| HeraldNet - Snohomish County's online news source |
 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2009 2:48 pm |
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 Mariners prospects playing for all the Fall League marbles The Peoria Javelinas and their seven players from the Seattle Mariners' organization will play for the Arizona Fall League title Saturday in Scottsdale against the Phoenix Desert Dogs. It could have been a nice matchup between baseball's first and second overall draft picks -- Nationals pitcher Stephen Stasburg and Mariners outfielder Dustin Ackley -- except for one thing. Strasburg tweaked his left knee Thursday while shagging flies in batting practice and won't start for Phoenix. Right-hander Anthony Varvaro, who had a 2.82 earned run average in 36 relief appearances this year for the Mariners' Class AA West Tennessee team, will start for the Javelinas. He's 1-0, 4.05 in 13.1 innings of relief for the Javelinas this fall. Ackley, batting .315 with one homer, five doubles and 12 RBI, is expected to start in the outfield. Saturday's game, starting at 11:35 a.m. (Seattle time), will be televised by the MLB Network and also streamed online on MLB.com. It has been a good fall league for some of the Mariners' prospects -- like Ackley, Fields and Varvaro -- and a rough one for a few others. Ackley started slowly but has hit well lately, including a 4-for-6, three-RBI game Tuesday against the Peoria Saguaros. He has a .412 on-base percentage and an .836 on base-plus slugging percentage. Shortstop Carlos Triunfel went 2-for-5 with two doubles and five RBI on Tuesday, giving him a .204 average. First baseman Joe Dunigan has a .280 average with three homers and 14 RBI. Fields, the Mariners' first-round draft pick last year, has been their most impressive pitcher this fall with a 1.64 ERA. In his past eight outings, covering eight innings, he has allowed one hit with five walks and eight strikeouts. Conversely, right-hander Phillippe Aumont (first-round pick in 1997) is 1-1 with a 12.00 ERA after being popped with four hits and four earned runs in one innning Thursday against Scottsdale. Left-hander Nick Hill is 0-2, 10.50 in seven starts. He lasted only an inning in his start Thursday, giving up six hits and four earned runs. Phoenix won its division of the Fall League with a 19-13 record and the Javelinas finished 18-14. ... [Read More] E-mail | Print | Comment
Free-agent madness begins Friday; don't be trampled at the door Beginning Friday, all of baseball's 171 free agents can negotiate with any team they want instead of the teams they're (likely) leaving behind. What does that mean to the Mariners? Fans can salivate over such names as Jason Bay and Hank Blalock and Chone Figgins and Rich Aurilia all they want (OK, I threw Aurilia in there just for meanness), but general manager Jack Zduriencik doesn't seem all atwitter (or is it aTweeter?) over the opportunities that will exist as of Friday. “I don't sit here thinking it's a magical day,” Zduriencik said. “But it is certainly another day in the process and it opens doors for discussions to be a little more profound.” As for the Mariners' free agents, first baseman Russell Branyan is the most prominent after his 31-homer season and his stated desire to return to the M's in 2010. The Mariners offered him a one-year contract and he rejeced it, and there doesn't seem to be any progress between the two sides. Reached by phone this afternoon, Branyan was hauling concrete blocks for an entry gate at his new home near Nashville (the bad back must be feeling good) and not thinking a lot about a contract for next year. “I haven’t heard anything lately,” Branyan said. “I don’t really know what the plan is now. My agent is handling all that and I don’t know exactly what they’ve been working through. I’ve been keeping my mind on my kids here and getting some things done around the house.” Branyan’s agent, Danny Lozano, didn’t return a call. Who's Zduriencik going after? Like he's going to tell us? The Mariners have openings at third base, first and left field, plus catcher Kenji Johjima's vacancy to plug. It wouldn't hurt to find another starter who can fall in behind Felix Hernandez near the top of the rotation. And, we nearly forgot that little matter of improving an offense that finished last in the American League in runs. If we can use Zduriencik's moves the past year as a gauge for what this offseason will bring, it's that pitching and defense rule. However, the need for offense may be so great that he'll be willing to give a little on the defensive end. “You kind of have to weigh everything based on your ballclub and based on the talent available out there,” he said. “I don't set limitations or guidelines. I try to leave it wide open. I'm not boxing it in so that if you're not a great defensive player you're not going to play here. If you can get a 40 home-run guy and give up a little on defense, you might have to do that. It depends on the talent pool out there. “Would I like to have a 40 home-run guy who's a plus on defense, though.” Feel like stepping into Zduriencik's shoes for a while? Here's the list of free agents. See what you can do to build a team. Atlanta Braves Anderson, Garret OF Gonzalez, Mike RP LaRoche, Adam 1B Norton, Greg 1B/OF Soriano, Rafael RP Arizona Diamondbacks Davis, Doug SP Schoeneweis, Scott D. RP Tracy, Chad 1B Baltimore Orioles Baez, Danys RP Hendrickson, Mark SP/RP Moeller, Chad E. C Mora, Melvin 3B Boston Red Sox Baldelli, Rocco OF Bay, Jay OF Byrd, Paul SP Gonzalez, Alex SS Wagner, Billy RP Woodward, Chris 3B Chicago Cubs Fox, Chad D. RP Grabow, John RP Gregg, Kevin RP Harden, Rich SP Johnson, Reed OF Wells, Kip SP Cleveland Indians Carroll, Jamey 2B/3B/0F Ohka, Tomokazu SP/RP Colorado Rockies Beimel, Joe RP Betancourt, Rafael RP Contreras, Jose SP Embree, Alan RP Fogg, Josh SP/RP Giambi, Jason 1B Herges, Matt RP Marquis, Jason SP Rincon, Juan RP Torrealba, Yorvit C Chicago White Sox Castro, Ramon Abraham C Dotel, Octavio E. RP Dye, Jermaine OF Podsednik, Scott OF Everett, Adam SS Detroit Tigers Huff, Aubrey 1B/3B Lyon, Brandon RP Polanco, Placido 2B Rodney, Fernando RP Washburn, Jarrod SP Floirida Marlins Calero, Kiko RP Donnelly, Brendan RP Gload, Ross 1B/OF Johnson, Nick 1B Houston Astros Boone, Aaron J. 1B/3B Brocail, Doug RP Erstad, Darin 1B/OF Hampton, Mike SP Hawkins, LaTroy RP Michaels, Jason OF Tejada, Miguel O. SS Valverde, Jose RP Kansas City Royals Chen, Bruce SP/RP Crisp, Coco OF Olivo, Miguel C Wright, Jamey RP Los Angeles Angels Escobar, Kelvim J. SP Figgins, Chone 3B Guerrero, Vladimir OF/DH Lackey, John SP Oliver, Darren RP Quinlan, Robb 1B/3B/OF Los Angeles Dodgers Ausmus, Brad C Belliard, Ron 2B Castro, Juan G. 2B/SS Garland, Jon SP Hudson, Orlando 2B Loretta, Mark D. 1B/2B/3B Mientkiewicz, Doug A. 1B Milton, Eric R. SP Mota, Guillermo RP Ohman, Will RP Padilla, Vicente SP Schmidt, Jason SP Thome, Jim DH/1B Weaver, Jeff C. SP Wolf, Randy SP Milwaukee Brewers Cameron, Michael OF Catalanotto, Frank OF Counsell, Craig J. 2B/3B/SS Kendall, Jason C Looper, Braden L. RP Lopez, Felipe 2B/3B/SS/OF Patterson, Corey OF Vargas, Claudio SP/RP Weathers, Dave RP Minnesota Twins Cabrera, Orlando L. SS Crede, Joe 3B Mahay, Ron RP Pavano, Carl SP Redmond, Mike P. C New York Mets Cora, Alex 2B/SS Delgado, Carlos 1B Dessens, Elmer RP Martinez, Ramon E. 2B/SS Putz, J.J. RP Schneider, Brian C Sheffield, Gary OF Tatis, Fernando 1B/3B/OF New York Yankees Damon, Johnny OF Hairston Jr, Jerry 2B/3B/SS/OF Hinske, Eric 1B/OF Matsui, Hideki OF Molina, Jose C Nady, Xavier OF Pettitte, Andy SP Oakland A's Crosby, Bobby SS Duchscherer, Justin SP Garciaparra, Nomar 1B Kennedy, Adam 2B Tomko, Brett D. SP Philadelphia Phillies Bako, Paul C PH Cairo, Miguel J. IF Eyre, Scott RP Feliz, Pedro 3B Martinez, Pedro SP Myers, Brett SP Park, Chan Ho SP Stairs, Matt OF San Diego Padres Blanco, Henry C Giles, Brian S. OF Seattle Mariners Batista, Miguel SP/RP Bedard, Erik SP Beltre, Adrian 3B Branyan, Russ 1B Chavez, Endy OF Sweeney, Mike 1B/DH San Francisco Giants Aurilia, Rich 1B/3B Howry, Bob RP Johnson, Randy SP Molina, Bengie C Penny, Brad SP Uribe, Juan 2B/3B/SS Winn, Randy OF St. Louis Cardinals Ankiel, Rick OF De Rosa, Mark 3B Glaus, Troy 3B Greene, Khalil SS/3B Holliday, Matt OF LaRue, Jason C Pineiro, Joel SP Smoltz, John SP Wellemeyer, Todd SP Tampa Bay Rays Bradford, Chad RP Isringhausen, Jason RP Percival, Troy RP Shouse, Brian RP Springer, Russ RP Zaun, Gregg C Texas Rangers Benoit, Joaquin RP Blalock, Hank 3B Byrd, Marlon OF Guardado, Eddie A. RP Jones, Andruw OF Rodriguez, Ivan T. C Vizquel, Omar SS Toronto Blue Jays Barajas, Rod C McDonald, John 3B/SS Millar, Kevin OF Scutaro, Marco 2B/SS Washington Nationals Bard, Josh C Hernandez, Livan SP Kearns, Austin OF Villone, Ron RP Young, Dmitri 1B ... [Read More] E-mail | Print | Comment
Mariners to begin spring games March 3 Spring is hardly in the air on this dark chilled-to-the-bone day in the Northwest. But my email in-box was certainly a toasty place to be within the past hour. The Mariners have announced their 2010 exhibition schedule. The Mariners will play their first spring training game on Wednesday, March 3, at their home stadium in Peoria, Ariz., against the San Francisco Giants. The Mariners will play 17 games at Peoria Stadium, including two as the "visiting" team against the San Diego Padres, who also share the spring training complex there. The growth of the Cactus League on the west side of Phoenix will continue in 2010 with the addition of the Cincinnati Reds, who will share the newly opened complex in Goodyear, Ariz., with the Cleveland Indians. That makes nine teams on the same side of the Phoenix metro area -- the Mariners and Padres in Peoria, Royals and Rangers in Surprise, White Sox and Dodgers in Glendale, Indians and Reds in Goodyear and Brewers in Maryvale. All of those are within a 15-30 minute drive of Peoria. As a result, the Mariners will make only a few longer trips in March. They'll play only once against the Giants in Scottsdale (March 11), once against the Angels in Tempe (March 21) and once against the A's in Phoenix (March 29). They'll take their Tucson trip March 14-15 to face the Rockies and Diamondbacks. After their final Arizona game on April 1 against the White Sox in Peoria, the Mariners will play April 2-3 against the Rockies in Albuquerque, then April 4 against the Giants at San Francisco. They'll begin the regular season April 5 at Oakland to start a seven-game trip before opening the home schedule April 12 against the A's. The Mariners haven't announced their spring training reporting dates, although Major League Baseball rules stipulate that the reporting date is no earlier than 45 days before the first regular-season game for pitchers and catchers or 40 days for position players. With the major league opener on April 4, that would mean physical exams Feb. 17 and the first pitcher-catcher workout on Feb. 18, with dates for position players on Feb. 23 (physicals) and Feb. 22 (first workout). Again, those are possible dates because the Mariners haven't finalized that part of their schedule. Here, from the Mariners, are ticket details for exhibitions: Single-game tickets: Tickets for all Mariners games at the Peoria Sports Complex will go on sale Saturday, January 9, 2010 at 9:00 am. Tickets may be purchased via phone at 800-677-1227, online at www.mariners.com, or in person at the Peoria Sports Complex box office located at 16101 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria, AZ 85382. Individual game tickets are priced from $6 to $23. Group ticketing: Group ticket discounts include $1.00 off tickets for groups of 20 or more and $2.00 off tickets for groups of 100 or more on seats in the Upper Box, Outfield Box, Bleachers or Lawn. Some games are subject to blackout. For more information, contact the Box Office Group Sales Coordinator at (623) 773-8719. Spring season tickets: Three season ticket packages are available. To become a Season Ticket holder, contact the Box Office at (623) 773-8719. Spring Training Tours packages: Official travel packages to Spring Training in Peoria include spring game tickets, lodging and ground transportation. For further information on such packages, call 1-800-8WARMUP or visit www.mariners.com. Here's the Mariners' exhibition schedule: Date Opponent Location Time (Mountain Std unless noted) Wednesday, March 3 San Francisco Giants Peoria 1:05 Thursday, March 4 San Diego Padres Peoria 1:05 Friday, March 5 San Diego Padres Peoria 1:05 Saturday, March 6 San Diego Padres Peoria 1:05 Sunday, March 7 San Diego Padres Peoria 1:05 Monday, March 8 Chicago White Sox (ss) Glendale 1:05 Milwaukee Brewers (ss) Maryvale 1:05 Tuesday, March 9 Cleveland Indians Peoria 1:05 Wednesday, March 10 Texas Rangers Surprise 1:05 Thursday, March 11 San Francisco Giants Scottsdale 1:05 Friday, March 12 Kansas City Royals Peoria 1:05 Saturday, March 13 San Francisco Giants Peoria 1:05 Sunday, March 14 Colorado Rockies Tucson 1:05 Monday, March 15 Arizona Diamondbacks Tucson 1:05 Tuesday, March 16 OFF DAY Wednesday, March 17 Texas Rangers Peoria 7:05 Thursday, March 18 Colorado Rockies Peoria 1:05 Friday, March 19 Cincinnati Reds Goodyear 7:05 Saturday, March 20 Arizona Diamondbacks Peoria 1:05 Sunday, March 21 Los Angeles Angels Tempe 1:05 Monday, March 22 Oakland Athletics Peoria 1:05 Tuesday, March 23 Los Angeles Angels Peoria 1:05 Wednesday, March 24 San Diego Padres Peoria 7:05 Thursday, March 25 Cleveland Indians (ss) Goodyear 1:05 Kansas City Royals (ss) Surprise 1:05 Friday, March 26 Cincinnati Reds Peoria 1:05 Saturday, March 27 Los Angeles Dodgers Glendale 1:05 Sunday, March 28 Chicago Cubs Peoria 1:05 Monday, March 29 Oakland Athletics Phoenix 1:05 Tuesday, March 30 OFF DAY Wednesday, March 31 Texas Rangers Surprise 1:05 Thursday, April 1 Chicago White Sox Peoria 12:05 Friday, April 2 Colorado Rockies Albuquerque 5:05 (MDT) Saturday, April 3 Colorado Rockies Albuquerque 12:05 (MDT) Sunday, April 4 San Francisco Giants San Francisco 12:05 (PDT) ... [Read More] E-mail | Print | Comment Angels' Scioscia wins AL Manager of the Year; Wakamatsu gets two first-plac... Hardly a surprise to learn just a few minutes ago that the Angels' Mike Scioscia was named the American League Manager of the Year in a vote by members of the Baseball Writers Association of America. Scioscia led a talent-laden team to another AL West title, but beyond that the voters took into full consideration what the Angels did to pull themselves together after the shocking death of pitcher Nick Adenhart, who was killed in a traffic accident in April. It certainly impressed me, which is why I considered Scioscia second in the manager of the year race. I had one of the Seattle BBWAA chapter's two votes for manager of the year, and my first choice was the Mariners' Don Wakamatsu. After Scioscia, I had the Twins' Ron Gardenhire third. Scioscia (15 first-place votes) finished with 106 points, ahead of Gardenhire (6 first-place, 72 points) and the Yankees' Joe Girardi (4 and 34). Wakamatsu, who got two-first-place votes, tied for fourth with the Rangers' Ron Washington with 19 points. Washington got one first-place vote, and the AL West impressively had three managers among the top five. The Tigers' Jim Leyland got one third-place vote and finished sixth. I've written here and in my weekly columns in the newspaper that the job Wakamatsu did in one season with the Mariners was phenomenal. First, there was the 24-victory improvement from last season with a roster that changed constantly as non-performing players were moved out and replaced by young prospects who, despite their talent, need considerable grooming. There also was the amazing transformation in the collective and individual attitudes of the team from last year. At spring training, he and his coaches got to know every player on a personal level, learning how they best could handle them during the highs and lows of the season. He is a caring and approachable manager, but don't let that mean he doesn't rule with a firm hand. Wakamatsu wasn't afraid to call out a player when he saw something wrong, even to the point that he used the media to challenge Felix Hernandez to get his stuff together after a lackadaisical start in May. Players, as a whole, believed in what Wakamatsu was selling and, as a result, they learned to believe in themselves. Players like Franklin Gutierrez, Russell Branyan and David Aardsma played the best baseball of their careers, and in large part it was because of the "belief system" (as Wak likes to call it) that they built in themselves during the season. Here's a closer look at Wakamatsu in a story I wrote in today's newspaper. He has some pretty interesting stuff to say about how he will approach things from the first day of spring training next year. ... [Read More] E-mail | Print | Comment
Cy Young results are in: The Mariners' No. 1 is the AL's No. 2 Felix Herandez tied for first in the American League with 19 victories, finished second with a 2.49 earned run average, third with 238 2/3 innings and fourth with 217 strikeouts. In many other years, those numbers would be enough to win the AL Cy Young Award. This year, they weren't nearly enough to convice most baseball writers that anyone other than Zack Greinke of the Royals was Cy Young-worthy. The Royals' Zack Greinke won it in overwhelming fashion, getting 25 of the 30 first-place votes from members of the Baseball Writers Association of America. Hernandez got two first-place votes and 23 second-place votes and finished second, followed by the Tigers' Justin Verlander, who got one first-place vote, none for second place and nine for third. This is the outcome everybody expected. Greinke went 16-8 on a struggling Royals team but led the league with a 2.16 ERA and was second with six complete games (Felix had two) and 242 strikeouts (Felix's 217 ranked fourth). The Mariners will get another kick at the awards cat tomorrow when the AL Manager of the Year is named. Look for Don Wakamatsu to get several votes, including some for first place, although like Hernandez he may not have enough to beat sentimental favorite Mike Scioscia, who took the Angels to another AL West title and dealt with the death of pitcher Nick Adenhart. ... [Read More] E-mail | Print | Comment
Repair work continues on catcher Johnson's battered body Today near his home in Arizona, Mariners catcher Rob Johnson will have tests on his right elbow to determine whether he'll need surgery. Tuesday in Seattle, Johnson will have his ailing left wrist operated on, and nobody will know the extent of the damage there until the surgeon opens it up, he said. It's another week of the 2009-2010 offseason and another medical procedure for Johnson. Two Tuesdays ago in Colorado, he had a labrum repair to his left hip. Before that, a similar procedure to his right hip. "Three surgeries in a month. I might hold an organizational record," Johnson said. The only player who may come close is Jay Buhner, and we're trying to reach trainer Rick Griffin on that. Johnson says he feels good after his second hip surgery and believes he'll be ready for the opening of spring training in mid-February. "I'm only eight days out from the surgery on my left hip, so I'm a little tight, but on my right one it was about 11 days or so when I had that Cloud 9 feeling," he said. "The doctors are very hopeful that I'm going to be really good in a couple of months. They seemed very promising that I'll return to 100 percent." As for the left (non-throwing) wrist, all Johnson knows is that there's a tear that needs repair. "From my undersnting, the wrist is difficult because there are so many ligaments and little muscles and tendons, and even with an MRI it's difficult to tell," he said. "We'll have a better understanding Tuesday when they open me up. There's a tear in my wrist, but don’t know the severity." Johnson isn 't concerned about his right (throwing) elbow, although he hopes an MRI today will provide a clearer answer to the soreness he had during the past season. "I had some soreness during the year a little bit, but toward the end of theyear I was throwing 1.8s and feeling pretty good," he said. "There’s no problem with my ligament, which is really promising. If there is something, it would be bone chips or loose bodies." The one part of Johnson that's strong as ever is his mental growth as a big-leaguer. Like so many other Mariners, he thanks Ken Griffey Jr. for a big part of that, and he's thrilled that Griffey will return next year. The two lockered next to each other at Safeco Field and became close. "Through the year we grew in our relationship and started understanding each other more," Johnson said. "Often I would pick his brain about the big leagues and he was definitely willing to tell me . "I was really fortunate to locker next to him, to see everything. I would sit in my locker a lot and watch him and observe. I was able to see how he deals with media questions, see how he deals with pain and overworking his body at times. I got an understanding of what it takes to be prepared for the game, of his mental preparation and his ability to (move on after) an at-bat. Whether it’s a good at bat for a home run or a walk, he had an ability not to let that affect his next at-bat. When he makes an out, he doesn't let that affect his next at-bat negatively. It was really peculiar compared to the baseball players I had been around in the past." ... [Read More] E-mail | Print | Comment
It's the big NASCAR weekend in Arizona, where I am at the moment gearing up for my Big Fat Redneck Weekend. Today, however, I put aside my planned shopping trip for jean shorts, black socks and a tank top and trekked up to the Mariners' training complex in Peoria. And what did I find there the moment I drove into the players' parking lot? Heaven. Well, Heaven to me. The Richard Petty Motorsports team was staying at the Hampton Inn close to the Peoria Sports Complex, and Mariners staffers let them park their Sprint Cup racing team haulers in the players' lot, which is more secure. The race teams won't be allowed into Phoenix International Raceway, about 15 miles south of Peoria, until about 6 a.m. Friday (the big race is Sunday afternoon). The Peoria training room was a busy place with players working out and rehabbing from injuries. Among them was a guy many people may have forgotten, left-handed pitcher Ryan Feierabend. It has been about eight months since Feierabend had "Tommy John" elbow surgery, and Monday he threw his first full bullpen session with no ill effects. He'll throw another Friday morning. I'll have more on Feierabend in a story in the newspaper next week. In Surprise, Wakamatsu spent his second day watching the Peoria Javelinas, whose roster includes Mariners prospects Dustin Ackley, Carlos Triunfel, Joe Dunigan, Phillippe Aumont, Josh Fields, Anthony Varvaro and Nick Hill. I spent about an hour talking with Wakamatsu about lots of topics, including what he's doing to make himself a better manager and make the Mariners a better team. He had a lot of interesting things to say, which also will in a story in the sports section next week. Along with Wak was new third-base coach Mike Brumley, who played for six different teams from 1987-1995, including the Mariners in 1990. He says he didn't mind playing in the Kingdome, espeically on those cold April nights in Seattle. Pitching coach Rick Adair also was in Surprise, and one of the first questions he had for me was something a lot of Mariners fans are asking: What are Felix Hernandez's chances of winning the Cy Young Award? Adair, naturally, thinks Hernandez should win it. My gut says Zack Greinke will beat him for the award. One other thing that caught my eye in Surprise. Last winter, many fans were asking "Don who?" when Wakamatsu's name was mentioned. Today, he signed several autographs from fans who not only know who he is, but who believe he should win the American League Manager of the Year award. That award will be announced Wednesday. ... [Read More] E-mail | Print | Comment
Lowe on learning Griffey will return: 'I got chills' Mark Lowe is living his dream as a major league relief pitcher, but that dream became something special this year when he played on the same team as his childhood idol, Ken Griffey Jr. Lowe had always hoped Griffey would return for another season but knew there were no guarantees. That's why he was thrilled to hear this morning that Griffey was returning. "I got a text from my girlfriend, and I got chills right away," Lowe said. "Being my favorite player growing up, I wanted him to come back. It's exciting to know I'll get to spend another seven months with the guy and laugh every single day." Lowe said the younger players learned volumes from Griffey -- and veteran Mike Sweeney -- in how to handle the pressures of a long season. The 2008 team, favored by many to win the division, self-destructed into a group beset by clubhouse conflict. This year's team was an example of what solidarity can do. "They have that personality where they have a good time, but at the same time they respect the game and love what they do," Lowe said. "There was nothing better than to walk into that clubhouse and see those two guys being the same every day. "A lot of the things this year we learned just by watching. There weren't a whole lot of things said, and we had very few team meetings. It was just a matter of being able to sit back and watch the veteran players go about their business the same way every day. It's all part of 162-game season. You're going to have ups, you're going to have downs, you're going to go through slumps and have streaks where you might win 20 games in a row. But those guys stayed focused on doing what they could do for that day, and they didn't look beyond that day." ... [Read More] E-mail | Print | Comment It's official: Griffey is returning The news has hit the in-box: The Mariners have announced that Ken Griffey Jr. will return in 2010. We expect to talk with general manager Jack Zduriencik later this morning and will get reaction from manager Don Wakamatsu and teammates. Here's the news release that the team just sent out: SEATTLE, Wash. -- Seattle Mariners Executive Vice President & General Manager of Baseball Operations Jack Zduriencik today announced that the club has agreed to terms with Ken Griffey Jr. for the 2010 season, which will be his 22nd in the Major Leagues. After nine seasons in Cincinnati and Chicago (White Sox), Griffey returned to the Mariners in 2009 and contributed to baseball's most improved team. "I'd like to thank the Mariners organization for inviting me back to play in 2010," said Griffey. "While 2009 was an awesome experience for me, my ultimate goal is for the Mariners to get to and win the World Series. To that end, I look forward to contributing in any role that Don (Wakamatsu) sees fit on the field, and any manner I possibly can off the field." In 2009, Griffey hit 19 home runs, raising his career total to 630, the fifth-highest of all-time behind only Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth and Willie Mays. He also hit 19 doubles and led the Mariners with 63 walks. Griffey had surgery on his left knee on Oct. 26 to remove a bone spur. "We believe that Ken's presence with the Seattle Mariners organization was such a positive asset last season with his leadership on and off the field," said Zduriencik. "His passion for baseball, life and the Seattle Mariners goes unsaid. We are happy to have Ken back for the 2010 season." Griffey, who will turn 40 on Nov. 21, spent the first 11 years of his Major League career (1989-1999) in Seattle, after being the first overall pick in the June 1987 Draft. He played the next eight and half seasons with the Cincinnati Reds before spending the second half of the 2008 season with the Chicago White Sox. He ranks near the top of every offensive category in the Seattle Mariners record book, including home runs (1st/417), slugging percentage (2nd/.559), RBI (2nd/1,209), hits (3rd/1,825), doubles (2nd/339), total bases (2nd/3,475), runs (2nd/1,107), games (2nd/1,652) and at-bats (2nd/6,219). Griffey has been a 10-time American League All-Star (1990-99), winning the All-Star Game MVP in 1992 and three Home Run Derby's (1994, 1998, 1999). He was voted the American League Most Valuable Player in 1997 and voted to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team in 1999. He was also a three-time National League All-Star (2000, 2004, 2007). Ken also won 10 Gold Glove Awards (1990-99) and seven Silver Slugger Awards (1991, 1993-94, 1996-99). Griffey currently ranks among baseball's all-time leaders in home runs (5th/630), intentional walks (4th/245), multi-homer games (T7th/55), extra base hits (8th/1,190), total bases (12th/5,251), runs scored (31st/1,656), doubles (T37th/522) and hits (46th/2,763). He also ranks first among active players in hits, home runs, RBI, total bases and runs scored. ... [Read More] E-mail | Print | Comment It's all but official: Griffey is returning in 2010 Ken Griffey Jr., the life of the Mariners' party in the 2009 season, will return to the team in 2010 to at least fill that role. The Mariners and Griffey have reached an agrreement on a deal to bring him back another season. The club won't confirm or deny it, although an announcement is expected within the hour. Griffey made it clear to the club during the final weekend of the season that he wanted to return, and that playing time -- which could be cut significantly depending on how the team is constructed -- wouldn't be an issue in his desire to remain part of the club. ... [Read More] E-mail | Print | Comment
Ichiro now has enough Gold Gloves to field a team When I was a kid, I always wanted eight brothers so my family could field a full baseball team. Luckily for Mom (or maybe me), I never voiced that too loudly. In that sense, Mariners right fielder Ichiro Suzuki now has everything but enough brothers. He won his ninth consecutive Rawlings Gold Glove today, meaning there would be one for everyone if his family was big enough to field a full lineup. More importantly, this all-but-automatic honor for Suzuki is especially significant. It makes him the first player to win a Gold Glove in all of his nine big-league seaons, and he's the seventh outfielder in history to win at least nine Gold Gloves in his career. It also gives the Mariners a Gold Glove winner in 23 straight seasons, the longest streak in the majors. PItcher Mark Langston started that run in 1987. The Mariners actually produced two Gold Glove winners today. Adam Jones, drafted and groomed by the M's before they traded him to the Orioles in the Erik Bedard deal (how's that one looking?), won his first Gold Glove. We don't get all the vote totals, but Jones won the center field award over Franklin Gutierrez, who pulled off a Gold Glove performance, in many people's opinions, in his first season as a Mariner in the vast center field spaces at Safeco Field. Offense tends to be the biggest factor in these awards, but not a lot separated Jones from Gutierrez statistically. Gutierrez batted .283 with 18 homers and 70 RBI, Jones batted .277 with 19 homers and 70 RBI. Jones' .792 OPS beat Gutierrez's .764. Defensively, Jones had a .986 fielding percentage with nine assists, Gutierrez a .985 fielding percentage with six assists. Here are the American League Gold Glove winners, selected in a vote of major league managers and coaches: Pitcher: Mark Buehrle, White Sox Catcher: Joe Mauer, Twins First base: Mark Teixeira, Yankees Second base: Placido Polanco, Tigers Third base: Evan Longoria, Rays Shortstop: Derek Jeter, Yankees Outfield: Adam Jones, Orioles Outfield: Torii Hunter, Angels Outfield: Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners The National League Gold Glove winners will be announced on Wednesday. ... [Read More] E-mail | Print | Comment
Nothing new on the Griffey front It's 6:30 on Monday night, and Ken Griffey Jr. still isn't a Seattle Mariner for 2010. Then again, he isn't a free agent, either. To me, that's the most telling aspect of the will-he-or-won't-he situation concerning Griffey's status on next year's Mariners. Of the Mariners' potential free agents at the end of the season, only Griffey hasn't filed for free agency and it doesn't seem like he will anytime soon as discussions with the Mariners continue on a contract for 2010 (first baseman Russell Branyan, who wants to return and was told last month that the team was working on a proposal, filed for free agency today). There are arguments either way on whether the Mariners will be better next year with or without Griffey. From every indication I've gotten, it's not a matter of if he'll re-sign, but when it'll get done. ... [Read More] E-mail | Print | Comment Polish the trophies, it's baseball's awards season The American League Gold Glove team will be announced Tuesday as baseball's awards season reaches full song for the next week. The National League Gold Glove team will be released on Wednesday. Inching my way onto a big, thick limb here, I'm thinking the Mariners' Ichiro Suzuki will win an AL Gold Glove, which would be his ninth straight. Here's a day-by-day list of the other awards announcements, along with my personal favorites to win them: Monday: American and National League Rookie of the Year From the first time I saw him range deep into the hole to back-hand a grounder and then create havoc on the bases with his speed, I've loved Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus. The NL rookie? Lots of people see Chris Coghlan of the Marlins as the favorite, although for me it's hard for anyone to beat Phillies left-handed pitcher J.A. Happ, who went 12-4 with a 2.93 ERA. Tuesday: American League Cy Young Sorry, Felix Hernandez fans. Zack Grienke of the Royals was the most impressive pitcher I saw this season. Wednesday: American and National League Manager of the Year Maybe it's because I was with the Mariners from the day Don Wakamatsu became their manager last winter to the final game of an 85-victory season, but the job he did was nothing short of phenomenal. Joe Girardi, Mike Scioscia and Ron Gardenhire will get a lot of votes, but so should Wakamatsu. In the NL, it's hard to choose from Carlie Manual, Joe Torre and Tony LaRussa, so I won't. What about the wild-card winner? Jim Tracy took a down-and-out-looking Rockies team back to the playoffs after taking over for fired skipper Clint Hurdle after the Rocks had posted an 18-28 record. Thursday: National League Cy Young Award Go ahead and blame my St. Louis Cardinals bias for this one, but the Redbirds' Chris Carpenter gets it after going 12-4, 2.24. Monday, Nov. 23: American League Most Valuable Player Award Joe Mauer. Enough said. Tuesday, Nov. 24: National League Most Valuable Player Award Albert Pujols, of course. ... [Read More] E-mail | Print | Comment
Triunfel homers in Fall League Rising Stars game Mariners shortstop prospect Carlos Triunfel hit a home run to help the West come from behind tonight to beat the East 8-7 in the Arizona Fall League's annual Rising Stars game in Surprise, Ariz. Triunfel went 1-for-2 and his homer was part of the West's four-run third inning after the East scored all of its runs in the first inning off left-hander Mike Minor, a first-round draft pick of the Atlanta Braves. Triunfel, who joined the Peoria Javelinas a little more than a week ago after strengthening the leg he broke in April, has a .111 average in 18 Fall League at-bats. Dustin Ackley, who the Mariners drafted with the second overall pick, started in center field and went 0-for-1 with a walk, a strikeout and a run scored tonight. Ackley is batting .295 in 44 Fall League at-bats for the Javelinas. Josh Fields, the Mariners' first-round draft pick a year ago, continued his solid relief pitching this fall. He relieved Minor with two outs in the first inning and retired all four hitters he faced. Fields has a 2.57 ERA in seven relief appearances for the Javelinas, having struck out six in seven innings. Right-hander Phillippe Aumont, who has a 14.14 ERA after two brutal outings among his seven innings of work for the Javelinas, didn't play tonight. One rising star who didn't appear tonight was Stephen Strasburg, the first overall pick of the Nationals who was supposed to start for the East but was scratched because of a muscle strain in his neck. He's 3-1 with a 5.28 ERA in four starts for the Phoenix Desert Dogs. The Mariners also had another emerging star -- literally -- when Quinn Branyan was born Friday morning. Quinn is the third child, and second daughter, of Russell Branyan and his wife, Jill. Russell is hoping to re-sign with the Mariners for next season. ... [Read More] E-mail | Print | Comment
Note to champions: Celebrate in taste, and please lose the eyewear Champagne and championships are as much a part of baseball as spitting and scratching, although that doesn't make either attractive. Personally, I'm not a fan of champagne-spraying, swig-from-the-bottle, act-like-goofballs pennant and World Series celebrations. When the cameras are in the clubhouse, the alcohol shouldn't be -- that's my view. But I understand that it's something that's been going on forever and guys will douse each other in their delirium. So I yield to baseball tradition and accept it. What bugs me, though, is the recent addition of goggles as a required element. Remember when men were men and they either dealt with the sting in their eyes or didn't spray with such abandon? I don't recall the 1995 or 1997 or 2000 or 2001 Mariners needing swim goggles. Or, as the Yankees displayed last night, full-blown ski goggles. Wouldn't surprise me if they'd struck a sponsorship deal with Scott or Bolle. It made me think of how the 2009 Mariners might have celebrated had they won a title this year. This was such a senstive group that even the traditional shaving-cream pie was replaced by ice cream because it irritated their eyes. The Mariners did administer numerous beer showers, but they made sure those occurred away from reporters and cameras, usually in the shower. Speaking of clubhouse champagne celebrations, the first I experienced first-hand was in 1995 after the Mariners beat the Angels in the one-game playoff for the AL West championship. It wasn't the champagne that stunned me (although I remember my clothes smelling so ripe as I headed home that I drove extremely carefully to make sure I wasn't stopped. I'm sure an officer would have believed this: "No sir, I don't drink. I was in the Mariners' clubhouse a few hours ago."). What I'll never forget of that scene in the home clubhouse at the Kingdome was the sudden tug I felt on the back of my shirt, and then the shock of what felt like a gallon of ice being dumped down my back. I turned to see reliever Jeff Nelson with an empty pitcher in his hand a devlish grin on his face before he turned to get another load of ice for his next victim. See, guys can have fun without alcohol. Or goggles. ... [Read More] E-mail | Print | Comment
Report: Mariners claim D-backs right-hander Petit The moritorium on announcements during the World Series will delay official release of this until Thursday at the earliest, but look for the Mariners to announce soon that they have claimed right-handed pitcher Yusmeiro Petit from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Nick Piecoro, who covers the Diamondbacks for the Arizona Republic, wrote about it on his blog. This falls under the stockpiling-of-arms label for the Mariners. Petit, 24, is considered a strike-thrower who can be effective when he commands the bottom of the zone, but he has little margin for error because he runs his fastball to the plate at only 85-88 mph. Piecoro noted that Petit's yield of 1.96 home runs per nine innings is tied for the most in major league history. Petit is considered a hard-working kid with a changeup, slider and curve in addition to the fastball. His stuff is nothing to get terribly excited about, but he's known to have a good feel for pitching and probably best fits a long/middle relief role with an ability to spot start. A change in location, especially from a hitting paradise like Arizona to a death-to-fly-balls stadium like Safeco Field, could make Petit a better fit with the Mariners. If nothing else, he brings major league experience (229 1/3 innings) and adds to the Mariners' pitching depth, not to mention the competition for bullpen roles at spring training. ... [Read More] E-mail | Print | Comment Catcher Johnson resting after second hip surgery Made a call to Mariners catcher Rob Johnson this afternoon to see if he's still feeling great after surgery Oct. 16 to repair the labrum in his right hip, and whether he's gearing up to have the left hip (similar injury) done soon. Johnson's wife, Kristan, answered. And for good reason. Rob had his left hip operated on Tuesday, three days earlier than originally planned. Johnson had surgery on Oct. 16 in Aspen, Colo., and the plan was for him to gain strength in the right hip and return for surgery on his left hip three weeks later. Nov. 7 was the target date, although Johnson obviously beat that. Kristan Johnson said the second surgery went well and that Rob was resting this afternoon in Vail. He still has a December operation planned in Seattle to fix an injury to his left wrist. Dr. Marc Phillippon, who performed a similar hip surgery on Alex Rodriguez last winter, operated on Johnson's hips. Doctors have told Johnson that he should recover from the surgeries before spring training begins in mid-February, although the Mariners plan to be cautious with him early in camp. ... [Read More] E-mail | Print | Comment My World Series prediction, plus thoughts on Griffey and Johjima Been away for a few days, but thought this would be a good time to throw out my World Series prediction. I know, it's pretty cheesy to wait until now to make a predicition. But wait until tomorrow and it'll be too late, which, I guess, tells you who I'm picking in Game 6 tonight. Not a lot separates these two teams, but I'm going with the Yankees to end it tonight for three reasons: 1, I can't pick against Andy Pettitte, short rest or not. 2, I can't pick against a Yankees lineup that has Johnny Damon creating all kinds of opportunities and the dangerous duo of Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira behind him. 3, I won't pick against the Yankees' bullpen. Yes, the two Phils -- Coke and Hughes -- can be had, but behind them is closer Mariano Rivera. If it comes down to the eighth and ninth innings, and I wouldn't be surprised if it does, Rivera trumps a shaky Brad Lidge every time in my book. So my guess is that the Series ends tonight, which means the offseason business of baseball begins in earnest tomorrow. The Mariners have an infield to assemble, plus a heavy-hitting left fielder to discover. The first move, however, could be a decision on whether Ken Griffey Jr. returns. Speaking the past few weeks with folks in both camps, there was a fairly clear indication that Griffey's status would be resolved very soon. Griffey and the Mariners spoke during the final homestand and planned to have more discussions during the World Series. Even if there was something to announce it wouldn't happen until after the Series because of baseball's unwritten rule against major announcements during that time. Should Griffey return? I'm not going there because I've got to work with people in both camps. I do believe a good deal of the Mariners' success this year was because of the work he and Mike Sweeney did to alter the mood of the clubhouse. It would have been another quiet clubhouse without those two, and who knows how the Mariners would have responded to their struggles in May without Griffey and Sweeney keeping spirits up? Will Griffey return? I think he will. He said after the final game that he wanted to return and GM Jack Zduriencik said in a late-August interview that he would like Griffey to be part of the club in 2010. Zduriencik didn't specify what role he'd like Griffey to fill, although my understanding is that Griffey has made it clear that role and money would not be roadblocks to his return in 2010. And besides, the recent surgery to remove a bone spur from his left knee actually might allow him to move more freely and avoid the spells of pain and swelling that plagued him this year. One guy who won't return is catcher Kenji Johjima, who took his wont for playing time back to Japan. From the day he became a Mariner in 2006, Johjima made it clear it wants to play on a regular basis, so it was no surprise that playing time was a key issue in his decision to leave the Mariners. He spoke of that during his conference call with Japanese reporters (there was no opportunity for English-speaking reporters to talk with Johjima) after he announced he was leaving with two years remaining on his Mariners contract. But Johjima also wanted to make sure everyone understood that he harbors no bitterness toward the Mariners because of his dwindling playing time this year. In subsequent talks with Japanese reporters, he blamed himself for the playing-time predicament, saying if he'd played better he would have started more games. Bottom line is that Johjima wasn't the choice of the Mariners' current regime and, whether you think Rob Johnson is the answer or Adam Moore is the future, it was time for Joh to move on if he hoped to get a regular job. ... [Read More] E-mail | Print | Comment
Branyan feeling good, waiting for offer from Mariners Spoke with Russell Branyan on Monday night and this story on his progress from the back problems that bugged him this year ran in this morning's sports section. It didn't make our online edition, however, so here it is for the thousands ... OK, hundreds ... OK, dozens ... well, those of you who see this blog. By Kirby Arnold Herald Writer Russell Branyan hopes he has found the weak link in a body that broke down this season for the Seattle Mariners. Bothered with back problems from spring training and finally sidelined the final month because of a herniated disc, the big first baseman has been working three days a week with a therapist near his offseason home in Franklin, Tenn. “Just in the last week and a half, I've really started feeling good,” Branyan said. “I didn't realize that my supporting muscles, especially my hips, were so weak.” Playing on a regular basis for the first time in his career, Branyan set career highs with 116 games, 431 at-bats, 31 home runs and 76 runs batted in. He has experienced back problems other times in his career, but playing on a part-time basis gave him time to recover. Playing every day with the Mariners didn't allow that. “This past year was first year I've played every day in a long time, and now I know what I need to do to get through a full season,” Branyan said. One target this offseason is his core strength. “One thing my therapist here really exposed was how weak my hips are,” he said. “We were laughing at how weak some of the muscles are in my hips, and we're doing manual exercised to isolate the hips.” So far, he feels great. “I've been feeling awesome,” Branyan said. “I'm to the point where I'll start getting back in the gym shortly. I've been home only three weeks but it's amazing how much stronger I've gotten and how much I've learned what I need to do to compete over a full season.” Branyan, a free agent, wants to return to the Mariners and said he spoke briefly with general manager Jack Zduriencik after the season. “He said they want to talk and try to propose something,” Branyan said. “But I haven't heard anything yet. I like it out there, but that's out of my control at this point. I can't go to the team and say, ‘Sign me.' All I can do is wait and see what happens and enjoy watching the World Series.” Branyan's Series pick? “I've got to go with the Phillies,” he said. “But the way C.C. Sabathia is throwing for the Yankees, he's going to be tough to hit. Both teams have spots in their rotations where there's lots of uncertainty, so there could be a lot of scoring.” It's also been a nice offseason for Branyan from a non-baseball aspect. His wife, Jill, is within days of giving birth to their third child (a girl). And they are finishing off the new home they bought last winter -- installing a swimming pool and a garage. ... [Read More] E-mail | Print | Comment
Saunders showing some power in Venezuela If Michael Saunders hopes to compete for an outfield job with the Mariners next year, he'll need to show the team what he didn't this year -- power. Saunders, who hit 13 home runs and had a .544 slugging percentage at Class AAA Tacoma, batted .221 with one double, three triples and no home runs in 122 at-bats with the Mariners. Before they sent him down to Venezuela for a winter ball season with the Lara team, the Mariners had Saunders stop this month at their facility in Peoria, Ariz., for some individual work with hitting coach Alan Cockrell and minor league hitting instructors Alonzo Powell and Jose Castro. So far, his numbers have been good in Venezuela. He's batting .321 with one home run and two triples in 28 at-bats, apparently driving the ball much better than what he showed with the Mariners. “He’ swinging the bat really well and he’s comfortable,” minor league director Pedro Grifol said. “He’s having a good time and at the same time working on the same things that Alan Cockrell and he worked on prior to going there.” Saunders did show that he has the athleticisim to handle the defensive challenge of left field with the Mariners, and his speed on the bases fits well with the type offense the team wants. But it will take power, an element the Mariners sorely need, to win that job on next year's team. ... [Read More] E-mail | Print | Comment
Griffey has bone spur removed from left knee Ken Griffey Jr. went through periods this season when he couldn't play because of swelling and fluid buildup in his left knee. A procedure today in Cincinnati may have revealed the source of the problem. Griffey, 39, had a bone spur removed by Dr. Timothy Kremchek in an arthroscopic outpatient procedure. Kremchek is the same doctor who operated on the knee last October when Griffey had torn cartilage and a torn meniscus repaired. That surgery was more severe than what Griffey went through today, and a release from the Mariners said the normal recovery period from such a procedure is 4-6 weeks. It's still unknown whether Griffey will return to the Mariners next year. He said on the last day of the season Oct. 4 that he would like to return, but the ultimate decision depends on the wishes of his family and the Mariners. Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik said last week that he spoke with Griffey during the final homestand this season. Zduriencik, in an August interview, said he hoped Griffey would return next year in some capacity but didn't specify whether it would be as a player. The two sides are expected to continue talks and Griffey's status for next season could be resolved in as little as the next few weeks. Griffey played 117 games this year and batted .214 with 19 home runs and 57 runs batted in. While his offense was limited, nobody discounted the positive impact Griffey made in the clubhouse. Today's surgery may have addressed the main reason Griffye missed periods of time this season because of soreness, swelling and fluid in the knee. The hope is that Griffey will be able to move more freely with the bone spur removed from the knee. The big question now is whether he'll be moving more freely swinging a baseball bat or a golf club. ... [Read More] E-mail | Print | Comment
Wakamatsu finally getting some national attention On the first Sunday in October, I wrote in my weekly column in the newspaper that the Mariners' Don Wakamatsu deserved to be the American League manager of the year. At the time, nobody with the national media even included Wakamatsu in the discussion of manager-of-the-year candidates. That absolutely floored me because few teams in the past century improved by as many games from one year to the next as the Mariners did this year. Those of us who cover the Mariners spent the better part of the year, since the day the Mariners hired Wakamatsu last Nov. 19, getting an inside look at how he not only put together a staff and team but also restored a positive attitude to a wreck of a clubhouse. In their defense, the national media wasn't exposed to what those who covered the Mariners on a regular basis saw. From the East Coast, the story that stood out was Mike Scioscia and what he did to help the Angels deal with the death of pitcher Nick Adenhart. But guess what? Someone is paying attention to Wakamatsu. Former Dodgers general manager Fred Claire wrote yesterday on MLB.com about the job Wakamatsu did this season. He didn't come right out and say he deserved to be manager of the year, but Claire gave Wakamatsu high marks. We'll learn just how much credit Wakamatsu gets on Nov. 18. That's when the Baseball Writers Association of America will announce results of its voting for the AL manager of the year. ... [Read More] E-mail | Print | Comment |
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