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 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 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 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 inside and Mariner blogger Jon Irwin is recapping the Seattle Mariners attempted trade for rightfielder Justin Upton. The proposed trade would have sent Upton to Seattle, and in return the D-Backs would receive Charlie Furbush, Stephen Pryor and prospects Nick Franklin and Taijuan Walker. While the deal looked like a done deal, Upton invoked his no-trade clause and will stay in Arizona—for now.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Danny Ferguson gives us what he thinks needs to happen for the Mariners to improve the most important stat in all of baseball. Wins. The 5 guys who need improvement are Brendan Ryan, Justin Smoak, Hector Noesi, Mike Carp, and Dustin Ackley. Though Ackley already has an important role with this team, Danny is asking for about 20 more triples from the Ack Attack. These 5 guys improve, and the M’s will have 5 more wins in 2013.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Danny Ferguson reports on the re-signing of OF Raul Ibanez. Danny, like a lot of other people, is scratching his head at the reason the Mariners brought back the aging OF. The youth movement is alive and well in Seattle, and should be given the chance to play. Danny gives us his “best case” scenarios of the move for the upcoming season.
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?
New NWSB Insider & Seattle Mariners blogger Jeff Budke weighs in on the M’s 2013 options in the outfield. Jeff is all in for Eric Thames. Thames only played in 40 games (the same number as Guti) for the M’s in 2013 after a midseason trade from Toronto, but he made his presence felt. Despite a .220 batting average, Thames showed some pop with a .439 slugging percentage. Mike Carp, Casper Wells, and Trayvon Robinson are in the mix too.
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.
New NWSB Insider & Seattle Mariners blogger Jeff Budke weighs in on the M’s 2013 options at catcher. Powered by a young stud, a veteran, and a mountain man escaped from the woods, the Mariners have acquired a position of strength in Seattle—and the most powerful of the bunch may be developing in the minor leagues. With Jesus Montero, Miguel Olivo, John Jaso and Mike Zunino who wins out at backstop?
New NWSB Insider & Seattle Mariners blogger Jeff Budke weighs in on the 2012 year that Michael Saunders had. The biggest question now is, will he continue to progress, or will he slide back into his past production with the club in previous years. Jeff shares his reasons why, and why not for the Condor’s progression, and future with this Seattle Mariners ballclub.
