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 MLB breaking news this week on the signing of Raul Ibanez. Returning for his third stint with the M’s, Ibanez brings much needed power to the lineup—just like the majority of Seattle’s signings this offseason. A big question is what does this mean for Justin Smoak?
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jonathan Irwin reports on recent Mariner-based rumors coming out of the annual Winter Meetings. Seattle continues their pursuit of outfield help, with interest anywhere from Jason Bay to Justin Upton. Also making headlines is the M’s desire to keep Felix a “Mariner for life,” as well as their push for Billy Butler.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Danny Ferguson reports on why its not right to give up on Mariners underachieving Justin Smoak. Danny points out there is no doubt that he working from a base of natural strength. The guy has a real girth to his legs to be able to drive the ball he says. Can Smoak see well enough to realize his days are numbered unless there is a change? Danny says he can. He believes in Justin Smoak.
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.
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.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jonathan Irwin reports on the best and worst moments of the Seattle Mariners 2012 season in this love ‘em & hate ‘em. It was a year of highs and lows, that inevitably ended in another losing season for the M’s. From King Felix Hernandez’s perfect game to the Ichiro Suzuki trade deadline, there was plenty to love and hate. Don’t foget the Jesus Montero trade, and Justin Smoak struggling.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jonathan Irwin reports on the third game of the series versus the Oakland Athletics. The Headline: an eight inning collapse by the bullpen gives the A’s life, as they complete their sweep of the Mariners. Seattle hangs tough all day with strong starting pitching, but the bullpen blows it in the final frames of the game. Michael Saunders batting sixth. Miguel Olivo at DH and Jesus Montero at catcher. Bizarre lineup.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jonathan Irwin reports on the third game of the series versus the Texas Rangers. The Headline: the Mariners drop this one by a hair, and though the failed to complete the sweep they still win the series. The Mariners do everything to put themselves in a position to win, but can’t follow through. The biggest complaint, it all feels too normal at this point.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jonathan Irwin reports on the first game of the series versus the Texas Rangers. The Headline: Justin Smoak and Miguel Olivo come alive as the Mariners top the Rangers. After an abysmal offensive effort against Baltimore, the Mariner bats finally show signs of life as the put six runs up against the visiting Rangers.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Clinton Bell tells us to him the best “MY oh MY” play of the twenty-third week of the year had to be the defensive gem by Michael Saunders grabing the ball out of the first row of seats. Yes, the ball was foul, but this play took another chance away from Coco Crisp, one of the most dangerous base runners in all of MLB. A true web gem.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jonathan Irwin reports on the second game of the series versus the Oakland Athletics. The Headline: Tommy Milone mows over the M’s as Oakland completes the sweep. Despite a healthy outfield and a new lineup, Oakland and Milone prove too much for the Mariner’s in this series finale. Alex Liddi went 1-for-3 and scored a run in his first start since June 9th.
Mariners insider Danny Ferguson brings us the Weekly Seattle Mariners notebook. Franklin Gutierrez has finally made his comeback to the team and of course continues to live up to his name of “death to flying things”. The Mariners have added 9 men to their roster so far this September. Those players are…Carlos Peguero, Carlos Triunfel, Casper Wells, Erasmo Ramierez, Hector Noesi, Luis Jimenez, Mike Carp, Shawn Kelley and Alex Liddi.
