NorthWest Sports Blog brings you daily features on Oregon, Washington State, and BC amateur and pro sports teams.
NWSB insider and Mariner’s writer Jon Irwin brings us his preseason review of the Mariner’s top pitching prospects. The Big Three headline this talented list of power arms and could-be-aces. Just remember not to sleep on closer of the future Carter Capps and potential top of the rotation pitcher Brandon Maurer. While Taijuan Walker has the longest to go of any of the big three, he has the most upside as well.
NWSB insider and Mariner’s writer Jon Irwin brings us his preseason review of the Mariner’s top positional prospects. The arms make the most noise in this system, but there are plenty of big bats too. Headlining the group is last year’s first rounder Mike Zunino, but don’t sleep on the underrated Stefen Romero.
NWSB insider and Mariners blogger Jon Irwin gives his rundown of the Seattle Mariner’s defensive lineup in 2013. For a team like Seattle, defense is imperative. The team enters 2013 with an improved lineup, but pitching remains the biggest competitive advantage; meaning it needs a good defense. Headlining this year’s group of gloves is Brendan Ryan and Franklin Gutierrez.
NWSB inside and Mariners blogger Jon Irwin gives us his look at the upcoming 2013 MLB season, with four Mariners facing make-or-break seasons. Among the names are second baseman Dustin Ackley, outfielder Michael Saunders and closer Tom Wilhelmsen. He says in 2012, the Mariners saw breakout seasons from guys like Kyle Seager, Hisashi Iwakuma and Tom Wilhelmsen. It also saw the departure of guys like Brandon League and Jason Vargas.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners’ blogger Danny Ferguson talks about how Carlos Peguero has been just good enough to annoy him during Spring Training. The truth of the matter is that Peguero is surprising me, not because of how strong or likable he is. I know that he has a great swing and a lot of power. I would expect him to hit the ball into the stratosphere, so that’s not a surprise. The surprising thing is his strike-out rate.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Danny Ferguson gives us the top five things he’s going to watch out for at Seattle Marines Spring Training camp this year. Danny want’s to see some consistency out of M’s 1B Justin Smoak, possibly last September was a showing of what was to come from the young slugger. Miguel Montero is another question mark for Danny, he is going to be asked to carry the weight behind the plate this year, and no one knows if he’s quite ready for that yet.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Danny Ferguson gives us his takeaway from the Mariners’ recent Fanfest. The Seattle Mariners opened up Safeco field over the weekend to 18,000 loyal fans. I don’t understand most of what the Mariners are doing this off season, to be honest, but I do see that there are a bunch of guys on that team that truly believe that they have what it takes to be something special.
NWSB insider and Mariners blog Jon Irwin discussions reasonable expectations for top M’s prospect Mike Zunino. The catcher dominated the minors in a short 2012 stint, but it’s time to dial back enthusiasm. The kid still has a long way to go before he’ll be hitting bombs at the Major League level. With a promising core of young and talented players, the Seattle Mariners have one of the brightest futures in the MLB.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Danny Ferguson reports on his ideas to get the 2013 Mariners back on track. Danny says the key is a total image rebuild, not just for the on field team, but in every aspect of the franchise. But the fans have to step up to: prove your devotion to the team, and give them reason to succeed. When the M’s had Ken Griffey Jr., Alex Rodriguez, Randy Johnson and Jay Buhner, it was easier to take some of the losses wasn’t it?
