Coming soon....

I just bought the 2010 Topps team set for the Mariners and will soon be posting pictures of the players that were photo-shopped. Hope to have it up tonight or tomorrow.

The tension is mounting...

I really cannot figure this team out! Is our offense really that bad, or are the pitchers that good? I'm starting to think the offense is asleep at the wheel. I would really love this from the offense:

I would even settle for this to get the job done:

What I'm getting from this team is pathetic. I know that this is a small ball team, and they need to manufacture runs, but you can't score if you don't get on base. Three hits was all we could manage yesterday. You are supposed to win your home opener, not get shut out! This is what our offense is giving us right now:

Even the starting pitcher does his job and can't get help from the defense. Ryan Rowland-Smith goes 7 innings, only gives up three hits, unfortunately walks five and strikes out 1, but would have been down 2-0 if not for the defense. Cather Rob Johnson cannot hold on to a foul tip into the glove which lead to Single that Milton Bradley tries to bare hand and over runs for an extra run to score. I hope that they can start to turn it around and we can get behind this year's slogan: BELIEVE BIG!!

Home Opener!

Today is the day that all will be right in the world again. The Mariners have come to Safeco and we can forget about the starting road trip. I wish I could be there today. The Big Unit comes to throw his last pitch, Ryan Rowland-Smith gets the start, and the ballpark is alive again. Let's get a win, GO M's!!

Retro Mariner Sunday 4/11/10

Time again to look back at a Mariner from the past. This week's decision was very easy given the significance and history behind the player.

If you don't know who the "Big Unit" is, what rock have you lived under for the last 20 years? Tomorrow is Opening Day at Safeco Field for the M's home opener. The man throwing out the first pitch tomorrow announced his retirement this past January. It has been a stellar career that will land him in Cooperstown in 2014. I know he will be wearing a D-Backs hat, but I am fine with that. He did good things for them, but also did great things for us.

Randy Johnson was originally drafted in the 4th round of the 1982 draft by the Atlanta Braves(imagine the rotation of Johnson, Maddux, Glavine, and Smoltz). He did not sign with the Braves opting to attend USC instead. While at USC, his most famous teammate was none other than Mark McGwire. He was again drafted by the Montreal Expos in the 2nd round in 1985 and signed with them. After nearly three years in the minors, Randy made his debut on September 15, 1988 against the Pirates. He got the win going 5 IP, giving up 6 hits, 2 earned runs, 3 walks and 5 strikeouts. After starting the 1989 season 0-4 in 6 starts the Expos traded Randy along with Gene Harris and Brian Holman to Seattle for Mark Langston and a PTBNL(Mike Campbell).

While his first few years with the Mariners were trying at best with him not having the best of control, he was coming into his own. He lead the team with 152 walks in 1991, but was able to turn that around and lead the team with 308 strikeouts in 1993. Although wild, he did throw the first no-hitter in Mariners history at the Kingdome against the Detroit Tigers on June 2, 1990. Randy was named the Opening Day starter six times for the M's. He did it five years straight from 92-96 and again in 98. While he may be known for the 51 on his back, he did wear 34 on September 26, 1993 as a tribute to his hero and mentor Nolan Ryan. Unfortunately, Nolan was hurt four days earlier and was forced to retire with his last pitch coming against Dave Magadan.

After learning about pitching from the "Ryan Express," Randy started coming into his own. He lead the Mariners in strikeouts from 1991 to 1995, and in 1997 and 98. He lead the team in innings pitched in 1991, 1993, and 1995. He also lead the team in wins in '91, '93, '94, '95, and became the first 20 game winner for the M's in 1997. He also lead the team in ERA 1993-95, leading the league with a 2.48 in 1995, and lead the team again in '97. While he did win a Cy Young award in 1995, his best season was 1997 and finished second in the voting to Roger Clemens(CHEATER!!). Twice in 1997, he struck out 19 batters in a game. He went to the all-star game five times for the Mariners in 1990, 93, 94, 95, and 97. He holds many team records, and is first or second in many team history categories.

In his 9 1/2 seasons with the Mariners, he is 2nd in wins with 130, 2nd in starts with 266, 1st in walks with 884, 2nd in complete games with 51, 2nd in innings pitched with 1838 1/3, and 1st in strikeouts with 2162. He was one of the reasons this team made the playoffs in 1995 and kept baseball in Seattle. Unfortunately before the 1998 season, the Mariners were not willing to offer him a long term contract because of concerns with the health of his back. While not being happy about it, he had a sub-par season and was traded to the Houston Astros minutes before the deadline with the Mariners receiving Freddy Garcia, John Halama, and Carlos Guillen. Mariners fans were not happy with what we got in return right away. While they were good players eventually, none were the "Big Unit." In his 11 starts for the Astros, he only went 10-1.

In 1999, he signed as a free agent with the Arizona Diamondbacks, and started his run of total dominance. From 1999-2002, he won 4 straight Cy Young awards. He will always be remembered for the strange play in spring training against the San Fransisco Giants, when he hit a flying dove with a pitch.

While never known as a great hitter, he was able to hit a home run against the Milwaukee Brewers on September 19, 2003. His crowning moment was probably being able to pitch a perfect game at the age of 40 against the Atlanta Braves on May 18, 2004. After the 2004 season the D-Backs traded Randy to the Yankees for three minor league players.

While those two years with the Yankees were not the worst, they also weren't the best. In the off-season between 2006 and 2007, the Yankees traded him back to Arizona, receiving four minor leaguers in return. While being hurt during most of 2007 and having a .500 year in 2008, he did have his moments. On June 3, 2008 he struck out former Mariner Mike Cameron to become second on the all-time strike out list passing Walter Johnson. In December 2008, he signed as a free agent with the San Fransisco Giants. History came to Randy on June 4, 2009 as he won his 300th game in Washington, DC against the Nationals. His career had come full circle against the team that he first started with.

On January 5, 2010 he announced his retirement from baseball. He finished with great numbers: 618 GP, 603 GS, 303-166, 3.29 ERA, 1497 BB, 4875 K, 100 CG, and 37 SHO. If those aren't hall of fame numbers, I don't know what is. I will be excited to see Randy throw out the first pitch, and know he will get a huge welcome home from the fans at Safeco tomorrow.

WTF?!?!

= me when the M's keep losing

Can someone please explain to me what the heck is wrong with my Mariners?? I know it's only 5 games into the season and there is a long way to go,but I'm tired of losing already. Four straight division losses is driving me nuts! Hopefully we can right the ship tomorrow with Felix on the hill. I don't know if our pitching is failing us, our offense is flat right now, or both. Here's to hoping for a win tomorrow.

= me when the M's are winning

Tonight's the night!

No I'm not talking about the god awful song that Genesis did long ago. Tonight is the first start of the season for Ryan Rowland-Smith. I see big things coming for the big leftie from Newcastle, Australia. I think he will solidify himself as the #3 starter this year and have an awesome year. Let's hope he doesn't prove me wrong against the A's tonight. Go get 'em Ryan, and let's get a win!

I want your junk!!

I am looking for your junk wax that says Mariners on it. I know many of you out there have those 80's, 90's and 2000's Donruss, Fleer, Score, and Upper Deck laying around taking up space. I have a binder that wants to be their home. Any year's base cards or traded/update to try and help kill the Super Set. I know the wantlist is only through 89 so far, but that's alot of cards to go through and input into a wantlist. If you could spare some cards on the list, or not on there yet please feel free to drop me a comment or shoot me an e-mail. All help will be greatly appreciated and will try to be returned in fair trade!!

Cards in the mail

Sometimes Facebook has it's privileges. I started a group long ago for Topps collectors on Facebook. Along comes a member of my group and says he has extra Pilots cards for the Super Set. In my mailbox I get a package with four cards from the 69 set and ten cards from the 70 set. I just want to give a big thanks to Tom Lowden for just sending these cards out of the kindness of his heart. Thanks again Tom for getting me closer to getting the Pilots in the binder!!

OPENING DAY!!!

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the most sacred day of the year. I know that it actually started last night, but since most teams didn't play... I know that some think the baseball world revolves around New York and Boston, But for the rest of us we get to celebrate today.

If you are at all a fan of Topps like I am, check out their new blog. I like the fact that a company is trying to connect with it's collectors and not through childish awards that are social media experiments. They will be giving away stuff all day. Happy baseball season, and GO MARINERS!!!

Retro Mariner Sunday 4/4/10

Time again for another look at a Mariner from the past. This week's player didn't spend much time a Mariners uniform as a player.

Alonzo Powell was an undrafted free agent out of high school, but signed with the Giants in 1983. After the end of the 1984 season the Giants traded him to the Montreal Expos. Alonzo was the opening day starting left fielder for the Expos in 1987, because the team and Tim Raines could not work out a contract. Once Tim signed, Alonzo was sent back to the minors and remained there. Near the end of the 1989 season, he was traded by Montreal to the Minnesota Twins. After spending 1990 at AAA Portland, he was granted free agency and signed with the Mariners for the 1991 season.

While with Calgary, he was part of a team that made history by hitting three grand slams in one game. On May 16, 1991 Dave Cochrane, Chuck Jackson, and Alonzo all hit grand slams. He spent a total of 57 games with the Mariners in 1991, playing all three outfield positions, some time at first base and at DH. During spring training of 92 he was approached by Ken Macha asking if he could give his name to some Japanese teams. In May of 1992, he signed with the Chunichi Dragons of the Central League. While spending six seasons with the Dragons, Alonzo won three straight batting titles from 1994-96, and was a five time all-star and two time gold glove winner. During the 1997 season, he hit a home run in the Nagoya Dome that travelled 520 feet. one of the longest in Nippon Pro Baseball history. He was released after the 1997 season and signed with the Hanshin Tigers for 1998.

After not being too productive with the Tigers in 1998, he was released and signed with the Blue Jays and was assigned to the Syracuse Chiefs. In 1999, He moved to the Yankees organization and spent the season with the Columbus Clippers. For 2000, Alonzo split time between Columbus and The Colorado Springs Sky Sox of the Rockies system. 2001 was his final season as a player when he played for the Newark Bears of the Atlantic League.

In 2002 and 2003, he was the hitting coach for the AA Chattanooga Lookouts of the Cincinnati Reds Organization. For the 2004 and 2005 seasons, he became the manager of the A Dayton Dragons. Unfortunately, those teams both finished in last place. He was replaced as manager by long time manager of many teams, Billy Gardner. Alonzo was retained as the hitting coach in Dayton for 2006. In 2007, Alonzo came back to the Mariners family and was the minor league hitting coordinator, working with players at all levels. In 2008, he was named as hitting coach for the AAA Tacoma Rainiers. At the end of the 2008 season, He was named to John McLaren's extra staff for the last few weeks of the season. He worked with players on hitting, and did a little coaching at first base. He spent 2009 and will spend 2010 as the hitting coach still with the Tacoma Rainiers.

25 man roster for 2010

Since Opening Day is right around the corner, here is how I see the M's starting the year.

Starting Pitchers

1. Felix Hernandez- There is a reason he is called "King Felix." Cy Young awards and greatness is in his future. No, Yankees and Red Sox fans you CAN NOT have him when his contract is up in five years!

2. Cliff Lee- He will start on the DL and probably not start until May, but hopefully they can convince him a winner is being built here and will stay after the year.

3. Ryan Rowland-Smith- Remember his name. I have a feeling this Aussie southpaw is going to have a breakout year. Also, my favorite current Mariner.

4. Erik Bedard- Will start the season on the DL also. I don't expect much from him, but could be a steal this year if he comes back and pitches well.

5. Doug Fister- Doesn't have overpowering stuff, but is coming into his own in the big leagues.

Ian Snell and Jason Vargas will start in the rotation to start the season until Lee and Bedard return from injuries.

Bullpen

1. David Aardsma- Will be the everyday closer. Before last year, he had never closed. He had some blown saves and makes you sweat sometimes, but gets the job done.

2. Shawn Kelley- Made the club last year as an NRI and pitched well. Will pitch long relief or an inning or two.

3. Brandon League- Hardthrowing rightie can be the set up guy or just get guys out. Came over in the Brandon Morrow deal.

4. Mark Lowe- Will be the set up man for the closer or can be the closer if needed. Good stuff, and a flamethrower.

5. Kanekoa Teixiera- A Rule 5 pick up from the Yankees AA Trenton. Has been dominant in Cactus League. Has to stay on the roster all season or go back the Yanks.

6. Sean White- Will pitch long relief or situational spots.

Possible problem: NO LEFTIES IN THE PEN!!

Catchers

1. Rob Johnson- Will be the starting catcher and get the bulk of the work. Little worried after hip and shoulder surgeries in the off season.

2. Adam Moore- Will be the back up and catch two to three days a week. Still young, and not great at throwing out runners yet.

Infielders

1B Casey Kotchman- He is an excellent defensive fielder. Hoping for more consistency and pop from his bat.

2B Chone Figgins- The steal of the offseason. Is excellent defensively and can play multiple positions. He can also hit, run and score.

SS Jack Wilson- Not much in the way of a bat, but has good range at short. Had injuries most of last year, so M's fans will see an even better shortstop this year.

3B Jose Lopez- Has cut done on his propensity towards committing errors. Will be expected to be the big bopper in the line up this year.

Bench- Matt Tuiasosopo. Has the ability to play most infield and corner outfield positions.

Outfielders

LF Milton Bradley- Will be expected to put up decent power numbers. Should have a better year than last year. The media in Seattle won't go after him like Chicago.

CF Franklin Gutierrez- Had the best rating for defensive outfielders in MLB last year. Could win a Gold Glove this year with a repeat performance.

RF Ichiro Suzuki- What words have not been used to describe him. He can hit, run, score, catch, and throw you out. He will be in the hall of fame with an M's hat on his head.

Bench- Eric Byrnes and Ryan Langerhans. Nothing to write home about with either one, but will hopefully help when needed.

Designated Hitter

This year the duties will be split between Ken Griffey Jr. and Mike Sweeney. While I think both guys are great in the clubhouse and getting fans to come out and watch, it is two roster spots that are wasted. Sweeney has had a great spring, but will it carry over? Griffey, puts butts in the stands, but is not "The Kid" anymore.

Manager/Coaches

Don Wakamatsu should have won Manager of the year last year. He and his staff have instilled confidence in this team and will take them far soon.

OUTLOOK:

I will always dream for big things like a World Series win, but I think we might be a year away from the playoffs. They will be competitive until the end, but will come up just short. Miracles could happen and we sneak into the playoffs though.

April Fool's day

Do the card companies think we are the fools or are they the fools? I know I sound like the old "Get off my lawn" guy, but whatever happen to a set of cards? It wasn't all about the gimmicks, inserts, subsets, parallels, short prints, relics and autographs. It used to be the set had 660 or 792 cards of players and managers and that was it. I know that all the fancy flashy cards make the hobby and industry continue to thrive, but I just want base cards back in my packs. Maybe I'm losing my mind , or maybe I'm old fashioned but I think all this stuff is what drives so many people away from the hobby. I know some people do this for the financial gain, but some of us do it for the love of the game and the cards.

Player Collections

I thought it might be time to start a list of players that I collect. It's not long, but they are my favorites.

Tony Gwynn

Willie Stargell

Dale Murphy

Alvin Davis

Ryan Rowland-Smith

David Ortiz-For my Son

Nolan Ryan-For my Son

Card from the box

Time to dig into the box of cards again and see what the good fortune is inside this time. I have a feeling it's going to be good...

Not bad! I own a full set of the 81 Topps. I also love this card and many of the 81 Angels because the pictures were taken at the Angels half spring training facility in Palm Springs, CA. I remember them playing at Angels stadium and waiting after games to get autographs from Angel players and the visitors as well. The stadium wasn't great, but we had Major League baseball for a few weeks. I'm thinking eventually that might be another project to collect, cards with pics from Palm Springs Angel stadium. Maybe I can get some help and clarification from Angels fans which ones are from there for sure.

Retro Mariner Sunday 3/28/10

Time to take another trip into the Mariner wayback machine to spotlight a former M's player. Today, we go back to a player that had a lot of hype and potential but was never able to showcase it with the Mariners. This week , we look back on Ivan Calderon.


Ivan was originally signed as a amateur free agent by the M's in July, 1979. From 1980 to mid 1984, he made the natural progression through the minor leagues. In 1980, he was at rookie ball with the Bellingham Mariners. In 1981 and 1982 he played A ball with the Wausau Timbers. For 1983, Ivan played for the AA Chattanooga Lookouts. In 1984, he started the season with the AAA Salt Lake City Gulls. On August 10, 1984 he made his MLB Debut in the Kingdome against the Twins, going 0 for 3. For 1985 Ivan split time in RF, LF, and 1B. He couldn't get consistent playing time in the outfield with Phil Bradley, Dave Henderson, And Al Cowens playing regularly. It was hard to get much time at 1B either with new phenom Alvin Davis playing there. After losing most of his playing time in right field to Danny Tartabull, the Mariners traded him to the White Sox to complete a deal that brought C Scott Bradley to the team.


Ivan spent his most productive years with Sox, and was traded after the 1990 season to the Expos for Tim Raines. His best year of his career came in 1991 with Montreal when he made the All Star team. After two years withe Expos, he was traded to the other Sox, the Red Sox. He spent most of 1993 with Sox, but was released and spent the last month of 1993 back with the White Sox. Due to injuries, he retired after the season. He was not heard from much after retiring back to his home in Puerto Rico. Unfortunately, Ivan met his untimely death on December 27, 2003 when his was shot 7 times in the back of the head in a convenience store in Loiza, Puerto Rico. It is believed that there might be a mafia connection to his murder. His murder remains unsolved and no one has been brought to justice for his death. May Ivan rest in peace.