NorthWest Sports Blog brings you daily features on Oregon, Washington State, and BC amateur and pro sports teams.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners’ blogger Jeff Budke talks about the Seattle Mariners tough game 2 loss to the Astros on Monday night. The good. Oliver Perez hasn’t given up a run since April 9, which has been his only allowed run in 2013. He has 10 K’s in 10 innings and deserves respect solidifying the bullpen after the M’s lost Stephen Pryor to the DL. The bad. After Kendrys Morales gave hope in the 8th, the Mariners went down quickly.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners’ blogger Jeff Budke talks about Seattle’s woes during the early portion of their 2013 MLB season. The team is changing, but the results are staying the same. The result? Many are confused as to what to think about Seattle early on. On the one hand, it is very early in the season still and the Mariners have yet to gel as a team. Relax folks! Kyle Seager is about to go on a tear. Michael Saunders will be back in a week. Good times.
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 Brandon Choate gives us his weekly M’s pitching breakdown in the arms under the spotlight segment. Felix Hernandez and Hisashi Iwakuma are pacing the other startes while Tom Wilhelmsen has been perfect in closingh situations. Kameron Loe and Brandon Maurer on the other hand would like to start this season over already. Loe is a Cub, now we get Aaron Harang, we’ll see how he does.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Danny Ferguson reports on the Mariners series matchup between the M’s and the White Sox in Chicago. The first pitching matchup features Mariners Blake Beaven (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs Jose Quintana. Danny points out he’s happy with Brendan Ryan’s plate discipline. So far Ryan has been impressive already tallying a handful of free passes. The White Sox have owned Seattle. This will be a tough series.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jeff Budke reports on the second game of the season versus the Oakland Athletics. Jeff points out that leadoff hits and two-out rallies were key in the 7-1 victory. Hisashi Iwakuma also had a great showing, along with Michael Saunders and Kyle Seager. If there’s anything to not like, it’s Yoenis Cespedes. But in this case, hate equals respect.
NWSB Insider, Seattle Mariners blogger AND fantasy sports guru Brandon Choate brings us a list that will make fantasy baseball owners happy. With a revamped lineup, the Mariners have more than just 1 guy you count on when you draft him in your fantasy baseball league. Felix Hernandez is an obvious choice. New additions Michael Morse and Kendrys Morales should add some serious power along with Jesus Montero.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners’ blogger Jeff Budke talks about the new two year $14 million dollar extension the Mariners gave to Hisashi Iwakuma. As a pitcher who started out in the pen last year, Iwakuma was later added to the rotation, starting 16 games while having an 8-4 record with an ERA south of 3.00. The extension proves that the M’s are serious about locking up talent in the rotation while awaiting the emergence of the “big 3.” This is great news for fans of the M’s.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jeff Budke brings us the positive and negative approaches for the upcoming MLB season with the Mariners’ pitching staff. With King Felix Hernandez leading the charge, mentions Jeff, Seattle’s youngsters could develop into a great staff in 2013. That will only be so, however, if Felix is able to step into a mentor role and guide a few promising young arms like Danny Hultzen and James Paxton.
New NWSB Insider & Seattle Mariners blogger Jeff Budke weighs in on the M’s 2013 options in the rotation. Jeff says the three immediate choices are Felix Hernandez, Jason Vargas and Hisashi Iwakuma. After that things get a little muddled, with anywhere from three-seven pitchers who could take up the last two spots.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jonathan Irwin reports on the MLB rumors that the M’s are a suitor for Josh Hamilton. Hamilton is arguably the best hitter on the free agent market. And while the move wouldn’t make Seattle instant contenders, it gets them a lot closer. It’s speculated that he’s seeking a seven-year deal worth $175 million.
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.
