Tales from spring training
DMZ · March 4, 2008 at 5:09 pm · Filed Under Mariners
From the Seattle Times: The reason why Balentien and Ibanez were on the ground in the fifth inning in the outfield was indeed a swarm of bees buzzing around them.
“Hey, Raul!”
“Do I know you?”
“I’m Wlad. You know me, from last season?”
“I don’t want to know your name until you make the 25-man.”
“Last inning? No? You’re just going to stand there and chew tobacco. Okay, whatever. Too bad about Jones, huh Raul?”
“Whatever. You’re all just prospects to me– WAAUUUGGGHHH!!”
(Two bees cc-licensed by wolfpix)
This is the kind of post that I come to USSM for.
I used to think that the bees thing was just an empty threat…
I am in awe of the rapidity of this posting.
Speaking professionally….
It’ll take more than bees to combat the ignorant. Hmm… maybe people who accuse USSM of being pessimistic should be ravaged by a swarm of ponies?
I think Raul would just speak Japanese to Wlad, until Wlad got all pissy and left.
speaking of Raul — “Jose Vidro was to see the team doctor on Tuesday for pain in his right elbow.”
not to wish injury on anyone, but …. Raul to DH and then who in LF?
Well, based on results so far (yeah, results-based small sample spring training ABs, half of them against AA-whatever pitchers nobody has heard of) it would be Mike Morse. If the M’s can figure out how not to carry 12 pitchers, they’ll probably take him anyway (along with Burke, Bloomquist, and Cairo) since he’s a RH bat and he’s out of options. And actually, Morse should platoon Ibanez even if Vidro is healthy, letting Ibanez DH anytime the opposing starter is a lefty. Or anytime the M’s starter is a flyball pitcher. Or, really, anytime.
Vidro as a switch-hitting high (sorta) average guy is actually an ideal bat on the bench. An insanely overpaid one, but game strategy doesn’t (or shouldn’t) have anything to do with paychecks. (Would be nice if he doesn’t get enough ABs to vest his option, too).
But back to your question. Who to LF? Raul, of course. He wants to play the field, and he’s a veteran so he gets what he wants. Even if he’s hurt, and hiding it, and not productive. They’ll DH Cairo (sigh) so they can keep Bloomquist available to pinch run. 🙄
And actually, Morse should platoon Ibanez even if Vidro is healthy, letting Ibanez DH anytime the opposing starter is a lefty.
Ibanez should never be DHing against a lefty. He slugged .356 against them last year and 362 the year before.
Ha. Don’t f*** with ussmariner.
You’re nicer than I am. I’m hoping for a tear. Mr. Vidro appears to be a fine human being who has had a long and productive career. He has made more than enough money to support he and his family and to generously donate to charity. I would even send him a ‘get well, but not too soon’ card. That said, I will applaud-na, I shall toast said tendon for sacrificing itself for the greater good.
Initially I didn’t understand why we would send the bees after Wlad. But then I realized that he does need some work on that dead pull.
Mariner spring optimism knows no bounds. These bees were clearly being trained in case we face Joba Chamberlain in the playoffs this fall.
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I’m so optimistic (and tired) that I originally read “Ibanez” as “Ichiro” and slugged as “hit,” therefore causing me to think you were being sarcastic.
I’ll wish injuries on whoever I want, Vidro’s got more than enough money to buy his own tropical island, f&#$ ’em. I couldn’t be happier.
Morse is going to make the team as the 4th outfielder no matter the length of the injury to Vidro…we can only hope it’s season ending…
what are the M’s salary implications for cutting the following players during spring training:
Ramirez
Cairo
Vidro
I believe that if they cut Ramirez they’re ‘only’ out a few 100K, correct? Does the same hold true for Cairo or are they stuck with him since they signed him as a FA? Vidro they’re stuck with no matter what for this year and next, correct?
Although this quote is taken out of context (“Morse is going to make the team as the 4th outfielder“), it emphasizes the fact that the 4th OF will not be choen on the basis of ability.
Vidro is reportedly fine. He’ll be back in the line-up Friday or Saturday.
If Vidro was hurt and it affected his ability to hit, how would we tell?