Last Call: USSMariner Feed
Two days left until the big event at Safeco Field, and we still have some spots available. If you’re interested in attending, the information is below. The only difference for late registrars is that we cannot guarantee you that we’ll have snacks for you, since I already placed the food quantity order. But you’re still welcome to come.
Sunday, April 2nd, from 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm at Safeco Field
We’ve got space for 200 people to come join Derek, Jeff, Jason, and myself for four hours inside Safeco on the eve of opening day. 24 hours before the season kicks off, you get to come hang out with us as we spend a few hours talking baseball and having a good ol time.
Of course, we won’t be the only people talking. Once again, Mariners General Manager Bill Bavasi has graciously agreed to give up a good portion of his free time and participate in a question and answer session. Quite simply, this is a unique opportunity for Mariner fans to get together and pick the brain of the guy who makes the decisions.
Four hours of baseball talk, including time with the number one guy in the front office the day before the season starts? Hard to beat that, honestly.
We’ve done our best to keep the costs as low as possible, and we’re really happy we can offer this get together for $15 per person. That will include snacks and drinks, so while it’s not a feed, you will be able to get fatter while attending, which is a nice plus.
If you’re interested in attending, here’s what you need to do: send an email to ussmarinerfeed@gmail.com with the number of people you’re requesting spots for in the subject. In the body of the message, I need full names of those who will be coming under your reservation.
Due to the event being just nine days away, we’re going to have you pay-as-you-enter to avoid problems with the postal service and getting checks around in time. We’re counting on your good faith to attend the event if you sign up; we’re paying for your spot whether you come or not, so if you don’t come and don’t pay, that’s money out of our pockets.
One last note; we’re making one minor change to how we handled the event last summer. Instead of a free-for-all where everyone gets the mic and we pray that they ask a question that isn’t insulting and makes sense, this time around, the Q&A will be moderated. If you have a question you’d like to hear Bavasi answer, leave it in the comments of this thread, and we’ll cull the best ones and make sure they get asked.
Also, any general questions that you think may be of interest to others, feel free and ask in the comments.
EDIT NOTICE: In the body of the main message, 3rd to last paragraph, it still says ‘Due to the event being just nine days away….’
Any hints as to when we’ll get those maps and parking info?
[…] USSMariner.com is Hosting a Feed […]
200 people ! WOW !
While I sure can’t make it, I keep my fingers crossed that you manage to fill the room and go home with a nice little profit for the server upgrade.
Boy, that’d be nice. Unlikely, but nice.
Can you ask what it would take to get the Zombie Nation ditty replaced by “Seven Nation Army?” I realize the Italian national soccer team beat us to the idea, but it would be appropriate. Let’s see . . . U.S., Cuba, Venezuela, Japan, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Australia.
Have you guys thought about putting a little server donation box up at the registration table? Or, if the Mariners object to that, at a bar table after the event? I know I have a few dollars I could kick in.
My birthday! Have a great time, y’all; I’ll envy you from Brooklyn.
You were on the mass mailing I sent out a few days ago, Evan. Check your spam folder if you didn’t get it.
So I may be able to make it, but in case I can’t can one of you pin Bavasi down on his opinion of Hargrove’s reliance on the 12 man pitching staff?
Is wearing a USSM t-shirt encouraged… or is it like being the guy at the concert who comes to the show wearing the band shirt?
I’m wearing one of my USSM t-shirts, so yes, I’d say its encouraged.
And the 12 man pitching staff will come up, no doubt.
Do Dave, for those of arriving for the event on foot, where do we enter the facility, any idea??
*Sacrifices 2 goats, a WFB shrunken head doll, a fresh plate of garlic fries and a Toppsâ„¢ Skip Jutze near-mint card to the baseball gods in hope of there being an audio/video feed and/or some kind of transcript of this monumental event*
The door is just south of the team store. You’ll see a sign and likely a crowd. It won’t be hard to find.
Stupid me. I thought I’d signed up with a different e-mail address.
I got it.
Oh, and I’ll be wearing my USSM shirt.
And since I’ve never driven in Seattle before, and my knowledge of the roads comes entirely from Google Maps, the parking garage is accessible from where? 1st?
I’m also assume the parking garage is actually attached to Safeco.
Well, this is should be interesting, especially his comments about the Carl Everett signing.
And since I’ve never driven in Seattle before, and my knowledge of the roads comes entirely from Google Maps, the parking garage is accessible from where? 1st? I’m also assume the parking garage is actually attached to Safeco.
the parking lot has N & S entrances on Edgar Martinez way and Massachusett (I thnk) and both are accessed off 1st ; the garage is connected to Safeco by a walkway that goes to the terrace club– an area we won’t be near (I am assuming) as I still don’t know which door we are to enter. Where are we to enter? Is it that door next to the Home Plate entrance?
Okay, so Edgar Martinez Way runs between the field and the garage. Got it.
Thanks, msb.
I’ll probably arrive way early because I’m paranoid about navigation, so I’ll have planety of time to wander around and find the crowd.
These public library online thingys won’t let me send an e-mail but I intend to show up anyway. I hope if I have my $15 in hand I’ll still be able to attend?
Here are a few questions:
a. Last year you spoke about increasing the speed which prospects move the system. What changes are taking place along those lines?
b. How do you decide what an appropriate salary is for a player?
c. What players have surprised you most in spring training?
#22A– interestingly, Greg Hunter said they were doing just that, when interviewed during the Rainiers/Ms game this afternoon….
Does the front office feel that Gil Meche has shown any signs of improvement or improved consistency this spring?
Hope this isn’t too late, but…
wabbles, sure, show up with your $15. More power to you.
As it’s a Sunday, there should be plenty of free street parking within walking distance. The 1/2/4 hour limits (as well as most yellow 30-min load/unload zones) don’t apply on Sundays — check the signs. Barring that, parking lots should be relatively cheap unless there’s an event going on nearby.
What qualities do you think are undervalued in MLB? How have you tried to take advantage of these oppurtunities?
How likely do you think it is that retired players such as Buhner, Wilson, or Edgar will someday be involved with player development or coaching in the Mariners organization?
Why do you think the Mariners have such bad luck when it comes to injuries involving our pitching prospects?
How likely do you think it is that Nageotte starts some games this year for the Mariners?
If you could have signed any player this offseason that you did not, who is it and why have you not?
Which of your offseason deals are you most proud of?
How often do you visit ussmariner.com or other Mariners blogs?
What do you think will be the difference between this team and last year’s team?
How likely do you think it is that Meche or Pineiro will be with the mariners next year? (he probably can’t answer these types of ?s)
Where on the team do you think the depth is the weakest?
In your opinion, what are our biggest strengths and weaknesses? What areas will this team surpise people?
Since you have taken over, what is your biggest regret and what are you most proud of as GM of the mariners?
Ok, I think I’ve spewed all the questions that popped into my head down. I’m looking forward to tomorrow. It should be really fun.