NorthWest Sports Blog brings you daily features on Oregon, Washington State, and BC amateur and pro sports teams.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Danny Ferguson tells us the things he needs to see most from the M’s this year, in a letter to skipper Eric Wedge. Not only does he want to see the Big 3 advance to the MLB roster, he also wants to see Justin Smoak become the player he was promised to be. But on top of everything, he wants Eric Wedge to take some accountability and show some emotion to us fans. It is us who is the reason that he has his job in the first place.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Clinton Bell weighs in with a Mariners Spring Training update. The Bats are on fire! The M’s keep rolling off wins! But, can this continue when the team is trimmed to 25, and the position battles are no longer? This new power minded team was built by the one and only Jack Z for the new and improved Safeco Field. The walls have been moved in, prompting the GM to go out and find some power to restore the M’s to the glory days.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Danny Ferguson reports on the re-signing of OF Raul Ibanez. Danny, like a lot of other people, is scratching his head at the reason the Mariners brought back the aging OF. The youth movement is alive and well in Seattle, and should be given the chance to play. Danny gives us his “best case” scenarios of the move for the upcoming season.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jonathan Irwin reports on the MLB breaking news this week on the extension to starting pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma. The two sides have agreed on a two-year deal worth at least $14 million, with an option for 2015. The move brings stabilization to a young Mariners rotation, without stunting it’s future growth.
New NWSB Insider & Seattle Mariners blogger Jeff Budke weighs in on the M’s 2013 options at catcher. Powered by a young stud, a veteran, and a mountain man escaped from the woods, the Mariners have acquired a position of strength in Seattle—and the most powerful of the bunch may be developing in the minor leagues. With Jesus Montero, Miguel Olivo, John Jaso and Mike Zunino who wins out at backstop?
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jonathan Irwin reports on his list of offseason moves for the 2013 Seattle Mariners. The team is in a crossroads, looking to build off their strong farm system while staying competitive. While they have to sacrifice in some areas—such as keeping the rotation open—it’s time they sealed up old holes—such as the enigma at firstbase. Keep Jason Vargas and Felix Hernandez figure out Justin Smoak.
New NWSB Insider & Seattle Mariners blogger Jeff Budke weighs in on the 2012 year that Michael Saunders had. The biggest question now is, will he continue to progress, or will he slide back into his past production with the club in previous years. Jeff shares his reasons why, and why not for the Condor’s progression, and future with this Seattle Mariners ballclub.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jonathan Irwin reports on the third game of the series versus the Oakland Athletics. The Headline: an eight inning collapse by the bullpen gives the A’s life, as they complete their sweep of the Mariners. Seattle hangs tough all day with strong starting pitching, but the bullpen blows it in the final frames of the game. Michael Saunders batting sixth. Miguel Olivo at DH and Jesus Montero at catcher. Bizarre lineup.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jonathan Irwin reports on the third game of the series versus the Los Angeles Angels. The Headline: John Jaso leads the way as the Mariners dominate on all sides of the field, avoid sweep. Strong nights from Jaso and Iwakuma help seal another Mariners win. Unfortunately, a running catch by Gutierrez knocks him out of the game.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jonathan Irwin reports on the third game of the series versus the Boston Red Sox. The Headline: pitching is the name of the game as the Mariners squeeze out a series win from the visiting Red Sox. Eric Wedge runs through his bullpen in this pitchers duel, and a timely Dustin Ackley single gives the M’s the edge.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Danny Ferguson is back today to tell the many reasons we should love outfielder Trayvon Robinson. He says Robinson has some real potential to be a difference maker with his speed, much in the same way Rickey Henderson was for years with the Oakland Athletics. Robinson can hit the ball for average and for power, but his real power comes from not trying to be Ken Griffey Jr.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jonathan Irwin reports on the third game of the series versus the White Sox. The Headline: in a rain shortened contest, Chicago has the final say as the M’s get swept. A timely home run was all the ChiSox needed to sink the Mariners in this seven inning game, wasting a strong start from Kevin Millwood. Mariner’s outfielder Michael Saunders sat out his second game in a row.
