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 gives us his real reasons that high prices MLB free agents don’t sign with the M’s. Danny says it all boils down to Seattle being such a beautiful city, yet it is shrouded in the clouds of rain and doubt. The local weather is a challenge and so is the ownership group. It was encouraging early in offseason thinking the M’s could land Josh Hamilton, Nick Swisher and Justin Upton. Now what? Raul Ibanez
Mariners insider Danny Ferguson brings us the Weekly Seattle Mariners notebook. This week Franklin Gutierrez was placed on the 7 day disabled list and Steve Delabar was promoted to take the roster spot. This gives the M’s fewer options off the bench for the next week. The All star game is close. Felix Hernandez is the only guy going. Lets hope the 4 days off will be a good breath of fresh air for the struggling team.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Insider Steve gives us his weekly M’s pitching breakdown in the arms under the spotlight segment. Shortly after his last start, it was reported that Felix Hernandez suffered a back injury. According to Shannon Drayer Hernandez was in noticeable pain. Along with calling up Stephen Pryor on Friday, the Mariners sent RHP Steve Delabar down to AAA Tacoma.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Danny Ferguson reports on the Mariners calling up Stephen Pryor for the bullpen this week. He points out Pryor has been known to have control issues though with a 100-MPH fastball that could work to his advantage. The Mariners front office realizes that they are dealing with a young team that needs extra time to develop.
Mariners insider Danny Ferguson brings us the Weekly Seattle Mariners notebook. The Mariners won more than they lost this week! Something fans should relish while it lasts. Manager Eric Wedge may be moving Ichiro Suzuki in the lineup once again, Justin Smoak’s bat finally showed up in New York, and the M’s took a trip to some local schools to educate students on the importance of drug prevention in their futures.
Mariners insider Danny Ferguson brings us the Weekly Seattle Mariners notebook. The Mariners biggest off season news was the trade that brought Jesus Montero and Hector Noesi. We’ve since learned that Michael Pineda will be OUT for the season for the Yankees. In a surprising turn of events the M’s went 3-0 sweeping the Detroit Tigers, but 1-2 vs the Blue Jays.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Danny Ferguson reports on the Mariners series matchup between the Cleveland Indians and the M’s in Seattle. For the first time this season, the Mariners play outside their own division. The Indians are without Grady Sizemore who is on the 60 disabled list. Kevin Milwood tonight. Jason Vargas will get his 4th start of the season this week as does Felix Hernandez.
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 blogger Danny Ferguson reports on the Mariners opening day matchup and series between the A’s and the M’s in Seattle. The 2 teams split their series in Japan, and the Mariners won both games back in Oakland. Blake Bevan was able to hold the Texas Rangers to a single run in Arlington, which is unheard of. Felix Hernandez vs. Colon tonight a match made in heaven.
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 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.
