NorthWest Sports Blog brings you daily features on Oregon, Washington State, and BC amateur and pro sports teams.
NWSB Insider Brandon Choate brings us his weekly Fantasy Baseball recap of your Seattle Mariners. Felix Hernandez is always your best bet, but there are more MAriners in the mix this year. Hisashi Iwakuma has pitched like Felix this season (so far) and Michael Morse and Kendrys Morales have been doing what they were brougth in to do – produce runs. Last year’s scapegoats, sans Chone Figgins, are already on the hot seat this season – Justin Smoak, Dustin Ackley, Brendan Ryan
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jeff Budke reports on the eleventh game of the season versus the Texas Rangers. Jeff points out Franklin Gutierrez continued his good start with another lead-off HR, his fourth of the year and third leading off. Justin Smoak and Jesus Montero each had two hits, unfortunately they were not when the team needed them most with the bases loaded and less than 2-outs, but at least they got hits Thursday. It’s a start right?
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jeff Budke reports on the fourth game of the season versus the Oakland Athletics. Jeff points out the offensive production is hiding behind the power of Mike Morse, but it stinks like years past all the same. Power is often assimilated with the third spot in the lineup, which is absolutely something DH/OF Raul Ibanez possesses, but this is not a good place for him writes Jeff.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jeff Budke reports on the first game of the season versus the Oakland Athletics. The Headline: Felix Hernandez shines as the Mariners win their 7th straight opening day game. Jeff points out the bullpen, Charlie Furbush, Pryor, and Tom Wilhelmsen surrendered two walks in only 1.1 IP. That trend cannot continue, because hits will come too. Next game check out Michael Morse and his really strange batting stretch-thing.
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 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 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 Jordin Ereth brings you up to date on the torrid spring the Mariners are currently having in Peoria. While it may be against competition that make it to the majors, Seattle is currently crushing the ball and making a very early statement in the league. Players like Jason Bay, Justin Smoak, and Kendrys Morales are all trying to prove that they belong in the starting lineup come opening day.
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 Jonathan Irwin reports on the MLB breaking news this week on the signing of Raul Ibanez. Returning for his third stint with the M’s, Ibanez brings much needed power to the lineup—just like the majority of Seattle’s signings this offseason. A big question is what does this mean for Justin Smoak?
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Danny Ferguson reports on what he believes are prudent expectations for newly signed Canadian major leaguer Jason Bay. He points out though this is a long shot, remember that Jason Bay was the 2004 National League Rookie of the Year, 2009 Silver Slugger and a 3 time All Star. Nothing is what Ferg has come to expect from the M’s, so even if it doesn’t work, Bay has met his expectations.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jonathan Irwin reports on recent Mariner-based rumors coming out of the annual Winter Meetings. Seattle continues their pursuit of outfield help, with interest anywhere from Jason Bay to Justin Upton. Also making headlines is the M’s desire to keep Felix a “Mariner for life,” as well as their push for Billy Butler.
