Assuming Matthew Stafford is off the board, should the Seattle Seahawks select Mark Sanchez with the #4 pick in the 2009 NFL draft? The answer is, absolutely not.
At some point in the near future the Hawks need to think about finding the successor to Matt Hasselback. He is 33 and coming off a season where he missed 9 games due to a back injury. Matt’s health issues indicate his most productive years are behind him. Still, Sanchez is not the solution.
Last year the Raiders selected Darren McFadden with the #4 pick. They signed him to a six-year contract worth 60 million, 26 million guaranteed. I’m not ready to commit this kind of money to a player who has had one full season as a starter under his belt. He’s started 16 games his entire collegiate career. Selecting Sanchez is far too risky. Hawks GM Tim Ruskell tends to favor four-year starters. Hopefully Sanchez’s slim body of work is enough to get his name thrown out of the war room.
The Hawks have had zero success drafting quarterbacks in the first round. Two names come to mind, Rick Mirer and Dan McGwire. In 1991 the Hawks drafted McGwire with the 16th pick in the first round. He played 12 games in a Hawks uniform over a four year period. He completed a combined 74 passes for 745 yards. Two years later, desperate to erase the McGwire debacle, Seattle drafted Mirer #2 overall. He threw 41 TD’s and 56 INT’s in four seasons with Seattle. His highest QB rating in a season was a paltry 70.2. Not exactly the production the Hawks expected out of either player.
On draft day, I’ll be praying for one of three players, OT Eugene Monroe, OT Jason Smith or LB Aaron Curry.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Griffey's Golden Eye
Can Griffey contribute to the 2009 Mariner ballclub? This was the question on everyone's mind when Griffey was given a contract offer. There were a lot of doubters and naysayers that said no. They felt Griffey is too old, too fat, too slow.
The naive baseball fan would agree. To start the season Griffey is batting 182 with 1 HR and only 1 RBI. This is not what you want from a bat in the meat of your lineup.
Is Griffey hurting the team by taking away at bats from the younger guys on the team?
Let's dive a little deeper into Griffey's return to the Emerald City. The Mariners are 4-2. No, that is not a typo! Griffey's presence has caused a visible difference in the clubhouse, and the players are finally meshing. He has taught his teammates the importance of patience and good pitch selection.
Griffey has a golden eye. In 17 total at bats this season he has walked 6 times. His on base percentage is a staggering 471. To put this in perspective, Betancourt has come to the dish 18 times this year. He has a 333 batting average, 6 hits, 3 runs, and 2 doubles. Most people would say Yuni is hot, but I beg to differ. Betancourt has zero walks this year and a subpar 333 on base percentage.
Griffey adds more than just a presence in the clubhouse and a veteran in your lineup. He gets on base! His stats help the team win.
Has the Griffey experiment paid off? Look at the AL West standings and decide for yourself.
The naive baseball fan would agree. To start the season Griffey is batting 182 with 1 HR and only 1 RBI. This is not what you want from a bat in the meat of your lineup.
Is Griffey hurting the team by taking away at bats from the younger guys on the team?
Let's dive a little deeper into Griffey's return to the Emerald City. The Mariners are 4-2. No, that is not a typo! Griffey's presence has caused a visible difference in the clubhouse, and the players are finally meshing. He has taught his teammates the importance of patience and good pitch selection.
Griffey has a golden eye. In 17 total at bats this season he has walked 6 times. His on base percentage is a staggering 471. To put this in perspective, Betancourt has come to the dish 18 times this year. He has a 333 batting average, 6 hits, 3 runs, and 2 doubles. Most people would say Yuni is hot, but I beg to differ. Betancourt has zero walks this year and a subpar 333 on base percentage.
Griffey adds more than just a presence in the clubhouse and a veteran in your lineup. He gets on base! His stats help the team win.
Has the Griffey experiment paid off? Look at the AL West standings and decide for yourself.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Should Ichiro Bat 3rd?
With the sudden emergence of Endy Chavez at the leadoff spot, is it time for the M’s brass to think about batting Ichiro 3rd in the lineup?
While Chavez is not known for his hitting, his .353 average through the first four games is definitely starting to open some eyes. Chavez knows how to bunt, move guys over when he has to, and can swipe a bag or two. He takes a lot of pitches and is not afraid to walk. Chavez realizes the importance of setting the table with sluggers like Gutierrez, Griffey, and Beltre behind him in the lineup.
No one can argue what Ichiro has meant to the M’s since his inception into the league in 2001. Ichiro is a perennial all-star and can be counted on for a .300 plus average, 200 hits, and 100 runs every year. He also is a base stealing machine, nabbing a whopping 315 bags in eight seasons with the M’s—an average of 40 bags per year. And don’t get me started on his defense and cannon in RF.
The only knock on Ichiro, is his inability to get on base consistently. As a leadoff man, Ichiro has never walked more than 68 times in a season. He averages less than 50 free passes per year. While I respect Ichiro’s aggressive swing and plate approach, I think the M’s would be better served to bat him 3rd in the lineup. Ichiro would see a lot more fastballs hitting ahead of Griffey or Beltre and his power numbers and extra base hit potential would go up a result.
Here is a projected lineup with Ichiro in the 3 hole:
1. Chavez (LH)
2. Gutierrez RH)
3. Ichiro (LH)
4. Beltre (RH)
5. Griffey (LH)
6. Lopez (RH)
7. Branyon (LH)
8. Johjima (RH)
9. Betancourt (RH)
The M’s could be much more versatile with lefty/righty advantages up and down the lineup.
Ichiro as a 3rd hitter could drive in over 100 RBI’s .
While Chavez is not known for his hitting, his .353 average through the first four games is definitely starting to open some eyes. Chavez knows how to bunt, move guys over when he has to, and can swipe a bag or two. He takes a lot of pitches and is not afraid to walk. Chavez realizes the importance of setting the table with sluggers like Gutierrez, Griffey, and Beltre behind him in the lineup.
No one can argue what Ichiro has meant to the M’s since his inception into the league in 2001. Ichiro is a perennial all-star and can be counted on for a .300 plus average, 200 hits, and 100 runs every year. He also is a base stealing machine, nabbing a whopping 315 bags in eight seasons with the M’s—an average of 40 bags per year. And don’t get me started on his defense and cannon in RF.
The only knock on Ichiro, is his inability to get on base consistently. As a leadoff man, Ichiro has never walked more than 68 times in a season. He averages less than 50 free passes per year. While I respect Ichiro’s aggressive swing and plate approach, I think the M’s would be better served to bat him 3rd in the lineup. Ichiro would see a lot more fastballs hitting ahead of Griffey or Beltre and his power numbers and extra base hit potential would go up a result.
Here is a projected lineup with Ichiro in the 3 hole:
1. Chavez (LH)
2. Gutierrez RH)
3. Ichiro (LH)
4. Beltre (RH)
5. Griffey (LH)
6. Lopez (RH)
7. Branyon (LH)
8. Johjima (RH)
9. Betancourt (RH)
The M’s could be much more versatile with lefty/righty advantages up and down the lineup.
Ichiro as a 3rd hitter could drive in over 100 RBI’s .
The rims will be rocking at Hec Ed next year
In case you haven't seen, check out incoming UW signee Clarence Trent throw down some filthy dunks:
Were the Ms on the Juice?
Steroids in baseball, yeah yeah, it's been hashed, rehashed, etc., etc., ad-friggin-nauseam.
Even recent reports linking Manny Ramirez, the epitome of the tenured "pure hitter" to steroids, have surfaced.
It's made me wonder: Were any of the Ms of the glory days of the early 2000s and beyond on the juice? You can't deny for a while there, players were having career years that were unmatched in prior and post years, and these teams could hit the long ball in a park that was considered a marine-air pitcher's dream.
The thought made me go back and look at some key player stats from those years. Now mind you, this is all speculative.
First off, significant Mariners already named in the Mitchell Report:
- Jose Guillen
- Ron Villone
- Ryan Franklin
- David Bell
All players that had career seasons with the Mariners and stand out when you look at their career stats.
And think about who was playing at the absolute prime of their career and had career seasons in or around 2001-04:
- Brett Boone: 2001-04, had home run totals of 37, 24, 35, and 24. The four years prior: 7, 24, 20 and 19.
- Joel Piniero: Good friend of Franklin's, 14 wins in 2002, 16 in 2003, with career strikeout highs in both years, hasn't won over 8 games in a season since.
- Mike Cameron: 25 HR, 110 RBI, 34 SB in 2001, hasn't cracked 83 RBIs or more than 25 SB in a season since.
- Adrian Beltre: .334 48 HR, 121 RBI in 2004 and the 2007 season was his best since then at .276, 26 and 99.
And let's not forget the admission from Mike Morse. In fact, I'd venture to say steroids were more prevalent in the minors because those guys are willing to do anything to get into the show when they're not under the microscope.
All MLB teams were juicing to some extent during those years. Those fans who feel the beloved Mariners were "too good of guys" to be juicing may want to think twice.
Even recent reports linking Manny Ramirez, the epitome of the tenured "pure hitter" to steroids, have surfaced.
It's made me wonder: Were any of the Ms of the glory days of the early 2000s and beyond on the juice? You can't deny for a while there, players were having career years that were unmatched in prior and post years, and these teams could hit the long ball in a park that was considered a marine-air pitcher's dream.
The thought made me go back and look at some key player stats from those years. Now mind you, this is all speculative.
First off, significant Mariners already named in the Mitchell Report:
- Jose Guillen
- Ron Villone
- Ryan Franklin
- David Bell
All players that had career seasons with the Mariners and stand out when you look at their career stats.
And think about who was playing at the absolute prime of their career and had career seasons in or around 2001-04:
- Brett Boone: 2001-04, had home run totals of 37, 24, 35, and 24. The four years prior: 7, 24, 20 and 19.
- Joel Piniero: Good friend of Franklin's, 14 wins in 2002, 16 in 2003, with career strikeout highs in both years, hasn't won over 8 games in a season since.
- Mike Cameron: 25 HR, 110 RBI, 34 SB in 2001, hasn't cracked 83 RBIs or more than 25 SB in a season since.
- Adrian Beltre: .334 48 HR, 121 RBI in 2004 and the 2007 season was his best since then at .276, 26 and 99.
And let's not forget the admission from Mike Morse. In fact, I'd venture to say steroids were more prevalent in the minors because those guys are willing to do anything to get into the show when they're not under the microscope.
All MLB teams were juicing to some extent during those years. Those fans who feel the beloved Mariners were "too good of guys" to be juicing may want to think twice.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
The hits keep coming in Eugene
Congratulations, Oregon. Your school is playing baseball in the Pac-10 for the first time in 28 years, allowing you to continue your rich tradition of the most hideous uniforms in the conference.
The Battle for Seattle (Sports Radio)
If you're tired of listening about who the traffic update girl boned over the weekend, or who men age 18-44 that live in the Kent/Renton area voted as hotter in "The Bigger Dance" - Lisa Gangel or Rebecca Stevenson - on your morning drive listening to KJR-AM 950, you now have options, Seattle sports fans.
Yes, there is now a station that actually talks about sports: KIRO-AM 710.
I'm personally thrilled to hear KIRO come to the big kids table after having to endure years of the KJR monopoly on Seattle sports. My biggest gripe on KJR has always been the morning lineup, with Mitch Levy going off on a neurotic tirade about something pointless like the warm plate his salad was served on at a restaurant the night before, while whipping boy co-host Steve Sandmeyer agrees, laughs, and seldom provides a contrast in opinion.
In other words, I want to actually listen about sports topics, which I can say with the utmost honesty, I've gone from my morning commute from Green Lake to downtown while never hearing about actual sports topics discussed in that amount of time on KJR.
I've also been envious of my friends in random places like the Tri Cities that get ESPN radio programs such as The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Mike and Mike, and the V Show with Bob Valvano, while a major market like Seattle does not. So when KIRO brought the aforementioned ESPN shows to its lineup (and a host of others), it was welcomed with open arms from this sports fan. Mix that in with some intriguing new local programs, such as Brock and Salk, the Kevin Calabro Show, and of course, Seattle Mariners baseball, and you may have a battle on your hands if you're KJR.
In all seriousness, this is about having options versus choosing one over another, which is great for us fans. And KJR's UW coverage is second to none, well maybe second to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times.
So enjoy, Seattle sports fans - You now have options.
And by the way, I'd take Stevenson over Gangel.
Yes, there is now a station that actually talks about sports: KIRO-AM 710.
I'm personally thrilled to hear KIRO come to the big kids table after having to endure years of the KJR monopoly on Seattle sports. My biggest gripe on KJR has always been the morning lineup, with Mitch Levy going off on a neurotic tirade about something pointless like the warm plate his salad was served on at a restaurant the night before, while whipping boy co-host Steve Sandmeyer agrees, laughs, and seldom provides a contrast in opinion.
In other words, I want to actually listen about sports topics, which I can say with the utmost honesty, I've gone from my morning commute from Green Lake to downtown while never hearing about actual sports topics discussed in that amount of time on KJR.
I've also been envious of my friends in random places like the Tri Cities that get ESPN radio programs such as The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Mike and Mike, and the V Show with Bob Valvano, while a major market like Seattle does not. So when KIRO brought the aforementioned ESPN shows to its lineup (and a host of others), it was welcomed with open arms from this sports fan. Mix that in with some intriguing new local programs, such as Brock and Salk, the Kevin Calabro Show, and of course, Seattle Mariners baseball, and you may have a battle on your hands if you're KJR.
In all seriousness, this is about having options versus choosing one over another, which is great for us fans. And KJR's UW coverage is second to none, well maybe second to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times.
So enjoy, Seattle sports fans - You now have options.
And by the way, I'd take Stevenson over Gangel.
More Sounders Stuff
Here's some more Sounders mania in the media:
Ten days ago, I checked out the NY Times homepage and was shocked and delighted to see raucous, painted, mohawked Sounders fans taking over the front page (especially since it replaced the gloom and doom of the Times' obsessive coverage of the recession, war and Bernie Madoff). It's a great story written by William Yardley, the NY Times' NW correspondent.
The NY Times also covers the MLS in its Goal blog.
Loving the Seattle Times' coverage of the team. They've smartly moved resources from their football and soccer coverage onto the soccer pitch.
The Seattle Times' Sounders reporter Jose Miguel Romero gives non-soccer the basics they'll need to enjoy the new MLS squad and the "beautiful game" itself.
Times' columnist Steve Kelley writes about how, growing up during the Great Depression (er, 50s/60s), soccer was a mysterious sport until he was mesmerized by the Premier League final in 1961. Later, he goes on to talk about the Sounders and how he feels the fan base is more rabid and more working-class than Seattle soccer fans past.
Budding Sounders superstar Freddy Montero was back at practice yesterday. The other Fred, Freddie Ljungberg, was also back at practice, but is suffering from knee problems.
Here's the link to the Romero's Sounders blog.
Here's the team's official site.
There's also a bunch of other independent Sounders blogs out there. Who knew? Oh yeah, probably the thousands of Sounders fans taking over Seattle sports. We'll do a Sounders blog review this weekend.
Ten days ago, I checked out the NY Times homepage and was shocked and delighted to see raucous, painted, mohawked Sounders fans taking over the front page (especially since it replaced the gloom and doom of the Times' obsessive coverage of the recession, war and Bernie Madoff). It's a great story written by William Yardley, the NY Times' NW correspondent.
The NY Times also covers the MLS in its Goal blog.
Loving the Seattle Times' coverage of the team. They've smartly moved resources from their football and soccer coverage onto the soccer pitch.
The Seattle Times' Sounders reporter Jose Miguel Romero gives non-soccer the basics they'll need to enjoy the new MLS squad and the "beautiful game" itself.
Times' columnist Steve Kelley writes about how, growing up during the Great Depression (er, 50s/60s), soccer was a mysterious sport until he was mesmerized by the Premier League final in 1961. Later, he goes on to talk about the Sounders and how he feels the fan base is more rabid and more working-class than Seattle soccer fans past.
Budding Sounders superstar Freddy Montero was back at practice yesterday. The other Fred, Freddie Ljungberg, was also back at practice, but is suffering from knee problems.
Here's the link to the Romero's Sounders blog.
Here's the team's official site.
There's also a bunch of other independent Sounders blogs out there. Who knew? Oh yeah, probably the thousands of Sounders fans taking over Seattle sports. We'll do a Sounders blog review this weekend.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Soccer More Popular than Baseball in Seattle?
Seattle is supposed to be a baseball town. At least that's what everyone thought after the 1995 Mariner season, which ended with the team's first AL division championship against the New York Yankees. Everyone in Seattle can recall exactly where they were when watching Ken Griffey Jr. score from first on Edgar's game winning double down the left field line.
This was the beginning of baseball in Seattle. Fans spoke Mariner baseball at the workplace, at their son's little league games, at church, and around the dinner table. Seattle had superstars in Griffey, A-Rod, and Randy Johnson. Safeco field, the house that Griffey built, would catapult this franchise into greatness for decades to come. Bye bye were the days of 12,000 fans and a sea of empty seats at the Kingdome.
Fast forward to the 2009 season (thirteen years laters), and the Mariners are an afterthought. No longer are the seats full, and year after year optomistic fans have given up by the third week of the season. There is a void in Seattle sports, and it's the elusive winning franchise Seattleites have desperately needed.
Could the wait be over? Seattle was hit with its newest franchise this year, the Seattle Sounders FC. It's captain and goalkeeper, Kasey Keller, is the most heralded U.S. soccer player of all time after playing most of his career on the biggest stage in the English Premier League. The Sounders FC also have Freddie Ljunberg, Steve Zakuani the first pick in the 09 draft, and Freddie Montero the MLS leading goal scorer through 2 games.
This team is exciting! This team is winning! Seattle Sounders FC is rivaling the Seahawks as the hardest ticket to get in Seattle right now. Unlike the Mariners, Sounders FC is leading the league in attendance and selling out every night averaging over 26,000 per game.
There is life in Seattle sports again, and it's not Ichiro bobble head night. It's the hooligan FC fans sreaming and waving their scarves, while riding the Sounders 3 game winning streak and league leading record. Sorry Mariners. There's a better venue in town, and there's excitement on the pitch in Seattle.
This was the beginning of baseball in Seattle. Fans spoke Mariner baseball at the workplace, at their son's little league games, at church, and around the dinner table. Seattle had superstars in Griffey, A-Rod, and Randy Johnson. Safeco field, the house that Griffey built, would catapult this franchise into greatness for decades to come. Bye bye were the days of 12,000 fans and a sea of empty seats at the Kingdome.
Fast forward to the 2009 season (thirteen years laters), and the Mariners are an afterthought. No longer are the seats full, and year after year optomistic fans have given up by the third week of the season. There is a void in Seattle sports, and it's the elusive winning franchise Seattleites have desperately needed.
Could the wait be over? Seattle was hit with its newest franchise this year, the Seattle Sounders FC. It's captain and goalkeeper, Kasey Keller, is the most heralded U.S. soccer player of all time after playing most of his career on the biggest stage in the English Premier League. The Sounders FC also have Freddie Ljunberg, Steve Zakuani the first pick in the 09 draft, and Freddie Montero the MLS leading goal scorer through 2 games.
This team is exciting! This team is winning! Seattle Sounders FC is rivaling the Seahawks as the hardest ticket to get in Seattle right now. Unlike the Mariners, Sounders FC is leading the league in attendance and selling out every night averaging over 26,000 per game.
There is life in Seattle sports again, and it's not Ichiro bobble head night. It's the hooligan FC fans sreaming and waving their scarves, while riding the Sounders 3 game winning streak and league leading record. Sorry Mariners. There's a better venue in town, and there's excitement on the pitch in Seattle.
Playing for 2011
Welcome to mediocrity because that’s the best that can be expected for at least the next two years.
The M’s are in full-scale rebuilding mode and if anyone thinks otherwise, they are kidding themselves. The first game was nice but the second game was a flat-out abomination. The bullpen looks shaky, the offense will soon struggle to get 10 hits, and pressure will mount on the starters to go deeper into ballgames. For all those who think Brandon Morrow will eventually be a better pitcher than Timmy Lincecum just because Morrow is 8 inches taller and can kick Timmy’s ass in a bar fight, please go read another blog.
Although I don’t put a lot of stock in just two games, let’s look at some positives. Griffey still has some pop in his bat and can teach the kids how to draw a walk. Chavez can hit a little, run a little, and might be a useful 4th outfielder for the future team. Gutierrez has mad outfield skills and is the M’s first legit CF since Cammy. Beltre will lead the team in RBIs before he’s traded in July. Felix, when healthy and his head is on straight, pitches like a King. And hopefully Bedard pitches like an all-star so we can trade his malcontent, Benedict-Arnold ass out of town. I will never forgive him for an interview he gave at the July 2008 trade deadline to a radio station in Philadelphia where he said he would love to pitch there or anywhere else but Seattle.
How about the negatives? Betancourt can’t/won’t draw a walk. "Richie" Branyan Ks too much. The pitchers don’t like Joh. Morrow somehow inherited Gil Meche’s 2003 dead arm. The bullpen is full of cast offs from other teams. The starting staff will be asked to do waaaaay too much this year. The bench sucks.
Let’s talk straight. By July 31, and again at the end of the season, the M’s are going to make decisions on the following players:
1. Jerrod Washburn – SP (trade if possible)
2. Erik Bedard – SP (trade)
3. Adrian Beltre – 3B (trade)
4. Mike Sweeney – backup 1B (release)
5. Ken Griffey – DH/LF (release) - sorry kids!
6. Multiple bullpen guys – (release)
You can add Yuni Bettancourt (SS) to the list of trade candidates. Although the M’s own his rights for a few more years and don’t have to trade him, management clearly can’t stand the fact that Yuni is 3 doughnuts shy of Kirby Puckett (but can't hit like him). The more the guy eats, the smaller his range becomes. Yuni’s defensive stats have declined for three consecutive years, and we know Jack Z and Wak value defense. Nothing during spring opened their eyes about Yuni. In fact, even when he was slugging homeruns, they went out of their way to criticize his pitch selection. I don’t see this marriage lasting much longer. Look for the M’s to deal or draft a SS for the future.
To sum up, the M’s will likely turn over 6-10 additional players on next year’s roster. By July or August, we’ll be 20+ games out, and the kids from Tacoma and other farm systems will be making their way to the Emerald City. Meanwhile, I gotta keep paying full-price for my seasons tickets to go watch this crap.
The M’s are in full-scale rebuilding mode and if anyone thinks otherwise, they are kidding themselves. The first game was nice but the second game was a flat-out abomination. The bullpen looks shaky, the offense will soon struggle to get 10 hits, and pressure will mount on the starters to go deeper into ballgames. For all those who think Brandon Morrow will eventually be a better pitcher than Timmy Lincecum just because Morrow is 8 inches taller and can kick Timmy’s ass in a bar fight, please go read another blog.
Although I don’t put a lot of stock in just two games, let’s look at some positives. Griffey still has some pop in his bat and can teach the kids how to draw a walk. Chavez can hit a little, run a little, and might be a useful 4th outfielder for the future team. Gutierrez has mad outfield skills and is the M’s first legit CF since Cammy. Beltre will lead the team in RBIs before he’s traded in July. Felix, when healthy and his head is on straight, pitches like a King. And hopefully Bedard pitches like an all-star so we can trade his malcontent, Benedict-Arnold ass out of town. I will never forgive him for an interview he gave at the July 2008 trade deadline to a radio station in Philadelphia where he said he would love to pitch there or anywhere else but Seattle.
How about the negatives? Betancourt can’t/won’t draw a walk. "Richie" Branyan Ks too much. The pitchers don’t like Joh. Morrow somehow inherited Gil Meche’s 2003 dead arm. The bullpen is full of cast offs from other teams. The starting staff will be asked to do waaaaay too much this year. The bench sucks.
Let’s talk straight. By July 31, and again at the end of the season, the M’s are going to make decisions on the following players:
1. Jerrod Washburn – SP (trade if possible)
2. Erik Bedard – SP (trade)
3. Adrian Beltre – 3B (trade)
4. Mike Sweeney – backup 1B (release)
5. Ken Griffey – DH/LF (release) - sorry kids!
6. Multiple bullpen guys – (release)
You can add Yuni Bettancourt (SS) to the list of trade candidates. Although the M’s own his rights for a few more years and don’t have to trade him, management clearly can’t stand the fact that Yuni is 3 doughnuts shy of Kirby Puckett (but can't hit like him). The more the guy eats, the smaller his range becomes. Yuni’s defensive stats have declined for three consecutive years, and we know Jack Z and Wak value defense. Nothing during spring opened their eyes about Yuni. In fact, even when he was slugging homeruns, they went out of their way to criticize his pitch selection. I don’t see this marriage lasting much longer. Look for the M’s to deal or draft a SS for the future.
To sum up, the M’s will likely turn over 6-10 additional players on next year’s roster. By July or August, we’ll be 20+ games out, and the kids from Tacoma and other farm systems will be making their way to the Emerald City. Meanwhile, I gotta keep paying full-price for my seasons tickets to go watch this crap.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Can M's Compete in 2009?
First off, welcome everyone to Wetland Sports!!
After the M's looked quite impressive in their opener yesterday behind a lights out performance from the King, I began to wonder what it would take for the M's to realistically have a chance in 2009.
Granted, everyone thinks we will finish in last place and, quite frankly, so do I. As long as we have 3rd and 4th starters by the names of Silva and Washedupburn, we cannot be competitive against the Angels/A's and the depth they possess.
I am also extremely scared about what our bullpen will do in a tight game. Who do we throw out there before Morrow in the 9th? Corcoran? Aardsma? Yikes!! I'm not even confident in Morrow right now until he has a few more innings under his belt this season and builds his velocity from (91-93) back up to (97-99).
I believe the M's are a much improved team this season but still cannot compete unless the following five things happen:
1. Felix wins 20 games
2. Bedard wins 17 games
3. Griffey/Beltre hit at least 30 HR's
4. Morrow has 45 saves
5. Betancourt hits .300 with 20 HR's
I love the leadership Griffey has shown thus far as well. Having him in the lineup everday and in the locker room will be a huge plus for us all year. It's true his range is non-existent in the outfield and he appears heavier than ever before, but he will do all the "little things" to help us change things around.
Did anyone see his first AB against Minnesota? After Beltre led off with a double, Griffey hit a ground ball to 2nd, enabling Beltre to move to third with one out. Lopez then hits a sac fly and the M's stake the King to an early 1-0 lead. A little play in baseball, but noteworthy.
An early lead gives Felix confidence throughout the rest of the game. With a run on the board, he knows his offense will have his back. Griffey's unselfishness is something this team lacked last year. Many players in the same spot would not have been willing to give up an AB in fear of lowering their average.
After the M's looked quite impressive in their opener yesterday behind a lights out performance from the King, I began to wonder what it would take for the M's to realistically have a chance in 2009.
Granted, everyone thinks we will finish in last place and, quite frankly, so do I. As long as we have 3rd and 4th starters by the names of Silva and Washedupburn, we cannot be competitive against the Angels/A's and the depth they possess.
I am also extremely scared about what our bullpen will do in a tight game. Who do we throw out there before Morrow in the 9th? Corcoran? Aardsma? Yikes!! I'm not even confident in Morrow right now until he has a few more innings under his belt this season and builds his velocity from (91-93) back up to (97-99).
I believe the M's are a much improved team this season but still cannot compete unless the following five things happen:
1. Felix wins 20 games
2. Bedard wins 17 games
3. Griffey/Beltre hit at least 30 HR's
4. Morrow has 45 saves
5. Betancourt hits .300 with 20 HR's
I love the leadership Griffey has shown thus far as well. Having him in the lineup everday and in the locker room will be a huge plus for us all year. It's true his range is non-existent in the outfield and he appears heavier than ever before, but he will do all the "little things" to help us change things around.
Did anyone see his first AB against Minnesota? After Beltre led off with a double, Griffey hit a ground ball to 2nd, enabling Beltre to move to third with one out. Lopez then hits a sac fly and the M's stake the King to an early 1-0 lead. A little play in baseball, but noteworthy.
An early lead gives Felix confidence throughout the rest of the game. With a run on the board, he knows his offense will have his back. Griffey's unselfishness is something this team lacked last year. Many players in the same spot would not have been willing to give up an AB in fear of lowering their average.
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