NorthWest Sports Blog brings you daily features on Oregon, Washington State, and BC amateur and pro sports teams.
New NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jared Galde tells us a little bit about the MLB center field position today. He asks the million dollar question. Has Michael Saunders earned the starting center field spot in Franklin Gutierrez’s absence? After a slow start, Saunders batting average is .330. What Gutierrez provides defensively in center field is undeniable.
NWSB Insider Brandon Choate brings us his weekly Fantasy Baseball recap of your Seattle Mariners. Felix Hernandez is always a safe bet in fantasy with Ichiro Suzuki joining him in those ranks right off the bat. Justin Smoak continued his tear while Jesus Montero is on his heels. Alex Liddi and Brendan Ryan are in decline and could lose their spot soon with manager Eric Wedge’s swift actions this year.
NWSB Insider Brandon Choate brings us a list to bring a smile to your face. Last night, the Seattle Mariners unloaded on the Texas Rangers, scoring 21 runs in their lopsided victory. Behind the strong performances of Jesus Montero, Justin Smoak, Dustin Ackely and Kyle Seager, the Mariners made fans forget for one night how bad they’ve been.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jonathan Irwin reports on the third M’s game of the series versus the Texas Rangers. This was one of the craziest nights of baseball in recent Mariners memory. Kyle Seager was 4-6 on the night with 4 runs and 2 RBI. Jesus Montero had an amazing night, going 3-4. Justin Smoak kept his hot streak rolling, as he had 3 hits, 1 walk, 6 RBI and 2 home runs. The M’s won 21-8.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Insider Steve gives us his weekly M’s pitching breakdown in the arms under the spotlight segment. The bullpen made strides this week. I understand how that reads considering Brandon League had another meltdown. Felix Hernandez, who was lights out in the week’s opener was rattled in his second start of the week. Kevin Millwood continues to impress.
New NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jared Galde tells us a little bit about the MLB closing position today. He states the closer role is the ultimate reminder that the game of baseball is a mental game unlike any other. He says the Mariners Brandon League need to be good, needs him to be a closer and fans don’t need to watch him blow saves. Stephen Pryor is set to take over if he fails.
Mariners insider Danny Ferguson brings us the Weekly Seattle Mariners notebook. The decision to keep Chone Figgins may indicate that there is at least some value to another team for the struggling veteran. Maybe…After blowing another same and costing Seattle a much needed win, Eric Wedge announced that Brandon League has lost his role as the closer for the time being.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Clinton Bell tells us to him the best “MY oh MY” play of the eight week of the year had to be the Ozzie Smith-esque play by Mariners shortstop Brendan Ryan. On a 1-2 pitch by Hector Noesi Bobby Wilson grounded to center field. Brendan Ryan comes out of nowhere, snags the ball, spins, and in mid air throws Wilson out by a step and a half.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jonathan Irwin reports on the fourth M’s game of the series versus the L.A. Angels of Anaheim. It’s just bad. Kyle Seager is mired in a bit of a slump. Seattle’s bullpen has been bad enough throughout the season so its fitting that with the score at 3-2 in the 9th Shawn Kelley goes ahead and gives LA that insurance run. Justin Smoak closed out today’s series going 2-4.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jonathan Irwin reports on the second M’s game of the series versus the L.A. Angels of Anaheim. The M’s are 9-13 on the month, despite winning four of their eight series. I’ll be the first to defend the potentials of Michael Saunders and Alex Liddi, but players with a combined .311 OBP should not be batting one and two.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jonathan Irwin reports on the third M’s game of the series versus the Texas Rangers. Without Alex Liddi, this win doesn’t happen. Without Tom Wilhemsen, this win happens and is far less stressful. What a crazy last game of the series. Kevin Millwood has had a very up and down season. But the last two games he’s been GREAT.
NWSB Insider Brandon Choate brings us his weekly Fantasy Baseball recap of your Seattle Mariners. Felix Hernandez is always a safe bet in fantasy with Ichiro Suzuki joining him in those ranks right off the bat. Dustin Ackley proved why he’s the best hitter on the team while Jesus Montero made people well aware of the fact that they should not sleep on him…yet.
