NorthWest Sports Blog brings you daily features on Oregon, Washington State, and BC amateur and pro sports teams.
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 Clinton Bell brings us his expectations of five Mariners players for the upcoming 2013 MLB season. Jesus Montero, Justin Smoak, Blake Beavan, Raul Ibanez, and Michael Morse are all going to have to step it up this season. Three of the five are fighting for survival in a M’s uniform, and the other two are going to have to prove they are worthy enough to don one once again. These five guys may make or break Jack Z as the GM in Seattle.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners’ blogger Danny Ferguson talks about the 40-man roster situation the Mariners will soon be faced with. While their 40-man is currently set, there still some room for players to either jump onto it or be cut from it. As such, the M’s are likely to let younger invitees get more opportunity in the minors before making any major changes to the roster. This really eliminates the reality of guys like Mike Zunino and Nick Franklin from seeing in major league time in 2013.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners’ blogger Jeff Budke talks about the 2013 spring training matchup on Sunday between division rivals the Texas Rangers and M’s. He points out Blake Beaven started against a B-squad Texas Rangers squad, the only projected regular being 1B/DH Lance Berkman. There was some extra pressure on Beavan Sunday, as opening day approaches and his spot far from solidified.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners’ blogger Jeff Budke talks about the 2013 season and the expectations for Dustin Ackley. He points out when looking at Ackley’s splits from a year ago, the numbers are almost identical. Unfortunately, they were consistently low. He goes on to say at this point in his career, Ackley has been more consistent with quality commercials than producing quality play at the plate. He is still young, give it time M’s fans.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners’ blogger Jeff Budke talks about the 2013 season and the expectations for Kyle Seager. He points out Seager is no longer fighting for his spot at 3B, he also knows about the grind of 162 games. Mariners fans are not hoping for better numbers in that department, just more plate appearances! M’s fans expect Kyle Seager to produce at SafeCo Field the way he has done on the road in his career.
NWSB Editor and Insider Chris Anderson talks about Seattle’s 10-game winning streak being snapped by the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday.Though it is still very early on in spring training, there were many positives to take away from not only this game, but also from the winning streak. That being said, the Mariners–and especially Blake Beavan–do have some areas to improve in before they are truly ready for the regular season.
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 Clinton Bell weighs in with 5 things he is watching out for this year at Mariners spring training. Cactus League play is under a month away, and pitchers and catchers report in less than a week, and this year the M’s have a lot of question marks heading in. The outfield, first base, and the handling of Mike Zunino top the things to watch for in 2013 Mariners camp.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Brandon Choate brings us his reasons for not giving up on the Seattle Mariners…just yet. Despite the rough times of late, there is plenty to look forward to with all the new talent and young talent surrounding this team. Incoming players like Kendrys Morales and Jason Bay are looking to contribute while the younger players like Jesus Montero and Dustin Ackley are looking to produce.
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.
