Saturday, July 02, 2005
THE PUMP 7/2/05
Rangers at Mariners, 1:05 Pacific (FOX)
C.J. Wilson (0-2, 7.15 ERA) vs Joel Pineiro (2-4, 5.60 ERA)
The Pump is out of service today. Don't worry, Miguel Olivo, Dave Hansen, and Willie Bloomquist are still on the Pump. Love on the rocks, no big surprise.
If you want to watch something other than the ballgame today, there's Live 8. It's on MTV and VH1 as I'm typing this. However, I'm watching it on AOL. (AOL is good for two things: Live 8 and MLB Gameday Audio, which they carried last season).
Saturday in the park. Just win. Please?
C.J. Wilson (0-2, 7.15 ERA) vs Joel Pineiro (2-4, 5.60 ERA)
The Pump is out of service today. Don't worry, Miguel Olivo, Dave Hansen, and Willie Bloomquist are still on the Pump. Love on the rocks, no big surprise.
If you want to watch something other than the ballgame today, there's Live 8. It's on MTV and VH1 as I'm typing this. However, I'm watching it on AOL. (AOL is good for two things: Live 8 and MLB Gameday Audio, which they carried last season).
Saturday in the park. Just win. Please?
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THE TOWEL HAS BEEN THROWN
What is there to say about the 2005 Mariners at this point?
With tonight's 6-2 loss to the Texas Rangers, the Mariners are 33-45, 14.5 games behind the Anaheim Angels Baseball Club of Orange County. In what should be no big surprise to anybody, this is a bad baseball team. There's no energy at all from this ballclub and sadly, the energy is evaporating quickly from the fanbase, if it hasn't already. The blogosphere is more exciting than this ballclub right now. Where's the broken record picture when I really need it?
I do have some good news though.
Seahawks training camp is less than 4 weeks away!
Don't worry, I'll be alive and kicking once training camp starts. I have to be, considering that Sports And Bremertonians is one of the few Seahawks blogs on the internet. I'll have some Seahawks stuff next week, so be on the lookout for that.
In the meantime, I've thrown in the towel on the 2005 Mariners. Too bad, so sad.
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Friday, July 01, 2005
THE PUMP 7/1/05
Rangers at Mariners, 7:05 Pacific (FSN Northwest, MLB.TV)
Chan Ho Park (7-2, 5.75 ERA) vs Aaron Sele (6-6, 4.40 ERA)
Since I'm in the Rangers' territorial area, I won't be able to watch the Mariners on MLB.TV this weekend. I would get mad about this, but the way the M's have been playing lately, I think it's useless for me to waste my energy on the issue. In related news, I'm putting more energy into this post than the M's have in the week or so. I'm just being honest.
Kenny Rogers has been suspended for 20 games and was fined $50,000 for his actions against a Dallas-Fort Worth area cameraman Wednesday in Arlington.
Islands in the stream, that is what we are!
Useless trivia: The Bee Gees' Barry Gibb wrote "Islands In The Stream", which was a big hit for the bearded Kenny Rogers (not the pitcher) and Dolly Parton.
I'd love to hear System Of A Down cover "Islands In The Stream". I can only imagine Serj Tankian's take on this song. This needs to happen, dammit.
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THIS TEAM IS SO SCREWED UP
Seattle Times: Returnees from DL will shake up roster
Sources say Bavasi has sought the agreement of owner Hiroshi Yamauchi to trade right-hander Shigetoshi Hasegawa, for whom the Mariners have had several interesting offers both this year and last.
Oh, I forgot the memo that said that Hasegawa was so damn good that he was untouchable. If Hasegawa stays with the Mariners past the July 31 trading deadline just because Yamauchi doesn't want to deal him, this organization is more screwed up than I thought it was. There's a reason why this ballclub is in the cellar, folks.
Speaking of untouchables (remember last summer?)
Seattle officials are thought to be reluctant to do anything with versatile veteran left-hander Ron Villone.
Are you kidding me? What has Villone done this year? All he's done is allow inherited runners to score when he's been in the game, thus screwing up other pitchers' ERAs and keeping his ERA down. Nevermind, Ron Villone is the greatest middle reliever ever. Bill Bavasi thinks so.
Another possibility would be asking waivers on left-hander Matt Thornton, who has shown both good and bad with the big-league club this year.
Thornton is out of options and was kept in the majors for that reason. The Mariners are aware that if they tried to ask waivers on the strong-armed pitcher, he would be snapped up immediately.
There are teams who could let him develop his 94-95 mph in the big leagues, and gain experience to fulfill his potential.
"When the season began, the Mariners didn't appear to be one of those teams," a National League scout said. "But they haven't done anywhere near as well as they might have, so they should be able to leave Thornton on the roster and let him pitch and develop that talent."
I give up on this post.
Here's your Towel.
Sources say Bavasi has sought the agreement of owner Hiroshi Yamauchi to trade right-hander Shigetoshi Hasegawa, for whom the Mariners have had several interesting offers both this year and last.
Oh, I forgot the memo that said that Hasegawa was so damn good that he was untouchable. If Hasegawa stays with the Mariners past the July 31 trading deadline just because Yamauchi doesn't want to deal him, this organization is more screwed up than I thought it was. There's a reason why this ballclub is in the cellar, folks.
Speaking of untouchables (remember last summer?)
Seattle officials are thought to be reluctant to do anything with versatile veteran left-hander Ron Villone.
Are you kidding me? What has Villone done this year? All he's done is allow inherited runners to score when he's been in the game, thus screwing up other pitchers' ERAs and keeping his ERA down. Nevermind, Ron Villone is the greatest middle reliever ever. Bill Bavasi thinks so.
Another possibility would be asking waivers on left-hander Matt Thornton, who has shown both good and bad with the big-league club this year.
Thornton is out of options and was kept in the majors for that reason. The Mariners are aware that if they tried to ask waivers on the strong-armed pitcher, he would be snapped up immediately.
There are teams who could let him develop his 94-95 mph in the big leagues, and gain experience to fulfill his potential.
"When the season began, the Mariners didn't appear to be one of those teams," a National League scout said. "But they haven't done anywhere near as well as they might have, so they should be able to leave Thornton on the roster and let him pitch and develop that talent."
I give up on this post.
Here's your Towel.
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Thursday, June 30, 2005
T.O. HEADED BACK TO THE BAY AREA?
Accoriding to RotoWire, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Terrell Owens may be traded to the Oakland Raiders for wide receiver Jerry Porter.
Of course, that would mean that Owens and Randy Moss would be on the same team.
However, I'm going to look at this possible deal in relation to the NFC. The Eagles were in the NFC Championship Game three years in a row before Owens came to Philadelphia. If the Eagles traded Owens, I don't think it's a cause for too much celebration. Porter is definitely a capable wide receiver. Is he in Owens' class? No. But he's no Freddie Mitchell either. The Eagles are Donovan McNabb's team. I'm sure the Eagles will get by without Owens, if he is dealt.
The class of the NFC is Philadelphia, with or without T.O. If the Seahawks want to get to the Super Bowl, they have to go through Philadelphia. That goes for the rest of the NFC as well.
By the way, the Raiders are in Philadelphia September 25.
Of course, that would mean that Owens and Randy Moss would be on the same team.
However, I'm going to look at this possible deal in relation to the NFC. The Eagles were in the NFC Championship Game three years in a row before Owens came to Philadelphia. If the Eagles traded Owens, I don't think it's a cause for too much celebration. Porter is definitely a capable wide receiver. Is he in Owens' class? No. But he's no Freddie Mitchell either. The Eagles are Donovan McNabb's team. I'm sure the Eagles will get by without Owens, if he is dealt.
The class of the NFC is Philadelphia, with or without T.O. If the Seahawks want to get to the Super Bowl, they have to go through Philadelphia. That goes for the rest of the NFC as well.
By the way, the Raiders are in Philadelphia September 25.
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THE PUMP 6/30/05
Mariners at Athletics, 12:35 p.m. Pacific (No TV in Seattle, MLB.TV)
Gil Meche (8-4, 4.79 ERA) vs Dan Haren (6-7, 6.89 ERA)
The Mariners are 13.5 games behind the Anaheim Angels Baseball Club of Orange County.
Seriously, I wish I could plan a "Rally Monkey Demolition Night".
As far as the comments go, Haloscan is really going haywire right now. I hope they'll have the system back to normal soon, so if you lose your comments for some reason, it's not your fault. It's Haloscan's fault. Don't blame Canada, blame Haloscan.
MLB.TV users, today's game will likely be a Diamondvision special from the Oakland Coliseum. I just hope that the MLB Radio crew isn't covering the game today. Last Thursday's game was painful enough. Painful, because I was listening to talk show instead of a ballgame.
I love Sirius. Just thought I'd get that out there.
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Wednesday, June 29, 2005
MISSIONS VISUALS
Here's a few digital photos from tonight's San Antonio-Arkansas game in Little Rock.
If you want to use these photos on your website, you can, as long as you credit Sports And Bremertonians for the photo(s). Thanks in advance.
The waiting is the hardest part. Not really, because tickets are easy to come by at Ray Winder Field, trust me.
San Antonio hitting coach Gary Thurman wondered if Arkansas manager Tom Gamboa (yes, the Tom Gamboa) had learned how to call the Hogs yet.
Bobby Livingston, who's going to be a stud in Seattle, on the mound for the Missions.
Livingston striking out Arkansas center fielder Tommy Murphy to end the 2nd inning. No, that's not Rene Rivera. I had a feeling he wouldn't play in this series. I was hoping he would, but I understand why he didn't. He'll play this weekend.
T.J. Bohn at the plate during the 6th inning. He had an RBI single during this at-bat, but it was after this photo was taken.
I'm a better writer than I am a photographer. But that doesn't mean that I'm not going to learn how to become a better photographer. Having solid skills in writing and photography are always a plus.
If I were to put an ad for Sports And Bremertonians in that space, how many people from Arkansas would actually bother to read the site on a regular basis? It's not like I talk about Arkansas sports a lot on this site. Well, at least I do mention Arkansas when it comes to the Seahawks, because of former Razorback Ken Hamlin.
Bobby Livingston, during the 7th inning. He didn't deserve this loss tonight, dammit.
The not-so-happy totals. STAMP OUT SMOKING! I can't begin to tell you how much I hate those commercials down here. For the record, I'm not a smoker.
No, the Travelers weren't holding a "Rally Monkey Demolition Night".
Postgame fireworks! Or, "The First Fireworks In The Rock!"
If there was such a thing as "Rally Monkey Demolition Night", count me in.
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Parting shot of the night from me: It seems like T.J. Bohn has been in the Mariners minor league system forever. But that's just me, I guess.
If you want to use these photos on your website, you can, as long as you credit Sports And Bremertonians for the photo(s). Thanks in advance.
The waiting is the hardest part. Not really, because tickets are easy to come by at Ray Winder Field, trust me.
San Antonio hitting coach Gary Thurman wondered if Arkansas manager Tom Gamboa (yes, the Tom Gamboa) had learned how to call the Hogs yet.
Bobby Livingston, who's going to be a stud in Seattle, on the mound for the Missions.
Livingston striking out Arkansas center fielder Tommy Murphy to end the 2nd inning. No, that's not Rene Rivera. I had a feeling he wouldn't play in this series. I was hoping he would, but I understand why he didn't. He'll play this weekend.
T.J. Bohn at the plate during the 6th inning. He had an RBI single during this at-bat, but it was after this photo was taken.
I'm a better writer than I am a photographer. But that doesn't mean that I'm not going to learn how to become a better photographer. Having solid skills in writing and photography are always a plus.
If I were to put an ad for Sports And Bremertonians in that space, how many people from Arkansas would actually bother to read the site on a regular basis? It's not like I talk about Arkansas sports a lot on this site. Well, at least I do mention Arkansas when it comes to the Seahawks, because of former Razorback Ken Hamlin.
Bobby Livingston, during the 7th inning. He didn't deserve this loss tonight, dammit.
The not-so-happy totals. STAMP OUT SMOKING! I can't begin to tell you how much I hate those commercials down here. For the record, I'm not a smoker.
No, the Travelers weren't holding a "Rally Monkey Demolition Night".
Postgame fireworks! Or, "The First Fireworks In The Rock!"
If there was such a thing as "Rally Monkey Demolition Night", count me in.
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Parting shot of the night from me: It seems like T.J. Bohn has been in the Mariners minor league system forever. But that's just me, I guess.
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MY DAY WITH THE MISSIONS
Instead of watching yet another Ryan Franklin "lack of run support" exhibition, I went up to Little Rock tonight to watch the Mariners Double-A ballclub, the San Antonio Missions, who were playing the Angels' Double-A team, the Arkansas Travelers.
Ray Winder Field is a lovely ballpark, it really is. Built in 1932, the ol' ballpark in west Little Rock has seen a lot of solid Major Leaguers on its field. But by the end of next season, Ray Winder may be history, if the voters in North Little Rock have their way. I can see the need for a new ballpark for the Travelers, but at the same time, I love watching ballgames at Ray Winder Field. I've now seen three games at the ol' ballpark. From the tall fence in the outfield shielding home run balls from hitting onto I-630 to the man in suspenders, Bill Valentine, Ray Winder Field is a treasure that I have come to love, albeit just in the last two years.
Anyways, let's talk about the game, shall we? It's not everyday that you're going to get a minor league post here at Sports And Bremertonians. Don't worry, I'm not going to take over the minor league duties from J at Mariner Minors and Devin at Lookout Landing anytime soon. In just a few short months, I'll actually be able to interview athletes again. There wasn't a journalism program at my previous school here in Arkansas, but there is a program up at Arkansas State. It's not just any program, mind you. Arkansas State has one of the better communication schools in the Southeast and I can't wait to be a part of it.
Oh yeah, the game.
Lefthander Bobby Livingston was on the hill for the Missions, who went into tonight's ballgame with a 5-1 record in the second half of the Texas League season. Livingston has done a superb job this year for San Antonio, so I was expecting more of the same tonight in Little Rock.
The Missions' offense gave Arkansas starter Steven Shell fits early in the first inning, with back-to-back walks by Jamie Bubela and Jesus Guzman. But the Missions could only muster just one run, on a Nate Espy groundout to short. Missions 1-0.
Shell would retire 14 of the next 16 Missions batters, but allowed a double to Bubela in the 6th inning. The double extended Bubela's hitting streak to 19 games. Two batters later, T.J. Bohn drove in Bubela with an RBI single. Missions up 2-0.
As for Livingston, he deserved much better tonight. He would allow just 3 hits and a walk in the first 6 innings. But the 7th inning was a nightmare defensively for the Missions. And yes, it was a nightmare.
Arkansas Bottom 7th
Mike Napoli walks.
Kendry Morales flies out to center fielder Gary Harris.
Tommy Murphy singles* on a ground ball to third baseman Jesus Guzman. Mike Napoli to 2nd.
Gregory Porter singles on a ground ball to right fielder T. J. BohnJr. Mike Napoli scores. Tommy Murphy to 3rd.
With David Gates batting, wild pitch by Bobby Livingston, Tommy Murphy scores. Gregory Porter to 2nd.
David Gates singles* on a ground ball to left fielder Jaime Bubela. Gregory Porter to 3rd.
Mike Eylward singles* on a ground ball to third baseman Jesus Guzman. Gregory Porter scores. David Gates to 2nd.
Reggie Willits grounds into double play, shortstop Adam Jones to first baseman Jesse Hoorelbeke. Mike Eylward out at 2nd.
Note those three asterisks by "single".
All three balls should have been played better than they were. Livingston was pitching a good game and for the defense to just piss on his outing was just unacceptable for me. And for the Arkansas scorer to give all three of those plays hits was just bush league at best. But that's how the hometown scorers roll, crediting their guys with the hits so the opposing pitcher takes the beating in the boxscore. It's gone on for years and it will go for many more years after this one. That's baseball, folks.
Livingston was able to get out of a earlier jam in the 3rd inning when Arkansas had runners on first and second base with 0 outs. Mike Eylward would lay down a sacrifice, sending runners to second and third with 1 out. Livingston would then retire Reggie Willits and Alberto Callaspo to end the 3rd inning. I was sold on Livingston after that inning, let me tell you. He's going to be a nice pitcher in the Mariners rotation, should he make it up to Seattle. I like Livingston's toughness. He's got good makeup and the Mariners could use attitudes such as Livingston's. Oh wait, Bobby Madritsch has that same type of makeup but hasn't pitched much in 2005. I hate this team sometimes, I really do.
The Travelers would go on to win 3-2, snapping San Antonio's 5-game winning streak. Not only do I hate poor defense, I also hate it when the final out comes on a guy getting caught stealing. Gary Harris would get thrown out at second to end the ballgame with Adam Jones at the plate. Just terrible.
Lines, lines, and lines!
Bobby Livingston (7-4, 2.87 ERA): 7 IP, 3 ER, 7 H, 4 K, 2 BB
Jamie Bubela: 1-for-3, 2B, 2 R
T.J. Bohn: 1-for-3, RBI single
Eddy Menchaca: 2-for-3, 2B
Adam Jones: 0-for-3, 1 K
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Notes from the ballgame tonight in Little Rock
---I thought the Chicken Dance was just an Arkansas thing. Until I reminded myself that Motley Crue lead singer Vince Neil did the damn Chicken Dance in Cincinnati last year. Yes, I've watched VH1's "40 Least Moments in Metal" a few times.
THAT'S NOT METAL, VINCE!!!
---Even though the Missions' roster isn't too exciting, I had more fun watching baseball tonight than I have in a long time. Let's put it this way, tonight's game was much better than last year's 7-1 debacle that I went to in Little Rock involving the Missions.
---People watching in the South is fun as hell. Seriously, you should try it some time. It also helps that some of the women down here are just outstanding. Speaking of hot, it was close to 100 degrees today. And yet I went to a ballgame tonight. I'm insane, but you knew that already.
---Since the Arkansas Travelers are part of the Angels' system, there's a ton of Angels merchandise at the souvenir stand. Yes, there are ThunderStix. I was thisclose to popping a pair of ThunderStix over a few seats from me. But I was in a decent mood. Before the bottom of the 7th inning, that is.
---Ray Winder Field is a great place to watch a game. I'd say it's the best minor league park that I've been to. Of course, I haven't been to Autozone Park in Memphis yet. But give me time, because I'll hit a game there within the next year.
I'll post my photos in a few minutes, so that post will be above this one.
You've just read the longest 1-game minor league recap in the Mariners blogosphere this season. Good deal. Photos coming, I promise.
Ray Winder Field is a lovely ballpark, it really is. Built in 1932, the ol' ballpark in west Little Rock has seen a lot of solid Major Leaguers on its field. But by the end of next season, Ray Winder may be history, if the voters in North Little Rock have their way. I can see the need for a new ballpark for the Travelers, but at the same time, I love watching ballgames at Ray Winder Field. I've now seen three games at the ol' ballpark. From the tall fence in the outfield shielding home run balls from hitting onto I-630 to the man in suspenders, Bill Valentine, Ray Winder Field is a treasure that I have come to love, albeit just in the last two years.
Anyways, let's talk about the game, shall we? It's not everyday that you're going to get a minor league post here at Sports And Bremertonians. Don't worry, I'm not going to take over the minor league duties from J at Mariner Minors and Devin at Lookout Landing anytime soon. In just a few short months, I'll actually be able to interview athletes again. There wasn't a journalism program at my previous school here in Arkansas, but there is a program up at Arkansas State. It's not just any program, mind you. Arkansas State has one of the better communication schools in the Southeast and I can't wait to be a part of it.
Oh yeah, the game.
Lefthander Bobby Livingston was on the hill for the Missions, who went into tonight's ballgame with a 5-1 record in the second half of the Texas League season. Livingston has done a superb job this year for San Antonio, so I was expecting more of the same tonight in Little Rock.
The Missions' offense gave Arkansas starter Steven Shell fits early in the first inning, with back-to-back walks by Jamie Bubela and Jesus Guzman. But the Missions could only muster just one run, on a Nate Espy groundout to short. Missions 1-0.
Shell would retire 14 of the next 16 Missions batters, but allowed a double to Bubela in the 6th inning. The double extended Bubela's hitting streak to 19 games. Two batters later, T.J. Bohn drove in Bubela with an RBI single. Missions up 2-0.
As for Livingston, he deserved much better tonight. He would allow just 3 hits and a walk in the first 6 innings. But the 7th inning was a nightmare defensively for the Missions. And yes, it was a nightmare.
Arkansas Bottom 7th
Mike Napoli walks.
Kendry Morales flies out to center fielder Gary Harris.
Tommy Murphy singles* on a ground ball to third baseman Jesus Guzman. Mike Napoli to 2nd.
Gregory Porter singles on a ground ball to right fielder T. J. BohnJr. Mike Napoli scores. Tommy Murphy to 3rd.
With David Gates batting, wild pitch by Bobby Livingston, Tommy Murphy scores. Gregory Porter to 2nd.
David Gates singles* on a ground ball to left fielder Jaime Bubela. Gregory Porter to 3rd.
Mike Eylward singles* on a ground ball to third baseman Jesus Guzman. Gregory Porter scores. David Gates to 2nd.
Reggie Willits grounds into double play, shortstop Adam Jones to first baseman Jesse Hoorelbeke. Mike Eylward out at 2nd.
Note those three asterisks by "single".
All three balls should have been played better than they were. Livingston was pitching a good game and for the defense to just piss on his outing was just unacceptable for me. And for the Arkansas scorer to give all three of those plays hits was just bush league at best. But that's how the hometown scorers roll, crediting their guys with the hits so the opposing pitcher takes the beating in the boxscore. It's gone on for years and it will go for many more years after this one. That's baseball, folks.
Livingston was able to get out of a earlier jam in the 3rd inning when Arkansas had runners on first and second base with 0 outs. Mike Eylward would lay down a sacrifice, sending runners to second and third with 1 out. Livingston would then retire Reggie Willits and Alberto Callaspo to end the 3rd inning. I was sold on Livingston after that inning, let me tell you. He's going to be a nice pitcher in the Mariners rotation, should he make it up to Seattle. I like Livingston's toughness. He's got good makeup and the Mariners could use attitudes such as Livingston's. Oh wait, Bobby Madritsch has that same type of makeup but hasn't pitched much in 2005. I hate this team sometimes, I really do.
The Travelers would go on to win 3-2, snapping San Antonio's 5-game winning streak. Not only do I hate poor defense, I also hate it when the final out comes on a guy getting caught stealing. Gary Harris would get thrown out at second to end the ballgame with Adam Jones at the plate. Just terrible.
Lines, lines, and lines!
Bobby Livingston (7-4, 2.87 ERA): 7 IP, 3 ER, 7 H, 4 K, 2 BB
Jamie Bubela: 1-for-3, 2B, 2 R
T.J. Bohn: 1-for-3, RBI single
Eddy Menchaca: 2-for-3, 2B
Adam Jones: 0-for-3, 1 K
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Notes from the ballgame tonight in Little Rock
---I thought the Chicken Dance was just an Arkansas thing. Until I reminded myself that Motley Crue lead singer Vince Neil did the damn Chicken Dance in Cincinnati last year. Yes, I've watched VH1's "40 Least Moments in Metal" a few times.
THAT'S NOT METAL, VINCE!!!
---Even though the Missions' roster isn't too exciting, I had more fun watching baseball tonight than I have in a long time. Let's put it this way, tonight's game was much better than last year's 7-1 debacle that I went to in Little Rock involving the Missions.
---People watching in the South is fun as hell. Seriously, you should try it some time. It also helps that some of the women down here are just outstanding. Speaking of hot, it was close to 100 degrees today. And yet I went to a ballgame tonight. I'm insane, but you knew that already.
---Since the Arkansas Travelers are part of the Angels' system, there's a ton of Angels merchandise at the souvenir stand. Yes, there are ThunderStix. I was thisclose to popping a pair of ThunderStix over a few seats from me. But I was in a decent mood. Before the bottom of the 7th inning, that is.
---Ray Winder Field is a great place to watch a game. I'd say it's the best minor league park that I've been to. Of course, I haven't been to Autozone Park in Memphis yet. But give me time, because I'll hit a game there within the next year.
I'll post my photos in a few minutes, so that post will be above this one.
You've just read the longest 1-game minor league recap in the Mariners blogosphere this season. Good deal. Photos coming, I promise.
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THE PUMP 6/29/05
Mariners at Athletics, 7:05 Pacific (FSN Northwest, MLB.TV)
Ryan Franklin (3-9, 4.63 ERA) vs Joe Blanton (4-6, 4.70 ERA)
I'll be at Ray Winder Field in Little Rock tonight to see the San Antonio Missions take on the Arkansas Travelers (Angels AA club). Bobby Livingston, who's 7-3 with a 2.80 ERA so far this season, is on the mound for the Missions. I'm looking forward to seeing Livingston pitch tonight. He may not be with San Antonio too much longer if he keeps pitching like he has been. Rene Rivera may play tonight, but I don't have any confirmation on that. He wasn't great during his time with the Mariners, but he wasn't terrible either.
There's fireworks after the game tonight, so that should be a good time for everyone who's in attendance at the ol' ballpark. Ray Winder Field may be in its final days, because the Travelers are campaigning for a new ballpark to be built in North Little Rock (north of Little Rock, of course). We'll see what happens with that.
I'll have a post on the Missions' game when I get home later tonight.
Go Missions!
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Tuesday, June 28, 2005
MARVIN GOIN' TO THE DIRTY SOUTH
The ATL just got a little better in my eyes tonight.
Bremerton's Marvin Williams was selected by the Atlanta Hawks as the #2 pick overall in the 2005 NBA Draft tonight. Williams, a native of my former hometown of Bremerton, Washington, played one year at North Carolina, averaging 11.6 ppg and 6.6 reb/game in a reserve role for the national champion Tar Heels.
For selfish reasons, I wanted Marvin to go to Portland. But now that he's an Atlanta Hawk, I'm alright with life. The Hawks are going to be a fun team to watch next season with Marvin, Josh Childress, Josh Smith, and second-round draft pick Salim Stoudamire. They may just rival the NHL's Atlanta Thrashers as the most exciting team to play in the Philips Arena.
If I lived in the Atlanta area, I'd buy some sort of ticket plan to watch the Hawks in person next season. I wouldn't have the dough to buy a season ticket plan. But a mini-plan would do. There's no excuse for Atlanta fans not to watch this team next year. At least get the attendance over 10,000, okay?
Once I transfer to Arkansas State in August, I'll be just over an hour away from Memphis. Let's just say that I'm already thinking about going to the FedEx Forum to watch the Hawks play the Grizzlies next season. Hopefully the timing will be right.
It's just too bad that the Hawks games are no longer on TBS. Dammit.
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NBA DRAFT OPEN THREAD
Hey y'all, the NBA Draft is tonight on ESPN at 4:30 Pacific.
I'll update this post with the latest news on the NBA Draft, including pick-by-pick rundowns, trades, and much more.
Speaking of trades, the Portland Trail Blazers have traded the #3 pick to the Utah Jazz for the #6 and #27 picks. Portland also received Utah's 2006 first-round choice, which the Jazz received from the Detroit Pistons in the Carlos Arroyo deal. With this turn of events, I now expect the Blazers to select Seattle Prep's Martell Webster, should he still be available at #6. The Blazers have shown great interest in Webster over the past couple of weeks.
This is an NBA Draft open thread, so use it. I'll post the Pump around 6:30 Pacific.
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2005 NBA DRAFT
FIRST ROUND
1 Milwaukee Bucks - C Andrew Bogut, Utah
---Bogut second Utah athlete to be selected #1 this year (Alex Smith #1 NFL pick)
2 Atlanta Hawks - F MARVIN WILLIAMS, NORTH CAROLINA (Bremerton!)
---There were more people at Marvin's games in high school than there will be at the Philips Arena in Atlanta. Nevertheless, MARVIN IS A PRO, BABY!
3 Utah Jazz (from Portland) - G Deron Williams, Illinois
---Solid collegian at Illinois. Jerry Sloan will love him.
4 New Orleans Hornets - G Chris Paul, Wake Forest
---Will the fans in the Big Easy care about this electrifying Wake Forest star?
5 Charlotte Bobcats - G Raymond Felton, North Carolina
---The Bobcats missed out on Paul, but draft another local guard instead
6 Portland Trail Blazers (from Utah) - G MARTELL WEBSTER, SEATTLE PREP HS
---Webster will stay in the Northwest. His family and friends are happy, I'm sure.
7 Toronto Raptors - F Charlie Villanueva, Connecticut
---I didn't expect Villanueva to be picked this high
8 New York Knicks - C Channing Frye, Arizona
---He's Loren Woods, 2005 version
9 Golden State Warriors - F Ike Diogu, Arizona State
---I like this pick. Diogu can play, folks.
10 L.A. Lakers - C Andrew Bynum, St. Joseph's HS (NJ)
---I want to make a Kobe joke here, but I'll pass
11 Orlando Magic - F Fran Vazquez, Spain
---"Low risk pick for Orlando," ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla on Vazquez
12 L.A. Clippers - F Yaroslav Korolev, CSKA Moscow
---Elgin Baylor, veteran of the lottery process.
13 Charlotte Bobcats (from CLE via PHX) - F Sean May, North Carolina
---Tickets! Tickets! The Bobcats have selected two Tar Heels so far.
14 Minnesota Timberwolves - G Rashad McCants, North Carolina
---North Carolina won the national championship last season for a reason.
15 New Jersey Nets - G Antoine Wright, Texas A&M
---College Station has a basketball team?
16 Toronto Raptors (from PHI via DEN and NJ) - F Joey Graham, Oklahoma State
---Graham was a stud in Stillwater.
17 Indiana Pacers - F Danny Granger, New Mexico
---Came on strong late last season for the Lobos.
18 Boston Celtics - F Gerald Green, Gulf Shores Academy (TX)
---Last year, Al Jefferson. This year, Gerald Green.
19 Memphis Grizzlies - F Hakim Warrick, Syracuse
---Jerry West knows what he's doing here.
20 Denver Nuggets (from WAS via ORL) - G Julius Hodge, North Carolina State
---It's hard to believe that Hodge is only the 20th pick in the draft.
21 Phoenix Suns (from Chicago) - G NATE ROBINSON, WASHINGTON
---ESPN's Ric Bucher reports that this pick will go the Knicks in the Kurt Thomas-Quentin Richardson proposed deal. The rest of the Western Conference will breathe a sigh of relief if this deal does go down.
22 Portland Trail Blazers (acquired from DEN) - G JARRETT JACK, GEORGIA TECH
---The Sonics were rumored to be very interested in Jack.
23 Sacramento Kings - G Francisco Garcia, Louisville
---Future 3-point champion at the All-Star Weekend.
24 Houston Rockets - G Luther Head, Illinois
---Hey, the college game is still good, folks.
25 Seattle Supersonics - C JOHAN PETRO, FRANCE
---He's from France. That's all I know about the guy.
26 Detroit Pistons - F Jason Maxiell, Cincinnati
---Where is Wayne Simien?
27 Denver Nuggets (acquired from POR via Utah) - F/C Linas Kleiza, Missouri
---Quin Snyder is crying tears of joy right now.
28 San Antonio Spurs - F Ian Mahinmi, STB Le Havre
---I won't doubt the Spurs when it comes to international players.
29 Miami Heat - F Wayne Simien, Kansas
---Finally!
30 New York Knicks (from PHX via SA) - F David Lee, Florida
---How in the hell is David Lee a first round pick? Nevermind, it's the Knicks.
SECOND ROUND
31 Atlanta Hawks - G Salim Stoudamire, Arizona
---Marvin and Salim. Who knew?
32 L.A. Clippers (from Charlotte) - G Daniel Ewing, Duke
---First Duke player selected in this year's draft.
33 New Orleans Hornets - F Brandon Bass, LSU
---Local pick for the Hornets, but he's no Willie Bloomquist. Trust me.
34 Utah Jazz - G C.J. Miles, Skyline HS (TX)
---He should have went to Texas instead.
35 Denver Nuggets (acquired from POR) - F Ricky Sanchez, IMG Academy (FL)
---Go to school, young Ricky.
36 Milwaukee Bucks - F Ersan Ilyasova, Turkey
---Who?
37 L.A. Lakers (from NY via ATL and CHA) - F RONNY TURIAF, GONZAGA
---Way to go, Ronny. Too bad that he's a Laker.
38 Orlando Magic (from TOR) - G Travis Diener, Marquette
---He'll challenge Francisco Garcia in the 3-point contests.
TRADE: Portland acquires G Jarrett Jack (#22) from Denver for F Linas Kleiza (#27) and F Ricky Sanchez (#35).
39 L.A. Lakers - G Von Wafer, Florida State
---Corey, do you know anything about Wafer?
40 Golden State Warriors - G Monta Ellis, Lanier HS (MS)
---I'd go to the NBA too instead of Starkville, Mississippi.
41 Toronto Raptors (from ORL) - G Roko Ukic, Croatia
---Roko is a cool name.
42 Golden State Warriors (from LAC via NJ) - F Chris Taft, Pittsburgh
---He has no business leaving Pittsburgh.
43 New Jersey Nets - C Mile Ilic, BC Reflex (Serbia & Montenegro)
---Yawn.
44 Orlando Magic (from CLE) - C Martynas Andriuskevicius, Zalgiris (Lithuania)
---Yawn.
45 Philadelphia 76ers - G Louis Williams, South Gwinnett HS (GA)
---What is so wrong with going to college?
46 Indiana Pacers - F/C Erazem Lorbek, Slovenia
---Another European player. Surprise.
47 Minnesota Timberwolves - G Bracey Wright, Indiana
---Just another player that should have stayed in college.
48 Seattle Supersonics (from MEM) - F MICKAEL GELABALE, FRANCE
---The Sonics love the Frenchmen tonight.
49 Washington Wizards - F Andray Blatche, South Kent Prep (CT)
---Once again, what's so wrong with going to college?
50 Boston Celtics - F Ryan Gomes, Providence
---Will play in the NBA for at least 10 years.
51 Utah Jazz (from CHI via HOU) - F Robert Whaley, Walsh University
---Whaley was a former Cincinnati Bearcat.
52 Denver Nuggets - F Axel Hervelle, Belgium
---European player. That's your Fairly Fact of the Day, folks.
53 Boston Celtics (from SAC) - G Orien Greene, Louisiana-Lafayette
---Sun Belt Conference, baby!
54 New York Knicks (from HOU) - G Dijon Thompson, UCLA
---2005 All-Pac-10 player
55 Seattle SuperSonics - F Lawrence Roberts, Mississippi State
---I've seen him play in the SEC the last two years. Not a bad pick by the Sonics.
56 Detroit Pistons - F Amir Johnson, Westchester HS (CA)
---.....
57 Phoenix Suns (from DAL via NO) - C Marcin Gortat, Poland
---.....
58 Toronto Raptors (from MIA) - F Uros Slokar, Slovenia
---Fran Fraschilla is the European expert on ESPN. Yikes.
59 Atlanta Hawks (from SA) - G Cenk Akyol, Turkey
---.....
60 Detroit Pistons (from PHI via Utah and PHX) - G Alex Acker, Pepperdine
---West Coast Conference, baby!
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WINNERS OF THE DRAFT
ATLANTA - Holy hell. The Hawks may not be a contender next year, but they're going to be fun to watch. A team like Atlanta couldn't ask for better draft picks than Marvin Williams and Salim Stoudamire.
CHARLOTTE - The Bobcats need to bring people to their new arena next season. Bringing in North Carolina's Raymond Felton and Sean May will help matters. Last year, the Bobcats drafted Emeka Okafor from the 2004 national champion UConn Huskies. This year, they drafted two guys from the national champion Tar Heels. You can't go wrong with winning players, folks.
MIAMI - Wayne Simien is too good of a player to drop all the way down to 29th in the first round. The Heat got a steal in the former Kansas Jayhawk.
LOSERS OF THE DRAFT
TORONTO - Why draft Charlie Villanueva when you already have Chris Bosh?
DETROIT - They will regret not drafting Wayne Simien.
PHOENIX - I'm labeling Phoenix a loser because I would love to see Nate Robinson play in the Suns offense. He's going to be a New York Knick when the Kurt Thomas-Quentin Richardson deal is completed. Too bad, so sad.
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A couple of things before I end this:
---I absolutely can't stand Mike Tirico.
---TNT's coverage of the NBA Draft was great. ESPN's coverage? Not so much.
---Kids, it's OK to go to college.
The NBA Draft is now complete. I'll have a Marvin-related post in a little bit.
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THE PUMP 6/28/05
Mariners at Athletics, 7:05 Pacific (FSN Northwest, MLB.TV)
Jamie Moyer (6-2, 4.36 ERA) vs Barry Zito (3-8, 4.41 ERA)
Miguel Olivo is back up with the big club, while Rene Rivera has been sent down to Double-A San Antonio. I'm going to Ray Winder Field in Little Rock tomorrow night to watch the Missions take on the Arkansas Travelers, so maybe I'll see Rivera in action. As far as tonight's ballgame in Little Rock, Rivera is not in the lineup.
I have an NBA Draft open thread going below this post, so if you want to talk about the draft, please do so there. Thanks in advance.
Mugatu says that the A's are so hot right now. Indeed.
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Monday, June 27, 2005
SEAHAWKS TRAINING CAMP DATES
The Seattle Seahawks have officially announced their 2005 training camp schedule.
For the 8th year in a row, the Seahawks will hold their training camp at Eastern Washington University in Cheney. The rookies will report to Cheney on July 26 while the veterans will report two days later on the 28th.
The first practice will be on Friday, July 29 at 8:45 a.m. Camp will break on Saturday, August 20, two days before the Seahawks' first home preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys on August 22.
KEY PRESEASON DATES
July 26 - Rookies report
July 28 - Veterans report
July 29 - First practice
August 6 - Scrimmage at Woodward Field on EWU campus
August 12 - Away at New Orleans (5 p.m., KONG)
August 20 - Camp in Cheney over
August 22 - Home vs Dallas (5 p.m., ABC)
August 27 - Away at Kansas City (5:30 p.m., KONG)
September 2 - Home vs Minnesota (6 p.m., KONG)
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Football, it's coming soon. YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAH!
UPDATE: Programming note regarding the Seahawks
If you have ESPN Classic, be sure to watch the 1984 Seattle Seahawks NFL Yearbook film on Thursday at the following times (all times Pacific):
4:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 11:30 p.m., 1:30 a.m.
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TREMENDOUS UPSIDE POTENTIAL
Bill Simmons apparently knows about Mariners pitching prospect Felix Hernandez.
Felix is part of Simmons' July 4 ESPN The Magazine column, where he writes about the "tremendous upside potential", a phrase coined by Hubie Brown during the 2003 NBA Draft to describe the European draftees.
"...And I have the same feeling about Seattle's Hernandez, a 19-year-old fastballer who "reminds some of a young Dwight Gooden." With my AL-only keeper team falling apart, I swapped Halladay to a contender for three prospects (including Felix the Great). Now I find myself scouring Tacoma's News Tribune for Felix's Triple-A pitch counts and generally treating him like a member of my extended family. When ESPN's Rob Neyer wrote last week that Felix "just might be the best 19-year-old pitcher in more than 20 years," I beamed like a proud father."
Be patient, Mariner fans.
I want to see Felix as much as the next fan. But again, be patient.
In other minor league news, I'm headed up to Little Rock on Wednesday to watch the San Antonio Missions take on the Arkansas Travelers (the Angels' AA affiliate). I'll have a full report late Wednesday night-early Thursday morning. When I saw the Missions last year in Little Rock, they lost. I hope this year is a different story.
Felix is part of Simmons' July 4 ESPN The Magazine column, where he writes about the "tremendous upside potential", a phrase coined by Hubie Brown during the 2003 NBA Draft to describe the European draftees.
"...And I have the same feeling about Seattle's Hernandez, a 19-year-old fastballer who "reminds some of a young Dwight Gooden." With my AL-only keeper team falling apart, I swapped Halladay to a contender for three prospects (including Felix the Great). Now I find myself scouring Tacoma's News Tribune for Felix's Triple-A pitch counts and generally treating him like a member of my extended family. When ESPN's Rob Neyer wrote last week that Felix "just might be the best 19-year-old pitcher in more than 20 years," I beamed like a proud father."
Be patient, Mariner fans.
I want to see Felix as much as the next fan. But again, be patient.
In other minor league news, I'm headed up to Little Rock on Wednesday to watch the San Antonio Missions take on the Arkansas Travelers (the Angels' AA affiliate). I'll have a full report late Wednesday night-early Thursday morning. When I saw the Missions last year in Little Rock, they lost. I hope this year is a different story.
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WHERE WILL MARVIN GO?
I've watched the NBA Draft every year with great interest. Well, great interest in the suits that the players wear. And Hubie Brown. No word on whether Hubie will join the ESPN coverage this year. He did work with ABC this past season, so there's hope. Upside, baby, upside!
The big story for me this year is where will Bremerton's Marvin Williams go? He played just one year at North Carolina, where he was a key player on the Tar Heels' national championship team. Although he didn't start a single game, he still averaged over 11 points a game for the Tar Heels in 2004-2005.
So, where will Marvin go?
As far as the #1 pick goes, it's a toss-up. Do the Milwaukee Bucks go big and take Andrew Bogut, the big man out of Utah? Or will they decide to take the best player available in Williams? Sure, Bogut has had international experience. But for my money, Marvin Williams is the best player in this draft. I'm not just saying that because he's from Bremerton either.
I think the Bucks will take Bogut first overall. They need a center and Bogut is the perfect fit for them. A city like Milwaukee and its fans will take a liking to Bogut very quickly if he were to become a Buck.
The Atlanta Hawks have the second pick. This would be the logical place for Williams to end up. Or is it?
The Hawks already have Josh Childress, Josh Smith, and Al Harrington. It wouldn't make sense for the Hawks to take Williams, even if he is the best player in the draft. What the Hawks need is a point guard. There isn't a better point guard in the draft than Wake Forest's Chris Paul. So I have Paul going to the Hawks.
And there's the Portland Trail Blazers. Nothing went right for the Blazers in 2004-2005. Maurice Cheeks was fired, Zach Randolph was hurt, and the team was terrible.
The Blazers have the third pick and have been rumored to trade the pick. If Paul is still available at #3, I think the pick will be traded. But since I already have Paul being selected by the Hawks, there's no need to deal this pick, especially since you-know-who is still on the board.
That you-know-who is Marvin Williams. If he's on the board at #3, the Blazers better take him. I won't quite compare this to the 1984 draft where the Blazers took Sam Bowie ahead of Michael Jordan. But if I believe Williams is the best player in the draft and he hasn't been taken by the time it's Portland's turn, he has to be a Blazer, right? I would think so, anyway.
I'd rather take my chances with Williams than Gerald Green, who's been listed in most mock drafts as the Blazers' #3 pick. I don't think the Blazers really care about the "local guys make good" deal. But Bremerton isn't too far away from Portland. Just sayin'.
There you go. My first three picks are Bogut to the Bucks, Paul to the Hawks, and Williams to the Blazers. If the draft turns out this way tomorrow night, I'll be happy. Each of those three players makes sense for their respective teams.
We'll see what happens tomorrow night (4:30 Pacific, ESPN).
The big story for me this year is where will Bremerton's Marvin Williams go? He played just one year at North Carolina, where he was a key player on the Tar Heels' national championship team. Although he didn't start a single game, he still averaged over 11 points a game for the Tar Heels in 2004-2005.
So, where will Marvin go?
As far as the #1 pick goes, it's a toss-up. Do the Milwaukee Bucks go big and take Andrew Bogut, the big man out of Utah? Or will they decide to take the best player available in Williams? Sure, Bogut has had international experience. But for my money, Marvin Williams is the best player in this draft. I'm not just saying that because he's from Bremerton either.
I think the Bucks will take Bogut first overall. They need a center and Bogut is the perfect fit for them. A city like Milwaukee and its fans will take a liking to Bogut very quickly if he were to become a Buck.
The Atlanta Hawks have the second pick. This would be the logical place for Williams to end up. Or is it?
The Hawks already have Josh Childress, Josh Smith, and Al Harrington. It wouldn't make sense for the Hawks to take Williams, even if he is the best player in the draft. What the Hawks need is a point guard. There isn't a better point guard in the draft than Wake Forest's Chris Paul. So I have Paul going to the Hawks.
And there's the Portland Trail Blazers. Nothing went right for the Blazers in 2004-2005. Maurice Cheeks was fired, Zach Randolph was hurt, and the team was terrible.
The Blazers have the third pick and have been rumored to trade the pick. If Paul is still available at #3, I think the pick will be traded. But since I already have Paul being selected by the Hawks, there's no need to deal this pick, especially since you-know-who is still on the board.
That you-know-who is Marvin Williams. If he's on the board at #3, the Blazers better take him. I won't quite compare this to the 1984 draft where the Blazers took Sam Bowie ahead of Michael Jordan. But if I believe Williams is the best player in the draft and he hasn't been taken by the time it's Portland's turn, he has to be a Blazer, right? I would think so, anyway.
I'd rather take my chances with Williams than Gerald Green, who's been listed in most mock drafts as the Blazers' #3 pick. I don't think the Blazers really care about the "local guys make good" deal. But Bremerton isn't too far away from Portland. Just sayin'.
There you go. My first three picks are Bogut to the Bucks, Paul to the Hawks, and Williams to the Blazers. If the draft turns out this way tomorrow night, I'll be happy. Each of those three players makes sense for their respective teams.
We'll see what happens tomorrow night (4:30 Pacific, ESPN).
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EVERYBODY SCORES, WELL...
This Saturday, the Mariners will have their 1995 10th Anniversary celebration at Safeco Field. Players that will attend the pregame ceremony include Rich Amaral, Mike Blowers, Chris Bosio, Jay Buhner, Norm Charlton, Edgar Martinez, Jeff Nelson, Doug Strange, Bob Wells, Dan Wilson and Bob Wolcott.
That's great, but there's one player who I believe should be able to take part in this ceremony on Saturday afternoon. His name?
Luis Sojo
You know the statues that the Mariners have given away this season? There's the Ken Griffey, Jr. walkoff home run against the Yankees (8/24/95). The Edgar Martinez double that put the M's into the ALCS (10/8/05). And how can we forget the Jay Buhner home run in Game 3 of the ALCS against Cleveland (10/13/05)?
You want to know how significant the Buhner home run was? It wasn't that significant. As a matter of fact, the following moment from 1995 had more meaning to me than the Buhner home run. This is not a knock on Jay, because I like the guy.
This following moment helped the Mariners get to the postseason. You may remember this one. At least I hope you do.
October 2, 1995
The Mariners and California Angels squared off in a one-game playoff to decide who would win the American League West title. Both teams were 78-66. You know the whole story behind the Angels' collapse if you're a Mariner fan.
Randy Johnson was on the mound for the Mariners on October 2, 1995. Who else, right? He was the best pitcher in baseball in 1995. There was no way the M's were going to lose with the Big Unit on the mound.
Fast forward to the 7th inning. The Mariners were up 1-0. Even with Randy on the mound, the Mariners needed to get a few more runs just to feel safe.
With 2 outs and the bases loaded, Luis Sojo came to the plate.
"Here's the pitch, swing, and it's a ground ball up the first base line and it sneaks up by Snow! Down the right field line into the bullpen! Here comes Blowers! Here comes Tino! Here comes Joey! The throw to the plate, cut off! The relay behind Langston, gets on by Allanson! Cora scores! Here comes Sojo, he scores!"
"Everybody scores!"
Believe me, it's the one shining moment in Rick Rizzs' career.
What was so ironic about the play was that Mark Langston was on the mound for the Angels. He was in the Randy Johnson deal in 1989. Who knew that 6 years after the deal, both men would pitch in a one-game playoff with the A.L. West on the line?
But more importantly, Sojo's bases loaded double gave the Mariners a 5-0 lead. A 5-0 lead with the best pitcher in baseball on the mound? Yeah, it was over.
You know the rest. The Mariners beat the Angels 9-1 and won their first A.L. West title. 19 years of frustration was over.
Griffey, Edgar, and Buhner have their statues. Where's Sojo's statue? My Sojo statue would depict Sojo sliding into home plate. No, I wouldn't include a Mark Langston "laying down in the dirt" statue to go along with Sojo's statue. It was cruel enough for Langston to lose to his former team in a one-game playoff.
It doesn't matter that Sojo is a Yankee now (third base coach). What does matter is that Sojo was a vital part of the 1995 Mariners. If you ask me, Sojo's double was the biggest hit in Mariner history. Obviously, I know Edgar's double against the Yankees in the Division Series was a big hit. But Sojo's hit propelled the Mariners into the playoffs. Keep in mind that it was only 1-0 when Sojo came to the plate.
Yes, Randy Johnson deserves his own statue as well. But that case has already been made. As far as I know, nobody has made a case for a Luis Sojo statue.
Until now.
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BRET BOONE DEATH MARCH UPDATE
Yes, Bret Boone is still a Seattle Mariner.
After sitting on the bench for 5 games, Boone returned to the lineup this past Wednesday against Oakland and has started every game since.
I introduced the Bret Boone Death March over a week ago, where the readers can predict what date the M's will get rid of Boone, via trade or release. It's still up and running, so click here if you want to add your prediction to the post. I predicted July 25 as the day Boone leaves the Mariners organization.
Boone's numbers since returning to the lineup June 22:
Oakland (June 22-23)
.143 (1-for-7), 1 K
at San Diego (June 24-26)
.500 (6-for-12), 1 HR, 4 RBI, 1 2B, 1, 3B, 1 BB, 2 K
Overall (6 games)
.368 (7-for-19)
If the Mariners can get anything for Boone, it's a win-win situation. Boone's future with this organization, well, there is no future. The M's will be better off without Boone. The sooner they can start Jose Lopez everyday at second base, the better off they will be. Hopefully that can take place sooner rather than later.
The Bret Boone Death March is still on. Batflips are not acceptable.
After sitting on the bench for 5 games, Boone returned to the lineup this past Wednesday against Oakland and has started every game since.
I introduced the Bret Boone Death March over a week ago, where the readers can predict what date the M's will get rid of Boone, via trade or release. It's still up and running, so click here if you want to add your prediction to the post. I predicted July 25 as the day Boone leaves the Mariners organization.
Boone's numbers since returning to the lineup June 22:
Oakland (June 22-23)
.143 (1-for-7), 1 K
at San Diego (June 24-26)
.500 (6-for-12), 1 HR, 4 RBI, 1 2B, 1, 3B, 1 BB, 2 K
Overall (6 games)
.368 (7-for-19)
If the Mariners can get anything for Boone, it's a win-win situation. Boone's future with this organization, well, there is no future. The M's will be better off without Boone. The sooner they can start Jose Lopez everyday at second base, the better off they will be. Hopefully that can take place sooner rather than later.
The Bret Boone Death March is still on. Batflips are not acceptable.
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Sunday, June 26, 2005
TOMORROW, TOMORROW
Hey, it's Jeremy here.
This is the plan for tomorrow, an off-day for the Mariners.
---Preview of the NBA Draft---
I'll mainly talk about Marvin Williams, but I'll also look at the NBA Draft as a whole.
---The 1995 Mariners Celebration---
This Saturday (July 2), the M's will have their 10th anniversary celebration at Safeco Field as they bring back a few of the 1995 Mariners.
---Update on the Bret Boone Death March---
What's up with Mr. Batflip?
So there you go, the agenda for Sports And Bremertonians tomorrow.
Damian F*cking Jackson just hit another home run to piss us all off.
This is the plan for tomorrow, an off-day for the Mariners.
---Preview of the NBA Draft---
I'll mainly talk about Marvin Williams, but I'll also look at the NBA Draft as a whole.
---The 1995 Mariners Celebration---
This Saturday (July 2), the M's will have their 10th anniversary celebration at Safeco Field as they bring back a few of the 1995 Mariners.
---Update on the Bret Boone Death March---
What's up with Mr. Batflip?
So there you go, the agenda for Sports And Bremertonians tomorrow.
Damian F*cking Jackson just hit another home run to piss us all off.
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THE PUMP 6/26/05
Mariners at Padres, 1:05 Pacific (KSTW, MLB.TV)
Joel Pineiro (2-4, 5.57 ERA) vs Woody Williams (3-5, 4.13 ERA)
The Mariners are back in last place, 11 games back of first-place Anaheim. Or "The team that plays its home games in the city where Disneyland is located". Whatever.
Tomorrow, we'll be talking about the NBA Draft. There's a 19-year old kid from my former hometown who's going to be a Top 3 pick on Tuesday night. Goes by the name of Marvin Williams. Yeah, he's pretty good. But more on the NBA Draft tomorrow.
PSA - TODAY'S GAME WILL BE ON MLB.TV. I don't know if that's a good thing or not.