TIRED OF WATCHING LOSING BASEBALL!! I know we have won 5 of our last 6, but this is a head scratcher. I hope this works and we can start a good series against the Halos.

Throw me a life ring

It is getting bad in Marinersville. Every time you turn around the ugly just keeps piling up. First off the Mariners come home on a 6 game losing streak.  In four losses in Tampa Bay they were by a total of 5 runs. Last night you come home to the Minnesota Twins who just got no hit by Jared Weaver. You hold a 2-0 lead in the 7th, but the great 100 pitch count makes you pull your starter. The bullpen quickly proceeds to give up 3 runs and you lose 3-2. Who was the jackass that came up with the idea that pitchers are done after 100 pitches?? Jason Vargas was still looking good at 103 last night, but that's it he's done.

Secondly, I see an ugly scene coming with "Donkey" as I like to call him. Our $36 million bust Chone Figgins is up to his old tricks. For the first two years he hasn't done anything to help the M's. Granted, in 2010 he did hit .259 with a .340 OBP. Last year that slipped to .188 with a .241 OBP. Manager Eric Wedge thought that moving in to his "comfortable" lead off spot would get him kick started. In 2012, 18 for 95 equates to .189 with a .250 OBP. I'm sorry but I personally expect  ALOT more from my lead off guy. You have to get on to have your teammates get you in to score.

Wedge has now finally decided it is time to sit Figgins. We all know that the last time he disagreed with a manager in Seattle it led to a brawl in the dugout with Don Wakamatsu. I say we eat the salary and just let him go, admit your mistake and take your lumps from the fans. I think another change that needs to be made is at the hitting coach position. The M's are 4th in the AL in # of hits, but at .237 they are 13th in average. I know the players are young, but there is no patience at the plate. Our only hitter above .300 is a pinch hitter at best in John Jaso, even Ichiro slipped under .300 last night. The Mariners as a team see 3.85 pitches per at bat, gaining only 66 BB's so far, but putting up 216 K's. Instead of progress all I see is regression.

Another part of the game I don't understand why it has left us is putting the game in motion. Though these first 28 games, the Mariners have a total of 13 stolen bases! That's less than 1/2 a steal a game. I sit and watch most games, and think here's a spot to steal and the announcers say the same thing, but we see no movement. I know that sometimes they get caught stealing, but you can't get caught if you don't try. Maybe if guys are moving, we could score some runs so our pitchers don't have to be perfect all the time. Take King Felix this year. In six starts this year, the Mariners have scored 3 runs or less in 4 of his starts. He's only given up 11 runs with a 2.23 ERA but sits at a 2-1 record. Even Felix isn't immune to the dreaded pitch count. Most games he is cruising along, but it's 100 and done. except for one game at 126 pitches, he has gone 104, 102, 107, 92, and 106. This kid is a horse let him loose like the old days of Nolan Ryan, and Juan Marichal.

This ship has been sinking since the start of the 2004 season, and you would think could have repaired it and start to get it to float by now. I can honestly see it taking another 3-5 years before this team is even close to being competitive. The Mariners wonder why the fans won't come to Safeco Field anymore. I agree that it is still a beautiful park, but even I stay away. Why pay $20 to park against some random team(it's $35-50 for teams like New York and Boston), nearly $40 per ticket, $6 for a hot dog, and $4 for a pop or $9 for a beer to watch your team continue to lose? I can sit on my comfy couch and do it for a lot cheaper, and if I get bored I can change the channel. I hope they can get this disaster going before we lose our young stars like Felix, and Dustin Ackley to the big money teams that win like players wants to do. I am in my 30th year as a Mariners fan and will continue to support my team, but please give something back to me as a thank you. This love affair is like a marriage, it's give and take from both sides but all I get is me giving to you and and you take but don't give me anything back...

Perfect in Pale

If you are a child of the 80's like me, you remember Pretty in Pink, right? Yesterday a tiny bit of the country got to see the "Perfect in Pale Hose." It was an awesome sight to watch my Mariners be on the wrong side of history at Safeco Field. While I agreed with most of the parents at my son's second game last night that you never want it to come against you, it is still an amazing sight. I didn't share their feeling of wanting to see it end before he was able to get the perfecto. This has only happened now 21 times in 10's of thousands of games, it is rare air people!

I was very honored that the 22,472 lucky people to be in the stadium yesterday did the right thing in the 8th and 9th innings. Even though our team was losing, they recognized history was being made and got behind Philip Humber. While you are a Mariner fan first, you are also a baseball fan and are honored to see something like that when it comes along. I know that the three of us had to listen to the 9th inning in the car to make his game, but all of us were nervous in the car without being able to see it. I've watch the video, did Brendan Ryan check his swing? I don't know, maybe. Do you honestly think any umpire wants to go through what Jim Joyce did when he cost Armando Gallaraga his perfect game after 26 outs, I think not.

Good to see the fans getting pictures of history, and getting behind an opposing player

I surely hope that the M's can get up off the mat today and do a little better. I can't say enough congratulations to Philip Humber though. I was a nice way to spend a couple hours on a Saturday to watch something that doesn't come along very often.

Mariners make memories

While it ended up being an UGLY night on the Safeco Field dirt for the hometown M's, plenty was positive. King Felix looked good the first inning, but who knew that his counterpart Bartolo Colon, would be freakin' Cy Young last night? I know the Mariners lineup can be anemic at times, but three hits against the A's? Last week in Oakland, we looked like the 1927 Yankees hitting the ball, and now nothing. Instead of me going all sad on them in game #9 of the season, let's check out the cool parts of last night's home opener.

It was the start of the 2000 season, and the Mariners had traded Ken Griffey Jr to Cincinnati. One of the players to come to Seattle was Mike Cameron. The kid had BIG shoes to fill because everybody loved Griffey. What does he do to start but rob Jeter of a HR in great fashion:


Cammy would patrol center field for the Mariners from 2000-2003 before leaving as a free agent. Mike was a big part of the 116 win team of 2001. One of the most lasting images in my mind was Mike and the team with the American flag at the mound after winning the AL West and honoring those lost in the 9-11 attacks.

Since leaving Seattle, Mike has been a Met, Padre, Brewer, Red Sox, and Marlin in those 8 years. He had signed with the Washington Nationals to play this season. Mike informed them before camp started that he was going to retire. Mike had not filed his paperwork with the league yet, and yesterday signed a one day contract to officially retire from baseball as a Seattle Mariner. While the Mariners had already announced that Mike would throw out the ceremonial first pitch last night, it was great to see the recently retired Mike have honor to throw the pitch to former teammate Ichiro Suzuki.

Another awesome sight to see at Safeco Field last night was a little tradition that the Mariners do at Friday home games. During the middle of an inning they do a promotion that let's a young kid run on the field, "steal" second base and run back off. Last night the young man to do the honor was 13 year old Kyle Smerer. As he pulled up second base, the umpire tried to scare him out of taking the base:

What Kyle didn't realize at first was that the umpire was no umpire at all. The man was none other that U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Steve Smerer--his dad. Sgt. Smerer had returned from Afghanistan from a 13 month deployment. The Mariners had planned this for the family but didn't tell Kyle. It really was a heart warming sight to watch last night considering nothing else was exciting on the field.

After last night's dismal performance, let's hope the hometown 9 can turn it around tonight. I don't know anything about the A's pitcher Tommy Milone tonight, but I want to see something out of Hector Noesi. We gave up a good young arm for him and he needs to step up and show us something.

Your 2012 Mariners....

I'm sure most of you won't care to see what's going on up here in the corner of the world. This is my therapy before the beginning of another LONG season to come. Here's a look at the 25 man roster, aand guys we could see In the Emerald City this year.

Pitchers

Felix Hernandez- The ace of the rotation
Jason Vargas- A decent #2 but not the greatest
Kevin Millwood- Not who I had in mind but let's hope he stays healthy
Blake Beavan- Still young, but we need guys on the back end
Hector Noesi- Don't know much so we will see in the season

Bullpen

Brandon League- Last year's All Star will be the closer again
George Sherrill- Will be the set up guy, but can close too
Shawn Kelley- Coming back from Tommy John, 7th inning guy
Tom Wilhelmsen- From bartender to big league pitcher
Hisahi Iwakuma- I'm assuming he can be the long guy in the pen
Steve Delabar- Still young, needs time at AAA, but we need bodies
Charlie Furbush- Every bullpen has to have a lefty for long or short

Catcher

Miguel Olivo- Will be the everyday guy, but he worries me
John Jaso- I would like to see what he can do, was good for the Rays

Infield

Justin Smoak- Hopefully he will be injury free and have a big year
Dustin Ackley- This kid will be the real deal, expect big things this year
Brendan Ryan- an older veteran presence, still good at the plate and in the field
Chone Figgins- Anybody want an overpriced washed up guy? $9M albatross this year

Outfield

Ichiro Suzuki- I think the drop to the 3 hole will be good for him
Franklin Gutierrez- Needs plate discipline, but has great range and a Gold Glove
Mike Carp- Will get time in LF because of his power, all or nothing hitter

Bench

Munenori Kawasaki- I haven't seen him in spring, only wanted to play for Seattle
Alex Liddi- It was a hard decision between Alex and Kyle Seager
Casper Wells- I think that Casper will platoon in Left, it could be Saunders instead though

Designated Hitter

Jesus Montero- This kid better rake because we gave up a lot for a DH...


Guys that could see Seattle this year:

Pitchers
Danny Hultzen
James Paxton
Taijuan Walker
Erasmo Ramirez
Lucas Luetge

Position players
Trayvon Robinson
Carlos Triunfel
Nick Franklin
Vinnie Catricala
Chih Hsien Chiang


Predicted Finish

I see 78-84 and 3rd in the division this year. It could be bad and we lose over 100 games again too. I can see the team starting to get better and will hopefully start to contend in a couple more years.

The time has come...

It is 5 AM here in Seattle. I'm just about ready to head to another day at work in the rain. I hear the Mariners are playing live. I'm not real hip on them being there. I understand the opportunity it is giving MLB to make some cash. This is the beginning of the 36th season for the team, even though they say they are celebrating their 35th anniversary. I know that they will replay it tonight at a normal time for me to watch King Felix. What I really don't understand is how both them and the A's will come back from Tokyo and play more Cactus League games before getting back to the season. I know it is going to be a long trying season for us M's fans. I never tire of the endless hope that we can do something every year.

Coming this weekend: A season preview and a look at how the roster sits for the Mariners if you care.

Time for Charity

It is that time of year again. I don't want to waste my time or money buying a bunch of cards I don't want. As I do with each new series that comes out, I ask you my fellow bloggers for some pity. I know that everybody has been picking up Series 1. If you want to rid yourself of extra Mariners, I'm your home for the poor Mariners cards.

Here's the Mariners I need from Series 1:

#118 Miguel Olivo
#119 Ichiro League Leaders
#168 Blake Beavan
#197 Brendan Ryan
#225 Michael Pineda
#232 Felix Hernandez League Leaders
#263 Steve Delabar
#269 Jason Vargas
#274 Alex Liddi
#286 Franklin Gutierrez
#315 Dustin Ackley

I'm open to any of the inserts that contain Mariners, but they are of lower priority.

Let's focus people...

Ding Dong the Witch is dead!! Thank goodness football is over. Now we can focus on the real sport for the next 8 months, Baseball!!

Coming soon: 2012 Topps Mariners want list. Will you help a poor Mariners fan out??

The Haves and the Have Nots

I don't if anybody saw this coming down the pipeline today. We Mariners fans have wanted something exciting to happen to the Mariners roster all offseason. Today they made a big trade. I personally am not too impressed with the deal. The mighty Yankees have pulled down the Mariners pants in front of the whole school. Back in June of 2010, the Mariners and Yankees were working on a deal to send Cliff Lee to the Yankees for catching prospect Jesus Montero. The deal fell apart and Cliff went to Texas instead. Today the M's finally got Montero. They also acquired Hector Noesi.

In exchange for a right handed hitting catcher that can't catch, we give up a big horse in Michael Pineda. Also going to the Yankees is Jose Campos, who spent last season on A Everett.

While I know that everybody thinks that Jesus is next hot commotity, I don't know if I'm sold on him. I would assume that since he can DH and Justin Smoak can play 1B, that pretty much takes us out of any slight chance there was of getting Prince to come to Seattle. I  think we still need a lefty hitter, but I guess we will probably roll out another stinker this year. I'm starting to feel the pain of Royals and Pirates fans, every good kid gets dealt. I sure hope there is some more signings or deals to come before Spring Training.

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!!

(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?

Sad Monday Morning

I was shocked and saddened to wake up this morning and turn on the local news. Normally I just turn it on to see what the weather holds in store for work during the day. This morning, less than 5 minutes into the newscast they say they are working on a developing story. Reports out of Rotterdam, Netherlands say that 24 year old Mariners outfielder Greg Halman was stabbed to death. His 22 year old brother is currently being held as a suspect. While it is early, and no one knows all the facts yet, it is a sad story to say the least.

I'm not too sure how Greg was going to fit into the Mariners left field plans for next year, but I'm sure there might have been a chance he would have probably been with the big club and platooned in left in 2012. May he rest in peace, and may his family find comfort in knowing that all of us here that love the Mariners will have them in our thoughts and prayers.