Time Traveling

I continue to watch my beloved Mariners day after day because I love my team. I remember a series at the end of the 2008 season with the Oakland A's. I told myself, all they have to do is get swept and we will wrangle the #1 pick away from the Nationals in 2009. The #1 pick will net us Steven Strasburg. Instead, the Mariners went on to sweep the A's and ended up at 61-101 getting the #2 pick. Who can we get at #2, everybody has said it is Strasburg and a bunch of other guys.

On that June day in 2009, Jack Z decides to draft a outfielder from the University of North Carolina. Dustin Ackley was the Mariners pick at #2. I had never heard of him, and didn't know a thing about him. The M's decided to move Dustin out of his comfortable outfield position and convert him to a second baseman. While he is still working on the fine details of playing the position, he is impressive. The kid is .311 right now, can hit for power, has great speed, and his glove work is improving.

Question of the day: in hindsight, which would rather, Strasburg at #1, or Dustin Ackley with the #2?

I'm a believer

I think this kid is destined for greatness. I think he will end up being better than the guy drafted before him, what's his name Stepheen Stras--?? That's right, the #2 pick from 2009 was Seattle's new star Dustin Ackley. The kid can hit the ball, he can catch it. and is heads up on the bases. Look at last night in the 10th inning:

Marlins reliever Steve Cishek was trying to intentionally walk Carlos Peguero, but the throws kept getting wider, and wider. Dustin was heads up and scored the go ahead run when he broke for home. Of course the Mariners had to hold on in the bottom of the 10th, since we were the visitors. I liked this change in the game with NL rules in an AL park. Let's hope that coming home to Safeco will help the Mariners do something with the Braves, who we welcome to town for the first time since 2003.

Big thanks also to Mint Condition for making this sweet Dustin Ackley custom 1993 Topps card yesterday!!

Getting his feet wet

An awful performance by the Mariners last night had a highlight. New call-up Dustin Ackley hits his first MLB home run.

It would be the only run support Felix would get. The Mariners let this game slip away 5-1. It is great to see Dustin hit a single in his very first at bat off Roy Oswalt. The first homer came off Vance Worley. While Dustin is only 2 for 8 so far, he is surviving. His defense has been good, and he will continue to improve. I'm really starting to like the look of this Mariners future.

Trade Bait

Is your favorite team in a pennant race? Do you think it would behove them to pick up a cheap lefty for the remainder of the season? I've got a deal for you...The Mariners currently have a guy that is looking good this year, is on a one year deal, and won't be here next year. Ladies and gentlemen, I offer you and your team Mr. Erik Bedard

Erik is coming off multiple surgeries, but is 4-4 in 13 starts with a 3.16 ERA,  23 walks ands 70 strikeouts in 77 innings. You need to go easy on the elbow and shoulder and not overuse him, but I think he would help a team make a push.

 Also, big congrats are in order for Dustin Ackley for getting the call to the big leagues. Dustin will get to see his first action on Friday night when the Phillies come to town. It should be a great series with the M's one game out of first behind the Rangers.  Bring your best Phillies fans!

Who needs a Shortstop?

If you or your favorite team are interested in obtaining one, please call Jack Zduriencik at the Seattle Mariners.

It seems as though Eric Wedge has decided to play Brendan Ryan as the starting shortstop, and move Jack Wilson to second. Jack has played 1,251 major league games at shortstop. He has not played a regular season game at second since his days at Oxnard Junior College in 1997.

I guess the writing is on the wall. If Jack doesn't have some kind of monster season, I believe Dustin Ackley will be in Seattle by mid season playing second. Jack will be dealt to somebody who will want him at the trade deadline. There is my look in to my crystal ball for the day. Anybody want their team to just trade for Jack right now??