Don’t be fooled by the recent two game winning streak. The M’s will be sellers. Jack Z has to be licking his chops right now thinking about getting rid of all the overpriced crap he inherited from Bill Bavasi. And if it’s one thing Jack Z knows—it is talent. Unlike Mariner GM’s in the past, Jack Z has always been a baseball man first. The majority of his career has been as a scout. Given the opportunity (by Japanese ownership) Jack Z can put us back into “realistic” contention sooner than people think.
Let’s take a look at the M’s current (1-4) hitters in the lineup:
1. Ichiro (Does Jack Z have the power or balls to trade the selfish all-star?)
Pros: *perennial all-star/face of the franchise
*200 hits and 100 runs scored are a lock
*trade value extremely high
*amazing arm and range in RF
*biggest trade piece on the M’s
Cons:*almost 36 years old
*little to no power
*doesn’t dive for balls in his range/lacks heart
*huge contract
*speed slowing down
Synopsis: Ichiro is an amazing player but trading him would signify trust in the new M’s regime moving forward. Ichiro would merit several top notch players in return. Would Japanese ownership go for it? Probably not but I say pull the trigger. Ichiro is not getting any younger and would be a prize piece to the Mets, Sox, or Yankees jockeying to make a big-splash.
2. Betancourt (Jack Z would love to peddle his portly SS for anything with a pulse in return)
Pros:*can’t really think of any
Cons:*rapidly decreasing range at SS
*erratic arm
*no patience at the dish; rally killer
*doesn’t walk, get on base, or hit for power
*can’t bunt or steal bags
Synopsis: Get what you can in return for Yuni. Do it! Now! I would rather have Mike Morse playing SS than Yuni.
3. Beltre (Jack Z is praying for Beltre to get hot so we can get at least a few decent prospects in return)
Pros:*gritty ball player
*plays injured
*team leader
*outstanding glove
Cons:*victim of steroid deflation
*free swinger/no patience at the dish
*lacks power
*extremely “un-clutch”
*suspect mentally
Synopsis: I love Beltre but unfortunately he has never lived up to his contract. He has done nothing memorable for the M’s except disappoint us when we needed him to hit. Finding a trading partner that will give us anything useful in return may prove difficult if Beltre continues to hit .215 through June with no power. Trade him and hope to get decent AA prospect or two in return.
4. Griffey (Has been instrumental in the re-birth of the M’s cohesiveness and clubhouse atmosphere)
Pros:*Hall of Famer
*Best Mariner of all-time
*Never cheated the game of baseball
Cons: Nice try
Synopsis: Griffey is a sure handed HOF that will go down his history as one of the best players to ever wear a uniform. And Jr. goes in as a SEATTLE MARINER!!!! Nuff said!! M’s will need Jr.’s leadership and presence when the wheels start coming off the bus. Keep him!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Football Friday: In the Trenches with the Huskies Defensive Line
Football Friday is back after a short hiatus due to well deserved vacation. I spent an entire week without a computer in sight and I didn’t miss it one bit. My last post featured a breakdown of the Huskies' OL. This post will focus on the Huskies' defensive line.
Most coaches will tell you that defense starts in the trenches with the front four. With that in mind, it’s no wonder why the Huskies defense was atrocious last year.
The D-Line in college football is a position dominated by upper classman, and the Dawgs started three true freshmen at the position. Generally, in-coming recruits are allowed time to learn from the older guys and ride the pine while their bodies develop. Everrette Thompson, Alameda Ta’amu and Senio Kelemete were not afforded this luxury. Willingham threw them to the wolves last year and they struggled mightily. In Willingham’s defense, he didn’t have a ton of options. But then again, outside of Te’o Nesheim, Willingham didn’t develop the talents of the older players properly.
The Huskies have a tank at the DT position in Alameda Ta’amu. This guy is 6-4/330 and clogs up the middle like a double bacon cheeseburger from Carl’s Jr. I expect big things from him this year (no pun intended). He should command a double team at the line of scrimmage freeing the linebacking corps to make plays. You won’t see him sack the QB but he will be instrumental in stopping the run.
The other starting DT (on the 2009 spring depth chart) is Cameron Elisara. Elisara is a bit of an enigma. He was highly recruited out of Spokane in 2006, rated four stars and the #10 DT in the country by Scout.com. Now as a junior, Elisara has the chance to make his mark. But after several years of bad coaching and poor player development, I expect him to be average at best. Hopefully he will prove me wrong. If he does, the Dawgs could have a formidable 1-2 punch in the middle.
The all-star of the D-Line is DE Daniel Te’o Nesheim. The senior out of Hawaii has a motor that just won’t quit. He was the only defensive player worth mentioning in 2008. On an inept defense, he recorded 8 sacks (6 in the final four games). He will be the only D-lineman to win Pac 10 honors this year. He may even get drafted in the later rounds in the 2010 NFL draft.
The other starting DE spot is occupied by Darrion Jones. Is Sark sippin on the sizzurp? I know it’s called the PURPLE drank but god damn, Darrion Jones? He is a converted LB that weighs only 245 pounds. He lacks the size and the skills that are needed to contribute at this level. He shouldn’t even be on the two-deep. Sark should give the nod to Everrette Thompson. He gained valuable experience playing in 2008 (although he probably should have redshirted). It’s going to be a long year for this group if they are relying on Darrion Jones to produce.
I can't help but have a very pessimistic view on how the D-Line will hold up this year. They have a few good players but lack depth and star power across the board. Here is the official 2009 spring depth chart (subject to change in the fall).
DE 66 DANIEL TE’O-NESHEIM .......... Sr., 6-4, 263, Waikoloa, Hawai’i
92 Everrette Thompson . . . . . . . So., 6-6, 255, Renton, Wash.
DT 74 ALAMEDA TA’AMU. . . . . . . . .So., 6-2, 348, Kent, Wash.
91 Tyrone Duncan . . . . . .So., 6-2, 278, Westlake Village, Calif.
DT 99 CAMERON ELISARA ............... Jr., 6-3, 289, Spokane, Wash.
96 De’Shon Matthews . . . . . .Jr., 6-4, 260, Sacramento, Calif.
DE 59 ^DARRION JONES ...................Sr., 6-2, 245, Lynwood, Calif.
51 Kalani Aldrich . . . . . . . .So., 6-7, 240, Hilo, Hawai’i
However, there is reason to be optimistic about the future at this position. The Huskies have an abundance of youth and talent. The following rankings can be found on dawgman.com:
Alameda Ta’amu; class of2008; 7th rated OG in the country; 4 stars (converted to DL)
Craig Noble; class of 2008; 17th rated DT in the county; 4 stars
Everrette Thompson; class of 2008; 12th rated DE in the country; 4 stars
Sione Patoae; class of 2010; 7th rated DT in the country; 4 stars (verbal commitment)
See you next week for Football Friday!
Most coaches will tell you that defense starts in the trenches with the front four. With that in mind, it’s no wonder why the Huskies defense was atrocious last year.
The D-Line in college football is a position dominated by upper classman, and the Dawgs started three true freshmen at the position. Generally, in-coming recruits are allowed time to learn from the older guys and ride the pine while their bodies develop. Everrette Thompson, Alameda Ta’amu and Senio Kelemete were not afforded this luxury. Willingham threw them to the wolves last year and they struggled mightily. In Willingham’s defense, he didn’t have a ton of options. But then again, outside of Te’o Nesheim, Willingham didn’t develop the talents of the older players properly.
The Huskies have a tank at the DT position in Alameda Ta’amu. This guy is 6-4/330 and clogs up the middle like a double bacon cheeseburger from Carl’s Jr. I expect big things from him this year (no pun intended). He should command a double team at the line of scrimmage freeing the linebacking corps to make plays. You won’t see him sack the QB but he will be instrumental in stopping the run.
The other starting DT (on the 2009 spring depth chart) is Cameron Elisara. Elisara is a bit of an enigma. He was highly recruited out of Spokane in 2006, rated four stars and the #10 DT in the country by Scout.com. Now as a junior, Elisara has the chance to make his mark. But after several years of bad coaching and poor player development, I expect him to be average at best. Hopefully he will prove me wrong. If he does, the Dawgs could have a formidable 1-2 punch in the middle.
The all-star of the D-Line is DE Daniel Te’o Nesheim. The senior out of Hawaii has a motor that just won’t quit. He was the only defensive player worth mentioning in 2008. On an inept defense, he recorded 8 sacks (6 in the final four games). He will be the only D-lineman to win Pac 10 honors this year. He may even get drafted in the later rounds in the 2010 NFL draft.
The other starting DE spot is occupied by Darrion Jones. Is Sark sippin on the sizzurp? I know it’s called the PURPLE drank but god damn, Darrion Jones? He is a converted LB that weighs only 245 pounds. He lacks the size and the skills that are needed to contribute at this level. He shouldn’t even be on the two-deep. Sark should give the nod to Everrette Thompson. He gained valuable experience playing in 2008 (although he probably should have redshirted). It’s going to be a long year for this group if they are relying on Darrion Jones to produce.
I can't help but have a very pessimistic view on how the D-Line will hold up this year. They have a few good players but lack depth and star power across the board. Here is the official 2009 spring depth chart (subject to change in the fall).
DE 66 DANIEL TE’O-NESHEIM .......... Sr., 6-4, 263, Waikoloa, Hawai’i
92 Everrette Thompson . . . . . . . So., 6-6, 255, Renton, Wash.
DT 74 ALAMEDA TA’AMU. . . . . . . . .So., 6-2, 348, Kent, Wash.
91 Tyrone Duncan . . . . . .So., 6-2, 278, Westlake Village, Calif.
DT 99 CAMERON ELISARA ............... Jr., 6-3, 289, Spokane, Wash.
96 De’Shon Matthews . . . . . .Jr., 6-4, 260, Sacramento, Calif.
DE 59 ^DARRION JONES ...................Sr., 6-2, 245, Lynwood, Calif.
51 Kalani Aldrich . . . . . . . .So., 6-7, 240, Hilo, Hawai’i
However, there is reason to be optimistic about the future at this position. The Huskies have an abundance of youth and talent. The following rankings can be found on dawgman.com:
Alameda Ta’amu; class of2008; 7th rated OG in the country; 4 stars (converted to DL)
Craig Noble; class of 2008; 17th rated DT in the county; 4 stars
Everrette Thompson; class of 2008; 12th rated DE in the country; 4 stars
Sione Patoae; class of 2010; 7th rated DT in the country; 4 stars (verbal commitment)
See you next week for Football Friday!
Friday, May 22, 2009
Giving Credit to a Husky Great
Brock Huard deserves a pat on the back. I was attending the U.W. when Brock was throwing touchdowns and breaking Husky quarterback records. He is the career leader in U.W. passing yards (5,742), touchdown passes (51), 300 + yard passing games, attempts without an interception (151), and many other categories.
He had a promising career in the NFL coming out of college. Brock wasn't going to be a superstar or one of the top quarterbacks in the league, but people thought he could at least fight for a starting position somewhere into his NFL career.
After being drafted by the Hawks with the 77th pick of the 99 draft, Brock went into a back up role to learn the offense and get used to the speed of the NFL game. But after a few years in the NFL with very few starts, Brock was out of professional football.
Out of nowhere Brock Huard is back on the scene, but he's not wearing a uniform. He's had a career change from NFL backup Quarterback to successful ESPN analyst and radio talk show newcomer.
The funny thing is Brock is surprisingly good. He covered the 09 NFL draft for Espn and shows up on sportscenter giving NFL and college analysis. I enjoy listening to his radio show Brock and Salk, where it's a good mix of humor and sports knowledge.
So is Brock better wearing a suit in the press box than he was wearing a Husky uniform. Only the future will tell, but it looks bright thus far. That is if he doesn't follow in Mark Schlereth's footsteps and do a camio on soap opera's Guiding Light. Glad that wasn't career suicide Mark!
He had a promising career in the NFL coming out of college. Brock wasn't going to be a superstar or one of the top quarterbacks in the league, but people thought he could at least fight for a starting position somewhere into his NFL career.
After being drafted by the Hawks with the 77th pick of the 99 draft, Brock went into a back up role to learn the offense and get used to the speed of the NFL game. But after a few years in the NFL with very few starts, Brock was out of professional football.
Out of nowhere Brock Huard is back on the scene, but he's not wearing a uniform. He's had a career change from NFL backup Quarterback to successful ESPN analyst and radio talk show newcomer.
The funny thing is Brock is surprisingly good. He covered the 09 NFL draft for Espn and shows up on sportscenter giving NFL and college analysis. I enjoy listening to his radio show Brock and Salk, where it's a good mix of humor and sports knowledge.
So is Brock better wearing a suit in the press box than he was wearing a Husky uniform. Only the future will tell, but it looks bright thus far. That is if he doesn't follow in Mark Schlereth's footsteps and do a camio on soap opera's Guiding Light. Glad that wasn't career suicide Mark!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Wak's Shout Out
No, Wakamatsu wasn't calling into Kube 93 to holler at his boyz, or put an add in the Stranger under the man seeking.... section. But he was giving a shout out, rather, calling out some of his star players. How many first year managers have the stones to tell their star player "they aren't stepping up"? That's what I like most about Wak, he's not afraid of anything.
There's only a handful of players he could be talking about. Surprisingly it's not Beltre, who's having one of his worst years as a big leaguer. Wak did move Beltre around in the order, now hitting #2, to try and relieve the pressure for Beltre to drive in runs. But, isn't that why the Mariners gave him a monster contract after hitting 40+ home runs and 100+ RBI's? To drive in runs? I understand why Wak is doing it though. He's got to try something to get Beltre going.
So who's not earning their paycheck in the skipper's eyes? Here's a hint, he started the season 4-0, but has taken losses in 3 of his last 4 starts. He has a 4.13 ERA. This guys is supposed to be our ace, our gauranteed win, our Johan Santana. Not hard to figure out Wak's talking about our supposed savior Felix Hernandez.
I can understand pitchers having a bad start. Maybe they lose focus, couldn't locate that day, or weren't feeling well. But #1 starters are not supposed to have consecutive bad starts, let alone 4 in a row.
Felix is getting ROCKED. I'm surprised we haven't seen him on the 15 day DL with neck stiffness. I mean it must be painful snapping around to watch line drives, gap shots, and homeruns for a whole month.
Kudos to Wak for putting King Felix, um Prince Felix, um Felix the Fool, into his place. Wak is doing exactly what he should be doing; putting pressure on his star players to perform every night, and set an example for the rest of their teammates. He's made a few questionable calls at the helm thus far, but overall is doing a great job. I see a little Sweet Lou in Wakamatsu. Someone who won't coddle players and will speak his mind. Now if he could only light up a cig and drink a coors light tallboy in the corner of the dugout, I would assume the Cubs have put out an APB for a missing manager.
There's only a handful of players he could be talking about. Surprisingly it's not Beltre, who's having one of his worst years as a big leaguer. Wak did move Beltre around in the order, now hitting #2, to try and relieve the pressure for Beltre to drive in runs. But, isn't that why the Mariners gave him a monster contract after hitting 40+ home runs and 100+ RBI's? To drive in runs? I understand why Wak is doing it though. He's got to try something to get Beltre going.
So who's not earning their paycheck in the skipper's eyes? Here's a hint, he started the season 4-0, but has taken losses in 3 of his last 4 starts. He has a 4.13 ERA. This guys is supposed to be our ace, our gauranteed win, our Johan Santana. Not hard to figure out Wak's talking about our supposed savior Felix Hernandez.
I can understand pitchers having a bad start. Maybe they lose focus, couldn't locate that day, or weren't feeling well. But #1 starters are not supposed to have consecutive bad starts, let alone 4 in a row.
Felix is getting ROCKED. I'm surprised we haven't seen him on the 15 day DL with neck stiffness. I mean it must be painful snapping around to watch line drives, gap shots, and homeruns for a whole month.
Kudos to Wak for putting King Felix, um Prince Felix, um Felix the Fool, into his place. Wak is doing exactly what he should be doing; putting pressure on his star players to perform every night, and set an example for the rest of their teammates. He's made a few questionable calls at the helm thus far, but overall is doing a great job. I see a little Sweet Lou in Wakamatsu. Someone who won't coddle players and will speak his mind. Now if he could only light up a cig and drink a coors light tallboy in the corner of the dugout, I would assume the Cubs have put out an APB for a missing manager.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Lazy Sunday: (Monday Edition)
*Glad to see the M’s take two out of three against the Red Sox. If you would have told me before the series started that we would win 2 games with the fearsome trio of (Jakubauskas, Olsen, and Vargus) on the bump, I would have thought you had the swine flu. While Jak/Olsen will not be in the rotation a month from now, I like what I’ve seen thus far out of Vargus. He’s got a tough competitive spirit and is not afraid to challenge hitters inside. He has shown some balls that we desperately lack in the rotation.
*There are rumblings that the M’s are looking into dealing Yuni B. to the Pirates for SS Jack Wilson. I like the idea but am still holding out hope that Jack Z. can get a better deal for our free swinging, pudgy, little SS . Wilson is 4 years older than Yuni at 31 (although Yuni might be 35 for all we know). Wilson, like Yuni, does not walk either. Plus, Wilson is making a laughable 7. 4 million in 2009. Hold onto your money JZ—there will be a better deal for Yuni closer to the deadline provided Yuni doesn’t keep throwing baseballs into the stands. Wasn’t he supposed to be a potential gold-glover?
*Kudos to Wak for finally demoting Morrow to middle relief. How many more games were we going to watch him serve gopher balls two decks up into the stands? I swear he was crying when he gave up those two monster jacks against Texas last week. Note to M’s pitching coach Rick Adair: piping 95 mph fastballs down the heart of the plate against big-leaguers equals disaster. Teach young Brandon to throw something else. Why can’t anyone show him to throw a change-up or a nice little slide piece? Give the hitters something else to look at beside wheel-house fastballs down the heart of the dish.
*I am starting to blame the M’s hitting woes solely on Adrian Beltre—I still don’t have the heart to say anything negative about Griffey. Griff could be hitting .056 and I would still drop what I am doing to watch him hit. I still think Jr. will heat up…but maybe not. Beltre, on the other hand, is a complete disaster. Yes, he can glove it. Yes, he doesn’t wear a cup at the hot corner. But I am sick of his free swinging approach too. He is just as bad as Yuni and Lopez. Beltre will not walk and pitchers are NOT afraid to challenge him. This is steroid deflation at its worst. The guy comes up with runners on base every time he steps up and doesn’t do anything to help us. He either strikes out or pops up in the infield. In 152 AB’s this season, Beltre has 2 ding-dongs and 15 RBIs. Ouch!! He has only walked 6 times all season. Scott Boras: get Adrian back on the juice, PLEASE!! If Beltre performs to average #4 hitters across the league, the M’s would be well over .500. I thought earlier this season the M’s should try to resign him long term—I was wrong.
*Anyone else looking forward to a LeBron/Kobe finals? I am too but hang on just one second. The Lakers are playing uninspired right now and a depleted Rockets team took them to a game 7. They should have beaten them in 5 (at most). The Nuggets, on the other hand, are the second hottest team behind the Cavs in the playoffs. George finally has his boys playing D in Denver. The acquisition of Billups was the best trade of the NBA season. Billups is the veteran piece this team has been missing the past five seasons. Although the hype of LeBron/Kobe would be ridiculous, expect to see a Nuggets/Cavs finals. The Zenmaster’s tricks aren’t working on Bynum who has not been a difference-maker whatsoever in the playoffs.
*Kudos to Sark for picking up another athletic WR this week from California. Remember the name Tevin Carter. Hopefully, he and Heaps will lead us back to the Rose Bowl in 2012. Carter is 6-3 and weighs in at 190 lbs. And he’s fast…running at a 10.81 clip in the 100 meters.
*The Hawks can win 10 games next season. Mark it down. If Hasselbeck stays healthy, we can regain the power thrown in the NFL West. Arizona is still not that good, either is STL or SF. Ruskell: find us a running back please! I like Mr. Kratz’s suggestion of M. Vick. Why not take a flier on Vick? Put him back in a offensive style he is familiar (Knapp) with a coach he is familiar with (Mora) and Vick might attack linebackers like he does opposing dogs…(sorry couldn’t help it). A flier cannot hurt. Vick has something to prove and the Hawks could use his speed and ability in the backfield.
*Believe it or not the M’s are 4-2 against the Halos this year. I would love to see us take 3 out of 4. Go M’s!!
*There are rumblings that the M’s are looking into dealing Yuni B. to the Pirates for SS Jack Wilson. I like the idea but am still holding out hope that Jack Z. can get a better deal for our free swinging, pudgy, little SS . Wilson is 4 years older than Yuni at 31 (although Yuni might be 35 for all we know). Wilson, like Yuni, does not walk either. Plus, Wilson is making a laughable 7. 4 million in 2009. Hold onto your money JZ—there will be a better deal for Yuni closer to the deadline provided Yuni doesn’t keep throwing baseballs into the stands. Wasn’t he supposed to be a potential gold-glover?
*Kudos to Wak for finally demoting Morrow to middle relief. How many more games were we going to watch him serve gopher balls two decks up into the stands? I swear he was crying when he gave up those two monster jacks against Texas last week. Note to M’s pitching coach Rick Adair: piping 95 mph fastballs down the heart of the plate against big-leaguers equals disaster. Teach young Brandon to throw something else. Why can’t anyone show him to throw a change-up or a nice little slide piece? Give the hitters something else to look at beside wheel-house fastballs down the heart of the dish.
*I am starting to blame the M’s hitting woes solely on Adrian Beltre—I still don’t have the heart to say anything negative about Griffey. Griff could be hitting .056 and I would still drop what I am doing to watch him hit. I still think Jr. will heat up…but maybe not. Beltre, on the other hand, is a complete disaster. Yes, he can glove it. Yes, he doesn’t wear a cup at the hot corner. But I am sick of his free swinging approach too. He is just as bad as Yuni and Lopez. Beltre will not walk and pitchers are NOT afraid to challenge him. This is steroid deflation at its worst. The guy comes up with runners on base every time he steps up and doesn’t do anything to help us. He either strikes out or pops up in the infield. In 152 AB’s this season, Beltre has 2 ding-dongs and 15 RBIs. Ouch!! He has only walked 6 times all season. Scott Boras: get Adrian back on the juice, PLEASE!! If Beltre performs to average #4 hitters across the league, the M’s would be well over .500. I thought earlier this season the M’s should try to resign him long term—I was wrong.
*Anyone else looking forward to a LeBron/Kobe finals? I am too but hang on just one second. The Lakers are playing uninspired right now and a depleted Rockets team took them to a game 7. They should have beaten them in 5 (at most). The Nuggets, on the other hand, are the second hottest team behind the Cavs in the playoffs. George finally has his boys playing D in Denver. The acquisition of Billups was the best trade of the NBA season. Billups is the veteran piece this team has been missing the past five seasons. Although the hype of LeBron/Kobe would be ridiculous, expect to see a Nuggets/Cavs finals. The Zenmaster’s tricks aren’t working on Bynum who has not been a difference-maker whatsoever in the playoffs.
*Kudos to Sark for picking up another athletic WR this week from California. Remember the name Tevin Carter. Hopefully, he and Heaps will lead us back to the Rose Bowl in 2012. Carter is 6-3 and weighs in at 190 lbs. And he’s fast…running at a 10.81 clip in the 100 meters.
*The Hawks can win 10 games next season. Mark it down. If Hasselbeck stays healthy, we can regain the power thrown in the NFL West. Arizona is still not that good, either is STL or SF. Ruskell: find us a running back please! I like Mr. Kratz’s suggestion of M. Vick. Why not take a flier on Vick? Put him back in a offensive style he is familiar (Knapp) with a coach he is familiar with (Mora) and Vick might attack linebackers like he does opposing dogs…(sorry couldn’t help it). A flier cannot hurt. Vick has something to prove and the Hawks could use his speed and ability in the backfield.
*Believe it or not the M’s are 4-2 against the Halos this year. I would love to see us take 3 out of 4. Go M’s!!
Monday Morning Musing, May 18
Let's get right down to business, including my latest obsession.
-Mike Vick is getting out of prison this week. He'll be transferred to a half-way house, be given a construction jobs paying $10 an hour and wait to hear from the NFL on whether and when he'll be reinstated. The Falcons still retain the rights to his services, but owner Arthur Blank has pretty much ruled out any chance they'll hang on to him.
Making any moves to go after Vick will undoubtedly bring the wrath of the PETA police, but any team that makes a play for him also has a pretty good explanation: the guy did his time, he's broke and, of course, we desperately need a RB or else my fan base will revolt. Seriously, guys, it's either Vick or we go into the year with Julius Jones as our starting RB. Julius Jones! He's beyond terrible. He runs like a beat-up VW Bus.
I will continue to bang the drum on this until he ends up on Cowboys or Raiders and the Seahawks once again fail to do anything remotely resembling a risk.
-The Mariners once again finding a way to eek out wins with no offense. Keep hope alive! At least it makes this Angels series starting tonight much more interesting. And taking two of three against the BoSox is always an accomplishment, even at home where the crowd is still only 50-50.
-Forget confidence or more work in less pressurized situations, what Brandon Morrow really needs to be an elite closer is some really awesome facial hair. I vote for either a Rod Beck-like fu manchu or a hockey playoff beard. Speaking of hockey, maybe if he were missing a couple teeth, he'd look more intimidating.
-My Celtics went down last night. Hated to see them lose, but definitely think the Magic have more talent and athleticism (or as Hubie Brown would say, "ath-ah-letlicism") than the Celtics, especially with no Garnett, and they'll prove a tougher out against the Lebrons. Having said that: Cavs in 5. Lakers in 6.
-When I first watched those Kobe-Lebron puppet commercials I thought they were just dumb, but they're growing on me. Now, I've done complete 180 on this and think they're brilliant.
-Mike Vick is getting out of prison this week. He'll be transferred to a half-way house, be given a construction jobs paying $10 an hour and wait to hear from the NFL on whether and when he'll be reinstated. The Falcons still retain the rights to his services, but owner Arthur Blank has pretty much ruled out any chance they'll hang on to him.
Making any moves to go after Vick will undoubtedly bring the wrath of the PETA police, but any team that makes a play for him also has a pretty good explanation: the guy did his time, he's broke and, of course, we desperately need a RB or else my fan base will revolt. Seriously, guys, it's either Vick or we go into the year with Julius Jones as our starting RB. Julius Jones! He's beyond terrible. He runs like a beat-up VW Bus.
I will continue to bang the drum on this until he ends up on Cowboys or Raiders and the Seahawks once again fail to do anything remotely resembling a risk.
-The Mariners once again finding a way to eek out wins with no offense. Keep hope alive! At least it makes this Angels series starting tonight much more interesting. And taking two of three against the BoSox is always an accomplishment, even at home where the crowd is still only 50-50.
-Forget confidence or more work in less pressurized situations, what Brandon Morrow really needs to be an elite closer is some really awesome facial hair. I vote for either a Rod Beck-like fu manchu or a hockey playoff beard. Speaking of hockey, maybe if he were missing a couple teeth, he'd look more intimidating.
-My Celtics went down last night. Hated to see them lose, but definitely think the Magic have more talent and athleticism (or as Hubie Brown would say, "ath-ah-letlicism") than the Celtics, especially with no Garnett, and they'll prove a tougher out against the Lebrons. Having said that: Cavs in 5. Lakers in 6.
-When I first watched those Kobe-Lebron puppet commercials I thought they were just dumb, but they're growing on me. Now, I've done complete 180 on this and think they're brilliant.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Savoring A Win and the Ride
Well, it was fun while it lasted. Our beloved Mariners came out of the gate scorching (at least relatively speaking), taking series after series. Felix and Bedard were dominating. Washburn, in his walk year, was going deep into games (but still not getting any run support). Carlos Silva even won a game. And the offense was doing just enough to win. Life was good.
But just as soon as the M's started getting noticed -- shooting up power ranking lists, showing up in ESPN.com columns about surprising starts, getting a rare cameo appearance on SI's Hot List -- they almost instantaneously fell apart. It was like Britney Spears' career.
The Mariners were 15-10 on May 3 after a thrilling 8-7 win over genius GM Billy Beane's latest edition of the A's. By the time I received my Sport Illustrated copy (the one where we showed up on the Hot List) three days and three losses later, we were already free fallin' like Tom Petty. We're 2-9 since May 3, highlighted by 6 game losing streak.
No one, and I repeat no one, saw the Mariners hot start coming. And the fall, while frustrating hasn't been surprising.
But let's keep this in perspective. That five weeks of contention was five weeks more fun than we had all year, when, according to my memory banks, we were mathematically eliminated from playoff contention by May.
After last night's Ichiro-powered win, the M's are 17-19 and 4.5 games behind the Rangers. Morrow doesn't blow those final two in Arlington and we're 19-17 and just 2.5 back.
The Mariners are not as good as their start, but definitely not as bad as this last stretch.
There should be no doubt that, despite losing our best hitter and our closer in off-season, we're better than we were last year.
Good enough to contend? Probably not. But good enough to finish .500? I think so. I say that knowing that we should and hopefully will trade Bedard, Washburn and Beltre to restock the depleted farm system.
(On a relevant side note: A little piece of me dies every time I see Adam Jones hitting a home run or Chris Tillman rising to the top of prospect rankings. Bavasi, your ineptitude has scarred this city's sports landscape more than anyone not named Howard Schultz. If I see you on the street, we'll have problems. I've already alerted my lawyers to the possibility.)
For me, the Mariners' start was like hooking up with a really hot girl you know is way out of your league. You know it won't last, but you enjoy it while it does. And, more importantly, it will give you confidence in the future.
Well, I guess it's either that, or it crushes your soul and you turn into the Green River Killer. In any case, the point is, things have changed for the Mariners, for the better, and I'm enjoying the ride.
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