MLB FanHouse

Are The Mariners Even Trying Anymore? Catcher Jamie Burke Is Their Go-To Reliever

Josh Alper — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 09:40:00 EST

There's a long history of position players coming in to pitch during major league games. It's often seen during total routs when a comeback is beyond reach and the actual pitchers are better off getting rest than work. Yesterday in Seattle, though, backup catcher Jamie Burke came into pitch during the 15th inning of a tie game between the Mariners and Tigers.

Burke didn't embarrass himself but still picked up the loss when Marcus Thames hit a sacrifice fly to win the game. He got Ivan Rodriguez and Edgar Renteria to close out the inning and didn't look bad doing it. Still, how does Burke end up on the mound in that spot? Jim Riggleman didn't have many options after exhausting his bullpen.

Reliever Arthur Rhodes woke up with a sore arm and couldn't get loose. Brandon Morrow had pitched four of the previous five days and Riggleman wanted to give him a day off. Tuesday's scheduled starter, Carlos Silva, had thrown on the side earlier Sunday. Saturday's starter, R.A. Dickey, volunteered to throw, but had tossed more than 100 pitches in his start.

You don't use someone who's hurting and Morrow is probably too valuable to the franchise's future to throw out in those circumstances. Why not use Dickey, though? He throws a knuckleball, which would surely be harder for the Tigers to master than the slider of a catcher. I realize the Mariners season is going nowhere fast but just giving away games hardly seems like the best solution.

Are The Mariners Even Trying Anymore? Catcher Jamie Burke Is Their Go-To Reliever originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 09:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is Pat Gillick Headed Back to Seattle?

Tom Fornelli — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:12:00 EST

Filed under: Seattle, Mariners, AL West, MLB Rumors, MLB Biz

We're only halfway through the 2008 season, and already the Seattle Mariners have undergone quite a few changes. First and foremost this year, they went from being a team that was supposed to contend for a divisional title or playoff appearance to being the worst team in baseball.

As is often the case when your horrible, people start to lose their jobs, and that's exactly what happened to general manager Bill Bavasi and manager John McLaren. Still, there's another change on the horizon in Seattle, as controlling owner Hiroshi Yamauchi (the former president of Nintendo) is rumored to be trying to sell off his stake in the team.

It's being said that minority owner Chris Larson is interested in buying Yamauchi's share in the team, and he'll be bringing in a familiar face as one of his partners.

One fascinating rumor making the industry rounds has an investment group led by Microsoft executive and current Mariners minority owner Chris Larson and former Seattle GM Pat Gillick taking control of the Mariners sometime in the near future, with Gillick running the baseball operation and naming the new GM.

Gillick is currently the general manager in Philadelphia, but he's gone on record as saying that he plans to retire at the end of the season, so it would seem the timing is right. It should also be noted that Gillick (who is Canadian) has sold his home in Toronto, and that his wife has sold the Toronto art gallery that she owned.

So if you've got a mansion in the Seattle area you'd like to part ways with, maybe you should give Mr. Gillick a call.

Is Pat Gillick Headed Back to Seattle? originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:12:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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As If Hope Wasn't Already Squashed in Seattle: Felix Hernandez to the DL

Mullet — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 07:00:00 EST

Filed under: Seattle, Mariners, AL West, MLB Injuries

That ankle sprain that Felix Hernandez suffered at Shea Stadium last Monday is taking a little too long to heal for the Mariners' liking. So the young ace is going to take some extra time off and take a trip to the disabled list, keeping him out for at least another week.

Hernandez was examined by team physicians Monday as the Mariners returned from a nine-game road trip. Manager Jim Riggleman said nothing significant was found, but since Hernandez was going to miss his next start anyway, the team decided to give his ankle a few more days of rest and put him on the disabled list.

"His landing foot is still not really right, (and) we're not going to put him out there till it is right," Riggleman said.

At 31-51, the M's would be silly to let King Felix get out of bed until he's at full strength. Until then, Hernandez can close his eyes and keep dreaming about that grand slam off Johan Santana.

As If Hope Wasn't Already Squashed in Seattle: Felix Hernandez to the DL originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 07:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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King Felix's Ground Breaking Approach to Hitting Home Runs

Tom Fornelli — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: Seattle, Mariners, AL West

For me, one of the few things left about interleague play that I really enjoy is seeing American League pitchers step into a batter's box. There are times when I'm watching an American League pitcher hit when I can honestly say, "Man, I could do better than that," and actually be telling the truth (not saying I could make contact, just saying I can look like I know how to).

I saw Bartolo Colon hit last week, and the fat man swung so hard that his helmet fell off and his back foot was generally corkscrewed a foot into the dirt after every swing. It was hilarious. Still, just because the majority of pitchers from the junior circuit make fools of themselves at the dish, some of them actually look like big league hitters. C.C. Sabathia, for instance, has a career average of .300 and hit a 450-foot bomb at Dodger Stadium over the weekend (which could add to his value should an NL team hope to trade for him).

Just yesterday, Seattle's Felix Hernandez hit a grand slam on the first pitch he saw from Johan Santana that supplied the Mariners with all the runs they'd need to pick up a win. Felix wasn't able to finish the game after hurting his ankle while covering the plate in the 5th inning (don't worry, x-rays are negative and he won't miss a start), but after the game he did share his unique approach to hitting.

"My approach? Just swing. I closed my eyes. I was happy and I was thinking that's all I need -- four runs."

Now, before all you other American League pitcher goes out there and adopt this philosophy as your own, I should warn you that this grand slam was the first home run Felix has hit since Little League. So it's not exactly fool proof.

King Felix's Ground Breaking Approach to Hitting Home Runs originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:01:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Dugout: March of the Coaches

Nick Dallamora — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 22:53:00 EST

Filed under: New York, Seattle, Blue Jays, Mariners, Mets, AL East, AL West, NL East, Toronto, The Dugout

"It's your fault. It's all your fault."

Later, Willie, John, John, and not Ozzie. You were all bums.

The Dugout

	Online Host Welcome to Manager Chat!
	YippeeKaiYayOldBitch: what've you been up to?
	CoachRandolphAllTheFans: Just dickin' around. Lotta TV and crap. You?
	YippeeKaiYayOldBitch: keepin' busy. scrapbookin'. clippin' coupons. lotsa scissor work. whatta' 'bout you john?
	gibbon_and_receibon: Honestly? I've been whipping the tar out of my dog for three straight days.
	CoachRandolphAllTheFans: Jesus, dude. That's horrible.
	YippeeKaiYayOldBitch: yeah that's not cool man.
	gibbon_and_receibon: i mean...my wife. yeah, i've been bustin' up my old lady all weekend. she's so...weak...and defenseless and stuff...
	CoachRandolphAllTheFans: lol
	YippeeKaiYayOldBitch: lol nice
	OzzieOzzieOzzie: What're you idiots doing? Shouldn't you be at the unemployment office? Or the ** ing office? You **s.
	CoachRandolphAllTheFans: Yeah we'll see you there in a few weeks Ozzie.
	OzzieOzzieOzzie: What're you crazy? My boys are first in the division. I'm not going anywhere.
	YippeeKaiYayOldBitch: don't matter. you swear and yell too much. 'till you start actin' like a professional.
	OzzieOzzieOzzie: You think anyone gives a **sack? I can say whatever I want as long as I'm winning games. **, if we keep these North/South World Series hopes alive I can get away with anything.
	CoachRandolphAllTheFans: You lie.
	OzzieOzzieOzzie: Oh yeah? Hey buddy. C'mere.
	SomeDude: sup
	OzzieOzzieOzzie: Hey is this coffee too hot? /dumps carafe on dude's face
	Online Host SomeDude's skin is peeling off of his skull. His hair falls in soft clumps to the floor.
	SomeDude: WHALAAAA GGAAAAHHDD WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOUUUUU
	OzzieOzzieOzzie: cubs chisox world series
	SomeDude: aw dude that'd be sweet
	OzzieOzzieOzzie: Plus, I'm Latino. No way I don't play the race card and everyone knows that.
	CoachRandolphAllTheFans: Tried that, man. That's no good for anyone.
	OzzieOzzieOzzie: Because when a black dude complains about his race all people hear is "wha wha we were promised reparations and affirmative action isn't good enough wha wha wha" Do yourself a favor and invest in a sexy accent.
	CoachRandolphAllTheFans; This is why everyone hates you.
	OzzieOzzieOzzie: Also why everyone loves me. Like I give a ****.
	SomeDude: bro can i get your autograph
	OzzieOzzieOzzie: /stomps burnt face
	CoachRandolphAllTheFans: lol
	YippeeKaiYayOldBitch: lol classic

Photos link to player info. WordUpThome.com Photo Credit: Getty Images

The Dugout: March of the Coaches originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 22:53:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Mariners Are So Horrible They're Killing Romance in Seattle

Tom Fornelli — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 21:51:00 EST

Filed under: Seattle, Mariners, AL West, MLB Fans, The Word

Baseball parks have long been a great place to meet somebody, whether you're a man or a woman. If you meet somebody at a game, you already know you have a common interest with them, so you've got your icebreaker right there. The seemingly never ending flow of beer doesn't hurt much either, of course.

If you're single and still looking for that special someone, or even that special person for the next few hours, I highly recommend going to a baseball game to find them. Just make sure you aren't going to SafeCo Field. Don't be fooled by the lesbian make-out sessions, because that place is a ghost town these days.

Among the several casualties of this dismal Mariners season -- Jeff Pentland's job, Richie Sexson's career, the fantasy team of anyone who drafted J.J. Putz -- is the singles scene at Safeco Field.

The scene is dead for one simple reason (which is practically a natural law): Women don't like losers.

I say this with the certainty of someone who went on several dates while unemployed and living at my parents' house. Eventually the girl would learn the gravity of my situation, and then (evidently) lose my phone number.

The Mariners -- who also live in the basement and rarely score -- are just as unattractive to women. At least that's what I conclude from the looks of Safeco Field's Hit It Here Cafe on a couple of recent nights.

Yes, things have gotten so bad in Seattle right now that the Post-Intelligencer is actually sending their writers on an assignment to figure out the singles scene at SafeCo Field. Anything to keep from having to actually follow this team for another day.

Of course, that excerpt is only the intro to Seth Koellen's post, and the entire thing is really quite enjoyable to read. I suggest you do so, Mariners fan or not, but especially if you are. I mean, it's been an incredibly long season already (especially when you add the entire Sonics fiasco to the picture) for the Seattle sports fan, and any opportunity to laugh right now is definitely one you should take advantage of.

It definitely beats sitting in mom's basement crying in your underwear.

(Via Walkoff Walk)

The Mariners Are So Horrible They're Killing Romance in Seattle originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 21:51:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kim Ng Given Permission to Discuss Becoming Baseball's First Female GM

Will Brinson — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 17:15:00 EST

Filed under: Seattle, Mariners, AL East, MLB Gossip, MLB Biz

Baseball, not too shockingly, has never had a female general manger. Ever. Even in the 1930's! But Kim Ng, an assistant GM with the Los Angeles Dodgers, has been given permission by Ned Colletti to speak to the Seattle Mariners (note: should they actually ask), so sayeth the L.A. Times.

As has Logan White (not a female, but also a Dodger employee).

"They're both worthy," Colletti said.

Ng is believed to be interested in the Seattle job but declined to comment. White, who played in the Mariners' minor league system and scouted for the team, said he would be interested in discussing the position.

I back the no comment on this one as well -- there's no need for starting any sort of media firestorm (a.k.a. getting asked how she felt about being the first female GM in MLB history 1,000 times a day) before actually applying/interviewing for or getting the job. Or before the M's show some reciprocal interest.

As the Times notes, Ng interviewed with the Dodgers for the job that Colletti eventually received. And there is probably a lengthy process in store for the M's before they permanently replace Bill Bavisi, but if Colletti is making a capable female member of his staff available, I'd be shocked if Seattle did not at least interview her or include her on the short list of candidates.

Kim Ng Given Permission to Discuss Becoming Baseball's First Female GM originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 17:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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On Deck: Welcome Home, Jerry Manuel

Josh Alper — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Boston, Atlanta, New York, Phoenix, Seattle, Red Sox, Mariners, Braves, Mets, Brewers, Diamondbacks, Milwaukee

On Deck is FanHouse's look at the day's most intriguing baseball matchups.

Seattle Mariners (26-49) at New York Mets (37-37) - 7:10 PM ET

It's a great pitching matchup - Felix Hernandez vs. Johan Santana - but that's not why this game leads off our list of Monday baseball. No, it's because Jerry Manuel will be managing his first home game at Shea Stadium since taking over for Willie Randolph. The nature of that dismissal has been debated to death in New York since then but it will still be interesting to see how the hometown faithful react in their first look at the team since Black early Tuesday morning. Manuel's fertilizer comments, which seem like little more than a tabloid trying to make a stink where none exists, could also play a role in how he's greeted. If Santana pitches well, and no reason he shouldn't against the Mariners, it should all end up as a lovefest by the end of the night.

Arizona Diamondbacks (39-37) at Boston Red Sox (47-31) - 7:05 PM ET

Just what the slumping Diamondbacks don't need to snap their bats to life, a trip to Fenway and Josh Beckett staring them in the face. They've scored more than three runs just once in their last nine games and scored but six runs while getting swept by the Twins over the weekend. Luckily have Dan Haren throwing for them tonight. The Diamondbacks have won his last four starts but it's easy to see that streak coming to an end if their hitters don't start pulling their weight.

Milwaukee Brewers (41-34) at Atlanta Braves (38-39) - 7:10 PM ET

The latest round in the battle for the eternal soul of Milwaukee baseball sees the two combatants heading in very different directions. The Braves have lost 10 of their last 16 while the Brewers have saved their season with a 21-10 since the middle of May. Ben Sheets has been a big part of the recent good play. He's 4-0 with a 2.11 ERA in his last six starts. His chances of extending that run get a boost with word that Chipper Jones will miss a third straight start thanks to injured quadriceps.

Everyone else:

Angels at Nationals - 7:10 PM ET
Rockies at Royals - 8:10 PM ET

On Deck: Welcome Home, Jerry Manuel originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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John McLaren Exposes Mariner Infighting

Mullet — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:50:00 EST

Filed under: Seattle, Mariners, AL West, MLB Gossip

It wasn't exactly a "Ball Four" type expose of a major league clubhouse, but the recently deposed John McLaren had some interesting things to say regarding the problems in the Mariners clubhouse which may have resulted in their bad record (and perhaps his own firing along the way).

"There is tension, friction and a little jealousy," McLaren said in the course of a 30-minute interview via conference call. "We (the staff) tried to deal with it, but they got to do it on their own."

McLaren said he wasn't trying to be critical but rather constructive.

"The tension and jealousy has been there, and crystal clear," he said. "The only reason I mention that, not to deter any criticism from myself, but to make this team better.

"If they can get in that room and work some issues out, they'll be better off. Sometimes we get caught up in own world (...) I am not calling anybody out. I'm not bashing them. Its hard to come to the park when you lose for gosh's sake. But we've had a divide, hitters vs. pitchers. On a good team, those things are overlooked. But (not when) you're losing."

Maybe that yellow strip of tape in the clubhouse that separates the hitters from the pitchers was the first clue that there was a divide. (I heard Felix Hernandez crossed it to get his shoulder taped and it wasn't a good scene.) Or perhaps it was that sign that reads "He-Man Pitcher Haters Club" over Richie Sexson's locker. Could all of those "how many hitters does it take to screw in a light bulb" jokes that J.J. Putz was telling lately have been a sign?*

*Hopefully you've figured out by now that none of this is actually true.

John McLaren Exposes Mariner Infighting originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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John McLaren Fired as Mariners Manager

Josh Alper — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:40:00 EST

Filed under: Seattle, Mariners, AL West

John McLaren finally has a real reason to throw a temper tantrum. Expected by some to play for the AL West title, the Mariners have been the worst team in baseball and McLaren paid for that failing with his job today. His firing comes on the heels of GM Bill Bavasi's ouster on Monday and a little more than a week after hitting coach Jeff Pentland was sent packing. The bloodletting is now complete and the Mariners can fully turn their focus to 2009 and beyond.

McLaren is certainly taking the fall for the sins of Bavasi but he didn't do much to help himself stay in the job. The easiest case to cite is that of Jose Vidro. With no power and little else of offensive use, Vidro found himself batting fifth or better in 44 of his 54 starts this season. Note to Omar Minaya: At least the team had the decency to do it on an off-day before a road trip.

He'll be replaced by his bench coach Jim Riggleman. Riggleman had a 486-598 record as the manager of the Padres and Cubs in the 90's. He's almost certainly an interim choice who will keep the spot warm until the team's new general manager, whoever that may end up being, hires the man he wants in charge. Whoever that man turns out to be, they'll have to hope that they are handed a better roster than McLaren. The cupboard is bare in Seattle.

John McLaren Fired as Mariners Manager originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ichiro Is Back in Right Field, Could Be On Way Out of Lead-Off Spot

Tom Fornelli — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 13:43:00 EST

Filed under: Seattle, Mariners, AL West, MLB Rumors

While Monday was already a great day of change in Seattle with the deserved firing of general manager Bill Bavasi, it wasn't the only thing that changed with the Mariners yesterday. For the first time since August 19th, 2006, Ichiro Suzuki started a game in right field.

Right field was where Ichiro spent his first five years in Seattle, and after the team sent Wladimir Balentien back down to Tacoma in favor of Jeff Clement, there was an opening in right and John McLaren says he'd been thinking about making the move for a month or so. Still, this may not be the last move that Ichiro makes this season, as McLaren also said he's toying with the idea of dropping him out of the lead-off spot in the Mariners lineup.

McLaren said he's also spoken to Ichiro about a move out of the leadoff spot in hopes of jump-starting an offense that ranks last in the American League in runs scored and second-to-last in team batting average.

Such a move does not appear imminent, however, because McLaren said there is currently no other obvious candidate to hit leadoff.

"Ichiro is on board with anything we want to do to help the club, and I think most of these guys are from the same school in that clubhouse," McLaren said.

While Ichiro's line of .293/.355/.383 so far this season is one that some players would kill for (including about 95% of the Mariners roster), it's well below his career marks of .321/.393/.400. With the Mariners offense being dead last in the AL in runs scored and OBP, and next to last in hits, and team batting average, it's apparent that the team needs to make some changes to it's lineup.

I'm not sure moving Ichiro out of the lead-off spot is the right move to make, though. His average and OBP may be down this season, but he still leads Seattle regulars in both categories and leads the team in stolen bases with 30 as well. Exactly whom McLaren would replace him with at the top of the lineup, I'm not sure. Willie Bloomquist and Jeremy Reed will probably be platooning in center now that Suzuki is back in right, but neither of them are better options than Ichiro.

I can understand that McLaren is feeling pressure now that Bavasi has been fired, and feels he has to do something to shake the team up, but I don't see how moving Ichiro down in the lineup will do anything but make matters worse.

Ichiro Is Back in Right Field, Could Be On Way Out of Lead-Off Spot originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 13:43:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bill Bavasi Had to Go

Tom Fornelli — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 12:49:00 EST

Filed under: Seattle, Mariners, AL West, MLB Transactions

As Mr. Watson told you yesterday, the Seattle Mariners finally went ahead and did what we'd all been waiting for them to do for a few weeks now: they fired general manager Bill Bavasi. In other words, Monday was probably the best day that Seattle sports fans have had in a while, and a cause for celebration.

With the pending move of the Sonics, and the Mariners struggles this season, there hasn't been much to cheer about in the Emerald City lately. Still, while there's some debate in New York about the Mets firing Willie Randolph (was it deserved? did they go about it the right way? etc.), I don't think there's much debate amongst Mariners fans about how they feel for this move. If they're upset about anything, it's probably that Bavasi was the only one to go and that the team can't fire Richie Sexson.

As Watson mentioned in his post yesterday, Bavasi's tenure in Seattle is not one littered with success. He gave questionable contracts to Sexson, Carlos Silva, and Adrian Beltre (though I think Beltre has been a good addition to the club), actually gave Jeff Weaver $8 million to suck for a season, and made trades like sending Carlos Guillen to Detroit for Ramon Santiago. Those are some devastating moves, and yet, that's only part of what Bavasi did to help bring this organization down.

Ever since Bavasi took over for Pat Gillick in 2003, everything he's touched has turned to crap in Seattle. It all started when Lou Piniella left Seattle in what was essentially a trade to Tampa because without Gillick running things, Lou didn't really want to stick around any longer. It's as though Lou knew what to expect (Mariners fans may want to turn away now).

Bavasi then fired Lou's replacement, Bob Melvin, in favor of Mike Hargrove. Hargrove did nothing to improve the Mariners during his time there, and then quit halfway through the 2007 season. Melvin went on to Arizona and won Manager of the Year.

While most of free-agent signings Bavasi is criticized for are the big money deals I talked about earlier, there were also the great acquisitions of Scott Spiezio, and Brad Wilkerson. Then there were the trades for Jose Vidro, and the one that sent Rafael Soriano to Atlanta for Horacio Ramirez.

Finally, there was the fact that he signed Kenji Johjima to a three-year contract extension despite the fact that Seattle's top prospect (after the trade for Erik Bedard which is still too early to really make a judgment on, but since Bavasi made it, there's a 95% chance it will end up as a horrible move) is Jeff Clement. A catcher.

So as you can see, Bavasi's time in Seattle is one that's marked with failure, and though I don't think his dismissal is going to turn the Mariners season around or anything, it was the best move the team could make to give itself a chance to be competitive next season.

Bill Bavasi Had to Go originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 12:49:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mariners Fire Bavasi; Is McLaren Next to Go?

Matt Watson — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 16:25:00 EST

Filed under: Seattle, Mariners, AL West, MLB Transactions

Mariners CEO Howard Lincoln announced that GM Bill Bavasi has been officially relieved of duties, naming Vice President/Associate GM Lee Pelekoudas as the team's interim GM. From the team's press release:

"Change is in order." Lincoln said. "We have determined new leadership is needed in the GM position. With a new leader will come a new plan and a new approach. A search will begin immediately for a permanent GM, and Lee will be a candidate for the position."

Bavasi served as the Mariners' general manager since 2003, during which time the team has posted two winning seasons while going through three managers. He's responsible for the monster contracts given to Richie Sexson, Adrian Beltre, and Carlos Silva, not to mention trading Carlos Guillen for Ramon Santiao, one of the most lopsided trades in recent memory. Adding insult to injury, he's also the last GM to sign Jeff Weaver to a big league contract.

Although there's been no announcement regarding John McLaren, it's not hard to assume that Lincoln's call for "a new plan and a new approach" will entail a change in the dugout, as well. As U.S.S. Mariner says, "McLaren's being left in charge in order to not make the new GM feel obligated to keep around an interim GM in case the team starts winning immediately after Mac gets fired."

So who's the early favorite to replace Bavasi? Pelekoudas and his 29 years of experience with the organization shouldn't be discounted, but U.S.S. Mariner makes a passionate plea for Chris Antonetti, who's currently working alongside Mark Shapiro in Cleveland. If you remember, Antonetti was apparently offered the Cardinals job this winter but passed when contract negotiations reached a stalemate.

Mariners Fire Bavasi; Is McLaren Next to Go? originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 16:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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J.J. Putz Just Needs a Little R and R

Tom Fornelli — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Seattle, Mariners, MLB Injuries, MLB Rumors

Things just keep going along greatly for the Seattle Mariners this season. The team has the worst record in baseball, their manager and general manager could get fired any second now, and the organization is thinking about blowing the whole thing up and starting over (I wish them good luck finding anybody on the team they can trade, maybe Raul Ibanez).

To make matters worse for Seattle, they just had to place closer J.J. Putz on the disabled list for the second time this season with a bad elbow. Still, there is some good news amidst all this sadness, as Putz's elbow isn't going to require surgery.

The Mariners closer felt better in one important way, though, after finding out his elbow injury would not require anything more significant than rest to heal.

"I'm very relieved that it was nothing structural," Putz said. "Just take a few days off and start throwing again."

While Putz's injury really means nothing to the team this season - closers are quite irrelevant when you never have a lead to protect - it's a relief that surgery won't be needed. If the Mariners do blow things up and start getting rid of everything that isn't nailed down, I highly doubt J.J. is one of the pieces they'd like to move (along with Ichiro and Felix Hernandez), so knowing there's no structural damage to the elbow and that it won't carry into next season is a plus.

Too bad they've still got 95 games left on the schedule this season.

J.J. Putz Just Needs a Little R and R originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sat, 14 Jun 2008 16:31:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The First Domino Falls in Seattle: Hitting Coach Jeff Pentland Is Fired

Tom Fornelli — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 15:21:00 EST

Filed under: Seattle, Mariners, AL West, MLB Transactions

In the last few weeks rumors have been swirling in Seattle that general manager Bill Bavasi and manager John McLaren weren't long for their jobs. Then team president Chuck Armstrong gave them the dreaded votes of confidence, and it appears he actually meant it, because they haven't been fired...yet.

So since the Mariners still suck, and Bavasi and McLaren don't look like they'll get fired during the season, somebody has to pay the price. That somebody is hitting coach Jeff Pentland.

The slumping Seattle Mariners fired hitting coach Jeff Pentland on Monday and replaced him with special assistant Lee Elia.

Mariners general manager Bill Bavasi said he hoped a "different voice" would help the team with the worst record in the majors. Elia, who turns 71 next month, was Seattle's batting coach from 1993-97 and is perhaps best known for a tirade he once unleashed as manager of the Chicago Cubs.

I have no idea if Elia is going to be able to get the Mariners bats turned around, but my first reaction to this was that it's still a great move by Seattle. With Lee around, at the very least he'll be able to help teach McLaren how to throw a real post game tantrum. Not one of those forced, transparent ones.

The First Domino Falls in Seattle: Hitting Coach Jeff Pentland Is Fired originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 09 Jun 2008 15:21:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Baseball is Boring: Mariners-Red Sox Live Blog

B. Thompson Stroud — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:45:00 EST

Filed under: Boston, Seattle, Red Sox, Mariners, AL East, AL West, MLB Live Blogging, The Dugout

Baseball is America's pastime, but had our forefathers enjoyed the modern conveniences of clocks, ball pumps, or haste, this pastime may well have been basketball or football. Instead, they had wood, leather, and a rudderless disposition. Baseball is Boring is a series of live blogs for folks who need irony and self-awareness to get through a game.

"hi is this paplbon"
"ya"
"what are you doin"
"sand castls"
"you want to play spies"
"k, what do spys do"
"find monsters"
"do you see any monstrs"
"um... ummmmmm yah"
"k go get him"

THE ESSENTIALS
The Mariners (22-39) start Miguel Batista (3-6, 5.90 ERA)
The Red Sox (38-26) start Tim Wakefield (3-4, 4.50 ERA)

ANALYSIS
The Fire-type is one of the seventeen elemental types. Notable trainers that specialize in Fire-type Pokémon include Blaine of Cinnabar Island, Flannery of Lavaridge Town, and Terry Francona of the Boston Red Sox. Fire is a very poor type defensively. Fire-type Pokémon will not survive very long in battle; they must deal damage quickly in order to earn their slot on a team. This reflects the nature of fire being a very destructive force yet at the same time being very fragile. Fire-types are extremely vulnerable to Water-types. Some notable Pokémon trainers of that specialize in the Water-type include Misty of Cerulean City, Wallace and JuanSootopolis City and John McLaren of the Seattle Mariners.

PREDICTION
Knuckleballs, and lots of them. Mariners win, 8-7.

QUICK NOTE ABOUT THIS LIVE BLOG
From here forth, my banal and worthless commentary can be read in the box below. It updates much like a one-way instant messenger conversation does, which means you do not need to keep refreshing the page. Feel free to comment in the box at the bottom -- if your sentiment is funny or poorly-informed enough, I may just post it in the blog. Enjoy!

Baseball is Boring: Mariners-Red Sox Live Blog originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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John McLaren's Tirade: Sad and Contrived

Eamonn Brennan — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 17:22:00 EST

Filed under: Seattle, Mariners, AL West, MLB Video

By now you've surely seen the above blowup, John McLaren's Ozzie Guillen moment following last yet another Mariners loss. McLaren is "pissed off," if you couldn't tell, and wanted a total team effort, or something. It was essentially manager speak for "I'm angry, or at least I have to pretend I am." And pretend he did.

See, watching last night, McLaren never seemed convinced of what he was doing. He doesn't seem capable of that sort of irrational anger. He just seems like kind of a gentle guy, one who maybe saw that Guillen's White Sox are 2-0 since Guillen's latest tirade and said, aw, shucks, let's give it a try. Today, Seattle Times columnist Jerry Brewer confirmed those suspicions (via Rob Neyer):

McLaren's antics felt forced. The entire postgame was a strange, calculated event. The Mariners' public-relations staff advised the media to go to the clubhouse immediately after Wednesday's 5-4 loss to the Los Angeles Angels. Normally, when the clubhouse opens, the manager speaks first and then the players talk. On this day, we were told to talk to the players, and in the surprise of the season, most all of them were sitting at their lockers.

Any time the PR people prep you for a manager's tirade, it's going to lack the unhinged insanity required to really motivate a baseball team. Sorry, Mariners. If only you weren't so bad at baseball, none of this would be necessary.

John McLaren's Tirade: Sad and Contrived originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 17:22:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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John McLaren's Rant: In Moving Picture Form!

Tom Fornelli — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Seattle, Mariners, AL West, MLB Video

Now everybody knows that reading profanity-laced tirades can be a lot of fun, as we were reminded of earlier when Mullet shared with us the story of Seattle manager John McLaren's latest meltdown after the Mariners loss last night. Personally, when reading a quote in the paper filled with (bleep)s and (bleeping)s, I do my own version of Mad Libs using words that make absolutely no sense in their current context.

I'm just a rebel that way.

Still, as fun as that is, it's always better to see the video of the rant as it helps you get a better idea of what was going down. They say a picture is worth a thousand (bleep)s, well, moving pictures are worth a billion.

Seriously, I was expecting John to start crying any second during that video, and I have to give him credit for not breaking down in tears. I know I'd cry if I had to watch the Mariners everyday.

John McLaren's Rant: In Moving Picture Form! originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:32:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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John McLaren: (Bleeped) Off

Mullet — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 22:40:00 EST

Filed under: Seattle, Mariners, AL West, MLB Gossip

With the Mariners mired in last place with the worst record in baseball after having just been swept by the Angels to top off a 3-12 run, and rumors of John McLaren's managerial demise swirling around him, I'm sure many were wondering if the top would pop on McLaren's emotions ... again.

The answer came today during McLaren's post game interview after the Mariners latest loss, and it's an empathic (bleeping) "yes":

"We're playing our (bleep) off every day and got nothing to show for it. I'm tired of (bleeping) losing, I'm tired of getting my (bleep) beat, and so have those guys. We gotta change this (bleeping bleep) around and get after it. And only we can do it. The fans are (bleeped) off, and I'm (bleeped) off, and the players are (bleeped) off. And that's the way it is. There's no (bleeping) easy way out of this, can't feel sorry for ourself, we gotta (bleeping) buckle it up and get after it. I'm tired of (bleep) losing this, (bleeping) every night we bust our (bleep). It's gotta be a total team (bleeping) effort to turn this thing around, and that's it."

At this very moment, the Elias Sports Bureau is checking to see if McLaren has broken the modern day record for all time bleeps in a postgame interview held by Ozzie Guillen (six different occasions). And we're told that Guillen heard this and responded "McLaren oughta watch his (bleeping) language". *

*No, not really. Although it would be fun if Elias really did keep track of stuff like that.

Latest MLB Photos

San Diego Padres' Tadahito Iguchi lays down a successful sacrifice bunt while pinch hitting in the seventh inning against the Chicago Cubs in a baseball game Wednesday, June 4, 2008 in San Diego. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)

Chicago White Sox players mob Paul Konerko (14) after he hit a game-winning two-run home run scoring Carlos Quentin during the 15th inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals in Chicago, Wednesday, June 4, 2008. The White Sox won 6-4. (AP Photo/Brian Kersey)

Chicago White Sox's Paul Konerko watches his game-winning two run home run which scored Carlos Quentin during the 15th inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals in Chicago, Wednesday, June 4, 2008. The White Sox won 6-4. (AP Photo/Brian Kersey)

Cleveland Indians' Ryan Garko follows through on a strike against the Texas Rangers in the first inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, June 4, 2008 in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/David Pellerin)

Chicago Cubs' Derek Lee drops his bat after striking on a pitch from San Diego Padres closer Trevor Hofman in the ninth inning of the Padres 2-1 victory in a baseball game Wednesday, June 4, 2008 in San Diego. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)

San Diego Padres closer Trevor Hoffman follows through on a pitch against the Chicago Cubs in the ninth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, June 4, 2008 in San Diego. The Padres won 2-1. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)

San Diego Padres' Brian Giles, right, high fives with teammates after scoring the against the Chicago Cubs in the eighth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, June 4, 2008 in San Diego. The Padres won 2-1. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)

San Diego Padres' Kevin Kouzmanoff watches his sacrifice fly that scored Brian Giles against the Chicago Cubs in the eighth inning of the Padres' 2-1 victory in a baseball game, Wednesday, June 4, 2008 in San Diego. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)

Cleveland Indians' David Dellucci runs the bases after hitting a three run home run against the Texas Rangers in the sixth inning of the baseball game, Wednesday, June 4, 2008 in Arlington, Texas. The Indians defeated the Rangers 15 to 9. (AP Photo/David Pellerin)

Minnesota Twins pitcher Boof Bonser delivers against the Baltimore Orioles during the fifth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, June 4, 2008 in Minneapolis. Bonser picked up the win out of the bullpen as the Twins won 7-5. (AP Photo/Paul Battaglia)

John McLaren: (Bleeped) Off originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 22:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mariners' Manager's Solution to Slumpbusting? Hire a Stripper!

Will Brinson — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Seattle, Blue Jays, Mariners, Toronto

John McLaren will probably be regretting his most recent statements to the press when Monday morning rolls around, because he decided to indirectly imply that strippers are funny and that they should (and have been) used to bust slumps in baseball.

'We need a laugh,' he said. 'A dancer, or something. Something just to break things up.'

When he was coaching in Toronto, McLaren said, the Blue Jays once brought a stripper to the clubhouse during a slump.

'It got mixed reviews,' he said. 'Some of the guys that are pretty close to the Lord weren't too happy.'

Now, whether you like strippers (raises hand) or do not like strippers, this is not even a remotely smart statement. And it is not because we live in some new age world where old school baseball guys are no longer allowed to have blow up dolls in the clubhouse.

It is a dumb statement because McLaren's statement could immediately fire up both women and the Christian right wing. While both are wonderfully pleasant people, if my team had the worst record in the American League (21-35), I would be keeping my profile as low as possible. In fact, I would probably just go hide out in Thee Dollhouse during my off days.

H/T: Tuffy

Mariners' Manager's Solution to Slumpbusting? Hire a Stripper! originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 01 Jun 2008 17:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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