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 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 Managing Editor and Seattle Mariners blogger “Q” tells us today that the Mariners released their 2013 commercials. Not only did they bring back Felix Hernandez to do another one with the classic hot sauce but now Brendan Ryan talks to a Buffalo, which in itself is just classic. The newest season features Dustin Ackley wearing his love for fans on his sleeve.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners’ blogger Jeff Budke talks about the three game stretch Michael Saunders had for himself this week at the World Baseball Classic for Team Canada. Saunders was 8-for-11 over the weekend, including a 4-for-4 night Saturday against Mexico. Canada failed to advance to the second round behind Italy and team USA, but Saunders production could not be overlooked, and he was awarded the Pool MVP honors.
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 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 Jeff Budke talks about the pros and cons about Raul Ibanez coming back to Seattle. While he may be seen as a little arrogant as time and will surely take at-bats away from other players throughout the year, his upsides seem to outweigh his costs. Ibanez, contrary to what the Mariners thought was going to happen, has actually gained power in the past few years and will be a valuable piece in the Seattle lineup.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Clinton Bell weighs in with a Mariners Spring Training update. The Bats are on fire! The M’s keep rolling off wins! But, can this continue when the team is trimmed to 25, and the position battles are no longer? This new power minded team was built by the one and only Jack Z for the new and improved Safeco Field. The walls have been moved in, prompting the GM to go out and find some power to restore the M’s to the glory days.
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 Jeff Budke brings us the positive and negatives to Jason Bay being on the Seattle Mariners spring training 2013 roster. Bay’s power is what the Mariners would love to capitalize on, but his ability to get on base consistently will make it difficult to play a slumping Bay during the season. Jeff asks what should we love and hate about this New York castoff? Let’s dive in. Eric Wedge are you happy?
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger pours his heart out over the new megadeal between the Mariners and ace Felix Hernandez. The deal goes far beyond dollars and years. It speaks volumes to the Seattle Mariners for being committed to Felix Hernandez as well as giving Hernandez a reward for his loyalty to this team, this city, and the fans. Loyatly in sports may not be gone after all.
NWSB Editor and Insider Chris Anderson talks about Edgar Martinez, his favorite player in Seattle sport’s history. Over the course of his career, Edgar was a statistical monster. He played in a total of 2,055 games, collecting 2,247 hits in 7,213 at-bats while crushing 309 home runs and accounting for 514 doubles. Edgar also drove home 1,261 runs and even collected 15 triples and 49 stolen bases during his younger days.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Brandon Choate reminds us that the World Baseball Classic is upon us and the Mariners will be well represented in the tournament. Besides Michael Saunders, Alex Liddi and Oliver Perez, the Mariners are sending 4 young players and a grizzled veteran in Brian Sweeney. Luiz Gohara, Kalian Sams, Thyago Vieirs, and Pedro Okuda are all looking to show the Mariners they have what it takes to advance in their system while trying to propel their home countries to a tournament win.
