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.

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!!

Rockin and Rollin

It is starting to be fun times here in the Emerald City. Last night before the M's game, Seattle native and Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready performed the National Anthem.
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=15512241&topic_id=&c_id=mlb&tcid=vpp_copy_15512241
(I don't know why it won't just show the video) CLICK it, it is awesome

Then the Mariners got down to business. Jason Vargas was on his game last night. A complete game, 4 hit shutout. There was nothing the Rays could do to get to Vargas.

The offense was powered by the long ball again. Justin Smoak with his 10th homer of the year, and Adam Kennedy and Miguel Olivo going back to back. Let's just keep the Rays in town for the rest of the year and we could have a great record. Also, in a related note, Michael Saunders was sent to Tacoma and Greg Halman will get a chance back up in Seattle.

Where have you been?!?!

I'm not really sure what to make of this Mariners team. They are actually playing good baseball and winning. I understand it has been against lesser opponents, but we aren't exactly dominating this year. I am impressed to see this team has won four series in a row. That is how you have a winning season, two out of three at a time. It is going to get tougher starting Friday in New York, and then on to Boston, with the Twins first at home after that. Let's hope we can keep it on some kind of a roll. Go M's!