April 13, 2003 · Filed Under Mariners · Comments Off on  

Our first feature: “Drinking in Safeco” or, as it was once titled, “Get Lit for Little“. It’s the article one publication wouldn’t run because it was too true! too raw! They couldn’t handle the hard-hitting criticism. It’s the article another publication passed up after having me sit on it for six+ months and then turned down last week only because they didn’t feel it would be appropriate with us getting our war on. So now, for the first time, available only on the U.S.S. Mariner, because I won’t compromise to bring our reader(s?) the truth.

April 13, 2003 · Filed Under Mariners · Comments Off on  

Cloude wouldn’t really be a fit for the “arm for a week” scenario. They’d want to bring Mateo back at some point, and that would require Cloude going back to Tacoma. Since he’s out of options, he’d have to clear waivers. No point risking him getting claimed (hello Detroit) to get a weeks worth of mop-up duty out of him. Putz would probably be the guy, though I don’t see the M’s actually doing it. Might be worth considering if Cararra won’t be back until Wednesday, though.

They wouldn’t have to expose Thornton to waivers, by the way. They could transfer him (or Snelling or Anderson) to the 60 day DL and free up that spot. The trade-off would be giving a prospect service time when you’ve already optioned them to the minors. If you feel you may lose the player, though, its probably worth it.

April 13, 2003 · Filed Under Mariners · Comments Off on  

Cloude isn’t scheduled to pitch until Wednesday, so he’s a choice for promotion. Unfortunately, they’d have to move him onto the 40m, which would mean clearing space by trying to clear someone else like, say, Matt Thornton, who I can’t imagine anyone would claim right now. Or Ugueto, who I also can’t imagine would be a hot roster claim. Otherwise, it’s a promotion for Aaron Taylor or JJ Putz. I’d pick Putz, myself.

As a side note, I was at the game tonight, and on behalf of my aching back, I’d just like to say “Ow. Ow ow ow.”

I’m going to Tues-Wed-Thurs this week, Wed on (gasp) press credentials. I’ll report on that in detail, doubt not.

April 13, 2003 · Filed Under Mariners · Comments Off on  

Nice win. Here’s to hoping Joel can go at least 7 tommorrow. I have to wonder if they’ll consider optioning out Mateo for 10 days to get a fresh arm in the pen.

April 13, 2003 · Filed Under Mariners · Comments Off on  

Minor League Highlights for Saturday, April 12

Tacoma 4, Las Vegas 3. Nothing much of note here.

San Antonio 8, Midland 2. RHP Clint Nageotte: 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 5 BB, 1 K. Odd line, that.

Rancho Cucamonga 10, Inland Empire 4. Top prospects 2B Ismael Castro and OF Shin-soo Choo are off to very slow starts this season.

Wisconsin 9, Burlington 3 (15 innings). The Timber Rattlers scored six runs in the top of the 15th behind homers from 1B-OF Jon Nelson, OF TJ Bohn and SS Michael Garciaparra.

Soon, I hope to have a link to my “big board,” where I keep rosters and starters for each team in the system. Watch this space.

April 13, 2003 · Filed Under Mariners · Comments Off on  

The first nine games of the year, the Mariners drew 30 walks. They’ve drawn 20 in the past two games. Its amazing what Chan Ho Park and Ryan Drese can do, and not in a good way.

Greg Colbrunn has batted six times in eleven games (less AB’s than every other member of the roster), despite Edgar Martinez sitting out 5 games. Can anyone explain?