A Day of Sadness

I woke up yesterday to read the horrible news that Greg Halman had been killed at the age of 24 at his home in the Netherlands.  His brother was arrested in the stabbing.  Words can't express what a horrible tragedy this is.  He was so promising earlier this year.  I loved his passion, skill, and the way he held himself.  Nobody knows what type of player he was going to turn into.  And now, we'll never know.  In the history books he will come across as hitting .207 in 44 career games with 2 HR and 9 RBI.  He was so much more than that.  My heart goes out to his friends, teammates, and family.  Just a horribly senseless act.  I can't recall the Mariners ever losing an active player before, it is quite a shock and left me disoriented throughout the day.

The only solace we can all take is that he was able to live his dream, if for only a fleeting moment.  Not many of us can say that.

Rest in peace, brother.

2011 and Pitcher Recap

,

I wanted to see how well the starting pitchers did during the games I went to.  However, the W/L does not mean the SP necessarily picked up the Win or Loss.  It refers to the final result for the game.  As you can see, the Mariners scored only 1 freaking run in Fister's 3 starts.  Poor guy, I'm sure he's feeling much better in Detroit.

Let's compare run support.  Fister, as I stated, only had 1 run scored for him in three games, or .33 runs per game.  That's definitely at the bottom.  Bedard, traded to Boston, was given 4 runs in three games, 1.33/game.  Furbush, Vasquez, and Pineda were all even at 2.3/game.  Felix was 2.89/game, and Vargas 3.22/game.  The man with the most support was Beavan at 3.6/game.  If you take out the first game Felix pitched, the historic come from behind win, then the Mariners only scored 2 runs per game in which he started!!

To the side you will find the SP ranked from lowest to highest ERA.  This isn't the best gauge always, but is a good indication on how their totals compared.  Then I decided to take out the "outliers".  That is, a game in which they just weren't as sharp as usual.  I only did this on pitchers who had 5 or more starts, 'cause it enabled me to see trends more easily.  I removed the 4/8 game for Vargas, 4/11 game for Felix, 8/15 for Pineda and 9/27 for Beavan.  We had a 2-2 record in those games.

It looks like the top two starting pitchers duking it out are Felix and Pineda.  They are pretty even in all categories, if only Pineda had 3 more starts then it would have been really easy to pick the top guy.  Statistics wise, Pineda not only tops Felix in ERA, but also in run support, strikeouts per 9 innings (9.44 vs 8.97), and Strikeout/Walk Ratio (4.1 vs 3.58), and Walks & Hits per Inning Pitched (.95 vs 1.06).  But Felix did last deeper into the games, and like I said he had 3 more starts.  Some of the stats could have something to do with the fact that he was a rookie.  They tried not to push his innings too far, and a lot of the teams did not have scouting on him.  Felix won the Cy Young last year, he had a lot of people gunning for him.  Ask me who I want on the mound and I would pick Felix over Pineda any day.  Felix is proven, Pineda still has a few more years to develop.
It was much harder for me to compare the hitters.  We had so many injuries and roster moves that I was only able to find 6 players with at least 100 plate appearances over those 41 games: Ichiro, Olivo, Ryan, Ackley, Smoak, and Kennedy.  Carp was just under at 91 PA.  The result?  They were pretty much pathetic!  I don't know how many more ways I can prove that our offense sucked this year. 

Below you see our team hitting organized by month.  April and August were our best months, followed by May.  Remember, this is only with the top seven players mentioned above.  Doing the whole team would have been too large of a project.

Team batting by month, combining Ackley, Carp, Ichiro, Kennedy, Olivo, Smoak, and Ryan

Overall, not good at all. No single player has ever had that many plate appearances in a season.  But let's ignore that part.  Even if this had been a regular season length, 17 homers with 63rbi could be seen as a pretty poor season, akin to the seventh man in the lineup.  The .216 batting average is terrible, the 191 strikeouts vs 66 walks is horrible.  That's 2.89 (nearly 3) per walk.  We struck out 23% of our plate appearances. 

The tables above compare the 7 players.  The first organizes by On Base Percentage, Batting Average, and finally by plate appearances.  I was surprised to see how low Ackley's BA was, it seemed like every time I saw him he got a hit, or at least got on base.  I'm excited to see what he brings over a full 162 games next year.  In general I care more for On Base Percentage than Batting Average.  A good batter will have an OBP of at least 75 points higher than their BA.   A great one will be 100 or more above.  For the seven players, here is how they ranked:

1. Smoak (.116)
2. Ackley (.113)
3. Ryan (.082)
4. Olivo (.051)
5. Carp (.051)
6. Ichiro (.042)
7. Kennedy (.027)

I also like extra base hits.  I like them because if you have someone on, they are more likely to score!  I like them because the only way you can score in baseball is if your runner gets around the bases.  The faster they move from base to base, the less work the player behind them has to do.  If you leadoff the inning with a double, you can get two productive outs and score the runner without a base hit.  So, here are the players listed by the percent of their hits being extra bases.  For the team it was .067, just below the "good" threshold.

1. Smoak (61.90%)
2. Carp (47.37%)
3. Olivo (41.18%)
4. Ackley (36.84%)
5. Kennedy (33.33%)
6. Ichiro (20.51%)
7. Ryan (13.04%)

Ryan isn't really surprising, he went a really long time without an extra base hit to start the season.  OlivoSmoak's and Carp's numbers can probably be partially attributed to their lack of games played.  Overall, the "team" percentage was 34%.

Finally. let's look at the Strikeouts per Walk ratio.  The lower, the better.   As stated above, the team ratio was 2.89:1

1. Ackley (1.71:1)
2. Smoak (2.00:1)
3. Ryan (2.50:1)
4. Ichiro (2.86:1)
5. Carp (4.67:1)
6. Kennedy (6.67:1)
7. Olivo (8.00:1)

I like RBI almost more than I love extra base hits, 'cause I don't care how we get them!  Let's compare the leaders in the percentage of time a plate appearance led to an RBI.  It may not exactly be fair because the meat of your order is generally who will produce your most runs.  So, it isn't surprising that Ichiro and Ryan are near the bottom.  Olivo hit in the 3/4/5 spots most of the year, and he should be higher.  Kennedy is the real surprise.

1. Carp (13.19%)
2. Smoak (11.32%)
3. Kennedy (9.00%)
4. Ackley (7.92%)
5. Ichiro (6.29%)
6. Olivo (5.22%)
7. Ryan (3.23%)

Now, if we "weigh" all the leaders in the categories I talked about above, here is a list of the top batters for the year.  There are 7 categories: OBP, BAA, PA, BAA above OBP, XBH%, BB/K, and RBI %. 

1. Smoak
2. Ackley
3. Ichiro
4. Carp
5. Ryan
6. Kennedy
7. Olivo

The top two hitters were Ackley and Smoak.  I was surprised to see Ichiro that high, although that is attributed to being first in plate appearances and second in batting average.  He was second to last in two categories and smack dab in the middle for the other one.  Olivo was at the bottom, and we got him for his bat, 'cause his defense sure sucks.  I'm hoping we either pick up a new catcher, or Adam Moore stays healthy.

Well, that's it.  That wraps up 2011.  I'm sure I could spend months digesting and regurgitating different statistics but I think this will suffice.  2012 is right around the corner, and our kids are going to deliver (or heads will roll).

End of Year Recap

 I ended up going to exactly half of the home games, if you include the away games we played against the Marlins.  I ran short of my goal, but this was due to missing around a month because of my back injury.  From the statistics I compiled, I pretty much proved that if the Mariners scored more than 4 runs, they would win.  Their record was 12-1 when they scored more than 4 runs, which means they won 92% of the time!!!   Unfortunately, it seemed a little too difficult for them to score that many.

Mariners Record By Team Played

As you can see from the stats, I saw the Mariners play 15 different teams, 4 NL and 11 AL teams.  Since there are 14 in the American League, I only missed 2: Baltimore, and Boston.  Our record in Inter-league games was 2-4.  It isn't surprising that the top two teams I saw most frequently were from our division.  Nearly 20% of the time I hit Safeco I had the pleasure of seeing the green and gold of the Athletics, but that is helped by our positive record (5-3).  I was a little surprised that I saw the Rangers as many times as the Blue Jays, but maybe that is a good thing (1-3).

Now I will show a game of all game results organized by date played.  I will do another post on individual batter/pitcher statistics, although that is turning into a bigger venture than I thought!.  As you can see by the chart below, losses are in red and wins in black.  There are so many different ways I can rank/calculate, the options are endless and I could do 15 posts about it.  But I won't, at least for now.

The Greatest Loss was on Opening Night, as we lost by 9 runs to Cleveland.  Our Largest Win was July 1st (Game 19) against San Diego.  Interesting that the Starting Pitcher both games was Jason Vargas. 

Average attendance per game I attended was 22,798.  The capacity of Safeco Field is over 45,000.  The average time of game was 2:41.  The shortest game of the year (Game 34) clocked in at 2:04, and the longest was the historic comeback in Game 3 at 3:46.

The smallest crowd of 12,770 for Game 6 was only 4 tickets above the second smallest (Game 5).

From the table at the top of the page as well as to the left, you can see our pathetic run totals.  We scored 1 or fewer runs in 15 games.  That is over a third of all games I went to!  We won only 1 of those (Game 5), the lowest attended game of the year, and were shut out in 6 of them.  At least we threw 5 of our own!

The absolute worst day to go was Saturday. I find it hard to believe that we lost every single Saturday game I went to! But the stats don't lie, they were 0-9.  That can't be a coincidence.  It will be interesting to see if I find a similar result in 2012

I'm glad I compiled all these, it will be interesting to look for patterns year after year.

September Games Recap

The final month of the season wrapped up poorly.  I didn't keep track of food the final games, but that ended up being too hard to keep track of anyway so I won't do again next year.

Thu 9/1 LAA L 4-3, Furbush,  Baked Potato, scored, 19,453
Thu 9/8 KC W 4-2, Vargas, Pizza, scored, 14,473
Sat 9/10 KC L 4-2, Pineda, Torta, scored, 17,883
Sun 9/11 KC L 2-1, Vasquez, Cafe, scored, 20,951
Tue 9/13 NYY L 3-2, Furbush, Burger, scored, 18,306
Fri 9/16 TEX W 4-0, Beavan, scored, 17,607
Sat 9/17 TEX L 7-6, Vasquez, scored, ROOF, 22,159
Mon 9/26 OAK W 4-2, Vargas, scored, ROOF, 17,507
Tue 9/27 OAK L 7-0, Beavan, scored, 18,600
Wed 9/28 OAK L 2-0, Vasquez, scored, 20,173

Record by Starting Pitcher
Felix: N/A (6-3)
Pineda: 0-1 (4-2)
Vargas: 2-0 (3-6)
Beavan: 1-1 (3-2)
Furbush: 0-2 (0-3)
Vasquez: 0-3 (0-3)
Fister: N/A (0-3)
Bedard: N/A (1-2)

Record by Day (Overall)
Mon: 1-0 (6-3)
Tue: 0-2 (2-3)
Wed: 0-1 (3-2)
Thu: 1-1 (2-1)
Fri: 1-0 (5-4)
Sat: 0-2 (0-9)
Sun: 0-1 (0-1)

Record By Food
Baked Potato: 1-0 (2-1)
Cookies: N/A (1-1)
Pizza:  1-0 (4-1)
Gyro: N/A (3-2)
Garlic Chicken N/A (2-2)
Garlic Fries: N/A (1-1)
Kettle Corn: N/A (3-2)
Crepe: N/A (2-3)
Brisket Sandwich: N/A (1-1) 
Burger: 0-1 (0-2)
Cafe: 0-1 (0-1)
Torta: 0-1 (1-1)

Record with Roof Closed: 1-1 (3-3)
Record while Scoring: 3-7 (10-17)

Attendance:
Mon: 17,057;
Tue: 18,306; 18,600
Wed: 20,173
Thu: 19,453; 14,473
Fri: 17,607
Sat: 17,884; 22,159
Sun: 20,951
Avg Attendance:  18,666 (21,953)

Overall Score:  Opponent 33 (135) Mariners 26 (121)
Run Differential: -7 (-14)

Avg Runs Scored
Mariners 2.6
Opponent 3.33

Greatest Run Differential Win: 4
Greatest Run Differential Loss:7

Mariners total Runs Record:
0: 0-2 (0-6)
1: 0-1 (1-8)
2: 0-2 (1-4)
3: 0-1 (4-4)
4: 3-0 (5-0)
5:       (3-0)
6: 0-1 (2-1)
8:       (2-0)

Opponent:
0: 1-0 (5-0)
1:       (2-1)
2: 2-2 (7-4)
3: 0-1 (1-3)
4: 0-2 (1-5)
5:       (1-3)
6:       (0-1)
7: 0-2 (1-2)
8:       (0-2)
9:       (0-1)
12:     (0-1)

Overall 3-7 (18-23)
One Run Games: 0-4 (6-7)

Mariners Blanked to End Year

I couldn't wait to get out of their fast enough, it is really frustrating.  Yesterday was bad, but today we only managed TWO measly hits the entire game.  TWO.  We also had 3 walks, but 11 strikeouts.  It feels like the players couldn't wait for the season to end fast enough so they could go fishing.

Athletics (73-88)

Crisp CF

Taylor LF

Weeks 2B

Willingham DH

Sizemore 3B

Carter 1B

Miller RF

Powell C

Rosales SS

Gonzalez (15-12, 3.25)

Mariners (67-94)

Ichiro RF

Robinson CF

Ackley 2B

Smoak 1B

Carp LF

Kennedy DH

Liddi 3B

Seager SS

Giminez C

Vasquez (1-5, 8.89)

I'm not going to talk much about the game. The Athletics scored the lone runs of the game via a 2 run homer to right center by Miller.  Vasquez never impressed me, I would be surprised if he makes the club next year.  And that was the ballgame... even though we were only down 2 runs it just wasn't going to happen today.  Horrible way to end the season, being shut out the final two games.  20,173 hard core baseball fans were there for the final one this year.

Ichiro failed to get above 200 hits for the first time in his ML career, ending 184, a .272 BA, and a pathetic .310 OBP.  He is now 37 and his numbers will continue to decline.  He's only got one more year on the contract and then it is sayonara and we can finally get a real lead off hitter. 

It was a tough first year without Dave Niehaus.  But we're getting younger, we've got a new Manager in Eric Wedge that I believe is competent, and some exciting players to watch.  Ackley is going to be solid.  Pineda is young, if he develops a third pitch he'll be locked in the two spot for years.  Carp, did he finally have a breakthrough after years in the Minors?  Will Smoak match his potential?  So many questions, and after a sometimes frustrating year I am optimistic about 2012.  We're definitely turning this franchise around, you can see it.

Here's to next year!!

A Stinker

That's the best way I can sum it up.  We just stunk.  Total blowout, our offense was inept and only managed 4 hits as we lost 7-0.  Beavan, who had been doing pretty well lately, was not sharp.

Athletics (72-88)

Weeks 2B

Crisp CF

Matsui LF

Willingham DH

Dejesus RF

Sizemore 3B

Suzuki C

Allen 1B

Sogard SS

Cahill (11-14, 4.31)

Mariners (67-93)

Ichiro RF

Rodriguez SS

Ackley DH

Carp LF

Smoak 1B

Olivo C

Seager 2B

Liddi 3B

Saunders CF

Beavan (5-5, 3.82)

Beavan ended up going exactly 5 innings, giving up eight hits and all seven runs.  It started in the first with a 3 Run BOMB by Willingham to deep left field.  The Mariners threatened in the 1st inning with back to back singles by Ichiro and Rodriguez, but Ackley struck out and Carp ground to second for a double play.  Beavan gave up two more runs in each of the third and fifth innings.  The 5th inning runs were thanks to another homer, this time by Sizemore.  The only other possible scoring opportunity by the Mariners was in the 7th inning with runners on 1st and 2nd with one out, but the runners were stranded.  The Mariners had 4 hits, 1 BB, 8 K, and 4 LOB.  I'm hoping that we will end the season on a positive note tomorrow, with some signs of offense.

Att: 18,600

Vargas is Stellar in Final Start.

Fantastic pitching by both starters, as Mariners won 4-2 in front of 17,057 fans.  There was a little excitement in the 5th inning as Carter hit the roof with a foul ball!!!!!  This is a rare occurrence, occurring only two other times that I can recall.

Athletics (72-87)

Weeks 2B

Crisp CF

Matsui DH

Willingham LF

Sizemore 3B

Suzuki C

Carter 1B

Taylor RF

Rosales SS

McCarthy (9-8, 3.26)

Mariners (66-93)

Ichiro RF

Rodriguez SS

Ackley 2B

Carp DH

Smoak 1B

Olivo C

Robinson LF

Liddi 3B

Saunders CF

Vargas (9-13, 4.38)

The Mariners scored all of their runs via the long ball.  Olivo got a solo shot in the 5th to tie up the ballgame.  Then, in the 6th, Smoak launched a 3 run homer 403 feet to right center, scoring Ackley and Carp with 2 outs.  I'm hoping that Ackley, Carp, and Smoak will be producing like that for the Mariners for the next decade.  Smoak has had a tough year with the passing of his father, and injuries.  I'm hoping next year he's healthy, and finally proves that we made the right trade for Cliff Lee.  Olivo is now the all-time leader in single season home runs for a Mariners catcher with 19.  If only he could actually catch the damn ball. 

I was a little pissed that they pulled Vargas after 8 innings.  He got his career high 10th strikeout in the 8th. Vargas only had 105 pitches, and it was his final start of the year.  They way he was cruising, I don't think an extra 12 pitches would have put him in imminent danger of injuring himself.  Plus, League struggled and practically blew the save.  He gave up 2 hits and a run before getting Suzuki to ground to short for the final out.  My heart started racing for a few minutes, thinking that League was going to ruin the night.  But he pulled it out, and Vargas got a much deserved 10th win of the year.  The lone run he gave up was in the top of the first, after that it was smooth sailing.

I guess McCarthy deserves some praise as well... he had a complete game.

The Mariners are now 18-21 when I attend.

Mariners Appreciate Fans With Another Loss

Tonight was not as good of a pitching performance, for either team.  It was fan appreciation night for 22.159 in attendance, but the Mariners couldn't put together a good pitching performance, and despite the six runs they scored they only got one runner on base past the 5th inning.

Rangers (86-65)

Kinsler 2B

Andrus SS

Hamilton LF

Young 1B

Beltre 3B

Napoli C

Cruz DH

Murphy RF

Gentry CF

Lewis (12-10, 4.29)

Mariners (63-87)

Ichiro RF

Seager 3B

Ackley 2B

Carp 1B

Kennedy DH

Bard C

Ryan SS

Robinson LF

Saunders CF

Vasquez (1-3, 7.29)

Vasquez was never in it, struggling from the beginning.  He only went 3 plus innings, giving up two hits in the first and second innings (including a run in the 2nd).  Then, it pretty much fell apart in the 3rd inning.  To lead off the inning Vasquez gave up back to back home runs to Andrus and Hamilton, then another solo shot to Beltre that traveled 408 feet.  This was after the Mariners had scored 4 runs of their own in the 2nd inning.  They enjoyed their 4-1 lead for only a few minutes.  After starting the 4th inning with a walk, Vasquez was pulled for Gray.  But he himself struggled and the Rangers scored another 3 runs in the inning to go up 7-4.  Carp made it interesting in the 5th with a 2 run homer of his own, to pull the Mariners within 1 run at 7-6.  But there the score remained.  The Mariners were lucky to escape without giving up more runs.  Let's take a look at the Rangers' box score, everyone contributed.  They left 10 men on base, the damage could have been so much worse.

Kinsler:  BB, R
Andrus: 1B, HR, RBI, 2 R
Hamilton: 3H, 2B, HR, 3RBI, R
Young: 2 BB, 1B, SAC, RBI
Beltre: HR, RBI, R
Napoli: 2 2B
Cruz: 1B
Murphy: BB, 1B, R
Gentry: 1B, RBI

On a historic note, Ichiro passed Mantle with his RBI base hit in the 2nd inning.  He now has 2,416 base hits for his ML career.  Never thought I would talk about Mantle in the same sentence as Ichiro.  This will be the last time.

I would also like to add that this is the second year in a row that nobody from my seating section has won a prize.

The roof was closed in the bottom of the 8th.
They are now  17-21 when I attend.

Mariners earn 10th Shutout

The Mariners put in a solid performance, shutting out their opponent for the 10th time this season behind the excellent pitching of Beavan.  He ended up going 8 strong innings, giving up only four hits.  League wrapped up his 45th save of the year by striking out the side.  

Rangers (86-64)

Kinsler 2B

Andrus SS

Hamilton LF

Young 3B

Beltre DH

Murphy RF

Torrealba C

Moreland 1B

Chavez CF

Wilson (16-6, 3.01)

Mariners (62-87)

Ichiro RF

Ryan SS

Ackley 2B

Olivo C

Carp 1B

Pena DH

Seager 3B

Robinson LF

Wells CF

Beavan (4-5, 4.32)

The Mariners scored 3 of their 4 runs in a 41 pitch 3rd inning, thanks to a key error. Wells and Ryan were on 1st and 2nd, respectively, with 2 outs when Ackley came to the plate.  The count was 3-2 and he hit a chopper to Kinsler.  Kinsler fielded it fine but his throw to first was way off.   It ended up being a 2 base error as Wells scored and Ryan ended up at 3rd.  Chalk it up to Ackley's speed, a brain fart?  I don't know, but I'll take it.  Just three pitches later and a wild pitch got past Torrealba, scoring Ryan.  Olivo ended up with an infield single to shortstop followed by an RBI single off the second base bag for Carp. Pena was then hit by a pitch on his foot to load the bases, but Seager struck out for the final out. It was a wild inning, and one that Niehaus would have enjoyed.  Remember, this was all with 2 outs.  So we got an error, wild pitch, and freak hit to thank for the 3 runs as we went through the lineup.  That was all we needed, but they added an insurance run in the 7th inning as Wells lead off with a homer into the Rangers' bullpen, and we won 4-0.  Special note, Wells worked a full count in each of his at-bats tonight.  

Now 17-21 when I attend!
Att: 17,607

In Honor of Dave

Dave Niehaus 1935-2010

I never knew Dave Niehaus.  Well, not personally.  I can't recall ever catching a glimpse of him at Spring Training in 1993, or when walking by the broadcast center on the club level at Safeco.  I didn't know him, but I felt like I did.  He felt like a part of my family, a surrogate Grandfather.  He told me fascinating stories, and lulled me to sleep at night over countless spring, summer, and early fall nights.  His loss has greatly affected the Mariners community, and it will never be the same without him.  This first year has been really tough.  Sure, it has been nice hearing Ken Levine, Ken Wilson, and Ron Fairly on the airwaves again.  But, it isn't the same.  It isn't even close, and I can't bear to listen to the television broadcast anymore.

Niehaus was an important part of the Mariners since day one, 34 years, and all of my years. Words can't adequately express how a simple radio broadcaster can have such an impact on your life. If you don't listen to baseball, you wouldn't understand. You let these people into your homes and hearts for nearly half of the year. You go through the excitement of the first day of Spring Training, the hope of Opening Day, dog days of summer, the blowouts, come from behind wins, pennant races, and the thrill/agony of the playoffs. Don't tell me that you wouldn't feel the loss of losing someone who has been an important part of your life. He could possibly be the reason I fell in love with baseball. I think maybe I fell in love with his voice first. Dave spoke to me.

I went to his memorial last year, there was a small shrine with various trinkets and gifts left for his family.  I left a token of my appreciation, and my childhood.  My favorite rock.  I used to collect them when I was a kid, and this one was special because it was perfectly round with a single white stripe, almost like a belt, around it.  But what made it even more special, was that it was so smooth.  I used to love rubbing its surface against my cheek.

But let me digress for a moment, the most amazing thing I saw left at the site was by a middle aged man, I'm guessing at least fifty. He approached the offerings, took the glove off his hand, left it, and simply walked away. It gave me goosebumps. The glove was well worn, it was obviously beloved, and I still get choked up thinking about it.

I left the rock for many reasons.  With the loss of Niehaus, I felt like I lost a bit of my childhood.  So it was only fitting to me that I should leave a bit of my childhood behind.  Rocks are constant, he was our constant.  It was also a way to acknowledge that "I was here, I recognize you, I remember you."


They remembered Dave today with the unveiling of his statue. It is the first statue in Mariners history.  It shows Dave, sitting at his broadcast booth with his scorebook opened up to game 5 of the 1995 ALDS.  He is surrounded by his most well known phrases, as seen above.  I think my favorite part is the empty seat beside him.  So that we, the fans, may join his broadcast for one final time.

The detail is extraordinary, as you can see from the pictures at right.  You can see his veins, the ring, the detail on his tie, the wrinkles in his suit!  Kudos go to the artist, Lou Cella.  The only issue I have is the grammatically incorrect "Its" in his Grand Salami phrase.  I didn't see an apostrophe.  Maybe I didn't look closely enough.  I believe it should be It's, as the phrase would be "It is Grand Salami...".  Maybe someone out there can shed some light.  Am I mistaken?

All in all, a great tribute to a great man.  He will always be a part of this community, and now he has been immortalized so that generations of Mariners fans to come may pay tribute to The Voice of the Mariners.  Rest in Peace, Dave.  Thank You For the Memories.

Rivera Makes History with 600th Save

Mariano Rivera picked up the 600th save of his career as Ichiro was caught stealing second for the final out, trailing 3-2 with Ackley at the plate.  For all the times to steal a base, and that is when he decides to go.  I doubt Wedge sent him, you never want to end a game that way.

Yankees (89-57)

Jeter SS

Swisher RF

Teixeira 1B

Cano 2B

Montero DH

Jones LF

Martin C

Nunez 3B

Gardner CF

Burnett (9-11, 5.27)

Mariners (61-86)

Ichiro RF

Seager 3B

Ackley 2B

Carp LF

Smoak 1B

Olivo C

Kennedy DH

Wells CF

Ryan SS

Furbush (3-8, 4.84)

This was a game of missed opportunities, from the first inning until the last.  We left 9 men on base, Burnett was not stellar but we couldn't pull the trigger and had 17 strikeouts!  The biggest opportunity was probably the 8th inning when we had Ackley and Smoak on 2nd and 3rd with 1 out, but ended up striking out (with a walk  by Kennedy sandwiched in there).  Or, was it still early in the game when in the 3rd inning when we had the bases loaded with 1 out and all Olivo could do was a sacrifice fly to score our final run of the game?

Furbush had only one truly bad inning, giving up a lead off homer to Cano in the second, followed by a walk to Montero and a double to Jones. Montero ended up scoring on a wild pitch to put Yankees up 2-0 after Martin struck out.  Olivo is a terrible catcher and has let way too many "wild pitches" go past him, but I'll give him the benefit of doubt on this one.  It was pretty low and inside.  But, Olivo...  block the damn plate!

In the 9th inning, Mariano Rivera got his 600th save thanks to Ichiro.  He joins only Trevor Hoffman (601) in the 600 saves club, so at least I can say I saw history.  Rivera didn't really accomplish it, I would say put an asterisk by the number and give Ichiro the assist.  WHY ARE YOU RUNNING WITH TWO OUTS and Ackley up to bat, down by ONE RUN!!!  WHY!?  This is one of the reasons I despise Ichiro as a player.

I have to say, it is not as much fun with no A-Roid to root against.   He's "injured".  And, I was shocked at how few fans were there to watch the Yankees.  The Mariners only drew 18k fans!  You used to be able to guarantee a near sellout, at minimum.  Guess they aren't as much of a draw anymore, and that's a good thing.

Burger
Att: 18,306
Mariners fall to 16-20 when I attend.

Sun Double

My first day game of the year, I generally don't like going to them because they take up the whole day!  But, it was a mild enough time.  We were sheltered from the heat by the sound and shade.

Royals 61-86

Gordon LF

Cabrera CF

Butler DH

Hosmer 1B

Francoeur RF

Navarro 3B

Pena C

Getz 2B

Escobar SS

Teaford P

Mariners 61-84

Ichiro Rf

Ryan SS

Ackley 2B

Carp LF

Smoak 1B

Olivo C

Wells CF

Bard C

Liddi 3B

Vasquez P

Teaford made his first ML start and lasted 5 innings... he only had 73 pitches but they had him on a pitch count, no doubt, 'cause he was rolling along.  He ended his day by striking out three batters in the 5th, and sandwiching a BB in there.  He had 3 total hits, 1 walk, and 1 WP with 5 Ks, and picked up the 2-1 win.

It was more fine pitching and offensive ineptitude as the Mariners scored just 1 run on 6 hits.  The most exciting moment of the game was when Rookie Steve Delabar made his ML Debut in the 9th inning.  Just a few months ago he was a substitute pitcher and in Class A.  Only baseball can provide you feel good stories like that.  He threw a perfect inning, striking out the last two batters.

As I say a lot, there is always something interesting that happens at every game.  Today was the sun double that the Royals hit in the 3rd inning to left.  Gordon hit a ball that Carp couldn't find.  It was a pivotal moment of the game as Escobar scored the first run of the game and Vasquez had been cruising along.  When half of your run total comes from a ball lost in the sky, you have to call yourself fortunate, and for the Mariners unlucky.

Went to Hit It Here Cafe, food was pretty good
Mariners are now 16-19 when I attend.
Att: 20,951

Pineda Goes Eight

Royals (60-86)

Gordon, LF

Cabrera, CF

Butler, DH

Hosmer, 1B

Francoeur, RF

Moustakas, 3B

Perez, C

Getz, 2B

Escobar, SS

Paulino (2-10, 4.60)

Mariners (61-83)

Ichiro, RF

Ryan, SS

Ackley, 2B

Carp, LF

Smoak, 1B

Kennedy, DH

Olivo, C

Seager, 3B

Saunders, CF

Pineda (9-9, 3.74)

Pineda went a season high 8 innings, but the first inning did him in.  He only had 14 pitches, and it lasted around 4 minutes... but the three runs the Royals quickly scored were all they needed as the Royals won 4-2.  Gordon lead off with a double to right, advanced to third on a groundout, then scored easily on a fielder's choice by Butler.  Hosmer then hit a two run homer to left field and just like that it was 3-0 before the Mariners were up.  Pineda pretty much sailed the rest of the way, scattering a few hits.  Like most good pitchers, the first inning was the key.  Felix has learned how to stay focused a lot better now, Pineda will too.  Hard to remember that this is still his first year.  He has a lot of promise.  So it was another quality start, for naught.

The only offensive highlights for the home team were two homers by Smoak and Carp (2nd and 4th innings).  They Mariners struck out 16 times and only had two hits, the solo shots.  They got on base two other times via a walk and an error but only had 29 total at bats, two above the minimum. Such a shame, another team and Pineda probably would have at least escaped with a no-decision instead of his 10th loss of the year.

On a funny note, when I went down to my seats at about 20 minutes before the game started a woman said she had reported my backpack to the ushers because I had left it unattended.  What a paranoid woman!  I told her that I've been doing this since I was a kid and that a lot of people do it.  I went up to tell the ushers in case they had called security and they all rolled their eyes and laughed about it.

Torta and Fries
Att: 17,884
16-18 when I attend

Smoak, Ichiro, and Vargas Deliver

Justin Smoak knocked his first home run in 48 games and the Mariners won 4-1 as we held one of the League's best hitting offenses to just five hits.  Kansas City's 1-3 hitters all came into the game batting exactly .300.

KC Royals (60-84)

Gordon LF

Cabrera CF

Butler DH

Hosmer 1B

Francoeur RF

Moustakas 3B

Giavotella 2B

Perez C

Escobar SS

Hochevar P

Mariners (59-83)

Ichiro RF

Ryan SS

Ackley 2B

Carp LF

Smoak 1B

Kennedy DH

Seager 3B

Robinson CF

Giminez C

Vargas P

After struggling in the second half of the season, the "old" Vargas showed up tonight, and it was nice to see.  He ended up lasting 6 innings, allowing just 1 run on 4 hits.  He retired the lineup in order in the first inning, then... in the second Francoeur hit a one out triple that got past Carp after he made a diving attempt at the fast sinking ball.  It should have been a double.  Vargas got out of the jam by inducing a fielder's choice from Moustakas with a sharp grounder to Ackley, who immediately threw the ball to Giminez.  There was a collision at home, but Giminez held on and Francoeur was out!  At that point we were up 1-0.

Ichiro led off the Mariners' offense by taking the first pitch 386 feet into the right field stands.  It was his 36th lead off homer of his career, and passed Bobby Bonds for 6th on the all-time list.  For a guy who flat out refuses to do anything but single, I guess that's a pretty amazing stat.  He now has 94 ML homers so 38% of all of his homers are lead off.

The game remained 1-0 until the 6th inning, when the Royals tied up the ballgame.  Cabrera got a one out bunt single (first pitch), then stole second and scored on a single to center.  The tie was short lived, as in the bottom of the sixth the Mariners went ahead for good thanks to a leadoff 4 pitch walk to Ackley, and a Smoak two run homer.  It was nice to see, as he has had a tough year with the death of his father and several injuries.  Hopefully he can have a good couple of weeks to finish off the season, right on through to Spring next year.

We added an insurance run in the 7th.  Ichiro got a two out single, stole second and third base, then scored when Ryan reached on an error by the shortstop.

League came on in the 9th to nail down his 34th save, but not before our defense put the tying run at the plate.  Moustakas reached on a single that ricocheted off League and ended in "no man's land" between Smoak and League.  Then, on what was going to be a sure out by Ryan to end the ballgame, he was unable to get a hold of the ball and committed the error.  Perez then hit a ground ball to Ryan, who tossed to Ackley for the Fielder's Choice.  And that was the ballgame.


Pizza
16-17 when I attend
Att: 14,377

Furbush Knocked for Another Loss

The Mariners had ample opportunity to win this game, but just couldn't get that clutch hit.  We walked eight times but had only four hits.  You could say Santana was "effectively wild", or maybe the Mariners were just inept.

Angels 73-63

Izturis SS

Bourjos CF

Kendrick 2B

Hunter DH

Trumbo 1B

Wells LF

Callaspo 3B

Trout RF

Wilson C

Santana P

Mariners 58-77

Ichiro RF

Gutierrez CF

Ackley 2B

Carp 1B

Olivo C

Seager 3B

Wells LF

Ryan SS

Robinson DH

Furbush P
Furbush didn't have a great first inning, he hit Izturis to lead off the game followed by a walk to Bourjos and then after a strikeout by Kendrick, Torii Hunter launched a 3 run homer to left.  Just like that, it was 3-0.  He ended up giving up another hit in the first and when it ended he had already thrown 29 pitches.  The Angels went in order in the 2nd, but in the third Furbush ended up giving up another homer, this time a solo shot to Kendrick.  He didn't pitch "that bad", but with the way the Mariners offense has gone at times this year, it just wasn't good enough.

After getting two walks in the 2nd inning, Wells ground into an inning ending double play.  We started the bottom of the third with two consecutive walks.  Then, on an 0-2 count Ichiro laced a double to right scoring Ryan.  Gutierrez flied out, but then "Mr. Calm" Ackley drove in Ryan and Ichiro with a single up the middle.  It was a brand new ballgame, as the Mariners trailed 4-3.  Carp followed with a single of his own but then Olivo and Seager went down with a strike out and fly to left.

Little did we know but that was the ballgame, as neither team scored again.  The Mariners threatened in the 5th after two more walks but Carp grounded into a double play.  Wright came in for Furbush in the 7th and finished the final three innings.

On another note, the Mariners released Matt Tuiasosopo.

Baked Potato
Att 19453
15-17

August Games Recap

Much better month of baseball than July!

Mon 8/1 OAK W 8-4, Beavan, Garlic Chicken, 23,335, scored
Tue 8/2 OAK W 4-2, Felix, Chicken Noodles, 22,576
Mon 8/15 TOR W 6-5, Pineda, Brisket, 28,530, scored
Wed 8/17 TOR L 6-1, Beavan, Pizza, 26,579, scored
Fri 8/26 CWS L 4-2, Furbush, Gyro, 28,621, scored
Sat 8/27 CWS L 3-0, Pineda, Burger, 30,522, scored
Mon 8/29 LAA W 5-3, Beavan, Garlic Chickem, 16,990, scored
Wed 8/31 LAA W 2-1, Felix, Gyro, 18,520, scored

Record by Starting Pitcher
Felix: 2-0 (6-3)
Pineda: 1-1 (4-1)
Vargas: N/A (1-6)
Beavan: 2-1 (2-1)
Furbush: 0-1 (0-1)
Fister: N/A (0-3)
Bedard: N/A (1-2)

Record by Day (Overall)
Mon: 3-0 (5-3)
Tue: 1-0 (2-1)
Wed: 1-1 (3-1)
Thu: N/A (1-0)
Fri: 0-1 (4-4)
Sat: 0-1 (0-7)

Record By Food
Baked Potato: N/A (1-1)
Cookies: N/A (1-1)
Pizza:  0-1 (3-1)
Gyro: 1-1 (3-2)
Garlic Chicken 2-0 (2-2)
Garlic Fries: N/A (1-1)
Kettle Corn: N/A (3-2)
Crepe: 0-1 (2-3)
Brisket Sandwich: 1-0 (1-1) 
Burger: 0-1 (0-1)

Record with Roof Closed: N/A (2-2)
Record while Scoring: 4-3 (7-10)

Attendance:
Mon: 23,335; 28,530; 16,990
Tue: 22,576
Wed: 26,579; 18,520
Fri: 28,621
Sat: 30,522
Avg Attendance:  24,459 (23,013)

Overall Score:  Opponent 18 (102) Mariners 37 (95)
Run Differential: +19 (-7)

Avg Runs Scored
Mariners 4.625
Opponent 2.25

Greatest Run Differential Win: 4
Greatest Run Differential Loss: 4

Mariners total Runs Record:
0: 0-1 (0-4)
1: 0-1 (1-7)
2: 1-1 (1-2)
3:       (4-3)
4: 1-0 (2-0)
5: 1-0 (3-0)
6: 1-0 (2-0)
8: 1-0 (2-0)

Opponent:
0:       (4-0)
1: 1-0 (2-1)
2: 1-0 (5-2)
3: 1-1 (1-2)
4: 1-1 (1-3)
5: 1-1 (1-3)
6:       (0-1)
7:       (1-0)
8:       (0-2)
9:       (0-1)
12:     (0-1)

Overall 5-3 (15-16)
One Run Games: 2-0 (6-3)

Safeco and Mariners Pet Peeves

In no particular order...

#35 Olivo
#34 Root sports changing the theme song to the opening
#33 Vendors blocking view during active play
#32 Ushers booting people from empty seats when there are 15k people at the game
#31 People taking pictures of Ichiro during the top of the inning... home plate is the other way
#30 Ichiro
#28 3-5 second delay between radio/tv broadcasts
#27 Fans who care more about the Hydro race than the game
#26 Fans who care more about the Hat Trick than the game
#25 Fans who care more about "hooking up" than the game
#24 Boston Fans
#23 New York Fans
#22 Chicago Cubs Fans
#21 Searching your bag/backpack when entering the game
#20 Rally Fries signs
#15 Dave Sims
#14 Dancing Grounds Crew gets louder applause than the team
#13 People who show up halfway through the game
#12 The Wave
#11 The Wave when the the home team is up
#10 Kids under the age of 7 going to the game
#9 Kids kicking my seat
#8 Kids standing on seats
#7 Ivars' Clam Chowder
#6 The food prices
#5 People getting up in the middle of an at bat to leave their seats
#4 People going down the wrong aisle and forgetting where their seats are (not that hard)
#3 People standing up in the middle of an inning while on their phone and waving to someone else across the stadium
#2 The endless giveaways
#1 God Bless America

Felix With 5th Complete Game

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!  What a way to end the month of August.  Carp tied the Mariners rookie mark for RBIs in a month, Felix passed Jamie Moyer for 2nd on the strike out list (trailing only Randy Johnson) as well as passed 200 strike outs in a season for the third year in a row.  This game had it all, fantastic defense, pitching, clutch hitting, and a come from behind 2-1 win.

Angels  (73-62)

Aybar SS

Kendrick 2B

Hunter RF

Trumbo 1B

Callaspo 3B

Bourjos CF

Trout LF

Mathis C

Haren P

Mariners (57-77)

Ichiro DH

Gutierrez CF

Ackley 2B

Carp 1B

Olivo C

Seager 3B

Wells RF

Ryan SS

Robinson LF

Hernandez P

With Felix and Haren on the mound, we knew it had the potential to be a great game.  When both pitchers are on, they're ON.  As with the majority of fantastic pitchers, you have to hit them in the first couple of innings or it will be a long night.

Haren gave up a walk in the first and a double in the second... which was followed by retiring the next 15 batters until a single by Carp in the 7th inning.  It was an inning in which we loaded the bases but weren't able to break out for a run. 

At that point we were trailing 1-0 thanks to a leadoff broken bat single by the speedy Trout in the 3rd who came around on another single by Kendrick after advancing to second base on a sac bunt.  The single by Kendrick followed Felix's 3rd strikeout in the game, Aybar, which made him pass Jamie Moyer to the number 2 position on career strikeouts at 1,240.  He ended up with another 6 on the night.

Felix wasn't perfect, but he was definitely sharp.  At one point, from the 4th to the 8th inning, he retired 12 in a row.  His final line:  9 IP, 109 P, 5H, 1 R, 9 K, 1 BB

So here Felix is, pitching his ass off again and looking at another complete game loss.  We got to Haren in the 7th but were unable to score.  Needless to say, I was less than confident with Robinson and Ichiro up 1 and 2 in the order in the top of the 8th.  As predicted, neither produced.  But Gutierrez, having refound his stroke in the month of August, got a single up the middle and WE WERE ALIVE!  Ackley quickly followed with a single of his own and we had runners at the corners.  All we needed was a single to tie or a well placed double to put us ahead.  Carp came up to the plate, needing those two RBI sitting on the bases to tie Danny Tartabull in 1986 for most RBIs by a Mariners rookie in any month (25).

After a pitching change in which Haren was pulled, on a 2-1 pitch Caro smoked it... and I mean smoked, to left center which got past Bourjos for a double that scored both runners!  The crowd went nuts.  Carp had tied the rookie record, we were up 2-1, and with the way Felix was pitching there was no doubt he wouldn't come out to complete the game.  To the roar of the crowd, he came trotting back out to the 9th and retired the first two batters via strikeouts.  Then, Trumbo took a 1-1 pitch deep to RF, but thankfully it was grabbed at the warning track for the final out.  Everyone went home happy and pumped up from the excitement.

Gyro
15-16 when I attend
18,520 att

Carp Snaps Streak

Losing streak, that is.  The Mariners played spoiler, knocking off the Angels 5-3 on one of their better games of the year.  We had everything, great hitting, great defense, and solid pitching.  Seeing as how we came into the game 20 games under, the only thing to look forward to is the role of spoiler and the continued development of our youngsters.  The Angels are fighting for the AL West top spot with the Rangers, but they will have to wait at least another day for a win.

Angels (72-61)

Izturis 3B

Kendrick 2B

Abreu DH

Hunter RF

Trumbo 1B

Wells LF

Aybar SS

Bourjos CF

Conger C

Pineiro P

Mariners (56-76)

Ichiro RF

Gutierrez CF

Ackley 2B

Carp 1B

Olivo C

Kennedy DH

Wells LF

Seager 3B

Ryan SS

Beavan P

Trumbo is a freaking beast of a rookie... he came into the game hitting 256 with 18 homers and 71 RBI.  He added 2 more RBI with his 2 run homer in the 4th.  The Angels added another run that inning, but that was pretty much all she wrote for their offense!

Ackley was a homer shy of a cycle, Wells got two outfield assists (3rd and 7th) as well as walked in 3 out of his 4 plate appearances (one intentional), and Carp crushed the game winning 2 run homer 432 feet to the hit it here cafe in the 8th as the Mariners won 5-3 in a thrilling game.  There were only 16,990 fans, which is pathetic considering the weather was beautiful and it is still August!  The Mariners hit a season high 7 extra base hits.  Ichiro had 2 of them, both doubles in which he came around on a sac fly to left field in the first and Ackley's triple in the 5th (which tied the game at 3).  He now has 153 hits on the year with 29 games to go on his quest for 200.  I really hope he doesn't get it.

Garlic Chicken
14-16 when I attend
I scored, but let my sister score for nearly half of the game.  She did a good job and I think had a good time.

Mariners Shut Out

Not much to say with this one, Danks went the whole way and we were shut out 3-0.  The higlight of the game was in the ceremonial pitch as Larry Bernandez (Felix Hernandez's commercial alter ego) threw out the first pitch.  It was Larry Bernandez bobblehead night.

White Sox

Pierre LF

De Aza RF

Konerko DH

Ramierez SS

Dunn 1B

Lillibridge CF

Flowers C

Morel 3B

Beckham 2B

Danks P

Mariners

Ichiro RF

Gutierrez CF

Ackley 2B

Carp 1B

Olivo C

Wells LF

Pena DH

Seager 3B

Ryan SS

Pineda P

Pineda retired the first 9 in order, then go into trouble in the 4th as Pierre led off with a high chopper of an infield hit.  Followed by two consecutive singles and then a sac fly, and we were down 2-0.  That's all Danks needed, but they added another in the 8th on a solo homer. The Mariners were only able to muster three hits and 1 walk, striking out 10 times.  At least the game was only 2 hours and 9 minutes, so it was over quickly.

Burger, Att 30,522

The Mariners fell to 13-16 when I attend

Lost Opportunities

White Sox (63-65)

Pierre LF

Lillibridge 1B

Konerko DH

Rios CF

Ramirez SS

Flowers C

De Aza RF

Morel 3B

Beckham 2B

Peavy P

Mariners (56-73)

Ichiro RF

Gutierrez CF

Ackley 2B

Carp 1B

Olivo C

Seager 3B

Pena DH

Ryan SS

Robinson LF

Furbush P

 

It was a disappointing loss as the Mariners had ample opportunity to win.  Furbush struggled early on, with 70 pitches through the first three.  He allowed the leadoff batter of the game on in a single.  Then, Olivo had a passed ball which took away a double play opportunity.  The White Sox ended up scoring two times in the first, and we never led the rest of the game.

In the bottom of the second we were able to get 1 back with a leadoff solo shot on the first pitch by Olivo.  Then, in the third we left the bases loaded.  We tied it up in the 4th, then after the White Sox immediately took back the lead with a two run homer in the 5th, we left the bases loaded once again in the 7th.  In all, we left 11 men on base and lost by the final score of 4-2.

Attendance 28,621
- Gyro/Fries

13-15 when I attend

Morrow Returns

It was the return of Brandon Morrow, our former #1 pick from several years ago.  After screwing around with him for a couple of years... we finally traded him away to Toronto for a fresh start.  He has days where he is just on, lights out... and then days when he gets rocked!  I was there for his first ML Start in which he took a no-hitter into the 8th inning.  Tonight was one of those nights.  At one point he struck out 5 in a row, ending up with 12k in 6 total innings.  He gave up just one run and picked up the win as the Mariners fell to the Blue Jays 5-1.

Blue Jays (62-60)

Escobar SS

Thames LF

Bautista RF

Lind 1B

Encarnacion DH

Rasmus CF

Lawrie 3B

Hill 2B

Molina C

Morrow P

Mariners (53-68)

Ichiro DH

Gutierrez CF

Ackley 2B

Carp 1B

Wells RF

Robinson LF

Seager 3B

Bard C

Wilson SS

Beavan P

The Blue Jays scored all their runs via the longball.  After hitting three on Monday they hit three more today.  A leadoff solo in the 2nd, 3 run HR in the 3rd, and another leadoff homer in the 4th.  5 runs was all they needed, and then some.  Wells had entered the game hitting home runs in 4 straight games.  Unfortunately this streak came to an end as he was hit on the nose in the 6th inning after striking out his first two times at the plate.  It turns out he was fine, just a little rattled, as x-rays etc came back negative.  However another streak was extended as Carp pushed his hitting streak to 17 games in the 4th.  Ackley had 3ks, he's struggling a little.  We only mustered 3 hits total in the game.

Ate a slice of Pizza
Attendance 26,579
13-14 when I attend and fell to 53-69 overall.

Homer Happy

Well it was a night of launched rockets with the Blue Jays in town in front of 28,530 fans, which seemed to be half Blue Jays fans.  I called them Stealth 'cause it is very unlike the Red Sox fans when you can definitely see the RED stand out.  Well, it was nice to get them to go quiet later in the game as the Mariners came back and went ahead for good in the 8th inning.

Blue Jays (61-59)

Escobar SS

Thames LF

Bautista RF

Lind 1B

Encarnacion DH

Rasmus CF

Lawrie 3B

Hill 2B

Arencibia C

Alvarez P

Mariners (52-67)

Ichiro RF

Gutierrez CF

Ackley 2B

Carp 1B

Wells DH

Olivo C

Robinson LF

Seager 3B

Wilson SS

Pineda P

Pineda definitely wasn't the sharpest we have seen him.  He gave up three homers, none to league leader Bautista (34), but the real problem was all the walks, 5, in just 5 innings.  He walked the leadoff batter of the game and on the next pitch, Thames launched a homer to right that traveled 357 feet.  It was nearly the same thing in the 3rd inning, except the leadoff batter grounded out to second.  Bautista walked and then on a 1-0 pitch Lind hit a two run homer himself.  In the 4th, Lawrie lead off with a 1-0 homer to left that went 409 feet that put them up 5-4, the score held until the 8th inning.

The Mariners got three in the 2nd to go up 3-2.  Wells lead off the inning by being plunked on the back.  Then, after Olivo Flied out to right, Trayvon Robinson (rookie acquired in one of the deadline trades) hit a solid ball to left that the fielder just got a hand on, but couldn't pull in.  He ended up with an rbi double and it could have maybe been a triple!  On the night, Trayvon had 2 hits (2 2B), and RBI, and run scored.  In only his second big league game last week, he went into the stands to bring back a home run.  Seager then walked, and Jack Wilson got an rbi single advancing Seager to third.  Wilson advanced to 2nd on the attempt at home with heads up base running   So with 1 out and runners on second and third up came the "mighty" Ichiro.  I was pleasantly surprised that he actually produced with runners on, by getting a sac fly to left. Guti then flew out to right. Guti continues his hot streak, extending his hit streak to 8 games with a first inning double.

The Blue Jays went ahead in the top of the third with their 2nd homer... and then in the bottom of third up came Carp. He had entered the game with a 14 game hitting streak, and for some reason I felt like he was going to knock it out.  Sure enough, on a 1-1 count he launched a solo shot to Left Center for 416 feet, and the ballgame was tied!  He hit another game tying solo shot to right in the 8th inning.  After a pitching change, in came Wells who was not to be outdone, and hit the game winning homer to left.  Back to back homers sure are fun to see!  It was a back and forth night, and boy am I glad I stayed.  At one point it was looking like it would be a 3.5 hour game.

League then came in and nailed down his 30th save.  The win went to rookie Wilhelmsen, the first of his career.

The Mariners are now 13-13 when I attend, and are now out of last place in the AL West, having overtaken Oakland.

Brisket.

On a side note, congrats go out to Jim Thome for launching two homers himself today, the second of which was career #600.  He is only the 5th player to ever hit more than 600.  Bonds, Sosa, and Rodriguez do not count as they have all been accused of or have admitted to using performance enhancing drugs.

"Infield Triple"

I've said it before and I'll say it again, one of the reasons I love baseball is that you always see something different at the ballpark.  Tonight was a wacky game!  With King Felix on the mound in front of 22,576 we saw a play that we will probably never see again.  Well, possibly... but it happens very rarely.

Athletics 

Weeks 2B

Crisp CF

Matsui LF

Willingham DH

Sweeney RF

Jackson 1B

Suzuki C

Sogard SS

Sizemore 3B

Harden P

Mariners

Ichiro RF

Ryan SS

Ackley 2B

Carp DH

Kennedy 3B

Olivo C

Smoak 1B

Wells LF

Gutierrez CF

Hernandez P

In the bottom of the first inning, Brendan Ryan, with 1 out, hit a chopper to third and was safe at first on the throw.  Don't know how it happened, but for some reason many Athletics missed their assignment.  The 2nd baseman had gone to back up at first, but nobody was anywhere near 2nd base so Ryan took off for second.  As this was happening their third baseman ran to 2nd to take a throw, which never came... and nobody backed up third!  Ryan took off for third!!!  He slid in safely and may have singledhandidly won this game, 'cause after a walk by Ackley Carp hit a 2 RBI 2B and we had spotted Felix two runs in the 1st.  We never trailed the rest of the game.

In the third inning Ackley knocked yet another triple... this time it was "ground rule" triple as a fan reached over and picked up the ball.  Ackley was already turning at 2nd so the umpire awarded Ackley third instead of calling it a ground rule double.  The fan was dressed up exactly like Ichiro and was escorted from the seat.  A lot of twitter and fan buzzing, and "Fake Ichiro" wasn't booted from the stadium.  He did a couple of interviews, more than the real Ichiro will ever do!

Wells gave us insurance with a 2 run shot in the 6th , his first homer with us after arriving in the Fister trade. It turns out we needed it as the Athletics added a Sizemore 2 run homer of their own in the 7th.  It was to straightaway center and surprised a lot of people.  He hit it solid.  And Felix's day was over.  He had another solid outing, 6.1 IP with 9K, 2R, 5 H, and 3 BB.

Then there was more weirdness in the 8th inning as the A's loaded the bases with 1 out. Kurt Suzuki, who had given us huge problems over the years, ended up striking out on a pitch that hit him!  We got out of the inning a batter later... and that was pretty much the ballgame.  We ended up halving the score from yesterday at 4-2 being the final score.

Ate Ginger Chicken Veggie Noodles and my mom joined me for most of the game.  She left in the top of the 7th. 

This is the first time we've won 2 in a row since July 4/5.  The Mariners improved to 12-13 when I attend.  We go for the sweep tomorrow!

Undefeated in August

I know, I know... this was the first game of the month.  BUT we cruised to an 8-4 victory thanks to a bases clearing triple by Ackley in the 5 run 2nd inning.  '

Oakland Athletics (49-59)

Weeks 2B
Crisp CF
Matsui DH
Willingham LF
Sweeney RF
Jackson 1B
Pennington SS
Suzuki C
Sizemore 3B

Cahill P

Mariners (45-62)

Ichiro RF
Ryan SS
Ackley 2B
Carp DH
Kennedy 1B
Olivo C
Wells LF
Figgins 3B
Gutierrez CF

However, the game may have been decided in the 1st as Beaven loaded the bases on three straight singles, weird singles, with nobody out.  But he got out of the jam and that was pretty much the only trouble he got into until the 7th.  The first hit was a ricochet off his leg followed by a line drive right over Ryan into center, who was going to 2nd to cover Weeks.  Weeks advanced to 3rd and then Matsui, batting .528 on a 9 game hitting streak, hit to 3B that ended up a single as Figgins tried to tag Weeks.  Stupid choice, Matsui is slow and would have been out.  So, the bases were loaded.  But then rookie pitcher Beavan got the next two batters and called strikes and Jackson ended the inning by flying out to Wells.  If they score there, who knows what happens the rest of the game goes.

We knocked out 16 hits.  Our first was in the first inning, a double by ryan to right field.  In the 2nd inning, after the A's went in order, is when we did our damage.  Olivo flied to center on the first pitch, then Wells, on his first pitch, got a broken bat single right past their 3rd baseman.  It was followed by a Figgins bloop single to left, then a Guti double to right that scored Wells.  Ichiro loaded the bases via a fielder's choice as he hit a chopper right to 3B.  Figgins was looked back to the base and Sizemore couldn't get Ichiro in time on the throw.  Unlike the Athletics in the first, we were able to punch through with the bases juiced.  Ryan picked up an RBI with his single to left and the bases were still loaded.

Which brought up Ackley, coming into the game batting .305 with 5 homers and 20 RBI.  The best hitter on our team since he came up.  The dude is ridiculously good.  He's the best in the majors right now at batting with two strikes, and he didn't disappoint tonight.  On a 1-2 count he lined to RF, but the ball bounced in front of Sweeney and over his glove as he was trying to dive for the ball.  It went all the way to the wall and Ackley had a 3RBI triple.  It is already his 5th triple of the year.  Carp and Kennedy both grounded out to end the inning, but when all the damage was over we had 9 batters, 5 runs, and 5 hits.

We traded Fister and Pauley away on Saturday to Detroit for the new Casper Wells (in the lineup for his second game) as well as Charlie Furbush (P) and a couple of minor leaguers.  We also were able to trade Bedard to Boston on Sunday!  I am sad to see Fister go, I really liked him.  Underrated guy, consistent... his only issue was lack of run support.  Wells ended up getting 2 singles, a run, and was hit by a pitch in his final at-bat.

Figgins was pinch hit for in the 3rd, lots of speculation but it turned out hit hurt his hip flexor diving back to third in the 2nd.  Smoak pinch hit for him in the 3rd and ended up going 2/3 with a walk and two runs scored.  Ended up being a good night on his supposed night off.  Pretty much everyone in our lineup had a good day, only Kennedy failed to reach base.

Ichiro 1-5, R, RBI
Ryan 3-5, 2B, R, RBI
Ackley 2-4, 3B, 3B, BB, R, 3RBI
Carp 1-4, BB,
Kennedy 0-5
Olivo 3-5, RBI
Wells, 2-4, R, HBP
Figgins 1-1, R
Smoak 2-3, 2B, BB, 2R
Gutierrez 1-4, 2B, R, RBI

We added three more runs in three separate innings.  In the 4th Ackley got a double and scored on an Olivo single.  And, in the 5th and 7th Smoak led off each inning with a hit (single and then double) and scored on a wild pitch and soft bloop single by Ichiro.

The attendance was 23.335.  I ate Garlic Chicken and scored the game. The Mariners improved to 11-13 when I attend!

July Games Recap

Boy this is getting exhausted and more involved than I ever thought.  I am going to have to rethink my game log for next year.  It was a miserable month as we were shut out in 3 of the 5 games I went to.

Fri 7/1 SD W 6-0, Vargas, Pizza and Garlic Fries, 23,616
Sat 7/2 SD L 1-0, Fister, Gyro, 22,798, scored
Fri 7/15 TEX L 4-0, Fister, Garlic Fries, 30,551, scored, ROOF
Sat 7/16 TEX L 5-1, Felix, Crepe, 30,896, scored
Fri 7/29 TB L 8-0, Bedard, Brisket Sandwich, 26,570

Record by Starting Pitcher
Felix: 0-1 (4-3)
Pineda: N/A (3-0)
Vargas: 0-1 (1-6)
Fister: 0-2 (0-3)
Bedard: 0-1 (1-2)

Record by Day (Overall)
Mon: N/A (2-3)
Tue: N/A (1-1)
Wed: N/A (2-0)
Thu: N/A (1-0)
Fri: 1-2 (4-3)
Sat: 0-2 (0-6)

Record By Food
Baked Potato: N/A (1-1)
Cookies: N/A (1-1)
Pizza:  1-0 (3-0)
Gyro: 0-1 (2-1)
Garlic Chicken N/A (0-2)
Garlic Fries: 1-1 (1-1)
Kettle Corn: N/A (3-2)
Crepe: 0-1 (2-3)
Brisket Sandwich: 0-1 (0-1)

Record with Roof Closed: 0-1 (2-2)
Record while Scoring: 0-3 (3-7)

Attendance:
Fri: 23,616; 30,551; 26,570
Sat: 22,798; 30,896
Avg Attendance:  26,886 (22,510)

Overall Score:  Opponent 18 (84) Mariners 7 (58)
Run Differential: -11 (-26)

Avg Runs Scored
Mariners1.4
Opponent 3.60

Greatest Run Differential Win: 6
Greatest Run Differential Loss:8

Mariners total Runs Record:
0: 0-3 (0-3)
1: 0-1 (1-6)
2:       (0-1)
3:       (4-3)
4:       (1-0)
5:       (2-0)
6: 1-0 (1-0)
8:       (1-0)

Opponent:
0: 1-0 (4-0)
1: 0-1 (1-1)
2:       (4-2)
3:       (0-1)
4: 0-1 (0-2)
5: 0-1 (0-2)
6:       (0-1)
7:       (1-0)
8: 0-1 (0-2)
9:       (0-1)
12:     (0-1)

Overall 1-4 (10-13)
One Run Games: 0-1 (4-3)

Sonics Night

Sorry about the formatting, it is acting all wonky!

Well, the last game I went to they honored the 116 win Mariners team.  The hi-light of this evening was before the first pitch, as the Seattle Mariners brought many Supersonics legends to Safeco in a pregame ceremony.  Michael Cage, Tom Chambers, Jack Sikma, Lenny Wilkens, Shawn Kemp, Gary Payton, George Karl and others all gathered around the mound.  It was the largest gathering of former Sonics since the team was ripped from our hearts.  It was cool to see so much green and gold in the stands, but bittersweet as well.  They never should have left.  I can't believe it has been three years already.

Tampa Bay Rays Jennings LF Damon DH Longoria 3B Zobrist 2B Upton CF Kotchman 1B Shoppach C Joyce RF Rodriguez SS Niemann P Mariners

Suzuki RF
Ryan SS
Ackley 2B
Olivo C
Carp LF
Smoak DH
Kennedy 1B
Gutierrez CF
Figgins 3B

Bedard P

Unfortunately all the goodwill ended when Erik Bedard, coming off the DL, couldn't make it through the second inning.  I can't recall the last time I saw one of our starting pitchers have such a short stint.  He lasted on 1.1 innings on 57 pitches, giving up 3 hits, 4 walks, and 5 runs.  If he had a good outing we were sure to trade him.  Some think he sabotaged the outing on purpose.  Who knows... but it was disappointing regardless.  The Rays ended up scoring 8 total in the inning... and the Mariners only mustered 3 hits the whole night.  We were shut out 8-0.

There was also a moment of silence for Rick "The Peanut Man" Kaminski who had been a fixture at the Kingdome and Safeco since the inaugural season.  He passed away from a Brain Aneurysm earlier in the week.  It has been a tough couple of years for the Mariners family, both on and off the field.
Coming into the game the Mariners had snapped a 17 game losing streak, the most in franchise history.  We are now 1-18 in our last 19 games.  We started the streak at 43-43 and only 2.5 games back.

Ate Brisket Sandwich, pretty good.  Attendance was  26,570 and they dropped to 10-13 when I attend.  Went with my bro-in-law

Some movement from the Mariners as we get near the deadline... they DFA Cust and traded Langerhans for cash.

A Celebration of History

The rolled out the red carpet tonight for the 2001 team, at least those who could make it to the game.  It was a little weird to remember all of the wonderful memories from that year, especially in contrast to the offensive ineptitude of this year.  It almost feels as if any of those retired ballplayer... whether it be Dan, Jay, Edgar, Olerud, Boone... could pick up a bat and come up with better results than any of our current team.  We haven't made the playoffs since the historic 116 win 2001 season, which is hard to believe, but isn't.  Between 1995 and 2001 we made the playoffs 4 times and haven't been back since. Will we ever go back!?

Rangers (53-41)

Kinsler DH

Andrus SS

Hamilton LF

Beltre 3B

Young 2B

Cruz RF

Moreland 1B

Torrealba C

Chavez CF

Wilson P

Mariners (43-50)

Ichiro RF

Ryan SS

Ackley 2B

Olivo C

Smoak 1B

Kennedy DH

Gutierriez CF

Seager 3B

Halman LF

Hernandez P

Coming into the game we had 26 consecutive scoreless innings, the team record being 29.  Well, we made history tonight.  Kinsler led off the game with a solo shot to left, and that was the game.  We had to score 2 runs to win and were only able to get 1, in the 5th inning.  The inning prior we had reached the club record 30 consecutive innings without scoring.  Yippee, History of Ineptitude.

The tie was short lived, as Texas regained the lead in the 6th inning.  We looked like we could maybe get another run in our half of the sixth when Smoak got a 1 out walk, but Kennedy grounded into a double play.  The Rangers added three more insurance runs (including another solo shot by Kinsler) in the 8th and we lost by a final score of 5-1.  The Rangers picked up their 10th win in a row, we dropped our 8th in a row, and we are now 10.5 games back in the AL West.  We're done, cooked... I wish we were Smoaked but the kid has been struggling.

Eric Wedge was ejected in the 8th inning on a "Balk" called against Felix, I was hoping for an exciting Lou Piniella impression since he was in the ballpark.  Nope.  I went to the game with a friend from Iowa, she said she had fun!  Unfortunately we couldn't pull a win for her.  I tried to explain scorekeeping.  She asked me why the DH and not pitcher.  Don't know, those are the rules!  That's like asking why they have four balls and three strikes! 

Had a Turkey Crepe, shared onion rings, and we got 116 shirts.  The Mariners dropped to 10-12 when I attend.  They were also outscored by the Sounders 4-1.  The Attendance was 30,896.