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 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.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners’ blogger Jeff Budke talks about a young Arm in the Seattle M’s rotation battle this season. Brandon Maurer. His AA numbers in Jackson last season point to his potential, finishing with the most consistent stats on the team. AA: 137 IP, 1.315 WHIP, 7.6 K/9 and a 3.20 ERA. This year Maurer is rarely, if ever, mentioned alongside the “big 3” pitchers the Mariners have in AAA right now (Danny Hultzen, Taijuan Walker, and James Paxton). He’s more than ready.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners’ blogger Jeff Budke talks about a situation that not many Seattle fans are hoping plays out–that of Tom Wilhelmsen going down the same path as Brandon League. However, should that happen, Mariners’ fans can feel rest assured that Seattle has the talent to at least get them through the season, especially with the arms of Carter Capps and Stephen Pryor on the roster.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners’ blogger Jeff Budke talks about the new two year $14 million dollar extension the Mariners gave to Hisashi Iwakuma. As a pitcher who started out in the pen last year, Iwakuma was later added to the rotation, starting 16 games while having an 8-4 record with an ERA south of 3.00. The extension proves that the M’s are serious about locking up talent in the rotation while awaiting the emergence of the “big 3.” This is great news for fans of the M’s.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners’ blogger Jeff Budke talks about the 2013 spring training matchup on Sunday between division rivals the Texas Rangers and M’s. He points out Blake Beaven started against a B-squad Texas Rangers squad, the only projected regular being 1B/DH Lance Berkman. There was some extra pressure on Beavan Sunday, as opening day approaches and his spot far from solidified.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners’ blogger Jeff Budke talks about the 2013 season and the expectations for Dustin Ackley. He points out when looking at Ackley’s splits from a year ago, the numbers are almost identical. Unfortunately, they were consistently low. He goes on to say at this point in his career, Ackley has been more consistent with quality commercials than producing quality play at the plate. He is still young, give it time M’s fans.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners’ blogger Jeff Budke talks about the 2013 season and the expectations for Kyle Seager. He points out Seager is no longer fighting for his spot at 3B, he also knows about the grind of 162 games. Mariners fans are not hoping for better numbers in that department, just more plate appearances! M’s fans expect Kyle Seager to produce at SafeCo Field the way he has done on the road in his career.
NWSB Insider and Portland Timbers’ blogger Jeff Budke gives you his love ‘em and hate ‘em to the start of Portland’s 2013 MLS season. Saturday had a completely different feel to it. The consistency of the Timbers Army was the extent of the consistency inside Jeld-Wen Field as Portland failed to string together consistent attacks (despite majority possession) and lost to Montreal Impact 2-1.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners’ blogger Jeff Budke talks about the three game stretch Michael Saunders had for himself this week at the World Baseball Classic for Team Canada. Saunders was 8-for-11 over the weekend, including a 4-for-4 night Saturday against Mexico. Canada failed to advance to the second round behind Italy and team USA, but Saunders production could not be overlooked, and he was awarded the Pool MVP honors.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners’ blogger Jeff Budke talks about the pros and cons about Raul Ibanez coming back to Seattle. While he may be seen as a little arrogant as time and will surely take at-bats away from other players throughout the year, his upsides seem to outweigh his costs. Ibanez, contrary to what the Mariners thought was going to happen, has actually gained power in the past few years and will be a valuable piece in the Seattle lineup.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jeff Budke brings us the positive and negatives to Jason Bay being on the Seattle Mariners spring training 2013 roster. Bay’s power is what the Mariners would love to capitalize on, but his ability to get on base consistently will make it difficult to play a slumping Bay during the season. Jeff asks what should we love and hate about this New York castoff? Let’s dive in. Eric Wedge are you happy?
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jeff Budke brings us the positive and negative approaches for the upcoming MLB season with the Mariners’ pitching staff. With King Felix Hernandez leading the charge, mentions Jeff, Seattle’s youngsters could develop into a great staff in 2013. That will only be so, however, if Felix is able to step into a mentor role and guide a few promising young arms like Danny Hultzen and James Paxton.
