NorthWest Sports Blog brings you daily features on Oregon, Washington State, and BC amateur and pro sports teams.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Clinton Bell tells us the breaking news out of Seattle Mariners spring training today in Peoria. Manager Eric Wedge announced Chone Figgins to lead off in 2012. Ichiro Suzuki will now bat third in the lineup. We have all seen the magnificence of Ichiro’s long ball in batting practice. For first time in his career, he will have a chance to showcase that power in live ball games.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Danny Ferguson tells us during 2012 MLB spring training that the M’s are likely trying to play a different type of ball where players have more versatility and therefore more value within the organization. He asks do we really know where Dustin Ackley, Mike Carp, Justin Smoak, Kyle Seager, Chone Figgins, Carlos Guillen, Alex Liddi and Francesco Martinez should be playing come opening day?
NWSB insider Danny Ferguson tells us Seattle Mariners outfielder Trayvon Robinson has worn contact lenses at times over the past two years, has opted for a new approach this winter and plans to wear his new glasses while playing. Remember the moment from that iconic baseball movie Major League where Rick “Wild Thing” Vaughn’s control issues were solved when he was given a pair of glasses?
Seattle Mariners blogger Insider Steve is going on a rant. He’s back to tell us he understands what the Mariners are trying to do. When your franchise bottoms out, it takes time in the rebuilding process. He’s calling out Ownership. Jack Zduriencik is the only one that seems to have a direction, that’s asinine he says. Ownership is supposed to be the one leading by example. They’re not.
Seattle Mariners blogger Danny Ferguson today reports that Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Radio in Seattle announced the M’s have signed relief pitcher Shawn Camp and Hong-Chih Kuo. To make room for them the Mariners have designated Chris Gimenez and Mike Wilson for assignment. These moves probably indicated that Chone Figgins is likely to be used as a utility player.
Seattle Mariners blogger Danny Ferguson is back to tell us five things to look for to see that there is forward momentum in the M’s franchise in 2012. Looking for 2012 Mariners predictions? It really is unpredictable what will happen when mid-season comes around. Jack Zduriencik and Eric Wedge are admitting that this year probably won’t be much better.
Seattle Mariners blogger Danny Ferguson weighs in with his January 26th, 2012 State of the Mariners notebook. The M’s off-season should help in making 2012 be an interesting year, although the offseason isn’t over yet and Jack Z always has his eyes open. Reports given on Casper Wells, Justin Smoak, Adam Moore and Franklin Gutierrez. Plus updates on Jesus Montero, Ichiro Suzuki, Dustin Ackley, and Chone Figgins.
Seattle Mariners blogger Danny Ferguson tells us Munenori Kawasaki says he’s been invited to spring training by the Seattle Mariners. The Mariners had a backup short stop on their wish list for this off season, but they may get a replacement starter instead. Danny goes on to say if he were Brendan Ryan he’d be calling his agent and hitting the gym. What about Nick Franklin?
Mariners insider Danny Ferguson brings us his AL West Predictions today for the 2012 season. If Yu Darvish, CJ Wilson, or Albert Pujols pan out, Seattle and Oakland could be left in the dust again…especially if Seattle doesn’t land Prince Fielder. The M’s will likely end in 3rd place, but not be as easy a win as in years past.
Seattle Mariners blogger Danny Ferguson reports a deal that had been all but done for a week, the Mariners made it official today, announcing the signing of left-handed reliever George Sherrill to a 2012 contract. In four seasons with the Mariners, he combined for a 3.65 ERA in 195 appearances, made 73 appearances in 2007, tied for fourth-most in club history, and 72 in 2006.
Seattle Mariners blogger Danny Ferguson weighs in with his December 16th 2011 State of the Mariners notebook. Who wants to come play with Seattle when they could be making big bucks on the east coast? Felix Hernandez, Miguel Olivo, Franklin Gutierez and Brendan Ryan are all set to take significant raises in 2011, can the M’s and Jack Zduriencik afford Prince Fielder?
Insider Steve says so what if the Anaheim Angels signed Albert Pujols. The Seattle Mariners need to tune out the gallery and keep with the current plan in place, and not over react to what other teams are doing. It’s a matter of trusting Jack Zduriencik and his model of operation. The Mariners are the Texas Rangers, just three seasons behind.
