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 reports on game number six this season Saturday versus the Chicago White Sox. Coming off the extra-inning win, the M’s fall to the Chicago White Sox 4-3 on Saturday. Jeff points out he’s not a fan of Jason Bay as a pinch runner. After Kendrys Morales singled, Wedge sent Bay out to run for the DH. This must have been a “lesser of two evils” type situation, but there needs to be better options from the bench in that situation.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jeff Budke reports on the fourth game of the season versus the Oakland Athletics. Jeff points out the offensive production is hiding behind the power of Mike Morse, but it stinks like years past all the same. Power is often assimilated with the third spot in the lineup, which is absolutely something DH/OF Raul Ibanez possesses, but this is not a good place for him writes Jeff.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jeff Budke reports on the second game of the season versus the Oakland Athletics. Jeff points out that leadoff hits and two-out rallies were key in the 7-1 victory. Hisashi Iwakuma also had a great showing, along with Michael Saunders and Kyle Seager. If there’s anything to not like, it’s Yoenis Cespedes. But in this case, hate equals respect.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jeff Budke reports on the first game of the season versus the Oakland Athletics. The Headline: Felix Hernandez shines as the Mariners win their 7th straight opening day game. Jeff points out the bullpen, Charlie Furbush, Pryor, and Tom Wilhelmsen surrendered two walks in only 1.1 IP. That trend cannot continue, because hits will come too. Next game check out Michael Morse and his really strange batting stretch-thing.
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.
Five days from start of the season Seattle Mariners Bench boss Eric Wedge has given enough clues for the lineup on Monday night…right? Spring Training has been nothing less than exciting for the Mariners, something that has not been said around Seattle for quite some time. With plenty of wins and a spring home run record, a breakout year [...]
NWSB insider and Mariner’s writer Jon Irwin brings us his preseason review of the Mariner’s top positional prospects. The arms make the most noise in this system, but there are plenty of big bats too. Headlining the group is last year’s first rounder Mike Zunino, but don’t sleep on the underrated Stefen Romero.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Danny Ferguson tells us the things he needs to see most from the M’s this year, in a letter to skipper Eric Wedge. Not only does he want to see the Big 3 advance to the MLB roster, he also wants to see Justin Smoak become the player he was promised to be. But on top of everything, he wants Eric Wedge to take some accountability and show some emotion to us fans. It is us who is the reason that he has his job in the first place.
NWSB insider and Mariners blogger Jon Irwin reports on the Seattle Mariners big Wednesday. After a few bumps in the road, the Mariners officially finalized King Felix’s new contract extension. That big news slightly overshadowed the news that the Mariners have traded Shawn Kelley to the Yankees for prospect Abraham Almonte.
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 Blogger and NBA insider Steve Lee decides to come over to the baseball side of things for his latest piece. So what do you think, is King Felix worth it? Steve gives us all sides of the equation, giving us everything we need to determine if our favorite son is worth the money. Steve doesn’t quite give us his personal answer, but he does liken the deal towards his grandmothers unmentionables, so to speak. Have a look, and let Steve know in the comment section what you think.
NWSB insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jon Irwin reports on the news that Felix Hernandez has reached an impasse with the Mariner front office about his new contract. Reportedly, concerns of King Felix’s pitching elbow have stalled talks. If Hernandez’s elbow really does become a long-term cause for concern, any new contract could have injury clauses in case of major issues.
