AngryBeltre

1-0, 8-5, 5-4

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Day) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 22:42:00 +0000

This post brought to you by the Harper Brush Works 18-Inch Rough Brissle Outdoor Push Broom.

Erik Bedard went 8 innings? The M's came from behind in two consecutive games?

Who else likes 2009 so far?

Sweep? Could it be an Easter Miracle?

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie Mertens) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 17:04:00 +0000

Wakamatsu is pairing Bedard with Johnson this afternoon against the A's, which could mean any of a few things.

Bedard is still throwing a hissy fit about pitching to Joh (the combination didn't seem totally flawless last week against the Twins)
Wak is looking into resting Joh on the last games of series
Joh's defensive blunder yesterday, botching a foul that cost the M's runs, has Wak looking into his options
Wak's feeling out the lineup for the best offense (until yesterday's game Joh had been pretty dismal at the plate, with a sad 2 hits for 14 at bats, and Johnson had a crunch-time RBI during his only appearance so far this season)

Personally, I hope it's one of the latter options, Wak seems to have a good feel for keeping a healthy team atmosphere, and I don't think giving into pitchers who blame their bad games on the catcher would be good for the team. (No room for divas in the dugout) And Joh's offensive game has been slowing since last year, it might be good to develop a backup that can hold his own offensively. Under Wak's rule we've actually seen some good bats, even making up for Felix's less than stellar performance yesterday. Last time the M's found it in them to make up for 5 earned by Felix was back in Sept. '07 vs. Detroit.

Hopefully the match makes Bedard more consistent with the pitching he showed M's fans he was capable of against the Twins, striking out eight in five innings without a single walk.

A win today would also be close to a miracle in relation to last year's club, who chalked up only one 4 game winning streak all season.

The A's starters couldn't get into a bar two months ago, and some other notes.

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Day) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 20:14:00 +0000

7:05 tonight vs the A's. The beginning of a three-gamer against pitchers young enough to be Miguel Batista's sons. A's starters Anderson (tonight), 21, Braden, 25, and Cahill, 21, are all unproven, and their progression will go a long way toward determining if Oakland can comptete this year. RRS takes the mound tonight, followed by Felix and Bedard. Griffey is sheduled to start two of the games.

Some notes:

Guess who was the subject of the cover story this morning on ESPN's MLB page? Former Mariners stud-in-waiting Adam Jones (part of the five-player deal for Erik Bedard for those of you who slept through 2007-2008). He gets a good sized Tim Kurkjian piece on his development. Not a ton of new information here, but decent. And in reality, Kirkjian's story was only written because the assembled horde of baseball media followed the Yankees to Baltimore, where they saw the O's take two of three, and realized that there were non-Yankees stories to cover. Jones was an easy target--he absolutely went off in the first two games of the series.

John McGrath at the News Tribune offers an optimistic view of the Minnesota series.

Split in Minnesota. And Homers Too.

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie Mertens) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 04:16:00 +0000

While Matt might find our newfound defense exciting, my favorite part of the first M’s series was the bats! I don’t mind watching my team lose a game—if it’s a good game. But last season was so dismal (our runs per game average was the worst since 1990). When the Mariners are competing for worst with the M’s of historical terribleness, that’s when you know things are bad.

Enter: The 2009 Club. The bad eggs are out (Sexson, Vidro, the entire management and half the coaching staff, etc.). And their replacements so far are a breath of fresh air, that is, they’re playing baseball: scoring runs even when we aren’t behind yet, playing defense, keeping us on our toes, these haven’t been games you turn off in the sixth inning with a sigh.

Like Matt noted, there’s been an atmosphere change here, I’m gonna go for nostalgia and credit Griffey for now—and a little bit of Wakamatsu. It’s still early, but I like Don's vibe--feels like classic Mariners to me. Not afraid to mix things up in favor of the best ninth inning defense.

That’s really what’s been missing in the last few years, wasn’t it? The fun? Remember, when we were the good guys? Familiar faces? Big smiles? No team drama with giant undeserved contracts or pitchers blaming their suckage on the catcher…(remember Bedard's and Washburn's incessant whining about Joh last year?)

But back to those runs, it seems almost too good to be true, Griffey’s back, and yes, he homered in his second at bat in the M’s uniform. That’s something we missed last year, wasn’t it? Home runs? For those keeping track at home, we have four in four games, three games scoring over five runs, one shutout, and no drama.

This is good baseball, I’m not saying home runs--or nostalgiac star power--will cure the misery that was 2008, but combined with some healthy batting and defense on the roster, they sure do feel good.

Oh, and April 14, Griffey comes home. Against division rivals. The three minute ovation when he came back in '07, only this time he's wearing the Blue and Teal. Maybe he hits a few for the fans who have been waiting for him in the cheap seats since ’99.

Baseball is Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Day) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 21:02:00 +0000

You forget this stuff while suffering through a year like 2008. I'm not a fairweather fan, but the slowdown (and eventual grinding halt) of this blog last season showed maybe fairweather blogger is a reasonable term.

By August, it was too spiritually exhausting to comment on the current speculation as to which head would roll next. Or why Washburn wasn't traded. Or why we blew five-run leads to teams like the A's. And on and on.

But baseball is fun. I remember this now. The clubhouse and media atmosphere of last year's campaign is something fans aren't likely going to see again for some time. It is rare that things get so bad--in any sport--and I can't see that kind of chaos descending on the franchise again in the near future.

There are lots of reasons to be optimistic about 2009. Felix looks like Felix. Griffey's hamstrings are still intact. Richie Sexson is sitting on a couch somewhere (probably counting the roughly $42 million he earned from the M's in three-and-a-half years). The new acquisitions are playing ridiculous defense.

But the highlight of the M's first series, is the following picture:
Sweet expression Beltre is sporting. He is intensity in a word. Love the guy (Disclaimer: note this blog's title).

I'll take 2-2. Hell, I'd take 0-4 as long as the toxicity from last year is gone. Lets hope it really is.

Griffey comes home.

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Day) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 02:58:00 +0000

Smile.

Seattle Times. Seattle P-I. Sports Illustrated. ESPN.

In this market, Griffey is a solid bet for a one year deal. A gimmick? Maybe a little. But definitely worth the price of admission. The 2009 Mariners will be young(er), revamped, and now they have a new draw.

The Closer

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Day) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 21:10:00 +0000

Great article at ESPN on the position, and how it is the most overrated in s ports.

"Francisco Rodriguez is racking up the saves but hasn't entered a game before the ninth inning or with a runner on base all season."

interesting...

Olympic Baseball

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Day) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 04:05:00 +0000

Top-level professional players make Olympic sports better. Period. Can you imagine what Olympic basketball would be like if players from the NBA and European leagues were shut out? Same goes for soccer, volleyball, and other team sports. The only reason anyone tunes in to games is to see the best athletes in the world compete.

Right now, the best baseball players in the world are playing in the United States, when many should be in Beijing. I can understand owners not wanting to release their players for two months during the summer, especially during a playoff chase. But why can't players from teams that are out of contention compete?

A pitching staff made up of Tim Lincecum, Cliff Lee, Joe Saunders, and Jake Peavy would crush just about any opposition...to say nothing of the field players from teams without a shot at October. Think about how cool it would be to see Lincecum in an American uniform as you watch team USA get crushed by Cuba on August 15.

Say what you will about how the Mariners of 2007 were mediocre or just blessed by luck, but at this time last year, the M's-Angels series mattered. Not so tonight.
About a week ago, KOMO lost the rights to broadcast Mariners games in 2009 (KIRO will take over after signing a 3-year deal). Shannon Drayer, longtime KOMO blogger, was let go, with no signs that KIRO will pick her up. A blog at Mariners Analysis argues that Drayer was not used frequently enough for her talents (though the blogger apparently didn't catch wind of the KIRO/KOMO switch...). Worth a read for those of you frustrated by her departure.

The Bedard trade revisited

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Day) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 02:20:00 +0000

One of Baker's recent blogs, a recap of the recently ended season of Adam Jones, got me thinking again about the Bedard trade. With both Jones's and Bedard's seasons effectively over, there's some room to look at the decision in hindsight.

Jones, Baker concluded after discovering a new statistical index, is one of the top ten (defensive) center fielders in the league. He's put up some solid numbers in the batter's box (.279/.320/.405). The Mariners would love to have that kind of offensive production and defense, but with 2008 officially a blow-it-up-and-rebuild season, they can afford to wait for a couple years for Wlad to develop into the player Jones is today.
George Sherrill is having a great year closing for the O's, with saves in more than half of the team's wins (31 saves in 54 Baltimore wins). Sherrill's value down the line is limited: he's 31, and for most closers, their prime production comes during just a couple years. Regardless of his lack value for the M's in rebuilding mode, Sherrill was missed with JJ Putz's injury issues this season.
Pitching prospect #1, Tony Butler, was having an up and down season for Baltimore's single-A affiliate in Maryland before being placed on the DL with tendinitis in his throwing arm. In 55 innings he struck out 44 and walked11. The injury is minor, and Butler is only 20. He has a lot of potential.
Pitching prospect #2, Chris Tillman, is destroying batters in his first season in AA. He's a strikeout machine (114 in 106 innings), but has struggled with his control at times. He won't last long in AA. Butler is years from becoming a legitimate MLB-quality starter, but if Tillman keeps it up he could arrive in the next couple years.
Pitching prospect #3, Cam Mickolio performed well in limited action with Tacoma last year. He's back in AAA in 2008 after showing his stuff for Baltimore's AA affiliate, and by this time next year he will likely be a fixture in Baltimore's bullpen.

It's not even debatable who got the best of the deal. The M's received an injury-plagued but extremely talented pitcher who rarely goes longer than six innings. The Orioles got a productive outfielder (both offensively and defensively), an all-star (yes, I realize this distinction can be worthless) closer, two 20-year-old pitchers who will start in the majors, and a reliever about to arrive on the big stage.

The Bedard trade will likely serve as Bill Bavasi's capstone. It's fitting then that it was bombastically done (i.e., heralded in press conferences as 'the trade that will put the M's over the top'), costly in time and money, and shortsighted in its execution.

Neihaus, cheap beer, and Morrow as a starter

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Day) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 05:41:00 +0000

First, the feel good story of the year for the M's. Dave Niehaus is in the Hall of Fame. Link 1, Link 2, Link 3.

Second, I don't know how many of you have heard of this one. Richie Sexson, former Mariner scapegoat and strikeout artist, is having a positive impact in greater Seattle even after being sent packing:

From the article at the Santa Rosa Press Democrat:
"Sexson making a difference: The price of beer at a Seattle watering hole is determined by Richie Sexson’s batting average, even though Sexson has been released by the Mariners and signed by the Yankees. The promotion, called “Cheap Sex Monday,” began when Sexson was hitting .167, yielding a price of $1.67 for beer."

Finally, an interesting piece at Mariners Analysis about what a lot of M's onlookers have been discussing lately: Brandon Morrow as a starter (which is, I remind you, the role he was drafted to play).

Washburn has trade value

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Day) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 04:29:00 +0000

Trade him. Another (semi) solid outing against the Red Sox tonight, one that could help convince the Bill Bavasis of the world that he is worth a prospect or two. The Mariners agree to pay half or two thirds of his ridiculous salary, and a contender desperate for a lefty gives up an AAA and a AA prospect for him.

The M's shed a contract they don't want, free up space in the rotation for someone who will contribute down the line, and maybe get a solid player in return. Sounds good to me.

With Bedard's trade probability dwindling along with the strength in his throwing arm, Washburn is becoming the most likely candidate who can be moved from this pitching staff.

New manager. Same result.

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Day) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:59:00 +0000

Today Jim Riggleman started Miguel Cairo, Jose Vidro, and Willie Bloomquist. In the same game. And he sent the trio out to face off against one of the most consistent pitchers in the American League. The result was predictable.

Nothing against Willie personally. You gotta admire his trademark "hustle" and local boy status, but he is in the middle of a nearly legendary streak of ABs without an extra base hit.

Vidro is a 33-year-old, broken down singles-hitting middle infielder turned DH. 'Nuf said.

If not for Bill Bavasi's unexplainable generosity, the closest Cairo would get to a major league ball club would be to watch the games on T.V. The M's dumped Greg Norton, who isn't great or anything, but miles better than Miguel.

The guys at USSM break it down for us. What happened to the solid lineups Riggleman blessed us with in his early going?

Ichiro being Ichiro

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Day) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 02:48:00 +0000

Ichiro drops some pretty classic quotes. From his now famous Cleveland bash of last year, to his newest installment, about his participation in the All Star Game in Yankee Stadium.

"Usually I go there as the opponent, and I usually get booed by the fans when I go there. But this time I'm not going as an opponent, so part of me, in a special way, is disappointed that I don't get to enjoy being booed."

as quoted by the P.I.

Burke surprises, so does Jiménez

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Day) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 03:44:00 +0000

Today's 2-1 loss to the Tigers wasn't too bad. The M's split the series with one of the hottest teams in baseball. And the loss was softened by the fact that the loss was credited to third-string catcher Jamie Burke.

Tied after 14 innings, the M's decided they couldn't push César Jiménez any further. The bullpen was empty (Rhodes's health is in question and Morrow had pitched four of the last five days). Burke, who pitched a total of four innings in the minors, was the man.

He didn't do too bad. After a surrendering a lead off double by Miguel Cabrera and allowing the runner to advance to third on a wild pitch, the catcher retired three consecutive batters, with Detroit's run coming home on a sacrifice fly to left.

Burke's gutsy performance (the 36-year-old was throwing between 82 and 86 mph) is easily up there with Felix's grand slam as one of the few memorable moments from a dismal 2008. I've never been much of a fan of an inflexible and aging bullpen catcher taking up a bench spot, but he's delivered one of the more impressive performances by a Mariner this year.

Other observations from a Sunday afternoon:

César Jiménez performed very well for the M's in relief. The last man out of the bullpen, he came on for Sean Green to start the 11th and gave four innings of no hit ball. In his three appearances since getting called up after the injury to Felix, Jiménez has given up only one hit and no runs in 6 2/3 innings of work. Hopefully Jiménez, 23, continues to develop into a solid option for the big ball club.
Why did Miguel Batista only pitch one inning out of the bullpen? The guy was a terrible starter this year, but he can still at least go more than three outs when his team is deep in extra innings? Chances are Batista's career as a starter is over. His career as a pitcher may be done as well if his coaches don't have faith in him to exceed 19 pitches.
The Bedard-trade rumour mill is going again, this time that he will be leaving Seattle. I say do it, the M's as a rebuilding team don't need an overpaid starter who picks his catcher (anyone but Johjima) and limits himself to 100 pitches. Here's some reading on the topic. From USSM and BB&T.

The trade window

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Day) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:46:00 +0000

Geoff Baker wrote a solid blog this morning about possible trade destinations for the M's to explore.

Based on other team's needs, he lists the following set of options:

Starting pitching (Bedard or Washburn) to Philadelphia.
A catcher (Burke or Johjima) to Boston.
Ichiro to Boston.
Ibañez to New York Yankees
Mark Lowe or Sean Green to Atlanta
Somebody out of the 'pen to Tampa Bay

The Philadelphia possibility is tempting in that getting anyone to trade anything for Washburn (and hopefully paying some of his contract) is a success in itself. Though it would be a good move for a franchise about to start rebuilding, I can't see them doing the embarrassing 180 of trading Erik Bedard. I say Bedard stays for at least another year. Not an ideal situation, but reality for an organization that is trying to save face at this point.

Moving Joh is probably impossible right now, even to someone with pockets as deep as Boston's. If If Burke can be traded for a prospect, any prospect, it should be done immediately. The M's don't need a glorified bullpen catcher on the roster as he nears his 40s.

The Ichiro option is also worth exploring. Ichiro is the franchise, yes, but this year has been scary. He is having the worst offensive season of his career and has talked his way into returning to right field, limiting his range on defense. Now may be the time to unload him, before he starts playing his age. The Red Sox were thinking seriously last winter about including either Jacoby Ellsbury or (Tacoma native) Jon Lester in a potential trade for Johan Santana. If the M's could snag one of these guys and a couple blue-chip prospects for Ichiro, it may be the right decision for the team.

The Raul to New York option is a good one, he's at the age and ability level where he is no longer a viable option every day in left field, and the M's probably don't want even his bargain contract coming off the bench. The Yankees the last 10 years haven't minded giving playing time to immobile outfielders, and Raul's a native New Yorker who could probably give them a couple good years.

If there must be a trade out of the M's bullpen, it should be JJ Putz. He has been hurt all year, but would still command a high price in a deal because of the year he had in 2007. Closers have a short lifespan. When they crash, they crash hard. JJ is going to crash before 2010, who knows, maybe that's what happened this year. It makes sense right now to find someone to give up a lot for JJ Put'z reputation rather than trade a promising young arm (like Green, Lowe, Morrow, RRS, etc). The young bullpen is one of the only positive features of this team going into a rebuilding process. Don't sabatoge it by trading away the youth and keeping JJ.

RRS's Karma

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Day) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 01:55:00 +0000

Fresh out of starting pitching, the M's will send reliever Ryan Rowland-Smith to the hill in about 5 minutes to face the Jays.

The longest he's lasted in his calendar year in the big leagues: 57 pitches in 4 innings August 22, 2007 at Minnesota, a game in which Carlos Silva was credited with the win for the Twins. By a weird fluke of the universe, I was at that game, stuck in the Metrodome's 'club' seating (think about sitting on top of Quest Field and peering into Safeco for nine innings...that's about how terrible these seats were).

Rowland-Smith was dominant in the losing effort (the statistical loss was Batista's). The Twins couldn't touch him. 6 strikeouts, 2 walks, and no hits in four innings.

Me and RRS go way back...I was part of the full house that showed up to Safeco to welcome Griffey back last June when he made his major league debut. Coming on with two outs, he struck out the first batter he faced, Ken Griffey Jr.

Maybe that debut says something about the guy's karma...maybe he'll go the four innings the M's brass are expecting out of him.

We can hope so anyway. Either way, the M's are sending a lefty relief specialist out as their starting pitcher.

Such is life for the 2008 Mariners.

Sign of the apocalypse?

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Day) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 02:55:00 +0000

I just turned on the M's-Jays game. Third inning, no score.

The Mariners only two hits are by Willie Bloomquist and Richie Sexson. Something is wrong with the universe.

Who to trade...Ichiro or Felix? and Bill Bavasi in hindsight

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Day) — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 06:39:00 +0000

Derek at USSM writes a piece on the trade value to be found on the M's roster and makes some bold statements to Mariners fans (especially on the good potential to be found in a Felix trade).

It is interesting that he advocates for trading Felix, but for keeping Ichiro. Ichiro is still undeniably the face of the franchise, but that is a status that may be eclipsed in a year or two by King Felix. The question becomes, who is more valuable on a roster during a rebuilding process? A young ace who could bring a lot of return in a trade, or an aging singles hitter and automatic gold glove with similar trade potential? Either way, read Derek's post.

Also, if you haven't browsed the offerings at Detect-O-Vision lately, check out their retrospective on the Bill Bavasi era. Solid analysis, and worth a read if you have a few minutes to devote to it.

Washburn is pitching...well?

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Day) — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 04:59:00 +0000

A couple weeks ago, I wrote that the M's should take both Jarrod Washburn and Miguel Batista out of the rotation. Both are aging pitchers who aren't going to be around after the rebuilding is through in Seattle, and both had a string of terrible starts in May. Batista it turns out has been playing injured all year and not telling anyone. So I was right there.

But I may have been wrong about Washburn. Maybe blaming Kenji Johjima's catching for his ineptitude got something nasty out of his system, because Washburn has been a fairly effective option recently. In his last four starts he's averaging 6 1/3 innings per outing, and in each has given the team with a chance to win the game. Tonight he pitched his second best game of the season, 7 2/3 innings of two run ball in a 5-2 win in San Diego.

Washburn has taken a lot of heat this year, and rightly so (are the M's really going to pay this guy $10 million in 2009?). But he's not the terror people make him out to be, he's just an average lefty with a terrible string of bad luck (.344 BABIP) and a few embarrassing outings.

Update:
Baker is hypothesizing that Riggleman and co. left Jarrod out so long today (119 pitches) because they're looking to shop him around before the trade deadline. If Wash stays hot, the Mariners may be able to convince a team to pay half of his monstrous contract, and maybe get a prospect or two in return. Crazier things have happened.

Clement, Bloomquist, and comfort zones

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Day) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 03:21:00 +0000

Jeff Clement is not a DH. Willie Bloomquist is not a pinch hitter.

Putting players into situations where they're comfortable matters. Yes, these guys are professionals and a left fielder should be able to transition to playing competently at first base with some practice, but it's not the best use of his skillset. Comfort zones have a huge impact. Examples follow.

In May, the M’s brought up Clement and plugged him into the DH spot. In his first serious stint with the MLB team, he was supposed to be the sparkplug that would bring the team out of its dismal start.

This was too much pressure. Clement tried to destroy the ball every time he was up, Striking out 20 times in 47 at bats in May. He was sent down to Tacoma May 18.

As soon as GM Bill Bavasi was fired, Clement was back up. This time catching daily. Playing in his natural position has done wonders for clement. He is still not doing anything comparable to his minor league numbers, but has only struck out once in his second trip to the majors this year.

Willy Bloomquist is useless coming off the bench. Serving as an occasional defensive replacement for late-game situations and less frequently as a starter for injured players, he was terrible. Hovering around .150/.150/.475 terrible.

Platooning in the outfield has resurrected his season. Willie Kitsap Bloomquist is arguably the M’s best offensive performer since June 1, with an OPS of .751.

The lesson? Reports have the M’s working out Kenji Johjima at first base. A little tinkering and adapting players’ skillsets is OK, but as Clement and Bloomquist’s turnarounds have proven, you have to be aware of what guys are capable of. Clement couldn’t handle the pressure of DHing, and Bloomquist is useless if he’s not in an everyday rhythm. Be careful what you try with Johjima, who is slowly creeping out of his anemic start.

Tidbits from around the interweb:

It’s about time the national media was aware of how terrible the M’s were. In the first paragraph of ESPN’s game recap of today’s 8-2 loss, the author referred to Seattle as the “Lowly” Mariners.
Jim Caple published a piece a few days ago that is basically a recap of the commentary that has been tossed around USSM and Lookout Landing for the last month.
Jon at Bleeding Blue and Teal writes a good piece building off a P.I. article about the possibility of legendary M’s catcher Dan Wilson returning to the team to coach.

Incredible

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Day) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 04:54:00 +0000

One of the classic moments in modern Mariners history happened today.

In the showdown between Venezuelan aces Johan Santana and Felix Hernandez, Felix won. Soundly. Coming to the plate with the bases loaded in the second, Felix sent the first pitch he saw over the fence. The first AL grand slam by a pitcher since 1971. The ninth at bat of Felix's career. Incredible.

Felix was just as good on the mound, retiring the first nine Mets he faced, and he was pitching a two hitter in the fifth when he was injured trying to block Carlos Beltran at the plate after a wild pitch.

Here's a video, featuring both the grand slam and the injury.

Felix Hernandez is indispensable. The passion this guy brings every time he starts is absolutely contagious. Unable to walk on the his injured ankle, Felix took a practice pitch to see if he could continue. In obvious extreme pain after planting his right foot, with his head down and teeth clenched, the 22-year-old held a finger up asking trainers to let him try one more pitch.

Can you see Batista, Bedard, Washburn, or anybody on this pitching staff (with the possible exception of JJ Putz) trying so desperately to fight through such intense pain and play? On a team that for the most part plays like it doesn't care, it is great to see Felix play with pride and passion.

M's CEO Howard Lincoln has been reiterating since GM Bill Bavasi's firing that no one on this team is guaranteed a spot, that everyone is potentially trade fodder. I agree, but with one exception.

Felix Hernandez stays. Period.

Other Tidbits:

Interested in the reaction from Venezuela? As you can imagine, the game made the front page, akin how the Dice-K/Ichiro showdown was received in Japan last April. Aquí estan algunos cuentos de periodicos Venezolanos. El Nacional, y El Universal.
And if you haven't read the titles of Lookout Landing's threads for today's game, check them out. Hilarious headlines that pretty accurately express the euphoria turned to horror that was today's game. Start with this one.

Felix vs. Santana

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Day) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:25:00 +0000

Forgetting today's 8-3 Teixeira-induced disaster, tomorrow promises to be huge.

Felix Hernandez v. Johan Santana, 4:10 PDT. Two of the top pitchers in the game, both products of Venezuela. Felix, after failing to be Felix for much of May, has returned to become dominant Felix again in June, at one point during his June 18 start striking out 6 consecutive batters. Santana is almost always solid. Watch this one.

It Blew Up

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Day) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 01:04:00 +0000

Now, on to fixing it.

The changes in management are the first step, here's some other probably obvious ideas:

The Mariners are not the Yankees. Nor are they the Red Sox. They can't throw millions of dollars around and expect top-flight free agents and imports to want to spend their time in Seattle. Bill Bavasi tried and failed at this approach. It is responsible for the fat and untradeable contracts of Sexson, Washburn, etc. Brian at Caffeinated Confines offers some advice on an alternate approach.

Richie Sexson started at first base today. He did the same yesterday. The guy is finished with the Mariners, it is pretty clear, and his career may be over as well. If he really is the unmotivated, failed leader he is made out to be by some coaches, then the time is now to remove his influence from the locker room. Housecleaning like this should happen sooner rather than later.

Maybe it's not as bad as we thought. Pending collapse, the M's are about to go 2-0 under manager Jim Riggleman. Yes it is just two games, but it may be evidence that with some reshuffling, the M's will be able to right the ship. This group of players, though not a playoff team without some serious help, aren't nearly as bad as they've played this season. They just quit on John McLaren. It happens all the time in other leagues (NFL, NBA): you get a coach who has spent a lot of time with an organization and the veterans feel like the don't have to put in work for him.

The Mariners may not need to gut the roster and start over. There are enough pieces in place (Lopez, Betancourt, Ichiro, Beltre if he tries, a young bullpen, Felix) to build around, if that building is done properly. Shed the veterans who aren't putting in the effort anymore. Then shop the pieces that can be moved for a profit (Putz, Bedard, maybe Ibañez with some packaging), and see what can be done with the 2008 core.

Geoff Baker was right about serious rebuilding programs: sometimes they don't end. Toronto has been rebuilding since the early 90s, and regularly churns out the best 3rd place team in baseball. M's fans should be wary of blowing it all up and starting over.

Bavasi out, rebuilding begins

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Day) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 20:21:00 +0000

Bill Bavasi was fired as General Manager of the Mariners this morning.

Here are your links:
Seattle Times piece by Baker
Lookout Landing discussion
USSM discussion
Team press release

Press conference at 2 p.m. Lee Pelekoudas, current team vice president, will take over and also be a candidate in the search for Bavasi's replacement.

The Upside of the Dickey Disaster

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Day) — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 00:59:00 +0000

R.A. Dickey was chased from the mound yesterday in less than two innings. His knuckleball had no late movement and was hanging in he strikezone about waist high. Attempts at other off-speed pitches failed to find the strike zone. His line: 1.2 innings pitched, 8 hits, 2 walks, and 7 earned, creating a hole that the surprising Mariners comeback couldn't drag the team out of.

Dickey's performance was especially disappointing, because he accomplished a rare feat for a Mariners starter: he changed his game plan on the fly.

This season, the M's starters have failed to recognize and react when their strategy isn't working.

When Jarrod Washburn's fastball was getting tattooed during his stretch of spotty starts in April and May, he kept returning to it as his out pitch.
Erik Bedard's strategy of painting the corners with alternating curveballs and fastballs has failed him a couple times. During his May 12 start vs. the Rangers he couldn't keep his fastball down, and couldn't locate the curve. Instead of looking for something else to mix in (such as his change, which is good when he elects to use it), he kept at it until he was relieved by Cha Seung Baek.
Felix has been mixing in more off-speed pitches with his solid fastball this year. When it hasn't worked, he hasn't had the instinct to return to throwing the fastball 2/3 of the time.

These are just a couple examples M's pitchers sticking to their guns and getting shelled. There are plenty more, and the relievers aren't exempt from this criticism.

Dickey, on the other hand, went to the mound last night and realized quickly that his knuckleball wasn't working. In response, he mixed in a surprising number of fastballs (against the Nationals yesterday 20% of his pitches were fastballs, compared to a season average of about 6%). It didn't work, but it is refreshing to see a Mariners pitcher adjust to the game.

There is something to be said for having faith in your good pitches and being able to call upon them when the pressure is on. But there is also a point when you have to adjust to what is working that day, and what isn't.

Mariners pitchers right now have no idea where that line is.