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 talks about life without Ichiro as the Mariners look towards their first full season without the star. And while Ichiro was a franchise player during his time with the Seattle Mariners and will continue to produce for the Yankees, his departure from Seattle isn’t all that bad.
NWSB blogger Jon Irwin writes about Amy Franz and the Ichimeter. A constant in Safeco field—especially in 2004—the Ichimeter became the ultimate way to keep track of Ichiro Suzuki’s hits. And even though he’s no longer with the team, the man himself still knows how to make a fan’s day.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Danny Ferguson reports on his ideas to get the 2013 Mariners back on track. Danny says the key is a total image rebuild, not just for the on field team, but in every aspect of the franchise. But the fans have to step up to: prove your devotion to the team, and give them reason to succeed. When the M’s had Ken Griffey Jr., Alex Rodriguez, Randy Johnson and Jay Buhner, it was easier to take some of the losses wasn’t it?
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 Pacific northwest sports blogger Steve Lee today weighs in with his seven moments in time for PNW sports fans. The 7 holy sh*t moments in time if you will. Canada’s golden goal. The Ichiro trade, the Seahawks Marshawn Lynch beastquake, the Steve Nash trade, the Seattle Supersonics leaving town, the Vancouver Grizzlies leaving town, the WWE invading Safeco Field all make the list.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Danny Ferguson reports on the Mariners mid season trades made by Eric Wedge and Jack Zduriencik. Ichiro Suzuki, Brandon League and Steve Delabar are gone. In are Eric Thames, Logan Bawcom Leon Landry, D.J. Mitchell and Danny Farquhar. Lots of people expected Jack to trade Jason Vargas and Kevin Millwood too, but those moves didn’t happen.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Brandon Choate gives us his weekly M’s pitching breakdown in the arms under the spotlight segment. The Mariners pitching staff has really straightened up since the All Star break. The team went 7-3 this week with the King going to 3-0 since the break. If the pitching continues, all that is stopping this team from competing is consistent hitting. Kevin Millwood, Blake Beavan, and Felix Hernandez got wins this week.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jonathan Irwin reports on the first game of the series versus the New York Yankees. The Headline: Ichiro Suzuki suits up for the enemy as Seattle falls to New York. What a strange day in Seattle. Of all the teams it had to be New York. And on all nights it had to be tonight. Post game Justin Smoak was sent down to AAA Tacoma, Mike Carp will come up.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jonathan Irwin asks the important question tonight have the M’s turned the franchise corner? Yes, if their last 5 wins mean anything it is hope. Never underestimate hope, especially in a season as disappointing as this one. Michael Saunders, Dustin Ackley, Kyle Seager and Jesus Montero. These are big names.
NWSB Insider and Seattle sports writer Brandon Choate brings us a look back at history. Ichiro Suzuki joined the Seattle Mariners in 2001 and set the bar high immediately. After several All-Star appearances, Gold Gloves, and silver Sluggers, the 2-time MVP is packing his bags and heading to the Big Apple. Ichiro’s accolades and play brought him and Seattle lots of attention.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jonathan Irwin reports on the third game of the series versus the Tampa Bay Rays. The Headline: The Mariners win the pitching duel and take their second series in a row. The road was kind to the M’s, winning 5 out of 7 games, but up next is a 10 game homestand with the M’s facing the first place New York Yankees first. Home will not be as kind as the road reports, as the bats seem to sleep at Safeco.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jonathan Irwin reports on the first game of the series versus the Oakland Athletics. As is the ongoing trend with these “love ‘em/hate ‘ems” I must make a note that Seattle’s lineup was absolutely horrendous tonight. Oakland’s offense had just as hard a time tonight as Seattle’s, and it’s all because of starting pitcher Kevin Millwood. An incredibly boring game.
