A Clear Cut Dog Face trade

I wanted to send out a couple of thank yous to recent traders. Not too long ago I got an e-mail from Jason at Clear Cut Cards. He sent me this nice looking Johjima card and a few UD cards for the super set. Not a big Johjima fan, but it is a nice looking card.

Also in the mail recently was a trade I received from Tim at the Real DFG. He was looking for any cards that were Pittsburgh related. I was more than happy to send him some Pirates, Steelers, and Penguins cards. In return, I got the box that I originally sent to him filled with Mariners and Sharks cards.

Thanks again to both you guys. Hope you enjoy your cards and I look forward to future trades.

Prime 9 gets a hit

A big thank you goes out to Jim at GCRL. I sent him an e-mail that I had a few cards off his Nefarious 9 collection and was willing to get them to him. He in turn rewarded me with some cards off my super set want list and two cards from my Prime 9. Look at those two cards of beauty. The rookie card of my favorite Mariner ever, and the highlight card from Tony Gwynn getting hit #3000. The Prime 9 will now have two new cards added to the list of the greatest cards I would love to own. Thanks again to you Jim. If you don't read his blog regularly, you should give it a look, he is good at what he does.

Birthday cards from Padrographs

Yesterday was a very important birthday. It wasn't mine, but the great Mr. Padre turned 50 yesterday. Last week I received a package from Rod at Padrographs. He is streamlining his collection and had extra Tony Gwynns that he was willing to send to me. In all I got about 50 new cards that I didn't own. I big thank you to Rod, and a big Happy Birthday to Mr. Gwynn. Look at some of these cards, aren't they just great! Thank you Rod!

Update

Thought I would put up a quick update about my Retro Mariner from Sunday April 4. On Mother's day yesterday, Hitting coach Alan Cockrell was relieved of his duties. The Mariners promoted AAA hitting coach, Alonzo Powell to work with the club. Congratulations Zo. You have a lot of work ahead of you.

Retro Mariner Sunday 5/9/10

Time again to take a trip down the Mariner memory lane. This time is one of the lesser known, but equally important players. A Washington kid from the east side of the mountains. Dave Edler was born in Iowa, but grew up in the eastern Washington town of Yakima. While playing high school baseball for Eisenhower high school, Dave was also a member of the Yakima Beetles. The Beetles were an American Legion team that in 1975, not only featured the national player of the year in Mr. Edler, but also went on to win the World Series. Dave was able to parlay that success to play for Bobo Brayton at Washington State University. In 1976, Dave and the Cougars made an appearance in the College World Series. During the summer of 1977, Dave played on the famous Alaska GoldPanners team of the Alaska Summer League. That team finished 2nd in the NBC World Series. That 1977 team also featured Mike Boddicker, Vance Law, Tim Leary, and Scott Sanderson who all made it to the Major Leagues. While he did have his demons at WSU, Dave found himself drafted in the 21st round of the 1978 draft by his hometown team. Dave left college a few credits short of graduating, but had the potential to make it to the big leagues.

Dave started that journey in 1978 with the Bellingham Mariners under manager Bob Didier. Dave has credited coach Didier as have the biggest influence on his playing career.1979 saw Dave move to the A San Jose Missions. The next year was another move up the ladder to the AAA Spokane Indians in 1980. In the end of the 1980 season, Dave was a September call-up. While the Mariners had been using Ted Cox, and Bill Stein at third base during 1980, Dave was given the starting job for the rest of the 1980 season.  

 Dave won the job as the opening day starter at third base for the Mariners in 1981. He was the starter for most of April and May of 1981. Unfortunately, due to the incompetence of the front office, and field management Dave was sent back to AAA Spokane. They thought that the combo of Dan Meyer and Lenny Randle would be better at 3B. Not long after Dave was sent to the minors, this is the play Lenny Randle is remembered for:

1982 started with the AAA Omaha Royals, but from July to the end of the season Dave was back with the big club. He split time at third with Manny Castillo. In 1983, Dave started the season with the Mariners, but once again couldn't get consistent playing time battling Jamie Allen and Manny Castillo for time. Sadly, June 9, 1983 would the last time Dave would play a major league game. He would finish the 1983 season with the AAA Salt Lake City Gulls. Due to shoulder problems, Dave left pro baseball after the season.

During his time in the minors, Dave turned to a Christian teammate on a bus trip, and was able to find himself a new direction.  In 1984, moved back to Yakima and worked in a family business. He also volunteered in Young Life, a Christian youth ministry. Also in 1984, Dave played in the Inland Empire Semi-pro League for a team sponsored by M.G Farms. In 1985, Dave went on staff with Young Life for the next 8 years, growing the Yakima chapter to one of the largest in the nation. During that time he also was a coach at his alma mater, Eisenhower High. From 1993 to 1996 he also coached the Yakima Beetles, The same Legion team that he had played for when he was younger. In 1995, he led that team to a state title.

1994 saw Dave accept a position as pastor of the Yakima Foursquare Church. He still holds the position today, and the church sees 1000 to 1300 parishioners weekly. In 2004, Dave ran for the Yakima city Council, and won a seat for District 2. In 2006, he ran for mayor and won. As of today, Dave is still on the city council in the city of Yakima. He is married to his wife of 27 years, Susie who also runs the ministry with Dave. He is a father of three children and has opened his home to seven other children over the years. I would like to extend a thank you to Mr. Edler who accepted my e-mail and was able to help me with some of the background information on his life after baseball.

Happy Mother's Day!

To my wife, my mom, my mother in-law, and to all the moms out there I want to send a special Happy Mother's day to all of you. We would only be half the person we are if it wasn't for you.

Wave Goodbye!

I want say goodbye to the Red Wings and that giant monkey on our backs that we couldn't do it in the playoffs! I haven't had this feeling since 2004 when we got to the conference finals for the first time. Whether it be the BlackHawks or the Canucks, bring on the next victim. I have a feeling the Cup will have a twinge of Teal to it this year!! GO SHARKS!!

The alphabet

This is for my Mariners:

A
Better
Club
Does
Essential
Fundamentals
Great,
Have
Intentions
Just
Keep
Loose.
Maybe
Now
Or
Possibly
Relatively
Soon
The
Ultimate
Victory
Will
Xpose
Your
Zeal

Please use this alphabet to get some runs, heck a run would be nice. Then maybe we can win a game.  I'm off my soapbox now.

A numbers game

After seeing gcrl's Cinco de Mayo post about how the Dodgers haven't retired his number but should, I was thinking. What current player will have his number retired or what player that has gone should have his number retired. I know that the Mariners will not give out 11, 14, or 19 to anyone. Rickey Henderson asked for 24 and was declined. I believe the Mariners should have retired #21 for Alvin Davis, he was after all Mr. Mariner. Only two players and one manager have worn it since he left in 1991. My hockey team I believe should retire Patrick Marleau's #12 when he retires. He currently in his twelfth year with the team and has been a leader. So, regardless of which sport it is who's number would you like to see retired, playing or retired?

Go Sharks Go!!

I have decided that is in the best interest of my stomach to stop writing everyday about the Mariner's woes. I have decided to champion a new cause. For right now, I will write about my favorite hockey team.

Tonight is the night that we could finish off the mighty Red Wings. I know there is plenty of Wings fans out there, but they are always a thorn in my side. With a win tonight or soon, the Sharks will be back in the Conference Finals for the first time since 2003-04. Go Sharks! Win one for Teal Town, USA!

On a tangent

I want a few words for the Mariners. If you can do this once in a while,

And maybe it more than your opponent, you could get one of these:

Those letters make what is called a WIN!! The fans like those.  4 runs in the last 43 innings. Get it together guys.

Also thought I would throw up a card from the box.

Not too bad a card. Not a favorite of mine, but it is a rookie card I guess. My Mariners have me down, but my SAN JOSE SHARKS have me ecstatic!! One win away from the conference finals. Here's to hoping we can finish off Detroit.

Please stop talking...

Yes, I'm talking to you Darek Braunecker. Darek is the agent for Cliff Lee. One start into the season and he is already shooting his mouth off about how the Mariners won't be signing Cliff. He believes contract extension talks should be confined to spring training, unless he's running his flap. I understand Mr. Lee will command a boat load of cash after the season, but give his current team a chance. I doubt we will be able to afford the money his agent will want after what they gave Felix. Let's see how the season plays out. Let's see if this offense can get it together and actually score some darn runs. Maybe if we make a playoff push, Cliff will see this team might be a place to stay. The fans already love him. I believe that his teammates like him. I think his talent will push some of our other pitchers to be that much better this year.

This my friends, is the biggest reason I can't stand agents. If the player gets more, he gets more. As far as us fans in Seattle are concerned, you Darek(you don't deserve to be called mister) can shut your flap and take it somewhere else. Let us enjoy Mr. Lee and his performances this year.

Found out this morning that the great agent was on Seattle sports radio yesterday and flat denied he said this to ESPN's Buster Olney. He says his words were taken out of context. Nice job of back pedaling when you are talking to the people of Seattle instead of running your big yap. You annoy me dude. Please go away and shut up!

What just happened??

Please be looking for these guys. They seem to have left Seattle, or forgot how to pitch. Spiff and Play at the Plate, I love ya but take your Rangers and go away. You guys are killing us. I don't know what has happened to our bullpen. Blown saves, and poor pitching cost both Cliff Lee, and Doug Fister wins. Felix ran into his own trouble which happens. I don't know where the offense is either. I guess we can only hope the Rays will roll over for us and we can get some wins.

Retro Mariner Sunday 5/2/10

Time again to take our Sunday trip in the Mariners of the past. I decided to go with a guy that was with the team when I first became a Mariners fan. Orlando Mercado was originally signed by the Mariners in January of 1978 as a 16 year prospect out of Puerto Rico.

After signing with the M's, he started in 1978 with the low A Bellingham Mariners and started his journey of the ladder of minor league ball. In 1979, he moved up to the high A San Jose Missions. 1980 saw Orlando move up to AA with the Lynn Sailors. After spending 1981 with the AAA Spokane Indians, the M's moved the AAA affiliation to the Salt Lake City Gulls. While spending the 1982 in AAA, the Mariners made Orlando a September call up in 1982. He made his Major League debut on September 13, 1982  in Kansas City as a defensive replacement for Jim Essian. Orlando got his first start in the Kingdome on Sept. 19, 1982 against the Texas Rangers. With two outs and the bases loaded, Orlando collected his first hit off Steve Comer, hitting a grand slam. 1983 and 1984 saw Orlando continue to bounce between Salt Lake and Seattle.

At the end of the 1984 season the Mariners called up a young hot shot catcher by the name of Dave Valle. At the end of spring training in 1985, the Mariners dealt Orlando to the Texas Rangers in exchange for another catcher, Donnie Scott. Unfortunately, in the 105 games that he played with the Mariners, Orlando only had a .198 avg, with 2 home runs and 27 runs batted in. Orlando spent 1985 and part of 1986 with the AAA Oklahoma City 89'ers. He did see 46 games of action with Rangers during 1986.

During spring training of 1987, Orlando was traded from the Rangers to the Detroit Tigers for a minor league player. After spending only a month with the Tigers, he was traded again. In early May of 1987, He went to the Dodgers for a rookie reliever. After spending most of the 87 season with the AAA Albuquerque Dukes, he saw time in 7 games with the Dodgers. After being released by the Dodgers after 1987, he signed as a free agent with the Oakland Athletics. For 1988, he split time between the Tacoma Tigers, and 16 games with the club in Oakland. After 1988, he was released again and hooked on with the Twins. In 1989, he again split time between the AAA Portland Beavers, and playing in 19 games for the Twins. 1990 saw Orlando on the move again. After being with the Tidewater Tides, he spent 42 games with the New York Mets. He was put on waivers in late August of 1990, and was claimed by the Montreal Expos. The action with the Expos was limited, seeing time in only 8 games with the Expos. After being a free agent again, Orlando spent the 1991 and 1992 seasons with the Tidewater Tides. In 1993, he split time between the Charlotte Knights of the Indians system and the Iowa Cubs in the AAA leagues. In his final season, he was a player/coach for the Vancouver Canadians of the Angels system in the Pacific Coast League. While his numbers in the big leagues were not hall of fame caliber at .199 with 7 home runs and 45 RBI's, he was good at working with the pitchers.

The Angels hired Orlando to be a coach with the rookie ball Arizona League Angels for the 1995 and 1996 seasons. In 1997, Orlando moved up to the AA Midland Angels, to be the bullpen coach. For 1998, he was the hitting coach for the Pioneer League Butte Copper Kings, and was the bullpen coach for the team in 1999. In 2000, the Anaheim Angels hired new manager Mike Scioscia. Mike Promoted Orlando to be a catcher in the bullpen for the Angels. In 2002, Orlando received a World Series ring as a member of the Angels staff. After the Angels let bullpen coach Bobby Ramos go after the 2002 season, Orlando was promoted to be the bullpen coach for the Angels. 2010 marks the eighth year that Orlando has been the bullpen coach for Mike Scioscia and the Angels staff.

Orlando was also very good at raising his son to follow in his footsteps. In 2003, the Arizona Diamondbacks selected his son, Orlando Mercado Jr. in the 6th round of the amateur draft. While working his way through the D-backs system, he made his way to the AAA Reno Aces last year. He was released by Arizona, but was signed by the Atlanta Braves. He is currently with the AA Mississippi Braves.

Thanks Philly!

I can not tell how cool of a sight it was to see this on my TV last night. I knew he was good from what I've seen of him in the World Series and read about. How does a guy that has been out since early in spring training make one rehab start at AAA come out and be so dominant? I found it awesome that he pitches 7 innings of 3 hit, no run, no walk, 8 strikeouts on 98 pitches nasty. Now if only our pathetic offense could actually hit the ball to support Cliff, Felix, Ryan, Doug and the rest of the pitching staff all would be right Marinerville.

I extend my thanks to you Philadelphia, and Phillies fans for allowing Cliff Lee to come to the Mariners. I hope that Phillipe Aumont, Tyson Gillies, and Juan Ramirez work out for you. I also hope that we can keep Mr. Lee here after the year. If we can hit behind him, he just might stay long term. It would be special to have King Felix and him at the top of the rotation for a long time. Felix takes the hill today, GO MARINERS!!