Mariners Trim It Down To Seven Finalists

I don't know what's the bigger surprise: The fact that the Mariners released the names of their seven finalists or that said finalists have managed exactly ZERO major league games.

Thoughts on the list:

-No problem with the lack of experience. Every great manager had no experience at one point. Plus, I'm tired of the retread hires.

-The sentimental favorite among Mariner fans has to be Joey Cora. Not here. Look, 1995 was great but it's over. If he's the best fit for the job, fine. Don't hire him because of his appearance in "My Oh My."

-Brad Mills is an interesting candidate. He has spent a lot of time with Terry Francona, the two-time World Series Champion manager of the Boston Red Sox. As much as I hate Boston, stealing one of their coaches doesn't bother me if it means Seattle success.

-I don't think Randy Ready is ready for a major league manager's role. Let's get somebody who has been part of a big league ball club the last few years.

-There is no doubt Tony LaRussa is a Hall of Fame manager. Jose Oquendo has worked with him for the last nine years. Has he soaked up enough knowledge to lead this team to a championship?

-Whoever Jackie-Z decides to hire, they must be prepared and suited to rebuild. This team is not going to be competitive in the near feature. He needs be able to manage and develop young talent, then once they are ready, lead them deep into October.

What Do You Do With Raul Ibanez?

The Mariners had three players file for free agency: Miguel Cario, Willie Bloomquist, and Raul Ibanez. I know, I know, the thought of losing both Cario and Bloomquist might be too much for Mariner Nation to handle. (Yes, Mariner Nation. If the Red Sox can call themselves a nation, then so can every other MLB team.)

Coming off a 101-loss season, with a new general manager and probable field manager, this team is in no place to even think about contention in 2009. So, what do you do with your best offensive weapon from a team who's offense stinks? He is going to want a multi-year deal, worth more than a team rebuilding should spend on a 36 year old leftfielder. Add in the fact that you don't have a major-league ready prospect waiting in the wings.

The other part to this question is whether or not Ibanez even wants to resign with Seattle. He has never played on a playoff team and the desire to win a ring and go out on a winning team has to pull him toward leaving the Mariners. Losing 23 home runs and 110 RBI off a team that was offensively anemic in 2008 is not a desirable thing for M fans, but it does then give you an opportunity to plan for the future out in left.

So, I ask you: What do you do with Raul Ibanez?

Bedard Deal: Good Move

The Mariners finally completed the Bedard-for-Jones deal today. A lot of Mariner fans are upset over the deal, especially the boys over at U.S.S. Mariner. We love those guys' work and we read them weekly, but we have to disagree with them on this one.

The M's just acquired the top left-handed starter in the Amiercan League. Match that with Felix Hernandez and the Mariner's have the best lefty-righty combo in the league. Last season the M's starting pitching was bad, now it looks like the strongest part of the team. The bullpen broke down because the starters couldn't pitch deep into games. Gone now are the days of Jeff Weaver, Horacio Ramieriz, and Cha Seung Beak. The guys at U.S.S. Mariner found that in games started by those three (plus Ryan Feierabend) the M's went 32-36. We gotta believe that they will go 40-28 in those games this season. Add into that the fact that the bullpen should be better rested and the offense won't have to score as many runs, based on the improved pitching, and the Mariners are better off.

What's the most important thing in MLB? Starting Pitching! Did the Mariners pay a price to get it? Yes, they paid a hefty price. Adam Jones most likely will be a star in this league, but he isn't a start yet. Bedard is a proven commidity, someone that is a potential Cy Young canidate every season. The fact that the Mariners not only traded Jones but a quality lefty reliever and their top minor league pitcher in 2007 shows the worth of Bedard. They traded a lot but the Mariner's didn't trade away the farm.

Compare the Mariner's 1-2 guys with other teams in the American League. Other than Detriot's Justin Verlander and Jeremy Bonderman, Bedard and Hernandez are tops. It might just be our personally perference, but we love the thought of having a solid 1-2 punch better than the good chance of a quality rightfielder.

M's acquire Erik Bedard from Baltimore [Seattle Times]

Bedard Looks Like A Mariner In Next 24 Hours

The Seattle Times is reporting that the Mariners have traded Adam Jones to the Baltimore Orioles for pitcher Erik Bebard. Jones would not be the only Mariner in the trade, possibly George Sherril or Brandon Morrow could also be going to Baltimore.

We are very excited about this trade right now, but we don't know all the details. We could change our mind if the M's traded away the farm. We were never big Jones fans, he never seemed to perform in the majors, albeit in limited action.

Getting Bedard gives the M's a solid 1-2 punch with Felix Hernandez. That lefty-righty combo could help the Mariners compete with the Angels in the West. Right now it looks like the rotation would be Bedard, Hernandez, Batista, Silva, and Washburn.

The trade isn't final, so we'll have to wait and see.

Jones-Bedard trade in works [Seattle Times]

So Which Mariners Will Be In The Mitchell Report?

The countdown is on to the release of the Mitchell Report, something that can ruin the late 90s and early 2000s for many baseball fans. The question we have up here in the Northwest, a.k.a the end of the earth, is what, if any, Mariners will be named?

We have to believe that Bret Boone will be on the list. Jose Guillen for sure will make it, but what about Adrian Beltre? Beltre did have an abnormally great year in 2004, leading to the Mariners sinking millions of dollars into him. Was that year the product of a steroid-infused body?

The person's name we are most worried about seeing in that report: Edgar Martinez. He is the real Mr. Mariner and was part of our most unforgettable Mariner memories. If he is outed as a steroid abuser it will permanently scar our perception of him and the many great memories we have of him.

We will never forget Edgar's last game. We had the game on the TV, muted so we could listen to Dave Niehaus call his final at bat. It was the end of an era, the end of the career of the only major player who stuck around. Edgar will always be remembered for being a great teammate, community member, and loyal Mariner. Let's hope, after tomorrow, we aren't remembering him for anything else.

Ichiro Almost Wore Pinstripes

This is an older story by apparently Ichiro was almost a Yankee. He had the teams narrowed down to the Mariners and Yankees, his wife then persuaded him to stay in Seattle.

The thought of Ichiro in pinstripes makes us sick, not as sick as if he was a Red Sox, but we digress. We aren't huge Ichiro fans, but we like him on the team. The Yankees and Red Sox are the worst so if we had to watch him slap singles for them it would have caused us to drink like Richie Sexson on his way to a Blazers game.

If the Mariners can pull off some sort of miracle, like trade for Johan Santana, then they have an opportunity to make a playoff push. Of course the Angels signing Torri Hunter doesn't help Seattle's cause.

If Not For His Wife, Ichiro Might be A Yankee [Enjoy the Enjoyment]
The Angels sign Hunter to a $90 million deal [NY Times]

M's Should Sign This Guy

There has been talk of the Mariners pursuing Hiroki Kuroda, a RHP out of Japan. He is a free agent so there is no posting fee and could come at a bargain compared to some other pitchers out there.

The Mariners could have an upperhand in signing Kuroda. He has a 103-89 career record in 11 seasons pitching in Japan. He has a career 3.69 ERA and has thrown 74 complete games. Kuroda has a 90-92 mph fastball, he throws a slider similar to Dice-K's, but he doesn't throw a curveball. His best pitch is a fork-split, which is his strikeout pitch.

Kuroda projects as a #3 starter in MLB and the Mariners have 2 openings in their rotation. Since he will come cheaper then some no-good, garbage free agent pitchers out there we think the Marines have to make a serious offer to him.

A Hernandez, Batista, Kuroda, Washburn, Rowland-Smith rotation doesn't get us jacked up over the roof, it does look better then if it had some of the other free agent pitchers out there in it. We discussed U.S.S. Mariner's offseason plan earlier, where they had the M's adding Bartolo Colon. If Seattle adds Kuroda and Colon, then it shows they are making a serious effort to improve the team, realizing that they cannot just sit on their hands because this team won 88 games last season.

Mariners in hunt for Japanese ace? [Tacoma News Tribune]
The Japanese Scouting Report [Prospect Insider]

Mariners Offseason Plan: Dave Cameron's Version

Dave Cameron, from U.S.S. Mariner came out with his 2007 offseason plan. After reading it, it seems very reasonable. The Mariners have to add pitching if they want to have any chance next year and his plan has them adding an expensive, but necessary starter in Bartolo Colon.

The idea of getting rid of Richie Sexson is a great idea. We have wanted Ibanez moved to 1st base since May of last season. Like Dave states the defense will improve with a younger, quicker OF that will help the pitchers. Adam Jones has to have an opportunity to play everyday or why else do the Mariners still have him? If you aren't going to trade him then let him play, don't waste his talent in Tacoma. We don't know much about Geoff Jenkins so we'll gonna trust him on that one.

The starting pitching market is weak this season, but we don't like the idea of Ryan Rowland-Smith getting the ball every 5th day. We can't give any better suggestions cause we haven't done the research, but we can't imagine that is who is going to be the opening 5th starter.

Dave's Offseason Plan, v.2007 [U.S.S. Mariner]

What Happened Last Night...

We got our first 5 participates in the state tournament, Mariners decline option on Guillen, and our favorite 3B is out of his mind.

There was only 5 games last night and the SPSL didn't do so hot. Graham-Kapowsin was the only SPSL team to win, knocking off Evergreen of Vancouver 33-28. The other three: Bethel, Kentwood, and Kentridge lost.

The Mariners took the first step toward making Adam Jones a starting OF when they declined their option on OF Jose Guillen. Now Guillen has 5 days to pickup his player option for $5 million or he can go to free agency, the option he will most likely take.

Apparently A-Rod decided he was worth $350 million just to talk to him. I can't believe that this guy is going to get that kind of money. He is a proven loser, someone who can't perform under pressure. Why would you want to pay a guy that ridiculous amount of money who isn't going to help you extend your season past the 1st week of October?

Score-It: November 2 [Seattle Times]
M's refuse option on Guillen [Seattle PI]
A-Rod was seeking $350 million from Yanks [Fox Sports]

Former M's Fan Favorite Fails Drug Test

Former Mariner center fielder Mike Cameron failed a 2nd drug test, causing him to be suspended for 25 games. It is clear that he did not take steroids, just another banned substance.

I don't know if I believe that he did not know he was taking anything illegal. These guys' whole lifestyle is based on his body, so would he willingly put something in it that he didn't know exactly what it was?

Cameron was always a good clubhouse guy and a fan favorite. I hope he learns from his mistake and is able to continue his career in MLB.

Cameron fails stimulant test; suspended 25 games [ESPN]

What Happened Last Night...

We have a new champion of the baseball world, the #10 Cougs lose a player, and the Top 3 of the BCS change nada.

The Red Sox swept the Rockies outta the World Series, giving all those 3-yr. old Red Sox fans their long awaited championship. I expected a better showing from Colorado, now I can't watch ESPN for 2 days.

The Cougar basketball team took a hit this week when freshman forward Fabian Boeke was banned from playing this season. I don't know what he was expected to contribute this season, but it was better that this was found out now, before the season started. I don't know what repercussions would have happened to the team, but its best they just not go there.

No big upsets this week, no changes with the Top 3 of the BCS. The biggest matchup of the week has to be #4 Arizona State going to #5 Oregon, the winner being in the national championship picture for the long haul.

Powerhouse Red Sox make their mark [ESPN]
WSU's German frosh banned [Seattle PI]
Ohio State, BC, LSU remain atop BCS [Fox Sports]

World Series Prediction

Everyone knows that the World Series kicks off tonight in the glorified landfill known as Fenway Park. The Red Sox come off a drilling of the Indians 3 days ago to win Game 7. The Rockies have been off for 9 days, possibly killing any momentum or luck they had.

I really want the Rockies to win the Series. They have never won it and I believe my dislike for anything Boston is quite apparent. Unfortunately, I have the ability to pick with my head instead of my heart. It really pains me to say this but I like the Red Sox in 5.

They have Beckett, momentum which I believe is important in baseball, and the Rockies have been off for way to long. I can already see stories chronicling how the Rockies dominance of the NLCS cost them the World Series. I hope I'm wrong, but I had this same feeling after Game 5 of the ALCS when Cleveland couldn't finish the sawx off at home and we all know how that ended.

What Happened Last Night...

The Red Sox won't let us start the World Series yet, the Ducks put on an offensive display at the Huskies' football and track and field stadium, another thriller in the SEC, and Central showed Western how to play ball.

J.D. Drew has drawn the ire of Boston fans all season, they were loving him last night when he single-handily beat Fausto Car-sucks.

Oregon had 661 total yards of offense, Johnatan Stewart rushed for 251 yards, and the Ducks pushed toward a NC game berth. The Husky defense looked completely lost and embarrassed themselves because of it.

I had the privilege of watching this exciting game last night. Matt Flynn's TD pass with 1 second left gave LSU the 30-24 victory. It was a very gutsy call considering they were in FG range with a reliable kicker that could have won the game. If that ball is picked or bobbled, the game is over and LSU loses without even attempting the game-winning kick.

Another Central Wildcat victory, another big day for Johnny Spevak. The Puyallup High product showed off his old QB arm, throwing for a TD and catching another to lead the good guys over the bad.

Drew delivers Sox to within one win of Series [ESPN]
Oregon rushes past the Huskies [Seattle PI]
No. 5 LSU edges No. 18 Auburn [Fox Sports]
Battle in Seattle: CWU smothers Western [Seattle Times]

McLearn, Mariners Shape Coaching Staff

John McLearn made his first coaching staff hire, choosing Jim Rigglemen as his bench coach. The article also states that they have offered the 3rd base coaches job to Larry Bowa. I like Larry Bowa, he's a fiery guy that is aggressive on the base paths.

I am waiting for the Mariners to hire a pitching coach. This guy is going to be in charge of turning Brandon Morrow into a starter and teaching King Felix to stay calm on the mound. He will be the most important hire for McLearn and the M's can't afford to screw that one up. I have heard that Mel Stottlemyer, the former Yankee pitching coach, is a candidate. That would be a very exciting hire if they can pull it off.

M's staff begins to take shape [Seattle Times]
Photo Courtesy of The Seattle Times

What Happened Last Night...

A lot. It was a sports fans night with college football upsets, baseball playoffs, NBA preseason, and a little high school football that could prove very important in 8 days.

Another weekend, another Top 5 team loses in college football. This time it was #2 USF losing on the road at Rutgers, 30-27. Because they are an upstart program and play in the Big East USF won't get an opportunity to play for NC even if they only have one lose. Now they can focus on winning the Big East title, therefore playing in a BCS bowl for the first time.

Cleveland couldn't close out Boston at home. After a 7-1 Boston victory, the series swifts back to the Northeast. This will inevitable make it harder for Cleveland, but they have Fausto Carmona pitching in Game 6 against the sock-painter himself Curt Schilling.

I got my first opportunity to see Kevin Durant in a Sonics uniform last night. I didn't see much of the game, but from what I did see it looked like he was nervous and uncomfortable out there. That should change with experience, hopefully. By the way, the what the hell happened to Robert Swift, he looks like a bum.

In the SPSL South, Rogers beat Graham-Kapowsin, 30-12. That puts Rogers in the playoffs and potentially sets up a league championship game next Friday if Puyallup takes care of business tonight against Curtis.

Added to all of these great sporting events was a hilarious episode of The Office. It was a TV watchers dream night.

USF won't get second chance to crash party [ESPN]
Beckett carries Red Sox back to Fenway [Fox Sports]
Sonics' flaws exposed in loss to Lakers [Seattle PI]
A day for Van Sligtenhorst, defense [Tacoma News Tribune]

So Far, Is Dice-K Worth the Salary?

*This was linked on The Big Lead so thanks to them for grabbing the post.

When the Red Sox paid $51 million just for the right to talk to Daisuke Matsuzaka you had to scratch your head. Who the hell was this guy that had a secret, magical pitch? Maybe when it came down to the wire and no contract was worked out that should have been a clue. When the deal finally got done at the last minute the total cost to the Red Sox was $103 million, with the $62 contract added to the posting fee. The big question is, through his first season, which isn't over yet, was he worth the money?

Looking strictly at the numbers he was no where close to the savior and ace that many Red Sox fans thought he would be. He finished the regular season 15-12 with a 4.40 ERA. He did break the 200 inning mark with 204 2/3 innings and had a WHIP of 1.32. What I find interesting is his ERA against the other 3 AL playoff teams. Against the Yankees it was 6.12, the Indians 4.26, and he never faced the Angels in the regular season. He also had a 4.86 ERA at Fenway Park, which I believe is quite high for your homefield. During his first Fenway start when everyone was juiced to see him, he was outpitched quite handily by Felix Hernandez, who threw a 1-hitter and shutout the Red Sox.

Tonight in a pivotal game for the Red Sox because of tomorrow's starter Tim Wakefield and the game being on the road Dice-K couldn't make it out of the 5th inning. He gave up 4 runs and 6 hits in 4 2/3 innings. He didn't have his best stuff and got out of a jam in the 3rd that could have extended the Indian lead. It was not the performance the Red Sox or their fans were looking for at the price their paying.

So back to the original question: Is Dice-K worth the money? I realize that this season isn't over and this is only the 1st year of his 6 year contract. But with all the preseason hype and the ridiculous posting fee I think it's a fair question. Based on his 1st year numbers I do not think the Red Sox got what they paid for. He has been a solid middle of the rotation starter, but that's not what they were looking for. They thought they were signing a pitcher that you could throw out in a Game 7 and have no doubt about the performance you were going to get. Right now, I don't think they want him anywhere near a Game 7.

Angels Stoneman Stepping Down

Angels GM Bill Stoneman is stepping down from his position as team architect. He was the GM when the Angels won the World Series in 2002. He is the 4th GM to step down this offseason and the first from a playoff team in 2007. We don't know the details of why he is stepping down, but he will remain with the team in as a consultant.

Do you think the Mariners are regretting keeping Bill Bavsi? After they announced that he will return as GM for 2008 two successful GMs have stepped down. Do you think they would be more confident with Stoneman or Walt Jocketty as their main guy? I know that the majority of fans would be much happy with one of those two guys.

Stoneman to announce decision Tuesday [Fox Sports]

Cardinals Got Tricked

I love the title of this story: No GM? No Problem: Cardinals resign Pineiro. Yeah, I think there is a problem: they just gave Joel Pineiro $13 million for 2 years. After watching that guy pitch in Seattle for many years I wouldn't give him $13 dollars for 2 years.

He pitched well at the end of the season, which facilitated the deal. By the middle of June next season fans will calling for him to go to the bullpen. He'll be 3-6 with a 5.50 ERA and everyone will be wondering what the hell they gave him that money for.

Trust me, we've been tricked before.

No GM? No Problem: Cardinals resign Pineiro [Fox Sports]

Weekend Notes and Thougths

It was a busy weekend, both for me and in the sports world. Here are some notes and thoughts of mine:

-The Pac-10 refs blew it again in Pullman this weekend. They called an apparent TD for Washington State an incomplete pass, then reviewed it but didn't overturn the call. I was at the game and could tell it was a TD catch on the grainy screen at the stadium from an angle. I believe this was the same officiating crew that blew the Oklahoma-Oregon game last year.

-What the hell happened in Los Angeles on Saturday night? That has to be the biggest upset of the season so far. Pete Carrol has to be pissed that Jim Harbaugh beat him after he talked all offseason.

-The division series in baseball have been somewhat boring so far. With 3 sweeps it hasn't been all that exciting and it sucks that Boston is going to the ALCS.

-The Seahawks played like garbage on Sunday. It was very disappointing because it was Pittsburgh and it would have been nice to beat a good team on the road. But it is only 1 game and the season goes on.

Another Reason to Root for Rockies

The Colorado Rockies are doing everything right these days. They have a 2-0 lead in their series against the Phillies and today they voted to give a full share of their playoff payout to the Coolbaugh family. Mike Collbaugh was killed on July 22 when a line drive foul ball hit him in head while he was coaching 1st base.

The best part of the story is that this was all the player's decision. There is a great article about the Collbaugh family in the Sept. 24 edition of Sports Illustrated. It is such a tragic accident and according to doctors this was a once-in-a-lifetime thing that said, "A one-in-bazillion chance of a fatal blow. A half a hair either way and it wouldn't have killed him."

I've got one thing to say: Go Rockies!!!
Rockies vote playoff share to Coolbaugh's wife [ESPN]