Updates anyone?

[Griffey24-30]

I'm a soldier in Iraq and there is a 0% chance of me getting to watch any M's games. The AFN network will show random games and it's doubtful I'll see any of the Mariners games, so I'm asking a favor. Can anyone just tell me who looked good in the opener? I was able to get the boxscore on the Mariners' website (way to start off your USA career, Johjima) but I don't see any highlights and anything going on in the field. Someone please keep me posted every once in awhile and it'll be GREATLY appreciated. Thank you.

[Rennie Stennett]

A few young guys up the middle, plenty of vets surrounding them. Those two kids at second and short are slick fielders and they can swing the bat. Lopez, with I believe two strikes, and protecting, slapped a low and away pitch to right, with runners on. A fine piece of hitting for a guy who played about 60 games last year. This, his first full year in the bigs. A great game but still a loss. Putz served one up late and the fat lady sang a sad song.

The catcher showed he can play defense and he's athletic. We knew he could hit.

Have you tried the game tracker on: http://www.cbssports.com It's not a live game, but it's pretty good. Also, I think MLB.com has a broadcast of games. you have to register and pay, if your into that.

[Edgartohof]

Overall, though we lost the opener, the team looked pretty good. The first three innings, nothing happened on our part, as Colon was looking great. Ichiro surprisingly struckout twice, and wasn't too pretty doing so, but I wouldn't worry about that.

Moyer actually looked decent, or as decent as any 43 year old can - he definitely in his prime. For example, when Vlad went up to the plate, he seemed to have picked something up on Moyer, and knew what he was going to get, and subsequently smashed a homerun. Moyer has always had to rely on location, so if he doesn't have that, be worried, but then again, it was just the first game of the year, so things should pan out with him, since all in all, he was good, only giving up 3 runs and only walked one

To add to the "excitement" of the game if you will, Sexson fobbled the first two balls that came to him, though he still recorded the outs (him and Moyer) - just the (bad) luck of the draw I guess, along with opening day jitters is all, he settled down after that.

What was great though, was watching the new catcher Johjima - he handled the pitches well, and he had a surprising opening day homerun, and I might add, he added to that with another homerun today! And to think that some people didn't think that his power would translate from Japan to the MLB - HA!

For their second game, the Mariners won, coming to an early lead, one which they would not relinquish, sparked by the homerun by catcher Kenji Johjima (as already mentioned above).

In fact, the whole offense looked good, everyone doing their part, and everyone got at least one hit and one run. Ichiro recorded two hits in the game, and was hit by a pitch as well. Sexson, who had hit a couple healthy balls to center field, that got the crowd ooohhing for a moment before they were caught, finally connected tonight, for a monster 3 run blast, and ended the night going 3-5 with 5 RBI.

Rafael Soriano, also looked good, as he pitched in both of the first two games of the season, for a total of 1 2/3 scoreless innings. So hopefully he if fully recovered from his injuries and surgeries, and can get a performance out of him, at least somewhat remeniscent of '03

I guess that's all that I have for now - more later.

[Rennie Stennett]

that pitch Vlad hit for the dinger was a foot off the ground low and away. Vlad is always fishing. I think it interesting that Moyer is tipping his pitches...even if you know that low and away is coming, you still got to hit it...and hit it out is an awesome thing.

[Griffey24-30]

Hey guys. Thanks. I don't check this site too often because the internet here is really bad. I appreciate the information!

Joe

[Rennie Stennett]

The M's bullpen held the Angels scoreless for seven (7) innings and "Big" Richie Sexton broke out of his slump with a big go ahead HR in the 13th, for Seattle.

The M's are sending a message to the AL West, that they are not going to just lay down in division games. The Mariners are 5-7 in the divison and 7-9 on the road this year. Oakland has the best record so far against Western foes at (9-6). jTexas, the leader in the West, has a (.500) record in the divison followed by the LA Angels @ (6-7).

Texas 19-17
Oakland 17-19
LA 16-21
Seattle 16-22

[Rennie Stennett]

Emiliano Fruto pitched 3 & 2/3rd's of scoreless relief for the save and M's bats explode with four long balls as the M's win. The Mariners knocked the Angels into the basement of the AL West and Moved into third place in the West three and a half games behind divison leaderTexas. Fruto, just called up from Triple A Tacoma, had four saves for the Rainiers.

[Rennie Stennett]

The Mariners are playing pretty good ball and it looks as though they are turning this thing around. They are four games back of West leader Texas. I know it's still early, but they are five games back of Texas in the loss column. Further review shows that they have played two more games then both Oakland and Texas. Texas, had two rainouts this past week at BOS. These are two games the M's cant' get back from the loss column. The thing is whether Texas fades in the dog days as usual or not, these will be meanful games to Boston, who figures to in a fight. The games will be made up. Hopefully, in some late August or September double-header at Fenway. The M's went back East in April and survived the trip without any rainouts. Knock on wood.

[Rennie Stennett]

The Mariners are swept out of Oakland. Traditionally a tough place for Seattle to play. The M's have had trouble with lefties this year and have always had trouble with Zito, who owns them. Some bad breaks and seeing eye singles in the first game, and just out played in last two. Seattle gathered many hits, but couldn't put them together. The M's had hopes of a .500 road trip but this was dashed when the brooms came out in Oakland. Seattle goes home to play a scrappy Tampa Bay club and A hot San Diego team in a six game homestand.

[Rennie Stennett]

Great pitching by Meche and some big hits by the powerful M's offense, which has yet to reach it's full potential, helped da M's crush the San Diego. The King gets the start today, as the Mariners get the brooms out and try to sweep away the Padres.

[Rennie Stennett]

the M's were turning this thing around, they get smoked by MINN and they are getting stomped by TEX. A team that was hitting good and pitching good, all of a sudden cant' buy a clutch hit. Obvious of this frustration, is when the skipper asks his leader in RBI's and HR's, Lopez to drop down a bunt or two to move'em over. This is really showing confidence in your hottest bat.

Side Note: when Carl Everett was called out looking in the 9th, with two guys on, in a two run game, that had to be the worst call I've ever seen. The pitch, a braking ball, was a good two feet outside. The catcher obviously framed the pitch. The pitcher didn't throw one curveball for a strike the whole at bat. What a joke. When things go bad, they really go bad, even in the balls and strikes dept. The Ump must of had a dinner date, or didn't like the Texas heat.

[Rennie Stennett]

The M's take the last game in the Texas series and winning the opener of the KC series, with a complete game shutout by Moyer.

http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=44545

:cool: Lets hope this continues and maybe my guy Washburn can get some runs tonight.

[Rennie Stennett]

The M's pounded the Royals 12-1 last night and now have a three game win streak. Sure it's KC, but it's nice to see this team hit. As we know, hitting is contagious, and perhaps these guys that are struggling can get it going. Lopez is hitting great. I wondered if the switch to the three hole would effect him, but it's not slowing him down at all. The M's will try to make it three in a row against the Royals this afternoon.

The standings as of June 4th:

Texas 29-26 .527 -
Oakland 26-30 .464 3 1/2
Seattle 25-32 .439 5
LA 24-31 .436 5

[Rennie Stennett]

Washburn, in his worst outing of the year, gave up seven (7) runs on eight (8) hits in just (4 1/3) innings.

On the bright side, Beltre hit his second dinger in two games and added a RBI double and Morse had a couple of hits for the good guys. Bloomquist added a triple and is hitting (.294). Meche goes tonight, as the Mariners try to take three (3) out of four (4) from the Royals.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e68/Doomtown7/WAJF110060421_lower.jpg

Willie Bloomquist makes a diving catch Sunday afternoon against the Royals.

[papa~smurf]

It wasn't their first road win.

[Rennie Stennett]

...giving up one run and Ichiro goes 4-5 as the M's win 5 of the last 6 ballgames. Ichiro is hitting a cool (.350) now.

[Rennie Stennett]

...and go for the sweep today, as King Felix, who has been throwing good as of late, takes the hill. Ichiro, is knocking the ball all over the place and had a three hits last night and a three run homer. The M's, have won 9 of the last 12, but still trail Texas by 5 games. Texas continues to win. They beat the bombers on Saturday.

[Rennie Stennett]

As of late, you hear guys say the M's have a long stretch of road games coming up, and it's true. What they don't tell you is that all of these road games are out West and some are in our division, as well as NL West cities, up until the All Star Break. No coast to coast flights for some time. We have no make up games back East, or anywhere. Having made it through the chilly NE this April. It's pretty exciting playing pretty good baseball, with some games against rivals now. What better way to get closer to the top of the West. I think the West has been playing better ball, although everyone says we suck out here. Whatever you want to call it, with four teams all playing about .500 baseball against each other, it makes it tough to have a Wild Card bid. The West has played .500 baseball against the league, but has been better recently. It's not an easy road, but it should be fun, watching this team develop.

[Rennie Stennett]

The M's get swept in a three gamer @ OAK and then come home and sweep out the SF Giants in a weekend series. Ichiro got a couple of hits on Sunday and Moyer shut down Bonds and company. The Mariners play @ LA Dodgers on Tuesday, as they continue interleague play.

[Rennie Stennett]

East: Boston .582

Central: Detroit .657

West: Oakland .551

Wild Card: Chicago .638
NY .567
Texas .543
Toronto .536
MINN .500
Seattle .479

[Rennie Stennett]

The A's were shutout on back to back nights @ Coors Field as the Rockies cool off the hot hitting A's, who won like ten in a row. As we know, the A's ran over some good teams, like the M's and the Dodgers, during this streak. Let's hope they go on a cooler now.

Oh, by the way, the M's won there fourth game in a row, by beating Brad Penny, who has been lights out this year, and they trail the A's and the Rangers by 3 1/2, who sit on top of the AL West. The Mariners are two (2) games under (.500).

Beltre, hit a homer and scored four (4) runs. He continues his hot hitting and he is making me eat crow. I dogged Beltre big time early this year, as well as Reed, and they are both doing better. I like Beltre when he just tries to hit the ball hard somewhere. He finds gaps and occasionally it goes out of the park. Beltre scored four runs. He had two RBI's and a couple of hits. It's pretty sweet hitting behind Ichiro.

[Rennie Stennett]

Jeremy Reed hit a homer to tie the game tonight and the Mariners erupted for four in the eighth and go on to win 8-5 against the Dodgers. Putz got his (12th) save and Mateo got the win in relief. Hardluck Washburn kept it close for six innings.

Early on in the season I've held Reed's rumproast to the fire for his poor hitting. I basically said he was a no hit bum. Reed has shown that the sophmore jinx lasts a little longer sometimes. That homer he hit was a high fastball (correct me if I"m wrong) and I'm suprised it went out. Not to rain on Reed's parade, but just to show how hard he hit it. I thought it had can of corn written all over it, but Reed hit a bomb.

King Felix goes on thursday, as the M's try to sweep. Former Mariner, Tomko gets the start for the Dodgers.

[Rennie Stennett]

Brian Giles hit a game winning rbi in the home half of the 10th and the San Diego Padres beat the Mariners 2-1. A great pitching duel. The M's had their chances, particularly late. Ibanez was forced at second but the replay showed he was in there. He was popping up out of his slide, with his foot on the bag, when the tag was put on him. The Mariners were robbed. Sexton, then advanced to second on a ball in the dirt. With the bench limited to slow guys, with the exception of some pitchers, due to some double switches earlier, there was no pinch runner. Kenji lined one to right and Sexton was thrown out at the plate. Not even close. Moyer goes tonight, as the M's try to stop the two game losing streak. Over all, the M's are doing great in interleague play.

[Rennie Stennett]

Richie Sexson went a career-best 5-for-5 with two homers, including the go-ahead shot in the eighth, to lead the Seattle Mariners to a 9-4 win over the San Diego Padres on Sunday. Sexson drove in three runs and scored three times.

I hope he gets into one of his hitting streaks, that Richie. He can carry a ballclub on his back for weeks, when he's hot. Not just home runs does he hit, but Big Richie spanks line drives all over the place.

Oh yea, the M's win and take two out of three from the Padres. The Mariners now head to the Arizona Heat (thank god it's indoors) for a set with the diamondbacks.

[ichiro262]

In other news, the A's just keep winning so we better pray for a sweep in Arizona to keep pace.

[Rennie Stennett]

In other news, the A's just keep winning so we better pray for a sweep in Arizona to keep pace.

Yes, and so do the White Sox & Tigers, which means we have to win the West. The M's are playing (.660) baseball this month, but so are the A's, as you mentioned.

A look at the AL Wild Card:

East Boston (.611)

Central Detroit (.671)

West Oakland (.547)

Wild Card
Chicago (.653)
New York (.575)
Toronto (.547)
Minnesota (.527)
Texas (.526)
Seattle (.494)

We are four games away from the half way point in the season. There is still a bunch of baseball left. Boston looks strong, as well as Detroit and Chicago and Oakland. Even Texas continues to pound the ball and their pitching is better. Will Texas wilt in the summer heat ? Can Detroit continue this pace ? They have confidence and they know they can win now, which is dangerous. The Yankees are a question mark, with their age and injuries, but you cant' count them out. Boston is smokin' hot. Minnesota is playing good, as well as Toronto. Even a Bay Area (knock on wood) Earthquake couldn't slow down the A's, it seems.

The good news is the Mariners will get to play all these teams in the second half of the season, which includes road trips back East, during the dog days of summer. We have some youth and a good bench so lets get on that magic carpet and ride !

[Rennie Stennett]

Seattle's Win on Thursday along with the Texas loss, puts the M's in second place (1/2) game ahead of Texas and (2) games behind first place Oakland.

Ibanez hit # 17 to tie the game and Betancourt hit a two out, go ahead single in the ninth to score Willie, who pinch ran, after Kenji's triple.

[Rennie Stennett]

Oakland 42-37
Texas 41-39
Seattle 41-40
LA 35-44

As mentioned earlier, Oakland and Texas have Postponed games that will need to be made up. Oakland was rained out @ KC in April and they figure to make it up when they visit the Royals in August. The A's have played two fewer games than the M's, and are three games ahead of Seattle in the Loss column. The road for Texas is a little tougher.

Texas, who traditionally has to face the dog days of summer in the Arlington heat, has to make up three rain outs against the powerful Boston Red Sox. Texas is one game ahead of Seattle in the loss column. Texas has made two trips to Fenway this year in May and in June. With the Exception of one scheduled make up game on July 20th, which is sandwiched between a three gamer @ Toronto and a three gamer @ Chicago, Texas has no more trips to Boston. This is hugh for both Texas and Boston, who both figure to be in it all the way and these games are sure to be made up.

This is good news for Seattle. The bad news is divison leader Oakland has played two fewer games than the M's and lead the Mariners by three games in the loss column. The M's can't get these games back.

[Rennie Stennett]

The Mariners trade minor league infielder, Asbrudal Cabrera, for Edwardo Perez of the Indians.

Ashbrudal Cabrera hit (.236) in (203) ab's over (60) games for Triple A Tacoma.

In (37) games, Edwardo, who hits against lefties, hit (.303), slugged (.636), with (9) doubles and (8) HR's in (99) ab's.

[Rennie Stennett]

Ichiro was voted to the starting nine and Jose Lopez is a reserve. :clapping

A complete list: http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?p=600388#post600388

[Rennie Stennett]

The Rockies are playing good right now. It's nice to see them go.

NL Wild Card:

Cincinnati 44 38 (.537) -
Colorado 42 39 (.519) 1.5
San Francisco 42 40 (.512) 2.0
LA Dodgers 41 40 (.506) 2.5
Arizona 40 42 (.488) 4.0
Milwaukee 40 43 (.482) 4.5

NL West:

San Diego 43 39 (.524) -
Colorado 42 39 (.519) 0.5
San Francisco 42 40 (.512) 1.0
LA Dodgers 41 40 (.506) 1.5
Arizona 40 42 (.488) 3.0



AL Wild Card:


Chi White Sox 53 28 (.654) -
NY Yankees 45 33 (.577) 6.5
Toronto 46 35 (.568) 7.0
Minnesota 45 35 (.563) 7.5
Texas 41 40 (.506) 12.0
Seattle 42 41 (.506) 12.0

AL West

Oakland 42 39 (.519) -
Seattle 42 41 (.506) 1.0
Texas 41 41 (.500) 1.5
LA Angels 37 44 (.457) 5.0

[SABR Matt]

You know what's BS about that AS roster?

Where the hell is JJ Putz?

[Rennie Stennett]

Yea, Oz said he would take his guys. Out of the pitchers, the only one that is on the bubble is Buerhle, who got bombed (he gave up (11) runs on (13) hits in (5) innings) by the Cubs today. Buerhle is (9-5). Zambrano hit his third HR of the year.

Jenks and Contreras are lights out. The rest of the AL pitchers are having good years. I'm glad Jose Lopez made it.

[papa~smurf]

You know what's BS about that AS roster?

Where the hell is JJ Putz?

JJ > Rivera.

Rivera is just there because we are Seattle. No one will ever pay any attention to us unless we have another '01 season.

But I do think JJ should be there instead of Mo.

[SABR Matt]

Mark Redman????

I know the Royals are a bad team and it's hard to find an AS on there, but SURELY there's someone better on that team than Redman...If I'm picking reserves, call me crazy but I think I'd go with Emil Brown.

[Rennie Stennett]

and lose to the Angels 14-6. The M's have lost 4 out 5. In this one, it seemes no one could get anyone out. The Mariners try to turn it around tonight, as Jamie Moyer takes the hill. The Angels go for the sweep. It doesn't get any easier, as the Detroit Tigers fly in for three before the ALL-STAR BREAK.

[Rennie Stennett]

The million dollar question is will the Mariners continue to build their positive energy and grow into a playoff contender ? Will they compete for the American League West ? Or will they wilt in the Summer heat ? The M's are still doing dumb stuff on the bases and they kick a ball now and then. They go through these stretches where they lose four or five in a row and look like they cant' buy a hit. Other times they pound the ball all over the yard and get great pitching. They were flat against the Rockies. They lose one in extra innings, which stretchs out your pen and they compound it by the starters getting pounded in the next few starts and it's the snowball effect. The M's got to shore that up, because after the all-star break, the M's play a bunch of good teams.

They have twenty nine (29) games against the divison. The Mariners have thirty (37) seven home games and fourty (40) on the road. Fifty (50) of their seventy seven games are against teams with better than (.500) record. I included Texas {(9) games}, in this. We have to beat Texas and Oakland. I believe (9) games against both. It's a tough road to hoe, but the bright side is, these are the teams that are above us in the wildcard and in the divison, as stated earlier in this thread. I believe (.500) the rest of the way, won't do it. (.660) throughout the Dog Days of Summer and into the Stretch Run should win the divison.

[Rennie Stennett]

The previous night Carl went behind closed doors and had a discussion about playing time with Grover. Wednesday night, Everett got tossed for words he said after an at bat against the Angels in which the strike zone was the topic.

Now, I know many are going to say, I told you so, in regards to Carl Everett. His true self is coming out. He's a hot head...blah....blah...blah.

Personally, I think it's great that he is getting P.O.ed. It's about time, someone on the M's got P.O.ed. You can't get mad at a guy who wants to play more, whether he deserves playing time or not. Hitting is timing and you got to be in there on a regular basis. Also, I love it when a ballplayer doesn't want to talk to the media and blows them off. This puts all the heat on Carl and off the rest of the team and their bad play for a few days. You have to have guys like this. Al Bell comes to mind. :grouchy

[Rennie Stennett]

I went to Safeco Field to watch the M's on Sunday afternoon. It was Pilot Uniform Day. It was a blast. Many former Pilots were there and they were honored before the game. The organist from the Pilots was there. He played during the game. The public address announcer was there along with the radio play by play guy also.

I was thinking that this is just the thing to get the M's out of the funk they are in. A little Pilot Mojo, if you will. I wasn't sure if it would happen though. It was a great game, don't get me wrong, but the pitching duel had it's share of base running mistakes. Perez, who reached early on, got picked off between first and second. He was almost half way between the bases. The funny thing is, the first baseman didn't know, and he was way off the bag. The catcher caught the pitch and looked suprised when he finally realized that Perez was that far off the bag. Perez had his hands on his quads and just stood there. Maybe he was thinking that If I don't move, he won't see me. I'll have to check out a replay of it.

Betancourt hit the go ahead RBI but got thrown out at second trying to stretch it into a double. It was an error and the ball was a few steps behind the shortstop. With two outs, it was a rally killer. We haven't had many base runner the past week so it's frustrating. That one run was the difference, as it turned out and the M's win the Pilot Tribute game 3-2. Meche pitched great, with the exception of that one inning,where the wheels fell off.

Rivera smoked a two run homer and added another hit to lift the M's.

[papa~smurf]

I wish we were in the NL west...

[Rennie Stennett]

Gil Meche went a solid six innings and Beltre had a couple of RBI's, as the Mariners beat Toronto. Ichiro, Beltre and Lopez had two hits each. The offense banged out 10 hits, which is good to see, as the M's play their toughest stretch of the season. JJ Putz got his 17th save. Next up: Halladay, who's 12-2.

Adam Jones, just called up from AAA Tacoma, walked and was CS on a close play at second. Some say this kid will continue to grow, but he looks pretty big right now, with speed to burn. Hopefully he does well or the Seattle fans will sent him out of town on a freight train. Remember, Willie Mays went 0-fer 20 to start his career and he turned out okay. Say Hey !

[M'sfan4ever]

Saturday July 15, 2006

Today Jamie Moyer goes up against Doc Halliday at Rogers Centre nee Skydome in Toronto. This one could be a 1-0 final, as it should be a dandy pitchers duel. Let's go Mariners :gt

[Rennie Stennett]

The Mariners lose two of three to the Blue Jays to open up the second half of the season. Both of these losses where in extra frames, one in 11 innings and the other in 14 innings. Our bullpen is tired and we have the next three @ NY Yankees who just stomped on the White Sox. Good Grief !

[papa~smurf]

If we are hanging with these Eastern teams, I think Bavasi is likely to get someone. I mean, if we had 1 or 2 more runs, we could have won those games in Toronto.

[leecemark]

--If we had used Putz in those extra inning games we might have won one or both too:confused: . Why did Hargrove let our best pitcher rust in the pen and run out the bottom of the staff? Soriano only pitched one inning of those 25 too (out of 11 relief innings). I couldn't believe he left Mateo (who doesn't get strike outs or ground balls) in there with the bases loaded and nobody out in the 11th.

[Rennie Stennett]

Putz or Soriano could have started the ninth or the tenth, as you mentioned, with Soriano going 1.0 the day before and Putz riding the pines. Perhaps, he is saving them for the Yankees or Grover doesn't want to mess with their roles. I hope he's not saving them for the next game, because this is bad managing. You play for today. You play to win today. Worry about tomorrow when It gets here.

[Rennie Stennett]

...and the boo-birds give him a Bronz Cheer. This is not new for A-Rod, who usually gets Booed @ home in the Bronz. After three errors they really gave him the business. The M's could not capitalize on these errors by the Bombers and tough luck Washburn loses another one. Again, he really didn't pitch that bad, giving up three runs early (one earned) and one late. The M's offense goes in the tank again. There is no clutch hitting by the M's. They are knocking 10 hits a game, but they are leaving just as many on base (18 LOB). This is getting frustrating. Today, we face Ponson, and then it's Meche vs. The Big Unit. We fly home for a weekend set against the Red Sox. Let's see if we can get a win today.

[leecemark]

--It was not a good day all around for A-Rod. Besides the errors, the M's intentionally walked Giambi (loading the bases) to face him. Rookie Mark Lowe came on to strike him out and then got the next guy to escape with no runs allowed (and spare Washburn some additional runs - I disagree that he pitched well yesterday). Lowe looks like he can really pitch and hopefully he'll be taking more high leverage innings away from Mateo.

[Rennie Stennett]

--It was not a good day all around for A-Rod. Besides the errors, the M's intentionally walked Giambi (loading the bases) to face him. Rookie Mark Lowe came on to strike him out and then got the next guy to escape with no runs allowed (and spare Washburn some additional runs - I disagree that he pitched well yesterday). Lowe looks like he can really pitch and hopefully he'll be taking more high leverage innings away from Mateo.

6 1/3 innings pitched with one (1) earned run is a bad outing ? They never score runs for this guy. You go out there and pitch with little run support. The Yankees made four (4) errors and we can't score one (1) run off them ? If one run in 6 1/3 is not good, what is your opinion of a good start ? I know, he has to pitch like the Big Train or he's no good, right ?

[Rennie Stennett]

-- Lowe looks like he can really pitch and hopefully he'll be taking more high leverage innings away from Mateo.

you'll find something wrong with Lowe anyday now, and you'll want to ship him to Siberia ! To the Russian Front Colonel Klink and you can't take Hilga with you !

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e68/Doomtown7/colklinc.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e68/Doomtown7/hilga.jpg

[leecemark]

6 1/3 innings pitched with one (1) earned run is a bad outing ? They never score runs for this guy. You go out there and pitch with little run support. The Yankees made four (4) errors and we can't score one (1) run off them ? If one run in 6 1/3 is not good, what is your opinion of a good start ? I know, he has to pitch like the Big Train or he's no good, right ?


--He didn't give up one run though. The runs didn't actually score on errors, but on hits Washburn gave up after. Then he left with men on, but the pen got him out of it. It was a horrible start, but it wasn't exactly a masterpiece either. Overall, he is giving up almost 5 (earned) runs a game so it isn't as if he can blame his lousy record all on his defense. Believe me, I'd like to see signs that Washburn is turning a corner - we are stuck with him 3 more years after all.

[Rennie Stennett]

I guess players and fans alike were wondering why the Marquee at Yankee Stadium read Nightmare in The Bronz before the start of last nights' game, between the Mariners and the Yankees. What started as a regular ole' ballgame turned into a Horror film. When JJ Putz took the mound in the bottom of the ninth, the clouds opened and the rains poured, as if The Bambino himself was upstairs and flipped a switch, as he has done so many times before. With no help from the guys in blue, who wanted to get this game in, they allowed the game to continue even though it was unplayable and this was evident by one and all. This is how things go in the Bronz. The Umpires who had 20/20 vision to start the game, suddenly cannot see worth beans, and their good judgement flew South to Capistrano for the Winter. On a big league play by Jose Lopez, where he caught the ball and belly flopped on his slip-n-slide into the outfield, which seemed like an eternity, got up and fired a strike to Big Ritchie that appeared to be the second out of the inning, but the bum in blue called him safe much to the delight of the rain soaked fans that remained. After the score was tied the game was called and a two hour rain delay began.

After the rain delay, our new closer Julio Mateo was summoned from the bullpen and he gave up the game winning homer. Why Mateo ? Now, I like the guy, but come on. Didn't Grover have any left handers down there to face this guy ? sheesh ! Where are those Seahawk Season Tickets !

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e68/Doomtown7/jjj.gif

[M'sfan4ever]

In the first game of a weekend set Jamie Moyer gives up 6 hits, 8 runs, 7 earned, and 5 homeruns :eek: , over 4 1/3, while the bullpen gives 1 more the rest of the way, as the Mighty M's lose to Boston tonight 9-4. We have the bullpen of a championship team, too bad we have the offense and starting rotation of the Seattle Mariners :ughh. Starters for tomorrow's game are Kason Gabbard (0-0) for his first ever start for the Red Sox, and The Kid Felix Hernandez (8-8, 4.89) goes for the M's. If they are gonna take one in this series it should be tomorrow. Let's go M's :dance

[papa~smurf]

If we could pick up a solid starter, and our offense stays consistant, we do have a championship team here.

[M'sfan4ever]

The Kid, Felix Hernandez, put in another solid outing today, giving up 4 hits and 2 runs over 7 complete, and the offense chipped in some runs as well today as the M's took the middle game 5-2. Hernandez looked really good today, as did this new kid Mark Lowe. He came in and pitched a perfect 8th and looked great doing it. Putz came in for the save. The other new kid Adam Jones looked awesome in centre field, making at least 2 very nice catches, and he even got a couple of hits today, and walked once in 4 trips to the plate. This team seems to be coming together nicely, although Beltre and Sexson were a disappointment at the plate again today, especially when they had runners in scoring position. I wish somebody could drill it into their heads that they don't have to swing at every pitch. Tomorrow the M's send Jarrod Washburn (4-10, 4.41) up against Jon Lester (5-0, 2.38) in the rubber match. One last note the M's came in 5 back of Oakland in the AL West and stay that way after the A's beat the Tigers 9-5 today.

[Rennie Stennett]

The third game of the series with the Red Soxs was a roller coaster ride all the way. The score changed (7) seven times Sunday, and the M's where the last one standing after Big Richie's game winning homer in the bottom of the ninth. Beltre hit an inside the park home run to put the M's ahead in the eighth inning, which looked to be the game winner with ole' reliable JJ Putz getting ready. Beltre, who was jogging up the line watching his big fly turned on the afterburner when he saw the ball bounce off the wall. Dude can smoke around the bases, for sure. After JJ Putz gave up a homer to tie it, Sexton came up in the bottom of the ninth, and drove a 2-1 pitch to left for the game winner and the moose circled the bases toting the Mariner Flag. With the temperature on the field hovering in the triple digits and who knows how hot in the Moose outfit, the Moose deserves a tip of the cap and a cold one for the effort.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e68/Doomtown7/WAJF111072319_lower.jpg

The Blue Jays come to town for three games starting tonight. It's Piniero (6-8, 5.79) vs. Jannsen (6-9, 4.77).

[Rennie Stennett]

Beltre's inside the park home run:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e68/Doomtown7/57209578OG012_RedSox_Marnrs072322_l.jpg

[papa~smurf]

Sexton

S-E-X-S-O-N, Sexson. Not Sexton, Sexson. Please could you type his name right? There is no "T" in his name at all, and it is not pronounced like that either. I don't see how you keep mispelling his name, I have pointed it out to you several times.

[Rennie Stennett]

S-E-X-S-O-N, Sexson. Not Sexton, Sexson. Please could you type his name right? There is no "T" in his name at all, and it is not pronounced like that either. I don't see how you keep mispelling his name, I have pointed it out to you several times.

Big Ritchie S-E-X-S-O-N !!!!! hit a homer.

I make other dump spelling and grammer mistakes, when rushed for time. I'm suprised I got those past you !

[SABR Matt]

A lot of TV announcers say Sexton too which ticks me off...LOL

[papa~smurf]

I am sorry if I sounded a little rude, thank you for correcting yourself. I was just an on-going theme, I was getting a little tired of it.

[Rennie Stennett]

Remember Sweet Lou believed in winning the first game of these three game series ? It is a big edge to do so. When you think about it, most teams travel from the East coast to play the M's, which is a long red eye trip, unless they are playing another West Coast team, in which case they have to fly up the coast. In any rate, this is a good idea to jump on them when they are down and out. When you win the first game of a series, you have a good shot at winning 2 of 3.

I watch an early season game a few years ago, when Lou was at Tampa. Tampa was playing the Yankees, it was the first game of a series and the D-Rays were up like 7-2 or something in the sixth or seventh. Lou managed that game like it was the seventh game of the World Series; pushing buttons and finally bringing the closer in the game to wrap it up. The Yankees made a comeback but it fell short and the Rays won.

[Rennie Stennett]

Mariners designated Carl Everett for assignment.

[Seattle1]

Mariners designated Carl Everett for assignment.

Wow, didn't really see that coming, though it didn't seem like Everett was really playing up to the level they had hoped for when they brought him in.

[papa~smurf]

Aside from a couple walk-offs, Carl didn't contribute too much to the team.

They brought up Chris Snelling. Personally, I think Carl was a bit of a hassle for the team. I would say that Perez at DH is better then what Everett was doing.

[Seattle1]

Aside from a couple walk-offs, Carl didn't contribute too much to the team.

They brought up Chris Snelling. Personally, I think Carl was a bit of a hassle for the team. I would say that Perez at DH is better then what Everett was doing.

I like what I've seen of Perez so far ok, though I don't expect anything spectacular.

[Rennie Stennett]

the Mariners acquired left-handed-hitting first baseman Ben Broussard and cash considerations from the Cleveland Indians for Minor League outfielder Shin-Soo Choo and a player to be named later.

[Rennie Stennett]

You got to like Chris Snelling. He plays hard. He can play all the outfield positions and he can hit. He's got some big league experience and started some playoff games way back when, before he got the injury bug. I think everyone is pulling for him.

[Rennie Stennett]

The Mariner Syndrome continued Friday night at the Jake. Shin-Soo Choo hit the game winning home run off King Felix on a 3-0 pitch that looked to be up and away. He drove it the other way. It turned out to be the only run Cleveland needed. The M's wasted a great outing by the King. We have seen it before, where a Mariner player gets traded and does well or in this case, comes back to haunt his old mates.

[Padday]

Oh, the irony.

[Wade8813]

But, just to add to the irony, Ben Broussard returned the favor and got us a HR the next game :D :gt :clapping.

[Rennie Stennett]

as the M's offense explodes late to brake open a close game and the Mariners take 2 of 3 from the Indians. Piniero kept it close for seven (7) innings giving up just three runs. Sexson (23rd) had a homer, Beltre (28th) and Ibanez (23rd) each had a double and Lopez went 3-5 with a two out RBI to power the M's. The Mariners have won two series in a row. They fly into Baltimore for three with the Birds, just three (3 1/2)and a half games back in the divison.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AL WILD-CARD RACE

N.Y. Yankees 61 41 .598 -
Chi. White Sox 61 42 .592 ½
Minnesota 60 43 .583 1½
Toronto 57 48 .543 5½
L.A. Angels 54 50 .519 8
Texas 52 53 .495 10½
Seattle 51 53 .490 11

[Rennie Stennett]

As of 6-19-06

East: Boston .582

Central: Detroit .657

West: Oakland .551

Wild Card: Chicago .638
NY .567
Texas .543
Toronto .536
MINN .500
Seattle .479

As Of Today, 8-1-06

N.Y. Yankees 61 41 .598 -
Chi. White Sox 62 42 .596 -
Minnesota 61 43 .587 1
Toronto 57 48 .543 5½
L.A. Angels 54 51 .514 8½
Seattle 52 53 .495 10½
Texas 52 54 .491 11

What a difference six weeks make. On 6-19, the White Sox were playing (.638) ball and about seventy points ahead of the Yankees (.567) in the Wild Card Race. Today, the Yankees are playing (.598) ball and lead the White Sox (.596) by percentage points. Minnesota was a five hundred club six weeks ago and now they are one (1) game back in the Wild Card. The Yankees have improved with trades and will be getting guys back from injury. The Chi-Sox appear to be fading fast. Six weeks ago was when that Ozzie - Marriotti thing blow up and the Sox have been going down hill since then. The Mariners are ten games back in the wild card but just 3 1/2 games back in the divison. They just hopped over Texas into third place two games behind second place LA Angels. The M's are gaining confidence and they believe they can beat anyone. Winners of three series in a row, the Mariners have control of there own destiny. Yee Haw !

[Rennie Stennett]

and the M's beat the D-Rays 5-1. After getting spanked by Oakland in a three game series, the Mariners have rebounded nicely, with two in a row against Tampa. Sexson's game winning Grand Slam is his fourth this year and 13th of his career, just ten away from the all-time leader Lou Gehrig (23). The M's go for the sweep today.

Oakland continues to win.

[Edgartohof]

Mark Lowe, has now pitched a total of 17 2/3 scoreless innings to begin his major league career, including 2 great innings last night, striking out 2, with no hits or walks.

So far, he has given up 8 hits, 7 walks (.849 WHIP), 1 HBP, struck out 20 (10.2 SO/9 IP), and given up 0 runs (Earned OR Unearned) in these 17 2/3 innings. And he was clocked in the triple digits TWICE in last nights game!!! Opponents have a line of: .125/.250/.161 against him.

Now I'm not sure, but I believe that this is the longest scoreless streak to begin a career - I'll have to get back to you on that one though, unless someone else knows for sure.

[Rennie Stennett]

Well with the recent tumble the M's are taking winning the West is out ot the question, but they have a shot at finishing out of the basement, but even that seems long gone at this point. Indeed, the guys are probably booking their golf vacations right now. If Grover can rally the troops for one final push perhaps we can pass Texas in the standings.

The West standings as of today (8-15-06)

Oakland 67 52 .563 -
L.A. Angels 62 58 .517 5½
Texas 61 59 .508 6½
Seattle 56 63 .471 11

September call ups are just around the corner. It will be nice to see what some of these kids can do. Beating our rivals in our divison would be more fun. Getting that Oakland Monkey off our backs would be a good start.

[ichiro262]

I think it's about time to test some of those young pitchers. Piniero proves every start that he doesn't deserve to pitch right now.

[Rennie Stennett]

I think it's about time to test some of those young pitchers. Piniero proves every start that he doesn't deserve to pitch right now.

It appears Piniero has no heart. When he throws against the A's, it's like they know what's coming. They hammer on breaking balls as well as the express. Uncle Charlie has no bite and the #1 is flat.

[Rennie Stennett]

Woods to take Piniero's spot in the rotation. Piniero to bullpen.

[Rennie Stennett]

Pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre, who does not regret leaving the Yankees last season, hasn’t ruled out returning to work. Stottlemyre, who lives close to Seattle, told the New York Post he'll "wait and see" what happens with manager Mike Hargrove.

[Rennie Stennett]

Grover, in one of his worst moves ever leaves The King in the ballgame in the eight and Felix gets trashed by the D-Rays in this heartbreaker. Everyone says Sweet Lou is coming back. Well I hope to shout he does. Lou would have never done this to Felix. All this talk about backing off on his work as he approaches 200 innings. What a bunch of hogwash. Get the kid out of there when he's on for the win. This was Hernandez's chance to get to the .500 mark @ 12-12 and give him some confidence and a chance for a winning season. Sure at the time, Felix only had like 90 pitches. You hate to see this. We have a pretty good bullpen, who is used to coming in and saving ballgames.

This guy Witt is a career minor leaguer (10 years), who can't hit the curveball. That's why he's spent 10 years in the minors, but he can sure hit the fastball. What do you give a first pitch fastball hitter ? One right down the tube. Witt's best cup of coffee was with the '03 Tigers. He had 10 HR's & 68 Strikeouts in 270 AB's. Witt averaged about 100 strikeouts per year in the minors.

Grover: get on the next train out of town.

http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/index.jsp?c_id=tb

[Rennie Stennett]

after a long rain delay, Kenji Jojima singled home Ibanez in the top of the tenth to give the M's the lead and Jon Huber picked up his first win in the big show. The Mariners take two of three from the Tigers. The Tigers are just 3 1/2 ahead of Minnesota, who play the D-Rays tonight. The M's get Thursday off before the Rangers come to town. Of the remaining 23 ballgames, nine are with Texas. The M's are five games behind Texas in the Wild, Wild, West.

[Rennie Stennett]

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e68/Doomtown7/WAJF111090900_lower.jpg

Ritchie Sexson added some insurance with a grand slam and Cha Seung Baek had another solid outing as the M's win. Kenji hit a go ahead homer for the good guys.

[Rennie Stennett]

...and Lopez singled home Ibanez in the 13th and the M"s Win. Fruto went 2 & 2/3's scoreless innings to keep the Mariners in the game. The Good Ship Mariner is now just 3 games back of third place Texas as we sail into the sunset.

[Rennie Stennett]

The Mariner Moose is denying that he dates Jessica Simpson but it's too late - he's already been mercilessly sucked in to her publicity vortex, grounded into hamburger, and spit out like he's just another Nick Lachey.
Jessica Simpson has fired her publicist, Rob Shuter, over his handling of U.S. media claims that the pop singer was dating the Mariner Moose, a report says. E! Online reported that Joe Simpson, Jessic's father, fired Shuter this week over the publicist`s alleged mishandling of last week`s rumors that his famous daughter and the Mariner Moose are seeing each other. Rumors have been flying at Safeco Field recently. Groundskeepers and others have witnessed a sudden extra spring in the Moose's step the past few weeks. Some people are concerned about the Moose. Maintenance personel noticed that the governor put on the Moose's three wheel motorized vehicle has been removed. The Moose has cancelled his regular visits to Children's Hospital and the Ronald Mc Donald House. One citizen reported that he watched the Moose down a quad Mocha Breve On Ice in less than a minute at Tully's Coffee. A high ranking Mariner personel, refused comment Sunday.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e68/Doomtown7/ph_moose_175x300.gif

[papa~smurf]

Do you have a source for the last story? Is that really true? If it is, that is quality laughs.

[Rennie Stennett]

Do you have a source for the last story? Is that really true? If it is, that is quality laughs.

I don't have a source for that story because it's not true, but it is quality laughs.

Great Story: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mariner_Moose

[Rennie Stennett]

As mentioned over in the Ichiro thread by Edgartohof http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=19524&page=13 Ichiro stole third as part of a double steal. Suzuki's stolen base broke the league record for consecutive swipes previously held by Kansas City's Willie Wilson, who was successful on 32 straight attempts in 1980.

Vince Coleman holds the major league record with 44 straight steals for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1989.

Ichiro also has two hundred hits for the sixth striaght year.

The major league record for consecutive 200-hit seasons is eight by Willie Keeler between 1894-1901. Wade Boggs (1983-89) holds the American League record with seven straight.

Oh by the way, Piniero gave up five runs in the fourth and that was all Kansas City needed as Mark Redman cruised. Ibanez knocked in his (110th) RBI on his seventh (7) Sac-Fly this year.

[Rennie Stennett]

With two (2) RBI's today, Big Ritchie has fourty (40) two out RBI's. He needs two more to reach the one hundred RBI mark. He has (29) dingers this year.

[Rennie Stennett]

Adam Jones had a pinch-hit, two-run single with two outs in the 10th inning to help the M's beat the Rangers 9-7 Tuesday night. 15 players saw action and 6 pitchers in this meaningless game. The only thing left on the bench was the kitchen sink, and Hargrove was prepared to toss that at them if needed.

[papa~smurf]

Willie went 5-6 in this game.

[Edgartohof]

Ichiro also has recently added another 2 successful steals, to add to his streak, of 35 steals without being caught. This is the AL record, by 3(?), and only 9 behind the ML record of 44.

And he also has more hits this season (207) than he did all of last season (206), with several games left in the season.

[Rennie Stennett]

Ichiro also has recently added another 2 successful steals, to add to his streak, of 35 steals without being caught. This is the AL record, by 3(?), and only 9 behind the ML record of 44.

And he also has more hits this season (207) than he did all of last season (206), with several games left in the season.

This steak is truly incredible. That Ichiro wow's again.

[papa~smurf]

Mariners record as of September 21st 2006 is 75-79.

If you take out the W/L from our own division, our record is 59-44.

If we were in any other division in baseball, we might still be in it.

[Rennie Stennett]

Willie Bloomquist's GWRBI in the 10th gave the M's a 10-9 victory over the A's.
The A's Magic number is stuck on two, as the Angels beat Texas. The Texas loss and the Mariner's win moves the M's within two games of third place in the West. If the Mariners win their five remaining games they will finish @ (.500). Three of these five are with Texas to end the season.

Oakland 90 66 .577 -
L.A. Angels (2) 85 71 .545
Texas 78 79 .497 12½
Seattle 76 81 .484 14½

[Rennie Stennett]

The M"s finished the year taking two of three from the Rangers of Texas. They played .481 ball. At times, the M's pitched very well and hit very well but other times we couldn't buy a hit when we needed one. Staggering is the numbers of LOB and RLISP. Also, we didn't walk much. I think the team leader had like 67. I know we are a young club and some of these kids it's their first full big league season, but to play with Oakland, you have to take your base on balls. For guys like Ichiro, it will never happen, because that's his game and it works for him. Other guys will have to learn and I think they will. Other than 6 or 7 five game losing streaks and as papasmurf mentioned, our poor play in the divison, the M's didn't do to bad. Beltre finally seems comfortable in the American League. Sexton started slow but came on late. Ibanez had a great year. The young pitchers came up and showed us that watching the young guns develop is fun. You don't have to have crafty old vets. Sure the kids make mistakes but they make up for it in energy. Personally, I would have like them to finish above .500 and perhaps slide past Texas into third place, but still I'm happy with the guys and I look forward to next year. Grover recieved a vote of confidence and will be back next year. This is Rennie Stennett on the 'Good Ship Mariner' signing off.