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 discusses his expectations for the team upon opening day. I see this team being one game better than the Oakland A’s, and getting the last wild card spot in a healthy American League. The M’s will receive a nice boost from playing the lowly Houston Astros. The Angels win the AL West, and the Rangers fall apart in the second half. We expect big things from two new acquisitions, Michael Morse and Kendrys Morales.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners’ blogger Jeff Budke talks about the trade that went down for the M’s today. On Monday, the Mariners signed OF Endy Chavez to a minor league deal, a competent to good defensive outfielder that could step in for emergencies if injuries occurred. Also, OF Eric Thames, who was sent to AAA, could step in as well. The writing is now on the wall for Casper Wells. It looks like Jason Bay will make the club too.
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 Mariners blogger Jon Irwin gives his rundown of the Seattle Mariner’s defensive lineup in 2013. For a team like Seattle, defense is imperative. The team enters 2013 with an improved lineup, but pitching remains the biggest competitive advantage; meaning it needs a good defense. Headlining this year’s group of gloves is Brendan Ryan and Franklin Gutierrez.
NWSB inside and Mariners blogger Jon Irwin gives us his look at the upcoming 2013 MLB season, with four Mariners facing make-or-break seasons. Among the names are second baseman Dustin Ackley, outfielder Michael Saunders and closer Tom Wilhelmsen. He says in 2012, the Mariners saw breakout seasons from guys like Kyle Seager, Hisashi Iwakuma and Tom Wilhelmsen. It also saw the departure of guys like Brandon League and Jason Vargas.
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 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 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 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.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners’ blogger Jeff Budke brings us the positive and negative approaches for the upcoming MLB season with the Mariners new stacked OF. Jeff thinks there will be a trade before the season starts, most likely Casper Wells, or Franklin Gutierrez. The M’s seemed to trade their youth and speed movement, for veteran players with old legs, and less athletic skills. But bats are what the M’s are in need of, and the new players definitely bring that to the mix.
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.
