Local Paper Roundup
(Missed the post on the USSM/LL events in Everett and Tacoma? Check out the link, send an email, and join us at the park in August.)
Some good stories in the local papers this morning that I wanted to bring your attention to.
The always awesome Larry Stone writes about Ichiro and how the first half has influenced his chances of re-signing with the Mariners. It’s typical Stone – well written, informed, not speculative, and entertaining.
Meanwhile, Geoff Baker checks in on J.J. Putz becoming the veteran leader of the bullpen, finding himself surrounded by young kids. A worthwhile read.
Wrapping up the Times coverage, high-school student Michelle Conerly talks about Jeremy Reed and his future with the organization. Pretty standard sportswriter column, but considering that at no point during the column was I thinking “this was written by a teenager”, Michelle did a pretty nice job.
Over at the P-I, Ted Miller (who has written some stuff that made us want to throw things) wins the cool guy of the day award, jumping firmly on the Adam Jones bandwagon while quoting and referencing the blog multiple times. Maybe we haven’t given Miller a fair shake due to some of his past writings – most sportswriters would still rather eat bugs than admit that they read a “convincing argument” on a blog. Kudos to Miller.
In the Tribune, John McGrath tackles Putz from a how’d he get this good angle. The story is solid and full of interesting quotes.
And, finally, Kirby Arnold gives a report from Mark Lowe’s latest rehab stint up in Everett. Most importantly, he says his arm feels good, but he’s sitting at 89-91 with his fastball, showing he’s got a ways to go in building up arm strength. I don’t see any real reason for the M’s to rush Lowe back to Seattle.
That was a great piece by Stone. Through much of the first half I was resigned to watching Ichiro play in another uniform next year. Now I’m optimistic about him finishing his career here.
Dave, a lot of good reading there…it raises a couple questions:
1) is reed more of a trade piece, or is he going to be a fourth outfielder with us? i know he is young, so he can still turn things around…i thought he was much older for some reason
2) what do you think of Nolan Gallagher? his numbers in the farm review were good..
3) Gallagher said he wants to go finish his degree (which i think is awesome) if the Ms don’t make him go to instructional leage…will they?
Thanks as usual…
What’s this about his teamates not liking his routine?
I also wondered about that bit, referencing the ESPN article. First I had heard of it.
3 & 4- maybe they’re mad that he hits bombs in the cages and rarely hits them in games…lol…
I think blogs are entering the mainstream, especially USS Mariner. I have been doing a blog on Husky Football for the past year, and the sportswriters always pop by for a little inspiration, or a new angle. It’s about time you guys started getting more credit. The letter to Chaves is a great example. That was good journalism, and you have to like the way it was handled.
Reed needs to get dealt to the Marlins already.
With ESPN mag I get the insider bit so below I thought I would see what people thought about his evaluation of some players. First the M’s Saunders who he felt was a top 5 hitter, what can anyone tell me about him?
Second, I thought Emiliano Fruto listed under top 5 disappointments was just an interesting sidebar. Did he sustain an injury?
http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/allstar07/insider/columns/story?columnist=law_keith&id=2930070
Top 5 hitters
“3. Michael Saunders, LF, Seattle Mariners: Saunders has a clean, efficient swing, and centers the ball extremely well.” -Keith Law
Basically states his left-handed bat has good pull power, but most swings he seems to be just looking for contact. Noted he had a below average arm and seemed best-suited for left field.
Top 5 disappointments
5. Emiliano Fruto, RHP, Washington Nationals
His notes on Fruto were focused on the considerable drop in speed. Throwing most pitches between 84-88 MPH
Law didn’t say Saunders arm was “below average” but rather that he has a “fringe-average” arm that would be “probably adequate for center and more than adequate for left.”
I’m finding the “Ibanez doesn’t want to DH so don’t call up Adam Jones” meme hilarious.
You know, if Ibanez doesn’t want to DH, there are a few teams in the NL that wouldn’t mind a left-handed contact hitter with occasional pop to stash on their bench. I’m sure Bavasi would be more than willing to work out a deal to give him that opportunity.
Give the option of DH, the bench, or patrolling the RFK outfield every three days, I know what I’d take. I know what anyone would take.
i think that raul will be pissed at first, but i’m sure he’d get over it…he has to like the idea of winning right?
Can’t afford to lose Raul’s lefty bat out of the lineup.
Re Mr. Egaas: true, against righties. Against lefties, we can’t afford to have his bat in the lineup.
Re Mr.Egaas & The Ancient Mariner:This is the exact reason for the call up of OFer Adam Jones from AAA.
By putting Jones in LF everyday it lets Ibanez be available to face RHPers wheither he’s in LF/RF platooning with Gullien/or as DH and PH off the bench.
Added benefit is it lets Ibanez and Gullien remain healthy and rested while keeping both sharp to play.Allows minor injurys to heal right and keep the dog day weariness from becoming more than a minor annoyiness.
Congrats to USSM for getting more well-deserved recognition. On top of the direct references, reading between the lines, it’s clear that the local press guys are really paying attention. But I’m still waiting to hear Rick Rizzs make his first mention to OPS or pERA.
I fear a backlash, though. The Jones-to-LF-Ibanez-to-DH-Vidro-to-wherever move is pretty obvous now, but I can almost imagine Bavasi, et al, NOT doing it because they don’t want folks to think USSM (or anyone else outside the organization) has anything to add to their genius.
Vidro has a certain value, but as a DH he is a sink-hole. Maybe Dave can write an open letter to Bavasi reminding him of the first thing to do when you find yourself in a hole . . . stop digging!
That, by itself, should be good enough reason to do it.
Actually, Bearman, the first reason for bringing up Adam Jones is to have someone in LF who can give us the leather we need out there. The rest is real, but next in line.