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 brings us a wish list of sorts, players who could be valid catching backups for the now limited role in Seattle. With the recent trade for Mike Morse, the M’s sent John Jaso to the Oakland A’s, leaving a whole behind the plate, while acquiring more unneeded 1B and OF personnel. Four names stood out to Jeff, and yes, one of them happens to be Miguel Olivo.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Danny Ferguson gives us his response to the trade that brings Mike Morse to the Pacific Northwest. The positives from this move is that Morse actually knows how to hit, he wants to be in Seattle and the acquisition shows that the organization is willing to take some risks. The problem is that they’ve added yet another first baseman, and they sent away their only everyday catcher in John Jaso.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners’ blogger Jeff Budke brings us the newest installment to the NWSB page, the 2013 M’s opening day lineup predictions. Dustin Ackley, Michael Saunders, Jason Bay, Jesus Montero, Felix Fernandez are some of the usual suspects. Where is Eric Thames? Read on to find out. Spring in the air, sunshine and the smell of sunflower seeds cover the field as the Seattle Mariners prepare for game 1 of 162.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners’ blogger Jeff Budke brings us the newest installment to the NWSB page, the 2013 MLB statistics that must improve for the Mariners. He points out the obvious. The M’s need more runs. Kendrys Morales, 3B Kyle Seager, and C Jesus Montero may not be traditional home run hitters, but all can work the count and should get more base knocks with runners on this season.
NWSB insider and Mariners blog Jon Irwin discussions reasonable expectations for top M’s prospect Mike Zunino. The catcher dominated the minors in a short 2012 stint, but it’s time to dial back enthusiasm. The kid still has a long way to go before he’ll be hitting bombs at the Major League level. With a promising core of young and talented players, the Seattle Mariners have one of the brightest futures in the MLB.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners’ blogger Jeff Budke talks about what we can expect out of Jesus Montero in 2013. Despite the Mariners failing to add a prominent position player (or anyone under the age of 29-Jason Bay 34, Raul Ibanez 40), some veteran leadership on this team will go along ways with this team. The combination of Kendrys Morales and an increasingly productive Kyle Seager will give Montero the opportunity to see and hit better pitches.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Danny Ferguson reports on what he believes are prudent questions following the trade between the Angels and the M’s for Jason Vargas & Kendrys Morales. Danny wonders whats up with Justin Smoak now. The reason that Kendrys Morales was an available trade option was due the fact that the Angels had too many first base options. Do the M’s now too?
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 three potential free agents signees for the M’s. Among the list are Anibal Sanchez, Mike Napoli and B.J. Upton. All three could have a significant impact on the Mariners, and would be great moves for the offseason. The Seattle Mariners are on the fringe of becoming relevant in the American League once more.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Danny Ferguson reports on why its not right to give up on Mariners underachieving Justin Smoak. Danny points out there is no doubt that he working from a base of natural strength. The guy has a real girth to his legs to be able to drive the ball he says. Can Smoak see well enough to realize his days are numbered unless there is a change? Danny says he can. He believes in Justin Smoak.
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 Jonathan Irwin reports on his idea for a trade scenario to greatly improve the Mariners. With persistent trade rumors of San Diego shopping Chase Headley, it’s time Jack-Z and the Mariners dived into the talks. With his golden glove and big bat, he’d be the perfect franchise player in Seattle.
