Was on the bus on my way to work when this hit. But in case you guys actually come to The Bush Leagues to get your breaking news, Washburn was dealt to Detroit for Lefty starters Luke French and Mauricio Robles.
I'll give my opinion on this a bit later as long as my real job doesn't interfere...We'll see.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Tired, sooooo Tired....
With the news that broke yesterday of Big Papi and Manny Ramirez testing positive for PEDs (performing enhancing drugs) in 2003, baseball is, once again, up in arms over cheating. Apparently there is a list of just over 100 players that ended up testing positive for PEDs in 03, and it seems that every couple of months, a couple more stars are being outted, even after the courts where sworn to keep the results secret. When will baseball learn that keeping these cheaters safe is the wrong way to go?
Everyone knows that baseball is basically tainted for a solid ten year period in the late 90's to 2000's. Lets take David Ortiz for example. He was an average, platoon hitter for the Twins before he came over to Boston, then all of a sudden, jumps to 40+ homers a year, and helps Boston win their dramatic World Series title in 04. Kinda fishy how this success happened at the same time he failed a drug test...
The steroids issue in baseball is a bit tricky when considering how fans feel about it. Some people (like yours truly) think that is a complete smack in the face to a great game and its fans, not to mention the players that have come before and done such great things. Some people see it a different way, claiming that it enhances the game, makes it more interesting and exciting. Some just don't care at all at this point, being let down so many times as their heroes are revealed as cheats year after year. Can we all remember how fun it was to watch Roger Clemens dominate hitters in the late 90's? He was bound for the Hall of Fame, first ballot all the way. Now, I don't see him getting it at all.
Baseball needs to smarten up and purge itself of this. Its time to come clean and let the public know what its national pastime has done in the past and what it plans to do in the future. There is too much history linked to this game to risk its integrity for a bunch of juiced up hacks. I think letting the fans know who was on that infamous list that was created in 03 is a start. I say this, however, with a bit of apprehension, because I'm worried to find out who else is on that list. Imagine if we come to learn that guys like Edgar Martinez, Randy Johnson, or, god forbid, Ken Griffey, Jr. were revealed on that list. Personally, it would be crushing to learn that some of my childhood heroes cheated. Some people would probably scoff at the mention that Jr. might show up on any of these lists, because he's never been one to work out or get so huge where he doesn't have a neck, and they're probably right. However, I just think about all the people who watch Roger Clemens and didn't see it coming. I know I didn't.
If baseball wants to quit being the laughing stock of pro sports, I think it needs to face this issue head on, because people are beginning to shake their heads now instead of being outraged. In my opinion, its apathy that can kill the credibility of a sport with its fans, and baseball is toeing that line.
What do you guys think?
Garbs
PS. TRADE WASHBURN!!!
Everyone knows that baseball is basically tainted for a solid ten year period in the late 90's to 2000's. Lets take David Ortiz for example. He was an average, platoon hitter for the Twins before he came over to Boston, then all of a sudden, jumps to 40+ homers a year, and helps Boston win their dramatic World Series title in 04. Kinda fishy how this success happened at the same time he failed a drug test...
The steroids issue in baseball is a bit tricky when considering how fans feel about it. Some people (like yours truly) think that is a complete smack in the face to a great game and its fans, not to mention the players that have come before and done such great things. Some people see it a different way, claiming that it enhances the game, makes it more interesting and exciting. Some just don't care at all at this point, being let down so many times as their heroes are revealed as cheats year after year. Can we all remember how fun it was to watch Roger Clemens dominate hitters in the late 90's? He was bound for the Hall of Fame, first ballot all the way. Now, I don't see him getting it at all.
Baseball needs to smarten up and purge itself of this. Its time to come clean and let the public know what its national pastime has done in the past and what it plans to do in the future. There is too much history linked to this game to risk its integrity for a bunch of juiced up hacks. I think letting the fans know who was on that infamous list that was created in 03 is a start. I say this, however, with a bit of apprehension, because I'm worried to find out who else is on that list. Imagine if we come to learn that guys like Edgar Martinez, Randy Johnson, or, god forbid, Ken Griffey, Jr. were revealed on that list. Personally, it would be crushing to learn that some of my childhood heroes cheated. Some people would probably scoff at the mention that Jr. might show up on any of these lists, because he's never been one to work out or get so huge where he doesn't have a neck, and they're probably right. However, I just think about all the people who watch Roger Clemens and didn't see it coming. I know I didn't.
If baseball wants to quit being the laughing stock of pro sports, I think it needs to face this issue head on, because people are beginning to shake their heads now instead of being outraged. In my opinion, its apathy that can kill the credibility of a sport with its fans, and baseball is toeing that line.
What do you guys think?
Garbs
PS. TRADE WASHBURN!!!
Today's the Day
So here we are...it's the trading deadline and the Mariners see themselves 8 games back of the division lead with both the Rangers and Angels ahead of them. What does that mean? SELL, SELL, SELL! I don't want to be the pessimistic fan here, but no team (except the '95 M's) has come back to win the division while more than 6 games out at the trading deadline.
We have a very good bargaining chip with Jarrod Washburn and we actually have a chance to get a decent prospect in return for shipping him off to a contender. Now, can you say that was the case at this time last year? Hell no, we would have been happy with somebody just picking up his contract.
So, it's time to think realistically. The Mariners, while still could play some entertaining ball down the stretch have all but blown their chance of an AL West title. The Cleveland series hurt, bad, and this Texas series doesn't look so good after Olson's gem last night and Vargas getting the nod today.
So...everyone needs to set aside their new-found love for Jarrod Washburn because they think all of a sudden, "Hey, he's figured it out. He's on the top of his game...one of the best in baseball. Not to mention a great clubhouse leader." Because I'm not sold on his success. Instead I say capitalize on it and pull the deal for a decent to good prospect. No need to go out there and demand the world, cause let's be honest...although he's one of the hottest pitchers in baseball right now...it's still Washburn.
I have full confidence Jack will do what he needs to do. It feels right.
We have a very good bargaining chip with Jarrod Washburn and we actually have a chance to get a decent prospect in return for shipping him off to a contender. Now, can you say that was the case at this time last year? Hell no, we would have been happy with somebody just picking up his contract.
So, it's time to think realistically. The Mariners, while still could play some entertaining ball down the stretch have all but blown their chance of an AL West title. The Cleveland series hurt, bad, and this Texas series doesn't look so good after Olson's gem last night and Vargas getting the nod today.
So...everyone needs to set aside their new-found love for Jarrod Washburn because they think all of a sudden, "Hey, he's figured it out. He's on the top of his game...one of the best in baseball. Not to mention a great clubhouse leader." Because I'm not sold on his success. Instead I say capitalize on it and pull the deal for a decent to good prospect. No need to go out there and demand the world, cause let's be honest...although he's one of the hottest pitchers in baseball right now...it's still Washburn.
I have full confidence Jack will do what he needs to do. It feels right.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Welcome to Seattle Wilson and Snell!
So the rumors about Jeff Clement were true. Seattle traded SS Ronny Cedeño, C/1B/DH Jeff Clement and three minor league pitchers for SS Jack Wilson and minor league RHP Ian Snell.
Link
Jack Wilson will replace Cedeño as the starting SS for the M's. Wilson is signed through 2009 and has a club option of $8.4 million for 2010 which according to Buster Olney, the Pirates were not going to pick up. Since 2006 Wilson has had the fourth highest fielding percentage among major league shortstops.
Ian Snell is a 27-year-old talented right-handed pitcher who was sent down to AAA Indianapolis at the beginning of the year. During that time he has started six games going 2-2 with a 0.96 ERA striking out 47. Snell recently fell from the graces of heralded prospects in the Pirates organization. Snell was quoted as saying he would rather play for Indianapolis than Pittsburgh and when asked about Snell's contract extension Pirates GM Neil Huntington was quoted saying he made a huge mistake.
Ronny Cedeño was falling out of grace with the Mariners. He is currently stuck in a 0-25 slump and his only saving grace is his defense, which while good, is not spectacular.
Jeff Clement did not have a position on this team. He stopped catching for Tacoma early in the season and when you look at the AAA and MLB roster, there are plenty of left-handed 1B/DH types.
This trade makes sense all-around for the Mariners. Although they don't have any pitching depth in Single-A Clinton as all three minor leaguers are from there. But remember, Jarrod Washburn is still on the team. It will be interesting to see if that's still the case come 1:00 on Friday. Look for another middle infielder possibly?
Link
Jack Wilson will replace Cedeño as the starting SS for the M's. Wilson is signed through 2009 and has a club option of $8.4 million for 2010 which according to Buster Olney, the Pirates were not going to pick up. Since 2006 Wilson has had the fourth highest fielding percentage among major league shortstops.
Ian Snell is a 27-year-old talented right-handed pitcher who was sent down to AAA Indianapolis at the beginning of the year. During that time he has started six games going 2-2 with a 0.96 ERA striking out 47. Snell recently fell from the graces of heralded prospects in the Pirates organization. Snell was quoted as saying he would rather play for Indianapolis than Pittsburgh and when asked about Snell's contract extension Pirates GM Neil Huntington was quoted saying he made a huge mistake.
Ronny Cedeño was falling out of grace with the Mariners. He is currently stuck in a 0-25 slump and his only saving grace is his defense, which while good, is not spectacular.
Jeff Clement did not have a position on this team. He stopped catching for Tacoma early in the season and when you look at the AAA and MLB roster, there are plenty of left-handed 1B/DH types.
This trade makes sense all-around for the Mariners. Although they don't have any pitching depth in Single-A Clinton as all three minor leaguers are from there. But remember, Jarrod Washburn is still on the team. It will be interesting to see if that's still the case come 1:00 on Friday. Look for another middle infielder possibly?
Bavasi's strengths sucked too!
It looks like by the end of the day two of Bill Bavasi's coveted first round draft picks will be heading to a new organization. Rumors have Jeff Clement all but gone and speculation is that Brandon Morrow might join him.
Why does this matter? How does this involve Bill Bavasi? Why do we keep bringing up that horrible excuse of a General Manager? Well the reason is, for all the things that Bavasi wasn't, he WAS supposed to be a hell of a talent evaluator and was tasked with re-stocking the Mariners farm system. Clement and Morrow were two of Bavasi's first round draft picks and have clearly fallen out of the eye of new GM Jack Zduriencik.
If you pair this with the decision to move Philippe Aumont to the bullpen the report card on Bill Bavasi's tenure with the M's is about as good as the college student who spends his time smoking pot all day rather than going to class. Hell, I think that kid could've done a better job, at least then we'd still have Adam Jones.
If this deal goes through, Bavasi's legacy with the Mariners will be defined as the guy who gave up Adam Jones for nothing and wasted four consecutive first round picks. Two on guys shipped out of town and two as relief pitchers.
Why does this matter? How does this involve Bill Bavasi? Why do we keep bringing up that horrible excuse of a General Manager? Well the reason is, for all the things that Bavasi wasn't, he WAS supposed to be a hell of a talent evaluator and was tasked with re-stocking the Mariners farm system. Clement and Morrow were two of Bavasi's first round draft picks and have clearly fallen out of the eye of new GM Jack Zduriencik.
If you pair this with the decision to move Philippe Aumont to the bullpen the report card on Bill Bavasi's tenure with the M's is about as good as the college student who spends his time smoking pot all day rather than going to class. Hell, I think that kid could've done a better job, at least then we'd still have Adam Jones.
If this deal goes through, Bavasi's legacy with the Mariners will be defined as the guy who gave up Adam Jones for nothing and wasted four consecutive first round picks. Two on guys shipped out of town and two as relief pitchers.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Hyphen Returns
As USS Mariner calls it, tonight is "Hyphen Time." That's right! Ryan Rowland-Smith gets the start. For those of you wondering why his nickname is hyphen, he's the only player in major league history to have a hyphenated last name. I don't know why it is, but I really like this kid. He doesn't blow you away with his fast ball, his curve is slightly better than average and he makes hitters put the ball in play...usually in the air. For all the things he's not, what he does do well is provide us a serviceable arm that has the potential to work 7 innings for a small amount of money.
I'll be sitting behind home plate for tonight's game...granted I'm not exactly sure if it's in row 1 or row 30 in the 300 level. Regardless, tonight's an exciting time if for nothing else it means no more Olson.
I'll be sitting behind home plate for tonight's game...granted I'm not exactly sure if it's in row 1 or row 30 in the 300 level. Regardless, tonight's an exciting time if for nothing else it means no more Olson.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
In Other News...
So Nick and I have been contemplating on whether this site would be only Mariners coverage or if we should try to incorporate Seattle sports as a whole. Well, our decision really hasn't been made yet but here is my first attempt outside the realm of baseball and into the overall world of Seattle sports. As with everything else, let us know what you think.
Seahawks wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh appeared on the Colin Cowherd show this morning. The newly acquired wide receiver had some choice words for EA Sports, the makers of the Madden Football franchise. The following quote was taken from Mike Sando's NFC West Blog.
Where it gets interesting is Pro Football Talk's take on the interview. The web site takes Houshmandzadeh's comments completely out of context and offers that "he comes off as a guy who simply doesn't get it."
Of course one could make the initial reaction that Houshmandzadeh could become a potential problem and this is the sort of prima donna mentality that former teammate Chad Ochocinco is cursed with. I, however, think this may be an attempt by PFT to increase readership to their site. The quote from Houshmandzadeh, as with most quotes, can be taken out of context and be interpreted differently than I think was intended. If you don't believe me listen to the Cowherd spot with T.J.
Let's just speculate for a minute that T.J. did intend for the quote to be filled with that wide receiver "the world owes me" mentality. I have absolutely no problem with it and would be a little excited about Houshmandzadeh's passion.
The Seahawks need to have a chip on their shoulder. After a 4-12 record during last year's injury-plagued season. Most analysts are hardly giving the Seahawks a chance to compete. I've seen a lot of 8-8 predictions and hardly any talk of playoffs.
This statement would be Houshmandzadeh telling the world they have it wrong. They're underestimating a dangerous player and they're underestimating a dangerous team.
The Seahawks are in a great position to prove all the critics wrong this year. We will have a young energized new coaching staff, a healthy Matt Hasselbeck, a healthy offensive line, an upgrade at wide receiver with T.J. Houshmandzadeh and my prediction for Defensive Rookie of the Year Aaron Curry.
Big thanks to Cam Schwartz for passing this one along.
Seahawks wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh appeared on the Colin Cowherd show this morning. The newly acquired wide receiver had some choice words for EA Sports, the makers of the Madden Football franchise. The following quote was taken from Mike Sando's NFC West Blog.
"I understand I averaged 10 yards a catch, but it's the offense, not me. I'm not playing Madden no more until they get my rating right. ... I used to be the best in the world at Madden. I'm going to miss not playing it, but until they do me right, I'm not playing it any more."Now, according to Sando, Houshmandzadeh was rated the sixth best wide receiver in the NFC at a 91 rating. He trailed only Larry Fitzgerald (99), Steve Smith (97), Anquan Boldin (94), Roddy White (93) and Calvin Johnson (92).
Where it gets interesting is Pro Football Talk's take on the interview. The web site takes Houshmandzadeh's comments completely out of context and offers that "he comes off as a guy who simply doesn't get it."
Of course one could make the initial reaction that Houshmandzadeh could become a potential problem and this is the sort of prima donna mentality that former teammate Chad Ochocinco is cursed with. I, however, think this may be an attempt by PFT to increase readership to their site. The quote from Houshmandzadeh, as with most quotes, can be taken out of context and be interpreted differently than I think was intended. If you don't believe me listen to the Cowherd spot with T.J.
Let's just speculate for a minute that T.J. did intend for the quote to be filled with that wide receiver "the world owes me" mentality. I have absolutely no problem with it and would be a little excited about Houshmandzadeh's passion.
The Seahawks need to have a chip on their shoulder. After a 4-12 record during last year's injury-plagued season. Most analysts are hardly giving the Seahawks a chance to compete. I've seen a lot of 8-8 predictions and hardly any talk of playoffs.
This statement would be Houshmandzadeh telling the world they have it wrong. They're underestimating a dangerous player and they're underestimating a dangerous team.
The Seahawks are in a great position to prove all the critics wrong this year. We will have a young energized new coaching staff, a healthy Matt Hasselbeck, a healthy offensive line, an upgrade at wide receiver with T.J. Houshmandzadeh and my prediction for Defensive Rookie of the Year Aaron Curry.
Big thanks to Cam Schwartz for passing this one along.
Monday, July 20, 2009
The Elusive Triple Crown...
Baseball's "Triple Crown" is a pretty hard achievement to reach. Being the leader in batting average, home runs, and RBI has only been done 13 times since 1900 and hasn't been done since Carl Yastrzemski did it in 1967. Why is it so hard to achieve this? I would say the main reason is that when a player decides to swing for the fences on a consistent basis, his average inevitably goes down. Generally, most guys can lock up the HR and RBI lead, but the batting title generally alludes them. So is the case with Albert Pujols in the Nation League.
Right now, Albert leads in HR's (34), RBI (90), but has the second best batting average at .333 (Hanley Ramirez, 3.45). So he's 12 points away from leading in the triple crown. In my opinion, I don't see him winning it this year. With as much power as he hits with, and as good a hitter that Ramirez is, it doesn't quite add up. Now, its possible Ramirez could take a nose dive at the plate in the second half, but I wouldn't bet on that.
I do think we are lucky as baseball fans though, that we get to watch a player like Pujols play because he is a special ball player. He has had his success after the roid era exploded, so he's doing it clean. He's not an asshole like Manny Ramirez, not a weirdo/over all jackass like A-Rod, he's just what seems to be a good guy who can tattoo the baseball. Its a refreshing site to see in a baseball world that seems to find its heroes to be cheating in one way or another every month.
Like I said, I don't think Albert will get the triple crown, but if it happens, I can't think of another player (considering there are really only a hand full of guys who would have a shot at doing it) I would want to achieve it. If for no other reason then the game needs a guy like him to do something extraordinary. So keep rolling Al, good luck!
Garbs
PS: ESPN.com's Tim Kurkjian wrote a great article about Albert and the history of the Triple Crown if you want to check it out
Pujols Pushing for Triple Crown History
Right now, Albert leads in HR's (34), RBI (90), but has the second best batting average at .333 (Hanley Ramirez, 3.45). So he's 12 points away from leading in the triple crown. In my opinion, I don't see him winning it this year. With as much power as he hits with, and as good a hitter that Ramirez is, it doesn't quite add up. Now, its possible Ramirez could take a nose dive at the plate in the second half, but I wouldn't bet on that.
I do think we are lucky as baseball fans though, that we get to watch a player like Pujols play because he is a special ball player. He has had his success after the roid era exploded, so he's doing it clean. He's not an asshole like Manny Ramirez, not a weirdo/over all jackass like A-Rod, he's just what seems to be a good guy who can tattoo the baseball. Its a refreshing site to see in a baseball world that seems to find its heroes to be cheating in one way or another every month.
Like I said, I don't think Albert will get the triple crown, but if it happens, I can't think of another player (considering there are really only a hand full of guys who would have a shot at doing it) I would want to achieve it. If for no other reason then the game needs a guy like him to do something extraordinary. So keep rolling Al, good luck!
Garbs
PS: ESPN.com's Tim Kurkjian wrote a great article about Albert and the history of the Triple Crown if you want to check it out
Pujols Pushing for Triple Crown History
Thursday, July 16, 2009
The Bush Leagues Blogast, Episode 7
In episode 7 of TBL, We talk about our first half picks for the M's, including team MVP, best hitter, and best pitcher, among others. We also make our predictions for the second half as to who we think will end up on top. Listen in as we jaw back and forth defending our picks and, as always, let us know what you think. Thanks for listening!
Garbs
Episode 7
Garbs
Episode 7
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Another Former Mariner All-Star
There have been a number of players to leave the Mariners as one-time prospects who never reached their potential while with Seattle. More often than not these players go on to have very successful careers including appearances in the All-Star game.
Ryan Franklin is one of these players. But I can safely say that Ryan Franklin is now uglier than he was while with Seattle.
What the hell is that under his chin? It looks like some sort of 70's porn star nether-region hair made it onto his face! Ryan, this is 2009, please trim it up a bit.
By the way...just to cover my ass, this pic was taken from dailyradar.com.
Ryan Franklin is one of these players. But I can safely say that Ryan Franklin is now uglier than he was while with Seattle.
What the hell is that under his chin? It looks like some sort of 70's porn star nether-region hair made it onto his face! Ryan, this is 2009, please trim it up a bit.
By the way...just to cover my ass, this pic was taken from dailyradar.com.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
At the break...
Here we are at the All-Star Break. We're a little past the half-way point of the season and to say that the Mariners are playing better than expected would be an understatement. At the beginning of the year I think I pegged them to be out of contention in mid-June.
We're in mid-July and the M's see themselves only 4.5 games behind division leader Los Angeles. I fully expected Erik Bedard to be playing for an east coast team that has visions of making the playoffs. I did not expect to see Russell Branyan close to being the league leader in home runs. And I sure as hell didn't see the M's sporting a record of 46-42.
So what's going on here? The truth is, this team is playing just as that...a team. When Beltre and Lopez struggled, Ichiro and Branyan stepped up. When Ichiro and Branyan cooled down, Lopez and Gutierrez got hot. This team is fun to watch because any given night a new hero steps forward. I went to the Texas Rangers game on Saturday night, and of all the people in the lineup...Rob Johnson hits a three-run homer to put the M's up for good. That kind of production from the bottom of the lineup is necessary for a team looking to contend for the playoffs.
On a side note...in that game Branyan hit probably one of the farthest home runs I think I've ever seen while at Safeco. His shot off the Las Vegas sign below the Hit It Here Cafe was nothing short of phenomenal.
But I digress...this team feeds off each other. They have each other's backs, they're accountable for their own mistakes and they're buying into the system. These are all things that weren't present with last year's ball club. The transformation this team has gone through in just 10 short months speaks volumes of the job that General Manager Jack Zduriencik and Field Manager Don Wakamatsu have done.
I'm not willing to jump whole-heartedly on the idea that this Mariners team is a playoff contender...yet. There are still some moves to be made before the end of July that will determine that. But half way through the season, I am more than impressed with this ball club and uncharacteristically hopeful for the second half and years to come.
It's been a great ride so far and can only get better from here.
We're in mid-July and the M's see themselves only 4.5 games behind division leader Los Angeles. I fully expected Erik Bedard to be playing for an east coast team that has visions of making the playoffs. I did not expect to see Russell Branyan close to being the league leader in home runs. And I sure as hell didn't see the M's sporting a record of 46-42.
So what's going on here? The truth is, this team is playing just as that...a team. When Beltre and Lopez struggled, Ichiro and Branyan stepped up. When Ichiro and Branyan cooled down, Lopez and Gutierrez got hot. This team is fun to watch because any given night a new hero steps forward. I went to the Texas Rangers game on Saturday night, and of all the people in the lineup...Rob Johnson hits a three-run homer to put the M's up for good. That kind of production from the bottom of the lineup is necessary for a team looking to contend for the playoffs.
On a side note...in that game Branyan hit probably one of the farthest home runs I think I've ever seen while at Safeco. His shot off the Las Vegas sign below the Hit It Here Cafe was nothing short of phenomenal.
But I digress...this team feeds off each other. They have each other's backs, they're accountable for their own mistakes and they're buying into the system. These are all things that weren't present with last year's ball club. The transformation this team has gone through in just 10 short months speaks volumes of the job that General Manager Jack Zduriencik and Field Manager Don Wakamatsu have done.
I'm not willing to jump whole-heartedly on the idea that this Mariners team is a playoff contender...yet. There are still some moves to be made before the end of July that will determine that. But half way through the season, I am more than impressed with this ball club and uncharacteristically hopeful for the second half and years to come.
It's been a great ride so far and can only get better from here.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Betancourt traded to the Royals...How do I feel about that?
I'm sure you've all heard by now that Yuniesky Betancourt was traded to the Kansas City Royals for two minor league pitchers. As much as I've made a point to point out Yuni's flaws I'm truly sad to see him go. There was always a hope that he could become the defensive whiz out at shortstop while possessing the above-average bat that we saw flashes of when he broke into the league in 2005.
That being said, Yuni did not perform. It seemed Don Wakamatsu tried everything to get Yuni to see it his way; talking to him, calling him out in the newspaper, benching him. Each time Yuni would fix his mistakes...for a short while, but he always regressed to the player he was before the discipline.
Good luck in KC, Yuni. Finally, WFB and YFB will be reunited again. I really do hope he can turn his career around in KC. There is just too much talent there to dismiss as wasted. We'll see what happens.
Where do the M's go from here? Well...there is a huge glaring hole at shortstop, not that the trade of Yuni made it any worse than it was before but you just can't have Ronny Cedeno as your everyday shortstop. The value of Jarrod Washburn couldn't be any higher than after his 1-hitter. I think you'll see a package deal with Washburn and another player, maybe a Wladimir Balentien to fill the hole at short. This should be an exciting 3 weeks for M's fans.
Stay tuned as I'll take a look at the players the M's got in return for Yuni. From the initial look of things Jack Z pulled off another gem.
That being said, Yuni did not perform. It seemed Don Wakamatsu tried everything to get Yuni to see it his way; talking to him, calling him out in the newspaper, benching him. Each time Yuni would fix his mistakes...for a short while, but he always regressed to the player he was before the discipline.
Good luck in KC, Yuni. Finally, WFB and YFB will be reunited again. I really do hope he can turn his career around in KC. There is just too much talent there to dismiss as wasted. We'll see what happens.
Where do the M's go from here? Well...there is a huge glaring hole at shortstop, not that the trade of Yuni made it any worse than it was before but you just can't have Ronny Cedeno as your everyday shortstop. The value of Jarrod Washburn couldn't be any higher than after his 1-hitter. I think you'll see a package deal with Washburn and another player, maybe a Wladimir Balentien to fill the hole at short. This should be an exciting 3 weeks for M's fans.
Stay tuned as I'll take a look at the players the M's got in return for Yuni. From the initial look of things Jack Z pulled off another gem.
Our Dilemma as Baseball Fans...
"No baseball fan has to explain his mania to any other baseball fan. They are a fraternity. It is less easy, often it is hopeless, to try to explain it to anyone else. You grow technical, and you do not make sense. You grow sentimental, and you are deemed soft in the head. How, the benighted outsider ask you with no little condescension, can you grow sentimental about a cold-blooded professional sport?" - John K. Hutchens
Thanks to Laura Ditt for finding us this great quote!
Garbs
Thanks to Laura Ditt for finding us this great quote!
Garbs
The King Reigns, Guti saves the day
I hope anyone reading this post caught the Mariner game last night, because if you watched the whole thing, there is no way you can't be excited about the outcome. Games like last night are the reason why I watch every game I can. People often say that baseball is boring to watch, that its extremely slow. I can't fault them for that, because it can drag on from time to time. However, when you get the right ingredients together, baseball is tops, in my opinion, in suspense and intrigue. Last night was a prime example of what can happen when you have a player who is on fire, a King who is taking his rightful throne, and two teams who realize what is at stake by playing each other.
Franklin Gutierrez...Wow. Noah "touched" on him in his post, but its really exciting to watch this guy come into his own. Currently, in the last 22 games, Guti has raised his average from approx .250 to almost .300. That's insane! Its interesting to watch a pitcher's approach when facing him. It looks like the scouting report on Frank was that the best way to get him out was to bust fastballs in on his hands, jamming him. But ever since the NL West trip, he is CRUSHING these pitches, getting his hands through the zone, and driving balls over the left field wall. His HR's are consistently over 400 feet and in what seems to be the most opportune times. So we have a guy that catches anything that is hit in the air to center field, who is completely on fire at the plate, and is also clutch. Playoff teams have guys like that. Its guys like that that win you division titles because they come through in huge series. My only concern with Guti is wondering what is going to happen when the scouting report determines that the outside pitch is the way to go. We'll see how well he can adjust to a different approach, but after what I have seen lately, I got all the confidence in the world in this guy as of late. Its tough to say who actually "won" the game for the M's last night for me. Frank was a huge part of it though.
King Felix, in my opinion, gets the game ball for the M's last night. This is his upteenth time in a row that he has come out, no matter who the opponent, and dominated. The Rangers lead the league in home runs, and he made them look like a little league team all game long. His two seem fast ball, with all the movement, is basically a 93-95 mph curve ball. Pair that with his actual curve ball, and finish it off with one of the best change up's in the game, and you have your stopper. Your ace. Your King. By holding the Rangers to one run, he allowed the offence to grind away on the Rangers' starting pitcher, Hunter, and get into their bullpen. He did everything an ace is supposed to do. Go 8 innings, hold the other team down by the neck, and allow your team to have a decent inning. A solid ace is another huge piece to a playoff team, and we look to have ours firing on all cylinders. The fact that he did it against a team we are trying to catch is absolute gold, sending a message to the Rangers and Angels that we are for real, and we're chasing you down on the backs of guys who want it.
Lets call last night and the next three games what it really is. A statement series. The closest thing to playoff baseball that you cant get...in July. We came out with our Ace, shut down our rival, and eventually locked it up with a majestic HR by a guy who is exploding onto the scene as a major player. Now I know it was only one game. This is a four game series, and if history has taught an M's fan anything, its that you can't get too excited (two years ago we were a similar situation and found a way to lose 10 or so games a row...). But history has also allowed us to experience the feeling of a playoff caliber team, and what they are able to do on any given night - to excite, along with succeed in huge games. I feel like that's what the M's did last night. They showed the Rangers, the AL West, and their fans that they can win the big game. I still think they are a piece or two away from truly contending, but not too far. Last night's win hopefully sold the powers that be that this season can be a huge success if we make the right moves. Last night got me all kinds of inspired (if you can't tell by this post). I'm heading to the game tonight to hopefully see the M's shave another game off the Rangers' division lead. Let's get excited about this team folks. Baseball isn't all that boring when the team can pull off wins like they did last night.
Garbs
Franklin Gutierrez...Wow. Noah "touched" on him in his post, but its really exciting to watch this guy come into his own. Currently, in the last 22 games, Guti has raised his average from approx .250 to almost .300. That's insane! Its interesting to watch a pitcher's approach when facing him. It looks like the scouting report on Frank was that the best way to get him out was to bust fastballs in on his hands, jamming him. But ever since the NL West trip, he is CRUSHING these pitches, getting his hands through the zone, and driving balls over the left field wall. His HR's are consistently over 400 feet and in what seems to be the most opportune times. So we have a guy that catches anything that is hit in the air to center field, who is completely on fire at the plate, and is also clutch. Playoff teams have guys like that. Its guys like that that win you division titles because they come through in huge series. My only concern with Guti is wondering what is going to happen when the scouting report determines that the outside pitch is the way to go. We'll see how well he can adjust to a different approach, but after what I have seen lately, I got all the confidence in the world in this guy as of late. Its tough to say who actually "won" the game for the M's last night for me. Frank was a huge part of it though.
King Felix, in my opinion, gets the game ball for the M's last night. This is his upteenth time in a row that he has come out, no matter who the opponent, and dominated. The Rangers lead the league in home runs, and he made them look like a little league team all game long. His two seem fast ball, with all the movement, is basically a 93-95 mph curve ball. Pair that with his actual curve ball, and finish it off with one of the best change up's in the game, and you have your stopper. Your ace. Your King. By holding the Rangers to one run, he allowed the offence to grind away on the Rangers' starting pitcher, Hunter, and get into their bullpen. He did everything an ace is supposed to do. Go 8 innings, hold the other team down by the neck, and allow your team to have a decent inning. A solid ace is another huge piece to a playoff team, and we look to have ours firing on all cylinders. The fact that he did it against a team we are trying to catch is absolute gold, sending a message to the Rangers and Angels that we are for real, and we're chasing you down on the backs of guys who want it.
Lets call last night and the next three games what it really is. A statement series. The closest thing to playoff baseball that you cant get...in July. We came out with our Ace, shut down our rival, and eventually locked it up with a majestic HR by a guy who is exploding onto the scene as a major player. Now I know it was only one game. This is a four game series, and if history has taught an M's fan anything, its that you can't get too excited (two years ago we were a similar situation and found a way to lose 10 or so games a row...). But history has also allowed us to experience the feeling of a playoff caliber team, and what they are able to do on any given night - to excite, along with succeed in huge games. I feel like that's what the M's did last night. They showed the Rangers, the AL West, and their fans that they can win the big game. I still think they are a piece or two away from truly contending, but not too far. Last night's win hopefully sold the powers that be that this season can be a huge success if we make the right moves. Last night got me all kinds of inspired (if you can't tell by this post). I'm heading to the game tonight to hopefully see the M's shave another game off the Rangers' division lead. Let's get excited about this team folks. Baseball isn't all that boring when the team can pull off wins like they did last night.
Garbs
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Death to all Flying Things...I think I love you
So, I always tell Garbs not to bring this up on the blog, but after the game tonight it needs to be said. I have an unbelievable man-crush on Frankin Gutierrez. During last year it was Evan Longoria and the work that Guti has done out in centerfield has completely won over my [baseball] heart.
It started out innocent enough. I mentioned to Garbs earlier in the season that if I had a daughter I'd let Franklin take her to the prom. The only stipulation was he was to have her home by 10:00 pm. Well, as the season went along, I extended the deadline to midnight, then the next morning. When Gutierrez started hitting the ball with authority during the NL West road trip I started to turn a bit and said I would let Guti take me to the prom. Now...full on man-crush. It's not sick or dirty...it's just right.
So what if I get made fun of for this. Guti is a beautiful, beautiful person and I will shout it out to the world so everyone can hear! Well, the best way I know how to do that is through this blog. I distinctly remember recording our last blogcast over at Garbs' and I mentioned it looked like Gutierrez was starting to come around.
Dave over at USS Mariner posted a while back about how Gutierrez should be an all-star. When you compare his glove with the recent tear he's been on I don't think you can even doubt that he should at least have been considered. Unfortunately for Guti, most fans reward offense over defense. So, until Guti starts putting the ball out of the ball park in a Josh Hamilton fashion, he might have to settle with the adoration of yours truly.
Here's what Guti has done since that San Diego series on June 16th:
.395/.500/.686
That's a batting average of .395, an on-base percentage of .500 and a slugging percentage of .686. This is very impressive and although I don't think the kid will be able to sustain his offensive production it was his defense that initially attracted me to him in the first place.
Here are Guti's defensive numbers so far:
UZR: 12.0
Remember, UZR is a measure of how many runs a player saves a team with their defense. Gutierrez has saved us 12 runs just by being out in centerfield. That's phenomenal.
For those of you who like to look at other metrics like errors, it's just not a valid statistic. If you don't believe me look at Gutierrez' throw a couple days ago against the Orioles. The throw unfortunately hit the side of the mound and bounced past the catcher for an error. Now, if it hadn't have hit the mound, the runner still would have been safe at home but the other runners wouldn't have advanced giving him an error. But regardless, Guti has only committed 3 errors this year compared to a ton of Sports Center Web Gems. That's going to be my next project, ratio of errors to web gems, cause they're both misleading. But the truth is, Guti gets it done in the field.
For those of you who prefer to look at more basic statistics, here are the numbers I used to get the batting averages, on-base percentages and slugging percentage for Franklin Gutierrez.
Games: 22
At Bats: 86
Hits: 34
Walks: 9
1B: 23
2B: 4
3B: 0
HR: 7
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