Mariner Spring Training 2008

[Rennie Stennett]

Post any and all things spring training.

[Rennie Stennett]

By Geoff Baker:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/mariners/2004187892_mari18.html


"The way I look at it, it doesn't matter who's at the front of the line until we get to the end of the race,"

- Batista


"If you look at it, the guy who was No. 1 here three years ago [Jamie Moyer] now throws the softest of anybody in the league. It doesn't matter what order we're in. That's not supposed to change the product. We're supposed to win no matter what."

- Batista


"If you have five guys throw 1,000 innings, that's huge," Batista said. "It's very rare to find a team that can throw that many innings with just five guys. That takes a lot of pressure off the bullpen."

- Batista

You can put Batista at #5 and it won't bother him at all. You can tell him tomorrow you need him to relieve and he will. No problem.

[SABR Matt]

If Brandon Morrow is very impressive this spring...the mariners will be forced to consider moving Batista into a set-up role and letting Morrow start.

[Rennie Stennett]

If Brandon Morrow is very impressive this spring...the mariners will be forced to consider moving Batista into a set-up role and letting Morrow start.

Shannon's Baseball Blog:
Here We Go!



Morrow definitely a late innings guy. I had thought that they may let him work up a pitch count should something happen with a starter but Mac said he wanted it to be clear to Morrow that they want him to concentrate on relieving…

http://www.komoradio.com/marinersradio/shannon/15634322.html

[SABR Matt]

FOR NOW...that is true. That doesn't mean the organization sees Morrow as a set-up man forever...they still think he's a top of the rotation starting pitcher.

[Rennie Stennett]

Interesting Read:

Shannon's blog:

http://www.komoradio.com/marinersradio/shannon/15735467.html

I know I feature Shannon's blog quit a bit, but I like her writing style and she's a fan first and then it's a J-O-B. It's fun.

[Rennie Stennett]

FOR NOW...that is true. That doesn't mean the organization sees Morrow as a set-up man forever...they still think he's a top of the rotation starting pitcher.

True. They stretched him out in Winter Ball, where he logged over 30 some odd innings, with the idea that he would battle for a starting spot, but with the rotation kind of full, he will now set up Putz. He was able to work on his second and third pitches in Winter Ball. Last year, as you remember, he threw the express much of the time. The hitters now have something else to think about besides that crazy fastball with the late movement. Being a set up man is not so bad. It's good training for a guy who someday could be a closer. I can't think of a better guy then Norm Charlton to teach him the finer things a relief guy needs to know.

[Rennie Stennett]

:reporter:
"I don't like guys on the bench just sitting around," McLaren said. "We've got to use them and keep them sharp. Sometimes the regulars don't understand because they want to play."


To do it, McLaren will need versatility on the bench, and that likely will play into his roster decisions.


Miguel Cairo can play every infield position, Willie Bloomquist all of the outfield spots and Mike Morse can play first base, third base, shortstop and the corner outfield positions. Jeremy Reed also plays every outfield position and gives the M's a left-handed bat, and Greg Norton plays first and the corner outfield spots, although his greatest value is as a pinch-hitter.

By Kirby Arnold, Herald Writer

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20080219/SPORTS/619894041/1009/SPORTS07#McLaren.hopes.to.make.good.use.of.bench.p layers

[Rennie Stennett]

Johnny Mac wants the hitters to be more patient at the plate. He also wants the base runners to be more aggressive; going first to third more often.

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20080220/SPORTS/581488675/1009/SPORTS07#McLaren.excited.about.first.spring.as.a.m anager

[Wade8813]

The Mariners? More patient? :faint: :eek:

[Rennie Stennett]

It's always fun to see where old Mariners are playing.

As we know, Adam Jones and George Sherrill are with the Baltimore Orioles. Jamie Moyer will be the number four starter for the Phillies. Freddy Garcia, who tossed for the Phillies last year, is an unsigned free agent, having had shoulder problems last year. Chris Snelling, who bounced around with Washington and Oakland last year, will get a shot with the Phillies. Rafael Soriano will close for the Atlanta Braves. Timlin is still with the Red Sox and Joel Piniero is back again with the Cardinals. Ben Broussard is with Texas and hopefully he'll get a shot at playing everyday. Speaking of everyday, Everyday Eddie Guardado is with the Rangers, also.

[Rennie Stennett]

The M's first game is thursday the 28th of February and I for one am glad to finally have a game, even though it is Spring Training and it is radio only.

Mac is going to name his rotation any day now. Does this matter this early ? I can't remember a Mariner rotation being named this early in the Spring.

[SABR Matt]

He's announcing the rotation so that he can count backwords from opening day and get everyone into the right games this spring.

[Wade8813]

My guess is that it's the probable rotation, and gives us something to work around, but that nothing's set in stone.

[SABR Matt]

That's not the impression I get.

They put Batista 5th so that he can also be used out of the pen from time to time (he's had success there) and Washburn fourth (because he's the worst pitcher) and Silva third...that rotation is pretty much set in stone.

[Rennie Stennett]

They put Batista 5th so that he can also be used out of the pen from time to time (he's had success there) and Washburn fourth (because he's the worst pitcher)

I expect a big year for Washburn. He has not had much run support the past few years. He's one of my favorites. He works fast and goes right after them. I think farther down in the rotation will do him good.

The M's have a great rotation this year. The leader in wins last year, Batista, is now the number (#5) five guy. My Oh My !

[Rennie Stennett]

M's five man rotation.

John Hickey, Seattle P-I:

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/baseball/352534_mari25.html


"Nothing is written in stone," Stottlemyre said. "It wouldn't be hard to change it during spring training if we saw the need. I'm not sure that we will do that. But this is where we are now."

Bedard
King Felix
Silva
Washburn
Batista

[Rennie Stennett]

Skipper Johnny Mac has made it clear, early on how things will be this year. Not much guess work. Not much competition for jobs. It should still be an interesting Spring.

The Rotation:

Bedard
The King
Silva
Washburn
Batista


My Lineup:
(Mac has not posted his)

1. Ichiro CF (L)
2. Vidro DH (S)
3. Beltre 3B (R)
4. Ibanez LF (L)
5. Sexson 1B (R)
6. Wilkerson RF (L)
7. Johjima C (R)
8. Lopez 2B (R)
9. Betancourt SS (R)

Bullpen:

JJ Putz (closer)
O' Flaherty (L) set up
Morrow (R) set up
Sean Green (R) set up
Dickey (rule 5)
Jimenez (L)
Lowe (R)


Bench:

Bloomquist: utility
Burke: Knuckleball Catcher
Morse: utility (out of options) I like Morse. Has shown he can hit in the bigs. Goes with the pitch.
Greg Norton: stud pinch hitter; first and third, DH

Gone:

Ho Ram SP; gonzo
Reed OF; back to triple A; a lefty, with a lefty outfield
Reitsma RP could battle Lowe for a spot
Baek SP: could make it if they carry an extra pitcher; out of options
Rowland Smith RP; could make it if they carry an extra pitcher
Sean White RP; maybe
Cairo: Mac is high on him, but I'd rather have a kid make the club.
Wladimir Balentien; i'd love to have him in RF, but Mac is going with the vets.
Jeff Clement: I'd love him also, but won't make unless he's fulltime
Bryan LaHair: 2007 was his first year at AAA. He's got a shot in 09 at 1B
Arthur Rhodes: coming back from injury; a shot at situational lefty spot

[Edgartohof]

I know it's early in spring training, and McLaren doesn't seem to want to change his lineup, but does anyone think that Balentien has a shot at the starting job in RF? Or is he going to have to fight for the 4th outfielders spot and try to earn his time during the season?

I personally would rather see Balentien out there instead of Wilkerson. I know he is untried in the Big Leagues, whereas we know what Wilkerson is capable of.

But honestly, I don't expect much out of Wilkerson. I don't even think he will be on par with our last Right Fielder Jose Guillen (.290/23/99!). I might end up eating my words, but I just don't have high hopes for him.

He might get back on track...might.

If so, what does he do? Hit .260 with 20 HR's (Safeco sure enough isn't Texas). I mean last season, Wilkerson hit .195/.277/.402 when not at home. I know he was hurt the last 2 years, but he seems to have lost some of what he had.

Balentien on the other hand, in my opinion has a higher upside. And his downside is no worse than what we probably will have in Wilkerson. And this would get him the experience he needs. He may not be fully developed, but I believe that he is ready to play at the Big League level - and it would be best for him to play fulltime.

Anyways, that's just my take on things. And I have a bias towards Balentien, as I have been wating for him to make it to the majors for a while now. I have been a fan of his since day one.

So am I way out there, am I the only one who thinks that he deserves a shot at least? Does he have a shot with McLaren managing?

[leecemark]

--I don't think Balentin has a shot at starting short of an injury to Ibanez or Wilkerson. I do hope he makes the team and gets some regular playing time though. He should be in the lineup at least against LHP.
--I agree that Wilkerson is unlikely to match Guillen's 2007 production - but I think Guillen was unlikley to repeat that season either. If Wilky can stay healthy (a big if to be sure) he should be a decent performer.

[Rennie Stennett]

I'd love to have Balentin make the club, but Mac has Wilkerson etched in stone in RF and he's leaning to wards Morse as the 4th outfielder, who has the ability to play most infield spots and he's out of options.

All this talk from Mac that the boys will be running more this year seems to be just that, if Balentin doesn't make the club.

Again, the question is how long will Mac go with a guy who is not hitting, as the offense looks to be a weak spot again. With speed in the outfield, at least they can prevent a few runs, if they are going to hit (.260). I'm sure the pitching staff would appreciate some burners in the outfield that can chase a few down.

I'd like to see a few more jobs up for grabs to create some competition (light a fire under their backside) between the bunch. Mac's problem is he's just too dam nice a guy. He needs to get mean.

[Edgartohof]

Morse provides some more depth I guess, but Wladdy has a lot more upside than Morse - I dare anyone to say otherwise.

Wladdy is a legitimate HR threat even right now. Morse has never been a HR hitter. And we could definitely use the power, even if it is just off the bench.

I mean look at tonight's game. Wladdy did have 2 HR. Plus he has had 20+ HR the last 3 years...Morse hasn't hit more than 10 HR's in a season outside of Double A.

I don't know, I just have never been that high on Morse. I mean I hope it works out for him, and especially if he's still with the M's, but I do believe it would be more beneficial to the team to have Wladdy here right now instead of Morse.

[Disgruntaledmarinerfan]

Morse, I think will be more valuble to M's this year. He has shown he can hit at the major league level, albeit a relatively small sample size. He has versitility in the field, and is out of options.
I say start the year with Morse as the fourth outfielder and if he can't play well enough (which I doubt will happen), call up Wladdy and release Morse.

[leecemark]

--Morse has some value as a utility man, but if he is getting any real time in the outfield that is not good for us. He isn't a good defender and has little power. Balentin is better suited for the 4th outfield role. Or even Jeremy Reed for defense.
--Morse should be competing with Miguel Cairo for a job. Why we needed Cairo in the first place I don't know, but we shure don't need him and Morse and Willie Bloomquist. That is lots of versatility - but not much actual talent.
--Our bench is going to consist of a utility IF (Bloomquist, Cairo or Morse), backup catcher (Burke or Clement), backup outfielder (Bloomquist, Morse, Reed or Balentin) and a bat (Morse, Balentin or Clement). That is if we use a 12 man staff agian. Cut it down to 11 and that opens one more spot.

[Wade8813]

I don't know if we're still worried about our bullpen being overworked, but if we are, having that 12th man pitching would certainly help.

According to http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/mariners/2004254211_mari02.html, we atually might be upping our base running. This may be a sign of things to come.

[90043]

Ok that was to get your attention. Who is Jose? or Fernando? Who lives in Jamica Queens?

if you can answer these..... Who is Chris?

Let see if this is the real deal

[Wade8813]

Hey, welcome to BBF!

Are those questions supposed to be a Mariners quiz? You should've clarified that in your post... ;)

Also, we have at least 2 Joses on our team

[Rennie Stennett]

Ok that was to get your attention. Who is Jose? or Fernando? Who lives in Jamica Queens?

if you can answer these..... Who is Chris?

Let see if this is the real deal


This gentlemen sent me a private message asking if I'm the real Rennie Stennett. Certainly, I"m not. I'm just a fan of Rennie and the We Are Family World Champion Pirates.

~~~Who are you?~~~~

Who are you really. Are you the real Stennett? Let me know.. I am looking for that person.....


http://www.baseball-reference.com/friv/uniform_players.cgi?player_ID=stennre01&teams=1971_PIT-1972_PIT-1973_PIT-1974_PIT-1975_PIT-1976_PIT-1977_PIT-1978_PIT-1979_PIT-1980_SFG-1981_SFG

June 10, 1892 in baseball: Baltimore Orioles (NL) Hall of Famer Wilbert Robinson set a major league record by going 7-for-7 as his team topped the St. Louis Browns 25-4. Roberts also set a second record in RBI with 11.

June 21, 1970: Detroit Tigers shortstop César Gutiérrez became the first player to go 7-for-7 in modern era (since 1900).

September 16, 1975: Rennie Stennett reached the 7-for-7 mark as Pittsburgh routed the Cubs, 22-0. Pittsburgh also set a major league record for the largest winning score in a shutout game in the modern era. This record was matched by the Cleveland Indians against the Yankees on August 31, 2004 (AL). Robinson and Stennett accomplished their feats during the course of a nine-inning game. Gutiérrez did it in a 12-inning game. Curiously, Stennett didn't complete his record game. Pirates manager Danny Murtaugh sent in Willie Randolph to pinch run for Stennett after his seventh hit.

Box Score for Rennie's 7-7 game:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN197509160.shtml

On September 1, 1971, Pittsburgh faced the Phillies with a lineup which was the first major league all-black starting-lineup (including some Latin players). Stennett was part of the starting lineup. The Pirates won 10-7, and the lineup was:
Rennie Stennett - second baseman
Gene Clines - center fielder
Roberto Clemente - right fielder
Willie Stargell - left fielder
Manny Sanguillen - catcher
Dave Cash - third baseman
Al Oliver - first baseman
Jackie Hernández - shortstop
Dock Ellis - starting pitcher
Resource: Baseball Library

[Rennie Stennett]

The M's released Horacio Ramirez...Arthur Rhodes pitched a scoreless inning...his first action since last March...I'm pulling for him to make the club...but I"m not sure he will have a spot...Morse went 3-4 today...It's good to see but as we know it's early Spring...Morse could be your starting RF'er...

[Rennie Stennett]

Bound for triple A:

Joe Woerman (RH), Yung Chi Chen (2B) and (1B) Bryan LaHair.

Bound for the Minor League Camp:

Brodie Downs, Stephen Kahn, Robert Rohrbaugh, Jair Fernandez, Adam Moore, Brant Ust, Bronson Sardinha and Mark Kiger.

[Rennie Stennett]

Washburn went five innings thursday giving up a couple of runs.

[Rennie Stennett]

Mike Morse had three knocks. He's hitting a cool (.581) for the Spring.

Ichiro picked up his first hit of the Spring. Woo Hoo ! :eek:

[Rennie Stennett]

I was reading Shannon's blog @ komoradio.com and she has an interesting piece on Felix and how they will work him this year. I won't give it all away, but there was no mention of his slider in the article...

read it:

http://www.komoradio.com/marinersradio/shannon/16579626.html

[Rennie Stennett]

found this video. Jim Caple catching Knuckleballer R.A. Dickey:

http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?videoId=3298555

pretty cool stuff :rofl:

[Wade8813]

"I think I speak for the whole organization, when I say I think you can keep the jock strap and the cup." lol

[Rennie Stennett]

"I think I speak for the whole organization, when I say I think you can keep the jock strap and the cup." lol

yea...lol...!

[Rennie Stennett]

...with this. Sent to Minors:

Jeff Clement
Sean White
Cesar Jimenez
Jon Huber

[SABR Matt]

Also demoted, Jake Woods, Robb Johnson, and one other pitcher.

[Rennie Stennett]

JOHN HICKEY
P-I REPORTER

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/baseball/356300_mari25.html

[SABR Matt]

There was talk of trading Cha Seung Baek to the Giants as well (for Ray Durham)...but that seems to have died.

[Rennie Stennett]

The season opener quickly approaches. The M's have to make cuts, figure out their bullpen and start winning some games, even if it is Spring Training. I'm sure the two with the Cubs will get the competitive fire going. The M's have a shot at the AL West or perhaps the Wild Card but don't count out the LA Angels and Oakland A's. Oakland always play us tough and the Angels beat us like a drum last year. Oakland you say ? They dumped all their players and have a million prospects now. They all seem to be playing fast and loose like Fast Eddie Felson this Spring and in the two with Boston, that count. My brother says the A's could sneak up and steal the divison this year. Much has been said about the Mariners easy schedule early on this April and early May and how the M's could take advantage of it, particularly with two of the Angels main starters down for some time. This would be a nice few from the top. See how the Mariners play from the lead. Have the Angels eating our exhaust for change.

We have, I think KC today, a split squad tomorrow, with one of them at San Francisco against the Giants and then two against Lou's crew in Vegas.

I don't get to see much of the Spring Training action so you really don't know much, but I hear Big Richie has been hitting the ball hard, which is good and Wilkerson has been striking out a bunch. The starters seem ready but the bullpen is crazy and it may take some time to straighten it all out, even after they break (brake) camp. Morrow pitched without pain the other day and Reitsma, Lowe and Rhodes are looking good. George is gone and he spoiled us. It should be interesting who stays and who goes, and if the M's keep the guys without options and send down the guys that do.

[Rennie Stennett]

RA Dickey had his knuckler working in the cool moist air by the San Francisco Bay last night starting and going five (5) innings and giving up one (1) hit.

Yuniesky Betancourt knocked a double and a big home run giving him five (5) RBI's and the Mariners win.

The M's head to Las Vegas for a few days of warmth before reality sets in. Although it's snowing today and near freezing at night, Monday should see chance of showers and a high in the 50's for the opener in Seattle.

[Rennie Stennett]

Jeremy Reed to AAA Tacoma and Brandon Morrow to AA West Tennessee.

[Rennie Stennett]

Calgary Herald:

http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/sports/story.html?k=56050&id=3d01d8f0-4840-4cc5-8758-ce385b87cabb&p=1