tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62878402024-03-08T14:49:06.053-06:00Mariner OptimistBedard + Felix = 2008 World Series!Mariner Optimisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01658448172596570431noreply@blogger.comBlogger491125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287840.post-37229299641585521772009-10-02T14:41:00.003-05:002009-10-02T15:43:32.939-05:00Best Home Run Call EverBy both Dave Niehaus (calling the home run) and Mike Blowers ("calling" Matt Tuiasasopo's 1st career home run down to the 2nd at bat, 3-1 count, 2nd deck, left field - amazing!)<br /><br /><a href="http://mynorthwest.com/?nid=374&sid=218287">Shannon's Blog with audio of home run call</a>Mariner Optimisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01658448172596570431noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287840.post-25968698748053612412008-12-08T19:40:00.002-06:002008-12-08T19:44:38.601-06:00Better Late Than Never...Just two posts and 230 days ago, I advocated for the signing of Russ Branyan as a low-cost 1B/DH alternative.<br /><br />I like this Zduriencik fella...<br /><br />And now Mr. Z has brought in a possible platoon-mate in Chris Shelton. Combined, these two will make about a seventh of what Richie Sexson did.<br /><br />Very nice.<br /><br />And while part of me is loathe to part with JJ Putz, another part is very intrigued to see what Mr. Z could get for him.Mariner Optimisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01658448172596570431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287840.post-73910489765924813442008-05-03T11:20:00.004-05:002008-05-03T11:28:28.274-05:00And now, a brief musical interludeSomething to take your minds off the M's current losing streak. This little ditty is sung to the tune of "Unanswered Prayers" by Garth Brooks...<br /><br />"Unpurchased Players"<br /><br />Just the other night, at the Giants baseball game<br />The other pitcher sucked so bad, their fans were all ashamed<br />And as I watched them losing, the past came back to me<br />And I couldn't help but think of the way things could have been<br /><br />Barry was the pitcher that GM Bill thought was so fine<br />And each night Bill spent improving an offer for him to sign<br />And if he'd only sign up for five or six long years<br />We'd have the missing piece and finally win the World Series<br /><br />Sometimes I thank Bill for unpurchased players<br />Remember when you're judging the man upstairs<br />That just because he doesn't spend doesn't mean he don't care<br />Some of Bill's greatest moves are unpurchased players<br /><br />Zito wasn't near the pitcher that he had been back in the past<br />His curveball wasn't breaking and his fastball wasn't fast<br />He tried to throw it like the old days<br />But each rare strike went o'er the wall<br />I guess Bavasi knows what he's doin' after all<br /><br />And as he got yanked early I thought of GM Bill<br />And then and there I thanked him that <br />Our best try was 90 mill<br /><br />Sometimes I thank Bill for unpurchased players<br />Remember when you're judging the man upstairs<br />That just because he doesn't spend doesn't mean he don't care<br />Some of Bill's greatest moves have been unpurchased players<br /><br />Some of Bill's greatest moves are all too often unpurchased...<br />Sadly, some of Bill's greatest moves are unpurchased playersMariner Optimisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01658448172596570431noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287840.post-85540124344543339562008-04-27T11:07:00.002-05:002008-04-27T11:20:15.538-05:00DH I'd like to seeWith <a href="http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/mariners/2008/04/norton_bedard_deliver.html">Greg Norton breaking out a big game yesterday</a>, and the <a href="http://detectovision.com/?p=1232">blogosphere pushing hard for Jeff Clement</a>, it seems like everyone is talking about improving the M's DH productivity.<br /><br />We know that <a href="http://www.lookoutlanding.com/2008/4/27/461551/12-13-bullets">Greg Norton is not a long-term answer</a>, but I agree that he is an improvement on the reanimated corpse of Jose Vidro.<br /><br />I just wanted to throw another name out there for a part time DH candidate who should be available on the cheap.<br /><br />Russell Branyan.<br /><br />Yes, that Russell Branyan. He is currently sporting a 406/465/734 line for the Brewers AAA Omaha affiliate. He epitomizes the Three True Outcome hitter, and his power/lefthandedness would be a great fit for Safeco field. He is Norton with pop, and could spell Beltre, Ibanez, Wilkerson, or Sexson with much more possibility for scoring than Willie Bloomquist. Heck, Richie could take nights off and we wouldn't be able to tell!<br /><br />That's my vote for a short term solution at DH and the bench.<br /><br />Then, in June, bring up Clement and Wlad, when the M's are ready to give them every day playing time.Mariner Optimisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01658448172596570431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287840.post-2713708883578996952008-04-20T16:37:00.002-05:002008-04-20T16:41:44.888-05:00Yoda Can NOT Catch a BreakJust five days after hitting a pinch-hit home run to ignite a Phillies rally and re-ignite the imagination of Seattle sports fans who worship at the <a href="http://ussmariner.com/2008/04/15/the-return/#comments">Cult of Doyle</a>, this comes on <a href="http://www.rotoworld.com/Content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=MLB&id=3476">Rotoworld</a>:<br /><br />Phillies placed outfielder Chris Snelling on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 17, with left knee inflammation.<br /><br />The Baseball Gods SUCK.Mariner Optimisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01658448172596570431noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287840.post-40837441466140403152008-04-18T11:27:00.003-05:002008-04-18T11:53:47.675-05:00Knuckleballer Goes TonightI am pretty darn excited to watch the <a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/mariners/2004357485_marinotes18.html">first Mariner start</a> of newborn knuckleballer <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/d/dicker.01.shtml">R.A. Dickey.</a> If you're like me, then you may just be learning about Mr. Dickey, so I thought I'd put in a few links in one handy place.<br /><br />His <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._A._Dickey">wikipedia page</a> mentions that he had been unsuccessfully sued for stealing the pitch that he used to call "The Thang", and has now become his bread and butter pitch. More impressively, he has no ulnar collateral ligament (the ligament replaced in Tommy John surgery) in his pitching arm! <br /><br />In late February, he got some national attention with <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/27/sports/baseball/27dickey.html?ex=1361768400&en=3900d66b14c7d88f&ei=5088&">this article in the New York Times</a> which is a must-read for any Mariner fan. His story is fascinating, and if he can get batters out with his fast-knuckleball, we may have a third must-watch pitcher in the rotation and a tougher decision on what to do when Erik Bedard returns.<br /><br />Most of the blogosphere seems excited about the arrival of a knuckleballer. USSM sees it <a href="http://ussmariner.com/2007/12/06/ms-select-knuckler-in-rule-5-draft/">as a low-risk, high-reward move</a>. Dr. Detecto does its usual good job with his <a href="http://detectovision.com/?p=1250">Player of the Day writeup (POTD)</a>. <br /><br />I'm a longtime fan of the <a href="http://thegraze.org/2008/03/06/the-knuckleballgreatest-pitch-ever/">knuckleball</a>, and I can't wait for tonight and can only hope that its the start of a long love affair between Seattle and Mr. Dickey.Mariner Optimisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01658448172596570431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287840.post-69050824289398972902008-04-09T21:31:00.002-05:002008-04-09T21:39:39.618-05:00Will 2008 Be the Year of the Optimist?2-5 start says... no.<br /><br />But a weakened Angels team and the 1-2 punch of Bedard and Felix means this team could eke out a playoff berth, and from there be a nightmare to face. If the Marlins can win two World Series, then I say, why not us?<br /><br />Bats will emerge this year - its just a question of who? Jose Lopez is the early candidate, but don't count out Richie Sexson having a return to relevence. Or a surprise candidate like Jeff Clement or the Wladinator. <br /><br />And if we are hanging out near the playoffs come July, we have plenty of talent available to trade, and you know who will be dangled by the Reds? Well, besides Adam Dunn? Ken Griffey returns to the Mariners for their first World Series title.<br /><br />Its gonna be one heckuva ride.Mariner Optimisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01658448172596570431noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287840.post-50712480729307719622008-03-13T10:33:00.002-05:002008-03-13T10:37:47.486-05:00March OnSaw my first Spring Training game as we stopped in Tucson to watch Mike Morse and the M's light up Brandon Webb in Tucson. Highlight for me had to be seeing Bryan Price greet Norm Charlton with a rub of Norm's expanding waistline and a comment that coaching is obviously treating Norm well.<br /><br />Tucson Electric is a neat little ballpark in a neat town. I highly recommend the Sonora Desert Museum if you are ever in town, and that is where we skipped out to later in the day.Mariner Optimisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01658448172596570431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287840.post-36241146969928677052008-02-06T16:34:00.000-06:002008-02-06T16:36:47.406-06:00Bring on BedardThe suspense is killing me...<br /><br /><br />Though I am amused that USS Mariner is finally recognized as the site of Mariner Pessimism. <br /><br /><br />Even if they have been right to be pessimistic.<br /><br /><br />Man, I am pumped for the 1-2 punch of Bedard-Felix!<br /><br /><br />Almost enough to make me forget about the Seahawks playoff collapse.<br /><br /><br />AlmostMariner Optimisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01658448172596570431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287840.post-60699278097394308562007-12-09T10:56:00.000-06:002007-12-09T11:05:40.384-06:00Felix analysis at The Hardball TimesA nice little bit of analysis on the 2007 season of El Cartelua can be found at <a href="http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/fantasy/article/player-highlight-felix-hernandez/">The Hardball Times</a>.<br /><br />It has some interesting breakdowns of the King's year by pitch selection and comes up with a nice conclusion or two including:<br /><br />- Felix relies on his sinker in two strike counts too often.<br />- Felix has a ridiculously high HR/FB ratio that should "regress to the mean"<br />- Felix suffers from a ridiculously high BABIP (.338) - see "mean, regression to"<br />- Felix got great run support last year<br /><br />So, bad pitch selection combined with some bad luck led to a high ERA (3.92) but with good run support this was still good for 14 wins.Mariner Optimisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01658448172596570431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287840.post-47011954256074400732007-08-20T10:03:00.001-05:002007-08-20T10:05:50.592-05:00Playoff Push Begins TONIGHTSo, the M's embark today on a 7 game road trip that may represent the easiest 7 games they'll have the rest of the season. We play the next 20 days without a rest, and the schedule as mentioned before, is brutal:<br /><br /><b>8/20-8/22 at Minnesota</b>, who has owned us.<br /><b>8/23-8/26 in Texas</b> for 4 games in 100+ degree heat ending with a Sunday NIGHT game before flying back to Seattle to play the Angels in a critical 3 game series. And, oh yeah, our last 4 game series in Arlington involved us going 0-4.<br /><b>8/27-8/29 vs Anaheim</b> with Wednesday game an afternoon affair so they can fly to Cleveland for one game makeup. Don't think the Angels won't be rubbing their off day in the M's faces all during this one, making the 8/29 game a true must win for the psyche of the Mariners.<br /><b>8/30 in Cleveland</b> so much for an off day. Instead a late flight to Cleveland, battle the Indians, and back to the airport to head to Toronto.<br /><b>8/31 - 9/2 in Toronto</b> A breather? Lets just say I'm hoping its more holiday and no Halladay.<br /><b>9/3 - 9/5 in New York</b> with the first game being a 1pm start on Labor Day<br /><br /><br />The Yankees meanwhile have a tough stretch of 16 games ahead of them with 3 at L.A, 4 at Detroit, 3 with Boston, 3 with, ahem, Tampa Bay and then 3 with us.<br /><br />And we better put some distance between us and the Yankees somehow over that stretch, cuz after that it is smooth sailing for the Yanks with only 3 of their last 22 games against teams in the playoff chase while we play 11 of 22 against playoff contenders (with only 2 off days and 1 doubleheader against Cleveland).<br /><br />So even without the travel, here's the number of games each playoff contender has remaining against another playoff contender.<br /><br />Seattle: 18 of 41<br />Yankees: 16 of 38<br />Indians: 15 of 39<br />Angels: 14 of 39<br />Tigers: 13 of 38<br />Red Sox: 6 (Yankees only) of 38<br /><br />A week from today, here's what the same list will look like:<br /><br />Seattle: 18 of 34<br />Yankees: 16 of 31<br />Indians: 12 of 33<br />Angels: 11 of 32<br />Tigers: 6 of 31<br />Red Sox: 6 (Yankees only) of 31<br /><br />So this is a HUGE week for the Mariners as we need to gain on the Yankees and Angels before our schedule truly ramps up to brutal. We need to put a hurting on the Twins starting tonight.Mariner Optimisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01658448172596570431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287840.post-46176726094287177952007-08-19T10:32:00.001-05:002007-08-19T10:44:47.490-05:00On Felix, Batista, and... Santana?<a href="http://www.komoradio.com/marinersradio/shannon/9192242.html">Great article from Shannon Draye</a>r on how Miguel Batista is helping out Felix Hernandez.<br /><br />The article ends with this quote from Batista:<br /><blockquote>“This is how a veteran player can make an easier life for a young player. I wish I had that person when I was younger. I wish I would have had that opportunity with people taking the time, but I ended up doing it on my own, because I was very curious. I asked the biggest superstars in the game, picked their brains about what was pitching. I knew it wasn’t hard work because nobody worked harder when I was little. I would work 12 months a year. Work here then play winter ball. The training was exhausting. Then a veteran finally told me it is not how much you work, you can do too much.<br /><br />With him it will be interesting to see how much he can learn. I believe what we all want him to do is make him understand some things about pitching so when he gets to be twenty five he can be a phenom not because of his ability but because of how he uses it.”</blockquote>And today, Larry Stone chimes in with the ultimate <a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/larrystone/2003843043_stone19.html">dream: Johan Santana joining the M's.</a> Johan Santana is entering his final year with the Twins and has already voiced his displeasure that he hasn't been traded yet. He proposes the M's go after Santana with everything they've got (short of Felix) to create the greatest 1-2 tandem in the game.<br /><br />Adam Jones + Jeff Clement + Brandon Morrow + Ryan Feierabend for a 1-year rental on Santana.<br /><br />I do it in a heartbeat. Given the M's lineup is primarily built for today, and that we have blocked the two hitters here with Ichiro and Johjima which reduces their value to us. But with the Twins looking at Torii Hunter's impending free agency, they could use Jones in CF and also deal Hunter, and acquire enough young talent to build around for another 5 years of winning.<br /><br />The M's then feature a rotation of Santana, Felix, Batista, Washburn and Weaver or some other #5 starter, and are the favorites for the AL West, if not the World Series, from March on. The M's have the money to sign Santana long-term as well, so it may not be just a rent-a-player.<br /><br />Dare to dream...<br /><br />Dare to dream...Mariner Optimisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01658448172596570431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287840.post-64558244812184515812007-08-14T11:56:00.000-05:002007-08-14T12:10:17.004-05:00Absolutely Brutal ScheduleLets hope the Mariners win the next two games riding on the momentum of Richie's dramatic blast and then really enjoy their off day on Thursday.<br /><br />It will be their last off day for 3 weeks. And their third-to-last off day until the playoffs start.<br /><br />Yes, the Mariners play 20 games in 20 days beginning on Friday. And with lots of yummy travel in between. Just look at this schedule:<br /><br />8/17-8/19 vs Chicago<br /><br />8/20-8/22 at Minnesota<br /><br />8/23-8/26 in Texas for 4 games in 100+ degree heat ending with a Sunday NIGHT game before flying back to Seattle to play Angels in a critical 3 game series<br /><br />8/27-8/29 vs Anaheim with Wednesday game an afternoon affair so they can fly to Cleveland for one game makeup. Don't think the Angels won't be rubbing their off day in the M's faces all during this one, making the 8/29 game a true must win for the psyche of the Mariners.<br /><br />8/30 in Cleveland<br /><br />8/31 - 9/2 in Toronto<br /><br />9/3 - 9/5 in New York with the first game being a 1pm start on Labor Day<br /><br />Not only is this tough from a travel standpoint, but we have been abysmal in the state of Texas this year, and we have must-win series with the Yankees and Angels in here.<br /><br />Their next off day comes on September 6th, which the M's get to spend traveling from New York to Detroit. Yuck. At that point, they get 17 more straight days of baseball with no rest with the last 4 games being a critical series at Anaheim. I think we M's fans need to chip in and hire a whole bunch of Swedish masseusses to be waiting for our tired team in Detroit...<br /><br />The M's are going to need to get EVERYONE some rest during the next two brutal months and for that reason alone, the addition of Adam Jones at this time is going to be critical. Ben Broussard, Willie B and Jamie Burke should see lots of playing time too, and it will be interesting to see how McLaren juggles the lineup and rotation.<br /><br />Every win we can get against the likes of Johan Santana while getting a full day of rest to Adrian Beltre and Jose Lopez is critical to this team making the playoffs.Mariner Optimisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01658448172596570431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287840.post-69167416636745814992007-08-12T16:09:00.001-05:002007-08-12T16:17:16.008-05:00I'm a Weaver BelieverIf Mr. Weaver keeps pitching like this, and in general, how he has since his DL trip, then $8M might be a bargain to keep him for 2008. Perhaps we should look at extending his contract now.<br /><br />After surviving a near home run in the first, Weaver settled into a groove that earned him a 115 pitch, 83 strike shutout. Yes, introducing Jeff Weaver, the major league leader in shutouts.<br /><br />Weaver's stats since June 9 are downright sweet...<br /><br />IP: 77<br />H: 77<br />HR: 6<br />K: 43<br />BB: 17<br />ER: 27<br /><br />ERA = 3.15<br />WHIP = 1.22<br />K/9 = 5.0<br />K/BB = 2.5<br />HR/9 = 0.70<br /><br />The K/9 is mildly disappointing, and until it can get back over 6 it looks unsustainable, but its headed in the right direction. Today's 8 K outing looks like a more dominant pitcher. And if he gets the K rate up and keeps the HR rate down, this is the profile of a dominant pitcher, and someone who I look forward to seeing pitch in a Mariner uniform in October. <br /><br />In May, I never would have believed it possible, but count me in now as a Weaver Believer.Mariner Optimisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01658448172596570431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287840.post-77388369452373737322007-08-04T14:30:00.001-05:002007-08-04T14:44:02.800-05:00Welcome Back Adam Jones!A smashing 2007 debut from Adam Jones yesterday! First, a big catch in the first inning showed his no-brainer value to the club as a defender. Then, his first at bat of 2007 is a solid single. But it got better.<br /><br />In his second at bat, he fouled off pitch after pitch from Jon Lester and on the tenth pitch of the at bat, dunked a shot into left field for a hit (though against any other left fielder but Manny and probably Ibanez, it was probably an out). This at bat was seemingly the undoing of Lester as he walked Jose Lopez on four pitches (now THAT is hard to do!) and then gave up a 3-run blast to Yuniesky Betancourt to give the M's their first lead.<br /><br />But he wasn't done yet. His speed on the basepath completely got under the Sox skin in the pivotal sixth inning. Leading off in a 4-4 game, Jones hit a slow roller to short, but his speed forced the shortstop to throw quickly and offline. Jones had to avoid a tag, ran past first base but managed to reach down and graze first with his fingertips. At this point, he had former Mariner Mike Timlin's full attention, who sent several throws over to first before unleashing a wild throw that allowed Jones to go to second. Timlin then fielded a weak Jose Lopez bunt (dude needs some serious work on his bunting), and attempted to throw out Jones at third, but Jones beat the tag.<br /><br />A groundout later, Jones was crossing home plate, giving the Mariners the lead for good and the M's their NINTH STRAIGHT win over the Red Sox at Safeco. If the M's manage to make it eleven, this could be the biggest story backdrop of the playoffs. After the game, Jose Guillen, who had criticized the callup of Jones on Thursday made sure to be one of the first to run over to Jones and congratulate him on the job well done. <br /><br />And while the M's management continues to say that Jones will not be a regular, this is a flawed team with enough holes that Adam could easily take the Mark McLemore route to near-full-time play in August, and be a "regular" in September. We now have a legitimate center fielder to give Ichiro some well deserved rest, and he'll also be used to spell Ibanez, Guillen, Vidro and Lopez (with Vidro or Bloomquist playing 2B). And when he doesn't start, Jones gives the team a big bat off the bench that can stay in the field, so look for more pinch-hitting in the 5th, 6th and 7th innings.<br /><br />The Mariners still have holes and flaws, but yesterday, they got significantly better by adding one Adam Jones.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Followup</span><br />Baseball HQ followed up with yesterday's post with more details on Adam Jones:<br /><br /><blockquote><span style="font-weight:bold;">Mariners call up top prospect Jones...</span>In a long-awaited move, Seattle called up 22 year-old Adam Jones (OF, SEA) in time for Friday night's game against the Red Sox. Back in the spring, Baseball HQ Minor League Analyst Deric McKamey listed Jones as the top prospect in the Seattle organization, and ranked him as the 51st best prospect in all of baseball. Jones made his major-league debut in 2006, but he struggled badly, batting just .216 with a 70% contact rate and .242 xBA in 74 AB. Can we expect a better performance this time around?<br /><br />Year AB BA HR SB bb% ct% h% Eye PX SX SBO<br />===== === ==== == == === === == ==== === === ===<br />2005# 228 .286 6 8 9 81 33 0.51 89 107 18%<br />2006* 454 .273 16 15 6 81 31 0.34 102 111 19%<br />2007+ 420 .314 25 8 8 75 37 0.34 N/A N/A 14%<br /><br />#MLEs<br />*Includes MLEs<br />+Non-MLE Triple-A stats<br /><br />The most interesting aspect of Jones's game right now is his surging power trend. We don't have an MLE PX mark for 2007, but using Linear Weighted Power, the basis for PX, he has a score of 53, which is very good. As the Baseball HQ glossary puts it, "Baseball's top sluggers usually top the 50 mark." However, the power increase has come at the expense of his contact rate. Trading contact for power isn't uncommon among young, developing hitters, but the drop in contact combined with his high hit rate calls into question the legitimacy of his .314 batting average. Jones's running game has also suffered this season -- not only has he been running less often, but his success rate has fallen from 76% to 53%. Overall, he looks like a typical young player, going through some bumps as he refines his strengths and weaknesses as a hitter.<br /><br />The Mariners aren't declaring what Jones's role will be just yet (manager John McLaren said Jones is "not going to be an everyday player"), though it's a reasonable assumption to think that they didn't call him up just to have him sit on the bench. As Market Watch analyst Jock Thompson pointed out on Friday, Raul Ibanez (OF, SEA) could be the biggest playing time victim, due to his rapidly declining skills. Jones is a tempting target for the final two months, but he may still go through some growing pains, especially with the shifts we've seen in his skills this season. Long-term, his outlook remains strong, but don't overpay for the remainder of 2007.</blockquote>Mariner Optimisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01658448172596570431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287840.post-65263223656265828602007-08-03T09:07:00.000-05:002007-08-03T09:19:43.010-05:00Fanalytics Take on the Adam Jones CallupFrom Ron Shandler at the excellent <a href="http://www.baseballhq.com/members/news/marketwatch/alfri.shtml">Baseball HQ</a>, comes one unbiased "fanalytical" opinion on what the callup of Adam Jones means.<br /><br /><blockquote>Jones call-up threatens Ibanez’ playing time...When rumors first circulated regarding SEA uber-prospect Adam Jones’s (OF, SEA) MLB call-up shortly after the All-Star break, the conventional thinking was that the move would take playing time away from punchless Jose Vidro (DH, SEA). But while Vidro no longer hits for power, his .306 BA, .371 OBP and 91% ct% serves the #2 slot in the Mariner lineup well. Which is more than can be said for Raul Ibanez (OF, SEA) in the middle of the lineup these days.<br /><br />Year AB BA xBA bb% ct% Eye PX HR OPS<br />==== === === === === === ==== === == ===<br />2005 614 .280 .284 10% 84% 0.57 98 20 791<br />2006 626 .289 .286 9% 82% 0.73 132 32 872<br />2007 364 .254 .255 8% 84% 0.51 94 6 701<br />Last 31 99 .192 .212 7% 77% 0.35 78 0 525<br /><br />It’s clear now from the numbers two-thirds of the way through 2007 that Ibanez’ 2006 was a serious aberration, and that unless he's hiding an injury, he no even longer measures up to his 2005 performance. Both his Eye and power have declined, and his xBA along with a 29% h% suggests that his 2007 hasn’t been a product of bad luck. Thanks to Vidro’s lack of pop, and Richie Sexson’s (1B, SEA) sub-Mendoza-line performance, Ibanez may not take a permanent seat on the bench. But judging from the past month, he’s likely going to be there more often, and there’s nothing in his performance to-date that suggests that anyone should be too optimistic for a turnaround.</blockquote><br /><br />BaseballHQ analysis also thinks that Richie Sexson has been fairly unlucky on his hit rate, and while the power indicators have dropped a little, his BA should rebound.<br /><br />And their last update on Jose Vidro...<br /><blockquote>7/15/2007 - Despite reports that he may soon be replaced, Vidro continues in lineup...Jose Vidro(DH, SEA) continues to play regularly despite a widely circulated report published in a Seattle newspaper during the All-Star break that he would soon be out of a starting role. Our concern here is the extent of Vidro's value, and whether his performance is likely to allow him to maintain his current role. To that end, Vidro's stats entering Saturday's play are displayed below:<br /><br />Statistics: AB R H HR RBI BA OBA SLG OPS <br /> === == == == === === === === ===<br /> 305 44 89 3 26 292 357 354 711 <br /><br />Clearly, Vidro's surface numbers are not impressive, especially for a DH, a position occupied on most AL teams by a power bat. Vidro appears a bit of an anomaly for the position, with his meager three HR in 305 AB's. The Slugging Percentage is particularly low also. Let's examine the BPI's to enlighten the discussion:<br /><br />BPIs: bb% ct% h% Eye PX SX xBA GB/LD/FB<br /> === === == ==== == == === ========<br />2005: 9% 90% 29% 1.03 92 47 315 44/25/31<br />2006: 8% 90% 31% 0.85 65 45 282 46/22/32<br />2007: 9% 91% 31% 1.19 40 33 226 53/17/30<br /><br />While Vidro continues to maintain excellent strike-zone knowledge, and the ability to make contact, the type of contact he's making has changed. Vidro's power (PX), expected Batting Average (XBA), and Line-Drive percentage have eroded for two consecutive seasons from their 2005 levels. Each of the three indicators declined in 2006, then has declined even more precipitously this season. The XBA of .226 indicates that despite the relatively normal 31% hit rate, Vidro's .292 BA may be somewhat of a mirage. The low Line-Drive percentage, and virtually complete absence of power (PX=40) indicate that Vidro may have a difficult time maintaining the current BA level. Vidro is unlikely to provide much, if any, value moving forward despite his playing status. </blockquote><br /><br />So, a numeric analysis indicates that Raul Ibanez is likely to be the short-term loser of playing time with Richie Sexson losing PT at 1B. But that at some point soon, Vidro will slump, and one of those two will likely grab that playing time from our punchless DH.Mariner Optimisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01658448172596570431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287840.post-20593763948782964712007-08-02T23:24:00.000-05:002007-08-02T23:27:42.503-05:00Of Doyle and Conspiracy TheoriesI posted this in comments on <a href="http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/mariners/">Geoff Baker's blog</a>, where we digressed into Chris Snelling/Doyle talk, somehow, and looking at it, its somewhat amusing.<br /><br />I guess I accidentally started it when I wrote the FACT we got Jose Vidro "For $15M for two years. And for Chris Snelling". In hindsight, I shouldn't have mentioned it. <br /><br />To which, Go Cougs responeded with the inflammatory post "Why the hand-wringing over Chris Snelling? Do you really think he's ever going to amount to anything? The guy can't stay healthy and can once again be found in his customary position on the 60 day DL. I wouldn't have grabbed a declining Vidro because of his salary but I don't think Bavasi gave up too much to get him." Sums up the Snelling was overrated camp nicely, doncha think, but nicely includes the personal attack on Doyle bound to raise the ire of Doylites.<br /><br />thewyrm takes the bait and follows the USSM-inspired Cult of Doyle line, perfectly stating the case that Snelling is everything Vidro is, except younger, cheaper, and with upside. But missing the "MLB Veteran" shiny seal of approval. Eloquent and succinct.<br /><br />And finally, Mr. X chimes in with the brilliant, "you can't spell Doyle without DL." <br /><br />Amazing how the mere mention of Chris Snelling's name brings out this little microcosm of pro/con Doyle angst, and yet so eloquently summarized by four posts.<br /><br />I'm wondering if anytime Snelling's name is mentioned if a similar capsulized debate breaks out. Kinda interesting, really. We M's fans are so well read that we know the opinions by heart and can pull them out at will. They may have originated as our own opinion, but through practice and repetition they do begin to sound alike.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">A Conspiracy of Joses</span><br /><br />The interesting thing to me, is, why did Bavasi make the Vidro for Snelling/Fruto trade in the first place. Bavasi knew how beloved Doyle was to the Mariner "blogosphere," and how they would hate this trade. He's taken the time to speak at USSM sponsored events and he knows the high regard they have for Doyle. But the hard-core fan who reads blogs is most likely not going to give up on the team at this point, even if they trade Snelling. <br /><br />But, 11 days before trading for Jose Vidro, Bavasi signed one Jose Guillen, who now has gone out of his way to indicate his displeasure at the callup of Adam Jones. One Adam Jones whose presence directly threatens the playing time, not of Jose Guillen, but of Jose Vidro. Jose Guillen has been Jose Vidro's teammate for the past two (relatively calm for Guillen) years in Washington. <br /><br />Coincidence? I think Guillen has got Vidro's back and somehow, for whatever reason, Bavasi wanted Guillen bad enough to take both Jose's in a package deal. <br /><br />And knowing he was going to take the RF/DH package of Joses, Bavasi did the right thing for Chris Snelling. He gave him a chance at major league playing time by trading him to the Nationals. I don't think the Nationals even wanted him. Based on the amount the Nats played him (sparingly), and how quickly they shipped him off to Oakland, I truly believe the inclusion of Snelling in the deal was Bavasi's goal, and not the Nationals.<br /><br />The next question would be, why would Bavasi want Guillen and Vidro over someone like Snelling and some other hitter. Guillen was the best bat available for a 1-year contract, and probably the best bat besides Soriano and Lee megacontracts on the market. Interestingly, he also has a history of fighting with his manager.<br /><br />Somehow, the conspiracy theorist in me can't quite find the picture, but the pieces are there. Hargrove won't play Snelling. Ichiro suffered next to two rookie cneterfielders in another losing season. Ichiro threatens free agency. Guillen and Vidro are connected somehow and Bavasi gives up Snelling to acquire both Joses. Neither Jose sees the bench in first half when Vidro definitely deserved it. Hargrove resigns out of the blue. Within days, a happy Ichiro signs contract extension. Bavasi Mission Accomplished? Were these his goals for the first half of the season - lose Hargrove by giving the clubhouse over to the Joses, and thus keep Ichiro? Hmmm... And now, there purpose served, its time to make the playoffs. So lets get Adam Jones, and even trade for Jose Vidro's eventual replacement in Mark Loretta. Is Jason Ellison connected also? He's all-field, no stick, but supposedly another "good clubhouse guy" who has now served his purpose.<br /><br />There is a pattern here, but I can't quite figure it out. But I prefer to think of my GM as an evil mastermind than a bumbling idiot so I'll continue to ponder...Mariner Optimisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01658448172596570431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287840.post-68849688190414464882007-08-02T17:12:00.001-05:002007-08-02T17:15:28.228-05:00Applauding the Front OfficeReading comments at several forums, I see the Mariners front office being attacked for a lack of vision, saying they have no strategy. I think it is silly to say that the Mariners front office did not/does not have a strategy. We can certainly debate its merits, but the strategy is apparent.<br /><br />Use big pockets to chase talent, but do not overspend on anyone. Buy quantity of pitchers, preferably groundball-throwing pitchers, and hope the quality shows itself over time. Use scouting reports from 2003 (tongue-in-cheek). Ride the veteran-laden offense and youth up the middle.<br /><br />And to a large extent, the strategy HAS worked beautifully. Not too many pundits picked the M's to be in a pennant race in 2007.<br /><br />Batista has been solid, post-DL Weaver has been solid, and HoRam has stunk. The relievers we sent in trade have been adequately replaced (despite whatever Sky is Falling cries you heard at the deadline) from within as we continue to grow relievers like wheat in Tacoma (next up... Mickolio). Plan B for this was to use Baek (to mixed results) and Feirabend. Maybe we'll see Jorge Campillo soon. Attack with quantity and hope to find quality.<br /><br />Unfortunately, several key veterans (Sexson, Ibanez, Vidro) have regressed offensively and defensively. <br /><br />But there has been a Plan B for that as well, as we are seeing with Ben Broussard and soon with Adam Jones. Perhaps we'll even see Wlad if Sexson/Ibanez/Vidro continue to struggle.<br /><br />There are a couple of areas where there is no Plan B (or at least no Plan B other than WIllie B who is a great 25th man/pinch runner, but should not be getting 200 ABs for a contender). Middle infield not hitting seems to be one, and Bavasi is at least thinking about that as evidenced by his trade deadline pursuit of Mark Loretta. And of course, this plan goes up in flames if something should happen to King Felix.<br /><br />We can quibble about how much rope the M's give the veterans, the lack of outs that we let George Sherrill throw, the in-game management.<br /><br />But I don't think you can say that there hasn't been a plan, and one that is fairly well executed. Use our pocketbooks to pursue bats, grow relievers in the farm, and exploit Safeco's cavernous outfield by going quantity over quality (many at $8M instead of 1 at $16M) in the rotation. Dig for pitching, but don't give up the future for a 3-month rental.<br /><br />The M's are just entering the realm of competitiveness again. And while we need starting pitching, the other positions where we are weak are the easiest to fill (DH, 1B, LF) in the future. Our core up the middle is solid and signed for years, with a true ace and a lights-out bullpen. Jones could be another piece of the championship puzzle.<br /><br />All in all, we've taken a significant step forward this year. If you are reading this, that is proof enough, as you are obviously hungry to read anything about the Mariners. The Mariners are relevent again. Enjoy!Mariner Optimisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01658448172596570431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287840.post-11172053766513180492007-08-02T01:31:00.001-05:002007-08-02T01:33:10.400-05:00Adam Jones To The Rescue!McLaren in postgame has indicated that Adam Jones will be in a Mariner uniform on Friday. Jason Ellison will be DFA'd.<br /><br />No word yet on his role. <br /><br />His role better be starting in the outfield.Mariner Optimisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01658448172596570431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287840.post-41572004446168920102007-08-01T21:32:00.000-05:002007-08-01T22:15:26.055-05:00Trade Deadline Comes and GoesWell, the blogosphere has covered this pretty well, with USSM and LL both ecstatic that Bavasi at least did nothing to hurt the team, while Dr. Detecto laments that no moves were made during a playoff push.<br /><br />I tend to side with the "glad nothin happened" group, as the cost of pitching seemed way to extreme when contrasted with our needs. To give up a top prospect for 20 innings of Al Reyes seems the equivalent as the offseason gaffe of giving up Rafael Soriano for HoRam.<br /><br />And its not like out relief pitching has been the problem this year. Heck, as inconsistent as the starting pitching has been, they have been solid for the past two months, with mostly postitive outings.<br /><br />I would contend that the M's are going to live or die, make the playoffs or not, based on the strength of their bats in August and September. Right now, it is apparent that this improvement will have to come from within. And the M's brass seems to agree as the apparent platoon of Ben Broussard with Richie Sexson begins tonight, and Bavasi mentioned yesterday that Adam Jones is "in play". And this is right in line with the drums the blogosphere have been beating for months. Jones for Ibanez in left, make platoon mates of Broussard and Sexson, Ibanez and Guillen, and give Vidro less playing time.<br /><br />But what was MOST interesting for the trade deadline is that our last minute efforts were spent trying to add a middle infielder, in the form of Mark Loretta. This shows the glaring offensive hole that has been our young middle infield, and that Bavasi wants to provide at least a non-Bloomquist option for the middle infield as well. The indications seem to be that the Astros pulled Loretta back at the last minute, probably because they realized how low the market on hitters had fallen. <br /><br />Too me, this attempt to get Loretta hints that the callup of Adam Jones may NOT be imminent. If the team acquired Loretta, then who gets released? Jason Ellison seems to be the logical choice. But then who gets released for Jones? Unless the M's are ready to give up on Vidro or go to a 6-man bench. <br /><br />I'd like to think that the plan would have been to still call up Jones (tomorrow?) and go to a longer bench, while exposing Vidro (or Sexson) to waivers to see if they can shed one of those contracts in an August deal. But I'm guessing this would have even further delayed the arrival of Jones.<br /><br />Or would it have meant a demotion for Yuni or Jose?<br /><br />If done properly, I think it would have been a good move for this team. We have little depth in middle infield as Vidro shouldn't be playing 2B anymore, and I'd much rather Willie B stick to pinch-running. Yuni and Jose could use something to push them, and better depth behind them in case of injury or slump.<br /><br />And Loretta could easily be available in August, so this move may only be delayed for now. Hopefully Lopez and Betancourt use this to motivate themselves to a stronger stretch run. We could use more run-scoring from the bottom of the lineup!Mariner Optimisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01658448172596570431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287840.post-54879810846948325802007-07-25T11:16:00.000-05:002007-07-25T12:06:05.349-05:00From Arlington to GriffeyIt was a beautiful day for baseball - much cooler and more pleasant than usual Texas July. I had learned from past hellish experiences behind M's dugout and bought tickets just behind the Rangers dugout where you sit in the shade all day. These season tickets came with entry into the "Cuervo Club" where you can get a bottle of Sam Adams for $4.50 (as opposed to $6 for Miller Lite in the ballpark) and really mediocre food in air conditioned room behind home plate. For an extra $100 you can rent a leather recliner (with A/C coming out of the seat) for the night. On some days in Texas, that would be a bargain, but not on this beautiful evening.<br /><br />So, after a 3+ hour drive from Austin, with my beautiful wife by my side, I was ready to watch the M's win two over the hapless Rangers. I was hoping to see a Beltre home run, and Ichiro stolen base, a Feierabend pickoff move, and two Putz saves. <br /><br />Only the pickoff move happened, and I was in the restroom when it did. The Mariners went out and did absolutely nothing. No life. No energy. No smiles. They looked like the Mariners of 2005 out there, playing out the string. Not a team with playoff aspirations.<br /><br />And the Rangers are so bad, that they still coulda pulled out one or both games without deserving either. Heck I almost laughed myself silly when a phantom foul-tip allowed Raul a second chance and he used it to give the M's a 2-run lead in the nightcap. But the M's immediately came out and stomped out the good times by walking the leadoff hitter in the bottom of the inning and giving the two gift runs right back.<br /><br />The expletives I vented on the late night drive home are not fit for this blog. And now during the morning after, the anger with the M's performance has mostly faded and the embarassment of rooting for the M's has almost gone.<br /><br />Y'all could turn off the TV. Heck, the blogosphere seems as numb about this sweep as the M's did. I had to sit in a stadium with 20,000 of the most ignorant fans in history, looking at the "storied" franchise that is the Texas Rangers. 3 AL West titles to show for 47 years of ineptitude. Johnny Oates is one of three retired Rangers numbers. Rusty Greer has a banner! Jim Sundberg is in Rangers Hall of Fame. My previous foray to Ameriquest Field Rangers Ballpark in Arlington next to Six Flags halfway between Dallas and Fort Worth on Tom Landry Drive was for the fabled Jim Sundberg bobblehead night. You don't know joy until you see the look in your kids eyes when you hand him a Jim Sundberg bobblehead. <br /><br />This doubleheader should've been a gift two wins. Rheinacker and Loe? Thank you. We should have won by a combined 23-7. But when two first inning rallies led to a total of one unearned run, the team packed it up.<br /><br />The baserunning blunders were symptomatic.<br /><br />In game two, in the fifth inning we get runners on first and second with no one out. And Yuni gets picked off second by the catcher??!!?! Laying the blame on Yuni for the pickoff is not really fair. Willie Ballgame already failed to lay down a bunt on strike one and was up there bunting again. The pitcher throws one down the heart of the plate, so Yuni assumed it would be bunted. Willie B takes strike 2 and Yuni is left hanging out to dry.<br /><br />You know the team is not trying its hardest when Willie Bloomquist starts both games in a double header. This left the team without the thing it needed most in game two. A decent pinch runner. The M's sent out Yuni, Ellison and Willie Bloomquist as the bottom of the lineup. They got three straight hits to lead off an inning from this trio and managed a single run thanks to a seemingly rejuvenated Jose Vidro.<br /><br />Jason Ellison particularly bothered me in this game and the 9th inning debacle in game 2 was icing on the cake. After the Yuni pickoff, Ellison gets a single. Ichiro than comes through with a clutch strikeout. Two outs, tie game, 3-2 count and Ellison on first. Instead of running hard on the pitch, he barely jogs three steps watching the hitter all the way. An inning later, Michael Young in a similar situation is running full speed on a couple of consecutive 3-2 pitches, showing Ellison how baseball is supposed to be played.<br /><br />At that point, Ellison became persona non-grata to me, and should be the man released when Adam Jones is called up (TODAY PLEASE?!??!). He is a lousy pinch-runner when we don't have Bloomquist as evidenced by the nightcap blunder. And if he can't at least hustle nonstop when given an opportunity, then I have no use for him.<br /><br />Ichiro epitomized the M's flailings all night long. With several opportunities to be clutch - runners in scoring position and less than two outs, Ichiro whiffed. No putting the ball in play to score the run. No sacrifice fly. No suicide squeeze even. Just whiffed against the likes of John Rheinecker and Cameron Loe. Yuck.<br /><br />So, just gut reactions to the game, but i do the following.<br /><br />- Release Jason Ellison, call up Adam Jones and give him the right field job.<br />- Platoon Jose Guillen and Raul Ibanez in LF<br />- Platoon Jose Vidro and Ben Broussard at DH<br />- Quit worrying about Richie Sexson - he will be fine. Dude is stroking the ball. I might move him down to 6th/7th for awhile because the platoons above should be productive.<br />- Never start Willie B again so that he will always be around as a pinch runner. This is a job he excells at and his flexibility allows us to liberally PH whatever platoon mates are not in starting lineup.<br />- Find another middle infielder and alternate him with Lopez and Yuni in hopes of lighting some kind of fire under their buts.<br />- Waive Chris Reitsma to find said middle infielder. His existence is only confusing the coaching staff and making them think he should be used.<br />- Make Ryan Feirabend your LOOGY. He has the added bonus of being able to pick off any base runner.<br />- Stretch Brandon Morrow out further, and give him the #5 job, moving HoRam to long relief. Morrow pitched three strong innings after a shaky start, and looks like he could help us as a starter.<br /><br />And most importantly, if at all possible, acquire Ken Griffey Jr. This team needs an energy infusion in the worst way, and he would do it. If it means no room left for Broussard and Ibanez, and that Guillen becomes DH, so be it. Ichiro is too low key, Beltre too spastic, and Richie slumping too hard to be the emotional leader on the field. We need a sparkplug in the lineup every day, and Ken Griffey would bring a constant energy and enthusiasm. <br /><br />And just imagine the crowds at Safeco.<br /><br />Okay, that cheered me up for now. But if not Griffey, than bring in something to stir this pot of talent. The team needs fire to cook up this collection of fine ingredients into something tasty.Mariner Optimisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01658448172596570431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287840.post-86533978949530842992007-07-24T10:21:00.000-05:002007-07-24T10:29:23.933-05:00Lets Play Two!Yes the M's are slumping and have now lost three straight games, each of which threatens to be more disappointing to the last.<br /><br />But the Angels are on the skids too, so we remain just two games back in the AL West.<br /><br />And best of all, I've got tickets to see the M's play a real life genuine not day-night doubleheader! From the 3rd row behind the Rangers dugout no less!<br /><br />So I'm leaving work early and road tripping to Arlington for the 4pm start time which I would never dream of doing in any other Texas July, but this year, the high should only be 92-94, instead of 107.<br /><br />The Ballpark in Arlington, or whatever its called now, has a lot more character than the old Arlington Stadium, but its still unbearably hot in the summer. For that reason, kudos to the Rangers for not attempting to torture its fans with a 1pm start time and making this into a day-night affair. Instead of a day game with 10,000 fans, the Rangers may have their last chance of 2007 to sell out their stadium to a non-Yankees/Red Sox crowd by providing actual value.<br /><br />And while you are sitting in the beautiful Seattle summer, think of us Mariner fans who will be sweating hard within Ranger Nation, cheering on your Mariners to a sweep!Mariner Optimisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01658448172596570431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287840.post-42491266440738623642007-07-02T15:34:00.000-05:002007-07-02T15:41:29.537-05:00A Nice Welcome HomeI come home from a three-day weekend visiting Boston for the first time (but skipping the $250 scalped Fenway tickets unfortunately) and at 3 in the morning turn on my XM radio and hear the fantastic news.<br /><br />The Mariners won their eighth straight AND Mike Hargrove has quit.<br /><br />My wife can attest to the happy dance I did in the empty airport parking lot that woke her back up.<br /><br />Mike Hargrove did a few good things, and I wish him well in retirement.<br /><br />But I'm really looking forward to a Groverless future for the Mariners. I look for the team to continue its winning ways, and maybe we'll see a little more bench usage and an opening for Adam Jones and maybe Jose Vidro will find his way to the bench where he belongs.<br /><br />Maybe not, but for today at least, there is fresh hope that the M's will be managed with less bunting more use of our depth and rest for our regulars. The M's have won eight straight and are playing fantastic baseball, and have room still to get even better. Baseball is fun to watch and follow. Any games the M's are close in you feel they can win.<br /><br />Life is good. Enjoy!Mariner Optimisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01658448172596570431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287840.post-71084161444738050322007-06-27T12:43:00.000-05:002007-06-27T16:05:50.474-05:00Dream JobWent to find more information about MLB Advanced Media’s Pitch F/X system that Dave at USS Mariner has been posting data from, and the second link was to Monster.com, who is partnering with Major League Baseball to find people to attend games and provide these statistics. If that's not a Dream Job, I don't know what is. Since I don't live anywhere near a baseball park, it will not be my Dream Job, but maybe it can be yours.<br /><br />This <a href="http://jobsearch.mlb.careers.monster.com/jobsearch.asp?col=dlt&sort=rv&vw=b&lid=28760&q=">Monster Link</a> will send you to three possible careers:<br /><br />Stats Stringer - Score MLB games from the press box.<br />Sports Reporter - Cover live MLB games across the country, as well as MLB news of the day off the field.<br />Pitch f/x Operator - Track every pitch for television, Internet and stadium video production.<br /><br />Yes, you could become the MLB statistics keeper for the Seattle Mariners. I clicked on "Stats Stringer", which was posted June 1, and the listing shows:<br /><br /><blockquote>Stats Stringer:<br />MLB.com, the Official Site of Major League Baseball, is seeking stats stringers for the 2007 season. Stats stringers are responsible for digitally scoring games from one of the 30 MLB ballparks, which provides the live data used on MLB.com in our award winning applications, including MLB.com Gameday. This is a perfect part-time job for a diligent, responsible employee who happens to be a big baseball fan.<br /><br />Responsibilities include:<br />- Arrive at the ballpark no later than one hour prior to the scheduled start time;<br />- Double-check and verify all pre-game information: rosters, umpires, weather conditions, etc.;<br />- During the game, enter the results of every pitch and game event (plays, substitutions, etc.) using our proprietary software and coding language;<br />- Work closely with our game-night support staff (via instant messenger) to ensure proper scoring of all game events and accuracy of data;<br />- After the game, enter all post-game information: winning and losing pitcher, saves, holds, time and attendance<br />- Validate all stats in software box score against the official box score provided by the Official Scorer, and print out a final box score and game text for the club PR staff<br /><br />Qualifications include:<br />- Exceptional (and demonstrable) knowledge of baseball and how to score a baseball game;<br />- Strong computer proficiency (Windows OS and Windows-based software) and the ability to quickly learn and operate new software;<br />- Regular availability to attend games in-person nights and weekends;<br />- A "team player" with a great attitude, including but not limited to a willingness to make and learn from mistakes and the ability to work closely and cooperatively (and take direction from) our game-night staff;<br />- Professionalism. It's a fun job and we pay people to watch baseball, but it's also an important job and we want people who will take the responsibility seriously.<br /><br />Note: Stats stringer job openings are subject to business requirements, and, as such, MLB.com positions may not be available with respect to all MLB teams. Only applicants that apply online will be considered. No phone calls please.</blockquote><br /><br />Man, I want this job. Good luck!Mariner Optimisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01658448172596570431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287840.post-26448361817741035402007-06-20T23:20:00.000-05:002007-06-20T23:21:41.478-05:00Jeff Weaver!!!!In an attempt to turn the fortunes of Jeff Weaver around, I picked up the free agent and gave him the start tonight for my fledgling franchise in the <a href="http://games.espn.go.com/flb/leagueoffice?leagueId=73730">D-O-V Smackdown Fantasy baseball league</a><br /><br />Suffice to say that Weaver's performance has exceeded my wildest dreams! This is what facing the Pirates (and Astros and Cubs for that matter) is supposed to do for your pitcher and your team!<br /><br />He retired 16 in a row from the 3rd inning pickoff until a 2-out double in the eighth. A four pitch walk and a 1-out double (did you see Ibanez hustle to maintain the shutout?) looked to be the end, but Weaver induced popup after popup and got Jason Bay to flare out to Betancourt to get a COMPLETE GAME SHUTOUT!!!<br /><br />Standing ovation to you, Jeff Weaver!!! Who woulda thunkit?!?!!Mariner Optimisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01658448172596570431noreply@blogger.com0