NorthWest Sports Blog brings you daily features on Oregon, Washington State, and BC amateur and pro sports teams.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Insider Steve gives us his weekly M’s pitching breakdown in the arms under the spotlight segment. The Mariners took on Texas and Oakland this week in what turned out to be quite a few pitching duels. While Felix Hernandez still worried some, the under rated Blake Beavan, Jason Vargas and Hector Noesi stunned. The Mariners bullpen was a little shaky, but evened itself out to hold on.
Mariners insider Danny Ferguson brings us the Weekly Seattle Mariners notebook. A not so fun bit of news this week. Seattle fans were greeted with a difficult season opener as the team could not score behind Felix Hernandez, and the concession vendors couldn’t take credit cards. Texas looks to have a secure hold to their place a top the A.L. West and are the favorites for another division championship.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners & Tacoma Rainiers blogger Danny Ferguson tells us what to expect from the AAA farm team of the M’s in 2012. Fans should see Adam Moore, Franklin Gutierrez and Mike Carp in Tacoma on training assignments before being activated off the disabled list. Does Tacoma have the same potential this season as well? It is hard to know exactly what to expect with a fluctuating roster of a AAA team.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners baseball blogger Danny Ferguson tells us to go from 27 down to 25, Carlos Peguero and Shawn Kelley were optioned to Tacoma. John Jaso has not played well but is needed until to cover the catching duties as Monetero will be the primary DH and Adam Moore has yet to make a return from his wrist injury. Franklin Gutierrez, Adam Moore, and Mike Carp start the season on the DL.
NWSB insider Jonathan Irwin brings us his 5 reasons why fans should already fear for the Seattle Mariners bullpen. While Tom Wilhelmsen and Brandon League preformed well in the season opener. Shawn Kelley, Steve Delabar and George Sherrill did the opposite in game 2. The team has no set up man, no swing man and didn’t exactly wow fans with the bullpen performance this Spring.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners baseball blogger Danny Ferguson tells us to go from 30 down to 28, Carlos Peguero and Chance Ruffin were optioned to Tacoma, and Guillermo Quiroz was re-assigned to minor league camp. To get down to 25, the team deactivated Kevin Millwood, Hector Noesi, and Hisashi Iwakuma for the two games in Japan. The M’s front office and Eric Wedge could still change their minds before next week.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Danny Ferguson points out over the offseason, the Mariners repeatedly indicated the team wish list to improve and compete in the AL West. A left handed reliever, a catcher, and a veteran presence. Danny now questions why the Mariners would NOT want to pursue Johnny Damon. Is it money? His value in that case alone could make him worth picking up.
NWSB Managing editor and Northwest MLB baseball blogger “Q” tells us the Seattle Mariners 2012 World Series Odds, the 2012 American League Pennant odds, and provides MLB betting futures lines from Bovada sportsbook for all MLB teams in 2012. The Mariners have a lot of young talent and the young guys need to step up
NWSB insider Brandon Choate brings us a good read in the wake of a big trade by the Seattle Mariners. In acquiring catcher Jesus Montero from the Yankees, the Mariners can count on Montero’s youth, his bat and his potential to lure in free agents. Yes Seattle will miss Michael Pineda, but they’ll like Montero’s bat much more.
This off-season could be a turning point in Seattle Mariners history. The moves Jack Zduriencik makes can either sink us, or makes into a winner says Insider Steve. Part 3 of the Mariners off-season hot stove covers the next first baseman. Steve asks should the Mariners be bold and bring in the slugging All-Star Prince Fielder?
Mariners blogger Danny Ferguson points out if the Mariners starters could go deep into the game the M’s bullpen could generally prevent too many surprises. Brandon League adapted very well to the closing role. The Mariners have a lot of talent, but there are few differences in the styles and deliveries in these hurlers. David Aardsma coming back will help.
Mariners beat blogger Danny Ferguson weighs in with his realistic options the Seattle Mariners have in fulfilling the much needed role of a left handed specialist. Aaron Laffey, C.J. Wilson, Ceaser Jimenez, Charlie Furbush, Erik Bedard, and Hideki Okajima are the names that come to mind.
