NorthWest Sports Blog brings you daily features on Oregon, Washington State, and BC amateur and pro sports teams.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jeff Budke reports on the eleventh game of the season versus the Texas Rangers. Jeff points out Franklin Gutierrez continued his good start with another lead-off HR, his fourth of the year and third leading off. Justin Smoak and Jesus Montero each had two hits, unfortunately they were not when the team needed them most with the bases loaded and less than 2-outs, but at least they got hits Thursday. It’s a start right?
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jeff Budke reports on the tenth game of the season versus the Houston Astros. Jeff points out pitching is a major problem with this M’s team right now. He says a pitcher should be evaluated over time, perhaps every month within a season, but it is hard to avoid that when Brandon Maurer & then Blake Beavan put the bullpen and the offense in bad positions playing with different mindsets. Is Aaron Harang the answer?
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jeff Budke brings us his top five most positive aspects of the Jack Zduriencik & Eric Wedge era here in Seattle. Of course you can’t mention these two guys, and the Mariners in the same sentence without bringing up the great rebuild of the century. There sure have been plenty of moves, but it seems that we are finally on the right path here in Seattle. From the farm system to the trades, Jack Z has us on our way.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jeff Budke reports on game number eight this season Monday night’s home opener versus the Houston Astro’s. Kendrys Morales is in need of some props for his performances since the Oakland series. In his last 4 games, Morales is 8-16 and hitting extremely well with RISP, adding a HR and 5 RBI for the M’s. Was Joe Saunders’ performance a sing of things to come? M’s Opening Night is always a GREAT time.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jeff Budke reports on game number six this season Saturday versus the Chicago White Sox. Coming off the extra-inning win, the M’s fall to the Chicago White Sox 4-3 on Saturday. Jeff points out he’s not a fan of Jason Bay as a pinch runner. After Kendrys Morales singled, Wedge sent Bay out to run for the DH. This must have been a “lesser of two evils” type situation, but there needs to be better options from the bench in that situation.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jeff Budke reports on the fourth game of the season versus the Oakland Athletics. Jeff points out the offensive production is hiding behind the power of Mike Morse, but it stinks like years past all the same. Power is often assimilated with the third spot in the lineup, which is absolutely something DH/OF Raul Ibanez possesses, but this is not a good place for him writes Jeff.
NWSB insider and Mariners blogger Jeff Budke brings us his take on the biggest surprises of the Mariners minor league rosters to kick off 2013. Topping the list is the delegation of Mike Zunino to Triple A Tacoma, and the separation of Seattle’s “big 3″ pitching prospects. Jeremy Bonderman earns applause for his decision to stick things out in the minors. Keep your eye on Taijuan Walker, James Paxton, and Danny Hultzen in 2013 as well.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jeff Budke reports on the second game of the season versus the Oakland Athletics. Jeff points out that leadoff hits and two-out rallies were key in the 7-1 victory. Hisashi Iwakuma also had a great showing, along with Michael Saunders and Kyle Seager. If there’s anything to not like, it’s Yoenis Cespedes. But in this case, hate equals respect.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jeff Budke reports on the first game of the season versus the Oakland Athletics. The Headline: Felix Hernandez shines as the Mariners win their 7th straight opening day game. Jeff points out the bullpen, Charlie Furbush, Pryor, and Tom Wilhelmsen surrendered two walks in only 1.1 IP. That trend cannot continue, because hits will come too. Next game check out Michael Morse and his really strange batting stretch-thing.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners Blogger Jeff Budke discusses his expectations for the team upon opening day. I see this team being one game better than the Oakland A’s, and getting the last wild card spot in a healthy American League. The M’s will receive a nice boost from playing the lowly Houston Astros. The Angels win the AL West, and the Rangers fall apart in the second half. We expect big things from two new acquisitions, Michael Morse and Kendrys Morales.
Five days from start of the season Seattle Mariners Bench boss Eric Wedge has given enough clues for the lineup on Monday night…right? Spring Training has been nothing less than exciting for the Mariners, something that has not been said around Seattle for quite some time. With plenty of wins and a spring home run record, a breakout year [...]
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners’ blogger Jeff Budke talks about the trade that went down for the M’s today. On Monday, the Mariners signed OF Endy Chavez to a minor league deal, a competent to good defensive outfielder that could step in for emergencies if injuries occurred. Also, OF Eric Thames, who was sent to AAA, could step in as well. The writing is now on the wall for Casper Wells. It looks like Jason Bay will make the club too.
