Tag Archives: Wilson

August – just adjust

Posted on by
August Tid-Bits
  • still a losing month but, 13-15 was such an improvement over July, it didn’t seem so bad
  • batted .273 as a team for the month
  • -18 run differential for the month, -85 overall
AT THE PLATE
We’ll leave the big fish for last :-)Dustin is just 2 shy of the rookie record (8) for triples held by Ichiro (’01) and Ruppert Jones (’77) and passed Johjima (’06) with the most hits by a Mariner rookie (69 in 63 games)Great to see Guti coming around…
.295 w/ 11 runs & 9 RBI for the month

And, Kyle deserves a mention…
led the club in AVG for August – .342 in 22 AB’s with a .505 SLG%

ON THE MOUND
Felix passed Jamie Moyer for second on the all-time Mariners strikeout list in a game with the Angels.  Randy Johnson #1 (2162) Felix #2 (1242 and counting) Jamie Moyer #3 (1239)
IN THE PEN
Not a super great month for the bullpen, but Brandon did record 8 saves.  Tom had a nice little run, lowering his ERA by about 1-5 points.  Jamey was close to lowering his by about one point until late in the month when he imploded in a game vs. Tampa Bay and gave up four runs.
OF BASE PATHS AND LEATHER WORKS
Casper Wells proving to be a MORE than adequate left-fielder.  What an arm! Love seeing him gun down runners trying to take that extra base … he even had two assists in one game!
AUGUST STAR
Mike Carp!
Not only did he hit .313 for the month of August with 6 home runs, 8 doubles and 15 runs scored – he tied Danny Tartabull with the Mariners franchise record for RBI in a month – 25Oh yeah … he also won AL Rookie of the Month!
DEPARTURES
Goodbye Jack Wilson!
Loved the D, just couldn’t quite get it together with the bat and/or stay fully healthy.  Good to see him go to a team with a chance at the playoffs.We get … a PTBNL

Jacks | one to stay, one to go…

Posted on by

Good news for both Jacks, I’d say.

Earlier this afternoon, it was announced that Jack Zduriencik had agreed to a contract extension…
He’ll be given (thankfully, IMO) the time and the resources to carry out his long term plan of rebuilding the farm system while continuing to evaluate all levels of the organization and deal from depth to build a winning franchise.

And, the “other Jack” departed.  Shortly before the game, it was announced that Jack Wilson was headed to the Atlanta Braves for a player-to-be-named-later.  He had been on the DL but was eligible to come off.  Here’s hoping he gets the opportunity to play in post season – something he’s never done in his 11-year big league career.

One Mike up, one Mike down…

Posted on by

The move that many have been clamoring for was finally made after the game tonight…
Mike Carp has been recalled from Triple A Tacoma and will join the team in Chicago tomorrow. The corresponding move is Mike Wilson optioned back to Tacoma. Sorry to see that Mike W didn’t have more of a chance (it was a good story, nine-year minor leaguer and all) but they just couldn’t leave Mike C down too much longer. In 224 AB’s he has posted a .350 average, 19 homers, 13 doubles and 22 walks. Over the last ten games he is hitting .500 w/6 home runs. He’s bound to cool off at some point but, here’s hoping it’s not before he makes an impact on the big club and maybe sparks a few other bats.

You go, Mike!

May Day, May Day!

Posted on by
May Totals
  • 15 wins – 11 losses
  • 2.82 ERA – FIRST in the MAJORS
  • .228 BA – LAST in the MAJORS
  • 20 -11 since April 26th (best record in the Majors during that stretch)
  • +4 run differential – at least it’s positive, first time since April 2010
AT THE PLATE
You wonder … they REALLY posted a winning month?
They are dead last in: BA, BB, RBI, R and HR.  I was especially surprised to see that they went from first to worst in the walk category.  While there are those who have picked up their average pretty significantly (Ryan, Kennedy, Cust and Olivo) everyone else (except Jack Wilson) have dropped significantly.  As a conciliation, they do have the second fewest GDIP and are top six in sac hits and sac flys (as evidenced in the Yankee series).
ON THE MOUND
Now HERE is where they shine!
The rotation had quite a roll in mid-May – at one point they had NINE straight starts of at least SEVEN innings pitched and giving up less than TWO runs.  All stayed on turn (‘cept for the slight weather issue in, where else? Cleveland).  Felix made SIX starts, the others made FIVE.  All posted an ERA under FOUR for the month, Michael was under THREE and Erik (on fire!) under TWO.
IN THE PEN
After some serious downs, it’s been nothing but up.
Brandon ran into a little pot hole (OK, it was more like a crater) when he lost a game in a non-save situation and then blew THREE saves in-a-row.  But, Wedge stuck with him and he has recovered very nicely.  He has pitched EIGHT innings since the last blown save, has not given up a run, walked TWO and chalked up SIX saves in as many opportunities and as May ended he was the league leader in saves.
The rest of the pen, well … can you say stellar?  Wright, Laffey and Pauley have been pitching out of their minds – all threw double-digit innings in May and posted 2.19, 1.74 and 0.56 ERAs respectively.  Chris Ray has also come around nicely after a shaky start to the season and, the new guy, Jeff Gray has proven useful as well.
OF BASE PATHS AND LEATHER WORKS
The defense overall has improved….
Nothing super spectacular, just solid.  They posted the third fewes errors for the month and were tied for fourth in most double plays turned.  Michael did a great job filling in defensively for Guti ~ but man-oh-man does it feel good and comforting to have him back in his rightful place in centerfield.
Base running pretty solid as well…
M’s had 43 stolen bases in May, just above league average.  They seem to do a pretty good job of going first to third when they get the opportunity and don’t often make silly mistakes (like last year).  Still waiting for a run on a squeeze play though – one of my favorites.
MAY STARS
David Pauley
How can anyone not pick him?  In SIXTEEN innings pitched he allowed TWELVE hits, NO walks, ONE run and picked up TWO holds and FOUR wins.  Nice little resurgence for the journeyman.  And, even though he’s already pitched 33 innings, he should be okay, because prepared for the season as a starter.
Brendan Ryan
Pleased as punch to award it to him ~ I’ve been pulling for him to contribute ON the field because I love what he’s about OFF the field (reminds me a bit of Jay Buhner).  Brendan really stepped up his game this month, both defensively and offensively.  He’s been playing solid shortstop and raised his batting average about 90 points – he had an ELEVEN game hitting streak (just broken on June 1st).  He was tied for team lead in batting average and tied for second in team RBI.  There is no doubt he leads the team in energy and accountability.
Honorable Mentions
~ Jack Cust – hit his first home run, led the team in doubles for the month and hit a respectable .272
~ Justin Smoak – although his average dropped way down, he still lead the team in RBI and homers
~ The Entire Bullpen – Brandon for righting himself, everyone else for being generally awesome.

Well, it’s been a month of Sundays and then some…

Posted on by

AT THE PLATE
Whadaya know? the M’s aren’t last in every offensive category…
Thank you Minnesota Twins!  In fact, they aren’t last on their own in any offensive category (they are, however, in a 3-way tie for last in triples).  Okay, so they’re hardly lighting the world on fire with their bats, with their highest AL ranking in any major offensive category being 9th (in 2B and OBP).

But hey, here’s a new one – they lead the MAJORS in walks (with NINE of the bases-loaded variety)!  Who saw that coming?

ON THE MOUND
The mound presence is generally good to great…
The staff is a tad better than league average in most pitching categories (e.g., ERA, QS, BB, SO).  Overall, the starters are doing better than the relievers, although the bullpen is really rounding into form of late.  They have had a couple of double-digit scoreless innings streaks already and Brandon is holding down the fort for the DA just fine – 7 for 7 in save opportunities.  David Pauley and Jamey Wright have been nothing short of stellar and Aaron Laffey has also been a nice surprise. Tom “the bartender” Wilhelmsen has had some nice moments, but needs to be more consistent.

The blemishes have been Josh Lueke and Chris Ray.  Josh struggled so much, he’s already in Tacoma where, hopefully, he’ll get the work and experience he needs to get back to the big club.  Ray hasn’t pitched since April 11th and has an ERA north of 14.

OF BASE PATHS AND LEATHER WORKS
The defense has been disappointing, to say the least…
Outfield – let’s just say they miss Franklin Gutierrez.  A LOT (btw – he played in his first rehab start in Tacoma tonight and had a triple in a 12-6 win!), here’s hoping he’ll be back soon.  Ichiro hasn’t been his usual stellar self in the field (sun balls are the killer) and Michael’s still learning.  Mlton can run a ball down decently and his arm strength is OK, but his accuracy leaves a bit to be desired.

Infield – Justin gets high marks, he’s been doing great.  Jack looks great at times and like he’s still adjusting in others.  Brendan (much as I love his personality) has been a bit of a disappointment – he’s made some good plays but he’s also booted some pretty routine ones.  Same can be said of Figgy at third.  Miggy has been OK behind the plate and seems to work with the pitchers fairly well.  It’s fun to see him block the plate with a runner barreling home.

Running the bases – I don’t recall a lot of stupid outs on the bases (like last year) but there hasn’t been as much running as I’d like to see either.

Really hoping they start pulling things together in this area.  It’s one thing not to score runs in bunches (we all knew that was doubtful) but it’s quite another to not play well in the field – this group is MORE than capable.  Here’s to marked improvement as we move through the spring.

Aside from the aforementioned bullpen stars (Brandon, David, Aaron, Jamey) here are my April stars…

Michael Pineda… 
He’s been WAY more than we could have hoped for this early.  Not only has he been the M’s best pitcher so far (yes – besting Felix!) at 4-1 with a 2.01 ERA, he’s the 4th pitcher in Major League history win 4 consecutive starts in April!  And, he’s done it with such poise, certainly not looking much like a rookie.

Justin Smoak…  
He was off to a good start before the terrible personal tragedy of his father’s death.  When he came back, it was almost like he’d never left.  Having not yet lost a parent, it’s hard to imagine what he’s going through at such a young age – to lose someone so close, who had such a large part in the development of the skills he used to attain his dream – pretty incomprehensible.  But, so far, he seems to have been able to channel his love and grief in a direction that has helped his team and honored his father.  More than commendable.

ST23 | vs. Royals

Posted on by

Mariners 8 | Royals 9

NOT THE TYPICAL PITCHING AND DEFENSE WE’VE SEEN
Fister struggled, Ring finally gave up a couple of runs and League continued his sad spring.  Wright was the only arm to escape unscathed.  Figgy and Josh both recorded errors.
L COLUMN DESPITE THE DOUBLE-DIGIT HITS
Including FOUR doubles and ONE home run (Saunders – who also had one of the doubles AND a stolen base)
NEWS AND NOTES

ST19 | vs. Rangers

Posted on by

Mariners 9 | Rangers 8

A SLUG-FEST!
There’s something we didn’t see much of (if at all) last season…
The two teams combined for SIX homers (including back-to-back-to-backers by the M’s Kennedy-Wilson-Cust, in the 8th), SIX doubles and a triple.  The M’s stole TWO bases and turned TWO double-plays.  The good news is that the M’s came out on the winning end and their pitchers who gave up the EIGHT runs will likely not be on the 25-man roster come April.

NEWS AND NOTES
Tui’s trying to stay flexible | Seattle Times
Baron gaining confidence | News Tribune
Langerhans changes batting stance | Everett Herald

ST10 | vs. Dodgers

Posted on by

Mariners 9 | Dodgers 4

M’s BREAK OUT THE BATS!
THIRTEEN hits and NINE runs – yowsa!
Including a GRAND SLAM by … Alex Liddi!

PITCHING PROGRESS
Especially those named Fister, League and Cortes (Olson, not so much) and Pauley just continues his strong spring.

TWO ERRORS
much as I hate them, spring’s the time to make ’em – fix stuff when it doesn’t really count.  Besides, NINE runs makes up for TWO errors pretty well.

NEWS AND NOTES

ST5 | vs. Reds

Posted on by

M’s 1 | Reds 3

MR FISTER NOT OFF TO A GREAT ST START
But, not horrible either.  And, the rest of the staff faired pretty well today, despite the loss.  One thing that stands out … ZERO walks.

THE OFFENSE ON THE OTHER HAND
looked a bit too much like 2010 – only one EBH and only five hits total.

NICE COUPLE OF DP’s THOUGH
Smoak to Wilson to Pauley AND Kazmar to Carp

NEWS AND NOTES
M’s sign 4th rounder, James Paxton | Seattle Times

ST Charity Game | vs. Padres

Posted on by

M’s 13 | Pads 12
13 RUNS?!?
THAT didn’t happen in too many games last season (heck, it didn’t happen in too many WEEKS 😉  Then again, giving UP 12 runs wasn’t a common occurrence either.  But, hey, it Spring Training.  It’s baseball.  Baseball is BACK!!!

SOME OF THE BEST NEWS CAME IN THE FIRST INNING…
Erik Bedard ~ 9 pitches, 8 strikes, 2 strikeouts, 1 ground out
How great would it be if Erik was actually able to get through ST, start the season in the rotation behind Felix and actually pitch, even somewhat effectively, all season?  Okay, so I won’t hold my breath.  But, I WILL cross all appendages.

UNFORTUNATELY, THE PITCHING WENT DOWN HILL FROM THERE…
With Danny Bautista having a particularly bad day (unable to get through one inning and giving up five runs).  Petit and Smith each threw scoreless frames in the 9th and 10th respectively.  The others seemed to have sort of typical “first spring outings” – giving up a handful of hits and a run or two in an inning or two of work.

WITH 13 RUNS, PRETTY MUCH EVERYONE GOT INTO THE ACTION…
But, the new, svelte Jack Wilson lead in RBI (3) and Carlos Peguerro impressed in more ways than one.  Not only did he tie the game in the bottom of the 9th with a two-out, two-run home run.  He then proceeded to keep the game tied in the 10th by throwing a runner out at home plate – from center field.

FIELDING AND RUNNING…
Miguel had a passed ball, but he and Bard each threw runners out trying to steal.  Luke picked a runner off first and then there was that gun down at the plate by Peguerro and Adam Kennedy swiped a bag.

PRIOR TO THE GAME, THERE WAS THIS LITTLE BOMBSHELL…
Jody Gerut retires | Geoff Baker
“I can no longer, in good conscience, play the game in a manner that reflects the positive example for the younger generation of baseball players,” he said. “Physcially, I’m fine. But mentally, my reasons for wanting to be in uniform have become so thin and narrow that I refuse to disrespect the game that has provided so generously for my family in a halfhearted way.
“This game of ours owes me nothing, but I owe the game at least that much. When a player finds his willingness to compete to be so greatly diminished, that player must leave the game so as not to disrespect it by becoming a player who plays solely for his paycheck and his own personal glory.
“This is a notion so distasteful to me it makes me physically sick to my stomach.

Wow.  Jody, we hardly knew ya.  I’m thinking it would have been nice to…

Next up (and this one actually counts in the Cactus League standings)…
Mariners vs. Padres
Monday, February 28th 12:05pm