Just wanted to point out that Scott Podsednik, the guy everyone was drooling over earlier this year (and last) as “the one who got away,” is hitting a pedestrian .254/.325/.401 so far this year. Yes, he’s being out-hit by Randy Winn.
See, I told you it would be San Diego or San Fran. 🙂
It’s not everywhere yet, but Aurilia went to the Padres for a PTBNL or cash. Now, I still think it’s crap move in that they’re saving a lot of money they’ll pocket and the team won’t get better. Buuuuuuut hey, if it means Bloomquist sinks or swims, and more playing time all around, that’s okay by me.
Generally how this works is the Padres and Mariners come to some agreement listing players that might be traded. After the season, they get back together and dicker about how much Aurilia helped the Padres, and either agree to send one of the listed players or, if they can’t agree, the M’s get the cash. That the M’s might get cash for Aurilia, given his total collapse this year, is pretty cool in itself.
I’m back from Portland, where I got via biking for many hours on Saturday (206 miles, one day, 0wn3d). I’m a little out of things, but I agree with Jason — it was weird for me to get the paper and eagerly turn to the sports section to read box scores to see how Leone/Jacobsen/etc did the night before.
Rumor Mill: Look for Rich Aurilia to wind up in either San Fran, Boston or Chicago (Cubs) once he’s free to go where he pleases. I know those teams probably aren’t shockers, particularly the Cubs and Giants.
Update: I mis-heard about the Cubs. The third team is San Diego. Smart money is on the Giants or Padres — NL clubs on the West Coast.
Fun game to watch tonight. I wonder how many times in his career Scott Spiezio has pinch-run? Bucky Jacobsen is well on his way to becoming a fan favorite. Personally, I think he’s got a bit of Jay Buhner in him. Really nice to see him take three walks in his first two games. Justin “other new guy” Leone was 0-3 tonight, but drew two walks (including one on a great plate appearance against David Riske in the 9th in which he fell behind 0-2). Oh, and Miguel Olivo hit a triple to left — that’s right, a catcher hit a triple to left — for his first hit with the M’s. I know it’s way too early, but somehow I’m feeling much better about the 2005 M’s than I was a month ago.
Trade Randy Winn while he’s still hot!
Thanks to everyone who clarified Dave’s comment; seven Mariners have homered in their first AB as Mariners, but not in their major league debut. Once you know what he meant, his comment makes sense.
Also, via Paul Covert, this made me laugh: Justin Leone had more RBI’s last night than Willie Bloomquist had all year.
I love Dave, but if you can figure this out, you’re better than me. His comment after Bucky Jacobsen strikes out:
“And the Mariners are still waiting for their first player to homer in his major league debut. Seven Mariners have homered in their first at-bat, but not in their debut.”
I’d be stunned if seven Mariners had homered in their first major league at-bat, and I just can’t conceive of a way that they all did it in games other than their major league debut. But, you know, he’s still Dave Niehaus, so we’ll forgive him and move on to his next unintelligible statement.
Just wanted to let everyone know that I am indeed working on a Big Board update. I had some technical difficulties immediately following the Freddy Garcia trade that made it so I couldn’t get an update done, and now there have been a number of changes in the past week or so. I’m also dealing with trying to put together a roster for the M’s entry in the rookie-level Arizona League, where rosters seem to change daily and information is scarce. Look for a big update Sunday-ish.
Notes from Tacoma: Catcher Jim Horner started in left field tonight. Odd. Gil Meche… not so good. 4 IP, 7 H, 9 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, 3 HR and his ERA is up to 5.20. So long, trade value. Jamal Strong is off the DL and was the starting DH. Jeremy Reed remains the club’s starting CF, at least for the moment.