NorthWest Sports Blog brings you daily features on Oregon, Washington State, and BC amateur and pro sports teams.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jonathan Irwin reports on the Seattle Mariners farm system in his first pitching prospects report. He weighs in on James Paxton, Danny Hultzen and Taijuan Walker. The Big 3. Just today Hultzen was promoted to AAA Tacoma. If he’s half as dominate there was he was at Jackson, it could be a matter of time until he’s starting for the Mariners.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Clinton Bell weighs in with Thursday’s top Mariners story; the return of Franklin Gutierrez. With the past year and a half basically spent on the DL, it is important for Gutierrez to get back to his normal ways, or face the threat of being shipped out come deadline time. It won’t be easy either, with the hot bats of Michael Saunders, and Casper Wells, the competition is real, and fierce.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Clinton Bell weighs in with his overview of the top ten players selected in the 2012 MLB first player draft by the Seatlle Mariners. Don’t expect many of these players to make it to the show, especially the way that Jack Zduriencik likes to deal prospects. Mike Zunino, a catcher who hits a ton, and calls a mean game as well, is heir apparent for the M’s starting catching duties as soon as he is available.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jonathan Irwin makes some predictions on the candidates to be selected by Jack Z. Here is all the information you need to get set for the MLB draft. Its on June 4-6 on the MLB Network. The consensus first round pick for the Mariners, Mike Zunino is considered the best college bat of the draft. Byron Buxton is considered by many to be the top position player.
NWSB Insider and part-time Seattle Mariners blogger C-Mac weighs in today with his 2012 analysis of the Mariners Japanese baseball stars. He spent five great years living in Tokyo, and offers his analysis from time to time. He looks at Ichiro, Munenori Kawasaki, and Hisashi Iwakuma in this post. How do the new Mariners 2012 stars compare with past Japanes stars?
NWSB Seattle Mariners blogger Insider Steve weighs in today on the M’s offense. If you break it down even further, through 5 starts this season Felix Hernandez has a 2.75 ERA while Jason Vargas has a 3.83 ERA. If you combine the two, you have an ERA of 3.25 compared to the 7.55 ERA between Blake Beavan, Hector Noesi, and Kevin Millwood. The pitching not the bats is the reason for the 11-10 record.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Danny Ferguson points out over the offseason, the Mariners repeatedly indicated the team wish list to improve and compete in the AL West. A left handed reliever, a catcher, and a veteran presence. Danny now questions why the Mariners would NOT want to pursue Johnny Damon. Is it money? His value in that case alone could make him worth picking up.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Danny Ferguson points out the one bright point was the Mariners minor league player of the year in 2011, 23 year old, Vinnie Catricala. Vinnie played in two leagues last year, starting off for A High Dessert before being promoted to AA Jackson Generals. If there is one thing that the Mariners need, it is offense. By the end of 2011 his batting average leveled off to a mere .349.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Danny Ferguson weighs in today with his thoughts on 2012 Cactus League M’s spring training surprise performances. He points out three young men having fine March’s. Canadian Michael Saunders from Victoria BC for starters. Hitting over .400 is never a bad thing. Carlos Peguero and Munenori Kawasaki are also doing great.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Danny Ferguson weighs in today with his thoughts on M’s young pitching arms. He says the M’s are doing the right thing in waiting for the future to arrive instead of trying to time travel there immediately.
Time travel always ends up resulting in mind blowing problems anyway. James Paxton, Danny Hultzen, and Taijuan Walker your time will come.
NWSB Managing Editor and Seattle Mariners blogger “Q” tells us today that the Mariners released their 2012 commercials. Not only did they bring back Larry Bernandez which is a classic, but manager Eric Wedge shows off his comedic timing to perfection. Dustin Ackley reluctantly takes on a new trainer. “A Seattle Welcome.” to Jesus Montero. “Impressions.” with Brendan Ryan and Ichiro Suzuki and more.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Danny Ferguson tells us Catcher Adam Moore arrived at the M’s camp this morning with a brace, not a cast, on his right wrist and said a hand specialist told him the ‘break’ was not as serious as everyone thought. Good news, But Danny still provides analysis on what this injury means to John Jaso, and the M’s 2012 lineup.
