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.
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.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jeff Budke brings us the positive and negative approaches for the upcoming MLB season with the Mariners’ pitching staff. With King Felix Hernandez leading the charge, mentions Jeff, Seattle’s youngsters could develop into a great staff in 2013. That will only be so, however, if Felix is able to step into a mentor role and guide a few promising young arms like Danny Hultzen and James Paxton.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Brandon Choate brings us his reasons for not giving up on the Seattle Mariners…just yet. Despite the rough times of late, there is plenty to look forward to with all the new talent and young talent surrounding this team. Incoming players like Kendrys Morales and Jason Bay are looking to contribute while the younger players like Jesus Montero and Dustin Ackley are looking to produce.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners’ blogger Jeff Budke brings us the positive and negative approaches for the upcoming MLB season with the Mariners infield. Jeff puts it plain and simple for us; it’s put up or shut up time for several Mariners youngsters starting in the infield. Namely, Justin Smoak, Dustin Ackely, and even though he’s a veteran, Brendan Ryan. All three positions have players who were brought in this season chomping at the bit for starting time.
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.
