Since there's no activity here whatsoever, there might as well be a chat thread for this team (contradiction?). There's only about 3-4 of us mariner fans anyways lol. Any comments on the games go here. I'll start: Mariners Game #9 - Ichiro's first game back, and he's already been very aggressive on offense - Chavez & Griffey with back-to-back homers thus far - Holy shit, it's like Beltre's arms getting stronger (if that's possible) - Torii Hunters still got his legs - already 11-3. this team is gonna be reeeeeeeeal good if they play with this type of tenacity on D and on the basepaths. - Inchiro with a grand slam!!!! - Griffey's really becoming more patient at the plate as he gets older. That's 7 walks in the past 3 games. By the end of the night, we'll be 7-2. Great start. Go Mariners!!!
Today's game was huge confidence boost, but Rowland-Smith was put on the DL today, so Jabuskas is pitching tomorrow. If the M's could add another starter decent starter for the 5th spot, they would arguably have one of the best pitching staff in the AL.
Mariners Game #11 - 04/17/09 - Verlander with a no-hitter through the 4th so far - Ichiro's swing is looking off so far (or maybe it's me?) - Jose Lopez looks really old - I'm really really hungry. 3 hour exams -__-.
-David Aardsma was such a great signing. Been a great set-up man for future rolaids relief winner, Brandon Morrow (h). -Endy Chavez was an amazing pickup -Beltre has a powerful, powerful arm
2 losses in a row now =( - we need to find stability within the infield. Russell Branyan > Sweeney. PLEASE!
Mariners really need an everyday 1B IMO. Adam Dunn would of been a great addition to get some power in the lineup, but too bad we didn't have the $$$
I really don't like the back end of our lineup. I'm just hoping this management isn't like the one from the past decade that decided it's going to continue it's perpetual gimmicks rather than shopping for players they need to make this team better.
I'm thinking it is lefties they have had trouble with b/c that's when Griffey & Branyan haven't played. I would love to throw in a right handed power bat to bump back the lineup a bit, which would strengthen the lineup like authentiq brought up
I think moving Endy Chavez down with Branyan would be a good thing for this team. Endy Chavez was in the leadoff spot while Ichiro was gone and he thrived, but he's really struggled advancing Ichiro and it seems he feels out of place at the top of the lineup. Branyan over Sweeney is always a good thing because well....Sweeney hasn't provided much and Branyan will really bring a boost to the lineup. As for the 2 spot, why not Franklin Gutierrez? He's done a great job all year getting on base when he's at the top of the lineup. I thinkt he lineup should go along the lines of: 1. Ichiro 2. Franklin Gutierrez 3. Griffey 4. Beltre 5. Jose Lopez/Johjima 6. Chavez 7. Johjima/ Lopez 8. Branyan 9. ? Also, I remember there were talks of Carlos Gomez possibly being dealt to the Mariners during the offseason. Can you imagine having arguably the 2 fastest guys in the league on our team? He obviously still has to work on his OBP, but his speed alone and excellent bunting skills could prove to be a lot of help at the back end of the lineup or even as a pinch runner/energy guy. I've also been very impressed with Morrow out there. Each and every game, he's getting better and better at the closer position. He's shown a lot of poise and command after allowing hits. The only thing he needs to work on is being consistent with his delivery. He really points that left foot out which tips off the hitters sometimes. One night he looks out of place, the next he's looks like the next big thing in the show.
12-6 baby! now obviously losing 100+games puts a dent on anyone's face, but these guys look ike they're having a lot of fun this year. hell, even ichiro is laughing it up with the fellas.
Jose Lopez with 2 walk-on hits in this A's series, talk about a stud. Mariners blew the middle game but oh well, you can't win them all.
