Monday, Opening Day
“Two-seam fastball could be a boon for M’s pitchers” [Times]
“As April goes, so goes the M’s season” [PI]
“M’s no longer darlings” [Thiel, in the PI]
And the return of the Answer Guy in the PI.
Q: What new eats will be encountered this year at Safeco Field?
AG: The ever-popular Ivar’s will offer “Fresh Catch of the Day” items on a rotating basis, while also taking over the pregame festivities at the fenced asphalt enclosure outside Safeco’s Home Plate Gate. What was originally the Outback Outpost and then the Azteca Caliente Corner is now renamed Ivar’s Clam Bake. Kau Kau BBQ from the International District will offer traditional Chinese eats (Section 136). But Club Level denizens may have the best new Safeco grub — various burgers made with that high-end Kobe beef.
I love that note about the ambiance… “fenced asphalt enclosure”. Mmm, I’ve always wished for a local fenced asphalt enclosure eatery I could enjoy before games.
And Reed’s playing today. [PI]
Feed Post-Mortem
Not since my college debate coach took a header into a mud puddle after rounding third base have I laughed so heartily at a game-of-ball-and-stick related event.
Thanks are in order to all of the 150-some folks who showed up to the feed for taking the time, for indulging my digressions, and for chortling along with us as Derek and I tried to one-up each other with esoteric analogies. We’re obliged also to Bill Bavasi for graciously answering our questions and to Dave and his family for organizing work above and beyond the call of duty.
With a little luck, Friend of USSM Jim Thomsen will grace us with some of the many photos I saw him snapping. Speaking of snapping, it’s a miracle that no one lost a finger during the locust plague around the dessert tray. But man, were those little brownie concoctions good.
If you’re inclined, use this thread to share feed memories and suggestions for next year. Opening Day is almost here: I’ll see many of you at the game tomorrow, and have a fresh post in the morning, when the M’s will definitely possess an unblemished record.
Sunday, chock-full of content
The Times ran their huge pre-season preview, “the Future is Now” (rejected tagline: “Now, more than ever”)
– Putting the pieces together. The problem? “there was little character or chemistry or whatever it is that makes a team meld.” Yup.
– M’s are watching Felix closely. Also, in case you were worried, they also run a list of “Can’t-misses who did”
– Johjima’s doing fine
O’er in the TNT:
Nageotte looks like the Rainiers #1 starter.
The Rainiers won the exhibition at Cheney, which was cool for Tacoma fans. And no one got injured.
Projected standings ahoy!
Diamond Mind Baseball ran their load o’ simulated seasons, and presented for you the results.
Mariners went 80-82, won the division 4% of the time and the wild card 5% of the time. They beat the Angels, who fall to last place. It likes Minnesota in the AL Central, too, and Cleveland comes in second.
Clay Davenport used a much different methodology in an article at Prospectus (subscription), and the Mariners on average were a 77-85 taem, but they made the playoffs 15% of the time. This follows an earlier PECOTA-based article by Nate Silver, which put them at 77-85 as well.
Final Moves Made
As expected, C Rene Rivera was optioned to Tacoma. Joining him is RHP Emiliano Fruto, leaving LHP Jake Woods and RHP Jeff Harris as the two winners of “Who Wants a Spot in the Bullpen?” 1B/DH Roberto Petagine had his contract purchased from Tacoma. To make room for Petagine on the 40-man roster, RHP Marcos Carvajal was designated for assignment. Additionally, OF Chris Snelling was placed on the 15-day disabled list. In case you’re wondering, yes, Harris needs to be added to the 40-man roster as well. He’ll take, at least temporarily, OF Matt Lawton’s spot while Lawton serves his suspension. Ten days into the season, they’ll need to make another move or two.
In other news, we’re really close to having the first updated Big Board of the 2006 season. Once minor league rosters are finalized, which shouldn’t be too far off, I’ll get rolling — I’d rather wait until rosters are announced rather than guess where players might start the season, only to update things a few days later. Stay tuned.
Hope to see you all in 12+ hours at Safeco! Don’t forget to turn your clocks ahead one hour today, or you’ll be late for the event.