Game 10, Athletics at Mariners
I’m not sure if Dave or anyone else is going to want to chime in. Last night was a disappointment, in a word, but certain things broke against us and it’s still pretty early. A team like this is going to have days of exciting baseball and days of mediocre baseball. It’s part of the process. Trusting the process eventually might work in Kansas City and elsewhere.
Noesi vs. Milone, 6:10 pm PDT
Today, the M’s are going up against someone they’ve never seen before. Jokes about being utterly dominated as the natural consequence of that. Milone was acquired from the Nationals in the Gio Gonzalez deal. He’s your basic left-handed change-up artist with average or slightly worse velocity and good command of his offerings. He’s unexciting, but he’s also in the major leagues, and his first name is Tomaso, not Thomas. Tomaso Milone sounds like a more exciting pitcher, or maybe the leader of some Cuban-inspired swing band. Last time out, he walked three, allowed three hits, and struck out no one in eight innings. That 100% strand rate has got to break sometime. Why not against the Mariners?
As a result of the match-up, we’re going heavy on right-handers tonight.
CF Figgins
2B Ackley
RF Ichiro!
1B Smoak
C Montero
3B Liddi
DH Olivo
LF Wells
SS Ryan
P Noesi
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161 Responses to “Game 10, Athletics at Mariners”
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I’d be interested in Wedge’s reasoning about having Olivo DH and Seager on the bench.
He’d probably say because LHP was starting. Not a good answer but that would probably be the one he’d give.
It doubles as a reason for not seeing Jaso!
Wow, this sucks. I am fed up with seeing Olivo flail at each and every terrible pitch hurled at him.
Only ten games in but it seems like Wedge thinks of Jaso as an emergency catcher and a left handed bench bat. He hasn’t caught an inning yet. And Wedge almost never pitch hits for anyone.
I do sometimes wonder if Jaso will see time at first before he sees time behind the plate. Given that Montero is catching tonight, Olivo would not be ruled out as the catcher in the day game tomorrow. Oh, the things we have to look forward to.
Jay that’s very likely why Olivo’s not catching tonight. So he can tomorrow.
Wedge is holding Olivo accountable for that passed ball last night by yanking him from behind the plate and putting him at DH instead. Oh, the indignity of it all!!!
Wedge is obviously trying to get fired so that he may be freeeeeeee
I could talk about accountability, but other people can do that for me and even if no one does, it’s not like it’s a big deal or anything.
Unbelievable. There’s just not much more you can say regarding tonight’s “DH.”
His unwillingness to pinch-hit has actually given him actual evidence that Kyle Seager can hit a left-hander. He has more than enough evidence to see that Olivo isn’t a good hitter. Gaaaaahhhhhh.
Well, in all fairness to Miguel Olivo – it’s not like his past numbers would lead us to believe he’ll only be a .143 hitter going forward. Why, just last year he hit .224 – AND with a .253 on-base percentage! Plus he led the team in home runs!
No, wait, quit walking away – Olivo is an exciting, inspiring catcher! He can throw people out… when he holds onto the pitch, anyway! No, come back – he’s a gritty veteran! Love him! LOVE HIM!
I choose to ignore the fact Olivo’s in the linup until the rest of the team starts scoring runs. He’s the least of our problems until then. Once that happens then I’ll join the bandwagon calling for him to just leave.
Totally agree with what you said, Terry, about Wedge’s view on Jaso. I don’t get it. It’s as if Jaso challenged him or questioned his judgement and is being punished as a result.
Can’t help but wonder what this team would be like if they had hired Valentine.
According to the M’s roster, Noesi bats righthanded. I think I’d rather have him bat than Olivo.
Wedge came up has a catcher.
So, “watching a ball game” for “accountability reasons” applies to everyone not named Olivo, apparently…what the f ever…I’m about over Eric Wedge…
Has a team ever optioned its MLB manager to its AAA affiliate and brought up the AAA manager? Lol
^Well, the Mariners let Wakamatsu go, and replaced him with Brown two and a half years ago.
I’m done with Wedge and have started a #FireWedge campaign on Twitter.
Just saw a real interesting shot…. Mariners batting practice, with Kawasaki taking balls in left.
Olivo has a .334 wOBA against lefties, compared to .284 against righties. I really wouldn’t complain too much.
They’ll never fire Wedge…he’s everything they love + he’s too spineless to ever question his bosses on anything. My guess anyway. Jaso is without a doubt our best catcher, and it looks like he may catch ten games this season, if he’s lucky. As of right now he might even be our best hitting catcher (until Montero shows me something I’m sticking with that…)
RE: last night…we’re now in our third decade of not being able to hit Bartolo Colon, you realize? Is it reasonable to expect an M’s lineup to reverse that kind of history of ineptitude? I say no.
I believe Wedge fills out his roster by the “pendulum method”. This rare method believes if a guy is super hot (Seager/Jaso) then you should bench him, because he’ll come back down to earth, without fail, the next day.
And inversely, if a guy is flailing miserably at pitches and unable to even catch the ball, when his position is called “catcher”, well definitely insert that guy back in the lineup, because things have just got to turn for him. They just have to!
Personally, I’m not a fan of the pendulum method. But I’m just some slob off the street, so I can’t pretend to know any better.
(sigh)
smb-
On the bright side, I doubt Colon will make it to decade four– so we’ll just have to wait him out!
Haha Z. Is your Comcast working today?
Oh, and Wedge isn’t going anywhere soon. You don’t usually fire managers on rebuilding teams.
^^^ I don’t know, MrZ. Colon gets to face the Mariners a LOT now, and that may encourage him to pitch another decade…
I’m glad we get to see Montero catch again, though.
Well, DH against LHP is probably the least appalling way to use Olivo, if you must do it at all….
Yeah, I get to watch baseball again… Yay. Something in our cable box died, so we weren’t getting anything above channel 29 (naturally– SO close!).
I 2nd Westy in loving watching Montero catch again.
Montero will probably be our starting catcher next year. Yeah!!
Haha MrZ – it’s almost as if Comcast was intentionally taunting you.
Z-
Just so we’re clear, the pendulum method, basically means that if it’s broke, don’t fix, use it more, and if it ain’t broke, assume it will, so do don’t use it. I wonder if he applies that to everything in life?
In basketball we pull a player out after one or two mistakes. In the sometimes-weird culture of baseball they hold a player “accountable” by letting them play numerous more innings after a bad throw or another passed ball, then sitting them the next day. Eric Wedge, that makes almost as much sense as sending weak hitters to the plate in close late inning situations.
BTW has anyone else been noticing how much Figgins has (unsurprisingly) cooled down?
^Perfect example of that, watching Milton Bradley tank plays in left, with Fister pitching brilliant last year. Didn’t pull him right away. If it were me, he would have been DFA’d that inning.
Casper Wells is probably really tired after that catch – he hasn’t had a lot of opportunities to run that far.
I’m tired of having to watch the A’s feed… About as tired as I am watching pitchers throw fastballs to Cespedes
Root Sports showed Sounders highlights instead of the first out of the top of the 2nd inning. I sent them a tweet voicing my displeasure. Ridiculous.
I wonder if it will be Wells, or Liddi, sent down when Carp returns? I admit, I’ve warmed-up to Liddi, and like the idea of having his bat available, but kinda like the idea of him returning to Tacoma and learning how to be a first-baseman more. He was horrible at 1st this spring.
Jesus saves!
MONTERO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And deep center! Wow!!
Goodbye Baseball!!! Thank you, baby Jesus!
Montero!!! Adios pelota!!!!
Jesus has arrived!
JESUS IS LOOSE!!
Steve-
yeah, Liddi looked awful playing 1st… Y’know, the position you send people to if they can’t play anything else. But he couldn’t find the bag with his foot, crossed himself up numerous times making catches… Probably just nerves, but he did NOT look comfortable out there. (I DO like the way he swings though– so I’d probably vote “more time in Tacoma” so he can get lots of at bats AND innings in the field)
And to think I thought about not watching after yesterday. Wow, Montero killed that.
Montero was brought here to be our savior, right? (Keeping the theme alive)
Ugh. Liddi and Olivo both swung at balls they should’ve let go by, and both weakly grounded out. What a surprise.
Nice play by Ryan… FINALLY being accountable. Maybe a little TOO nice.. He’ll obviously be benched tomorrow, now.
I’ll give Liddi a pass, being his first at-bat in the game, and having limited AB’s in general. But I don’t wanna see that again.
I like Sims calling that last fly-out “trouble”.
Why isn’t Montero throwing from his knees?
I must say I’m glad Figgins is at least competent out in the field.
re: Liddi
My fault for speaking too highly of him.
Montero can make up for that throw by blocking several pitches Olivo would’ve fumbled (and let runners advance on him).
Honestly, I think Figgins is a better fielder than Carp.
I agree with you Steve. But then I don’t think much of Carp as an outfielder.
I wonder if it would be easier to teach Montero to throw at the runners? If he can’t get close to the bag, maybe plunking the runners will discourage them from tryna steal?
Yeah, that’s exactly why I said that Westy! I’m not signing any petitions to make Figgins the permanent left fielder, but at least he’s showing some competence.
Does Safeco really believe that annoying lady with the New York accent is going to sell more of their insurance to people? It just makes me stab at the “mute” button…
How were those first two pitches balls?
DP!
So, with Kawasaki taking fly balls in left during batting practice, Carp and Guti on their way back…. could a trade be in the works? Why else would they do that? Figgins has played reasonably well in the outfield and they still have Wells. Something has to give.
Montero should ask Suzuki for pointers – NOT Olivo.
Is it me, or does it look like the league has already figured out Cespedes and he’ll have to adjust? I’d laugh if he was just a waste of money.
What a load!!!!
The umps hate us.
Man, now the umps are taking away hits from us – physically!!
We don’t need any assistance in that department!
OWOWOW…
Montero don’t learn that one from Suzuki.
^hehehe
Suzuki’s a baller…
Man, Suzuki is nuts.
So how long does Olivo get to bat below .150 before gritty and veteran-y doesn’t compensate enough, and Jaso or Montero get to take over the everyday duties?
(Although naturally I’m setting him up for a big hit right here…)
Well Z, how long did they keep Cust around last year? Kidding. I’m guessing Moore will get 100 ab’s or so in Tacoma, and if he’s hitting well (and healthy), Olivo will be moved. But that would kind of make too much sense, so maybe Jaso gets sent down or DFA’d?
Hey, this just in … olivo struck out!
^Could have called that blind-folded!
I hate to say it but I think Moore will spend most of the year at Tacoma. Just a guess on my part.
That wouldn’t surprise me either.
Nice!
Figlet!
C’mon ackley.
Ichiro earn your money.
Home run Smoak.
(sigh) Ichiro!?
How ’bout a Smoaked Salami Sandwich?
I’ll take a walk.
Well done Smoak.
And there Seattle is your Mariners offence at it’s very best. Bases load 1 out and we get a run on a walk.
Close enough…
I’ll take that, but damn, that was a “Cust” thing to do! That pitch was close enough, that he probably should have took a good swing at it.
Nice AB by Smoak. Thank God, a walk. See that patience, Wedge?
MONTERO!!
Beautiful!
Jesus again!
Why did they wave Smoak in?
Montero!
Not sure why they sent Smoak home though
Nice work, Jesus.
A run that walks in counts as much as a run driven in.
Hallelujah, Montero! I’m a little Smoaked about Smoak getting waved in, however.
Can’t be greedy guys.. Why did they send Smoak? grr
Made no sense to send Smoak. Why hand the A’s an out? The euphoria of being able to wave runners home must have gotten to poor old Datz. But hey – runs … Yay!.
Jesus should use the chorus refrain from Jeff Buckley’s “Hallelujah” as his at-bat music… I’d love that.
Thank u, Jesus… But trying to score SMOAK from first??! Now THAT’S aggressive (super dumbass) Wedge-Ball.
Noesi looks like a different pitcher today and for that I am thankful.
@Westside
You are correct sir. I’ll take a run on a walk.
Noesi has done a great job, tonight… Mixing it up, keeping it down. Nice job, Hector.
CG for Noesi?
Isn’t it early in the season to let Noesi have a high pitch count?
(nodding happily– nice!)
Huzzah for Wells!
I like when it benefits us, sure, but I’ll never understand why pitchers throw fastballs to guys who can’t hit anything but fastballs? (Wells, Cespedes, Peguero, etc.)
The Mariners actually drew two walks so far tonight, that is really good for them.
Z-
I’m with ya on the Buckley intro!
Smoak gets a RBI with a walk. Just like Cust.
I still think Weeks is hitting the ball harder than his body is truly capable of on a regular basis. I’m waiting for some strained-muscles.
Nice job Mr Noesi!
2 more quality starts than Pineda at this point (which makes me sad for Pineda, but happy for us)…
I noticed that Montero has a higher AVG. than OBP, how is that possible?
Ackley needed that!
Ichirolling, sacrifices don’t count against average, but count against on-base %, and or trying to stretch a single into something more and being thrown out.
In a sense, Michael Pineda has thrown a shut out so far, and driven in 3 runs for us tonight. Thanks Mike!
Ouch… the wife wants a Smoak jersey. Only question is, do I get it for Seattle or Tacoma?
Swungonandbelted-
That’s low. Get her a Montero jersey, and be done with it! *laugh*
Dammit, Z – you scooped me. I was going to ask if Pineda should get credit for the win … Assuming league holds it. Frack!
Is it just me or does League walk, or almost walk, EVERY FRICKIN’ FIRST BATTER HE FACES!!!! (ahem, sorry…)
I’m thinking League is a little rusty…
Yeah Montero’s not going to catch that.
Been catching it so far.
I think you might have Montero confused with Olivo.
Man, despite his throwing motion – I would strongly prefer seeing Montero behind the dish most of the time. He seems to do the fundamentals right – unlike that other guy.
You gotta love Wedgies sense of humor, don’t you … I mean, Miguel Olivo was DH’ing. Miguel Olivo! And the team won anyway!! That is freaking hilarious. When he is not working the lounges at Vegas, I wonder if the Wedgester might have time to manage a few baseball games. He didnt come to camp in shape and he hasn’t been accountable for diddly poo, so he should really consider benching himself.
I was reacting to one of League’s pitches that spiked about 10 feet in front of the plate.
And WOO!!
More Montero less Olivo kthx…
Was that really Noesi we saw tonight? He looked like a completely different pitcher!
Montero is 2-0 as a catcher! Hopefully that will convince Wedge.
^And what if he keeps Olivo as the DH?!
Good win. Noesi looked good, the offense still looked bleak (outside of Montero and that one inning). If I were GM I would seriously consider releasing Olivo. It makes so much sense to clear that roster spot for someone who could help the team.
Well he’ll probably platoon Olivo and Jaso at DH, given they are each 1-0.
Given Wedge’s outlook on things, I can’t imagine he’ll be able to keep ignoring Olivo’s lack of production. He’ll probably phrase it as “giving him a break from himself” or some other baseball catechism, but in the end it has to happen.
Given Montero’s performance in his two games behind the dish, it’s not like Wedge can say there aren’t any other options. Montero certainly isn’t embarrassing himself on defense.
^Well, that throw to second didn’t scream gold-glove! But yeah, he really doesn’t look worse than Olivo. I’m still hopeful to see Jaso though, with Montero as the back-up.
I totally agree, Steve. Montero is not a good thrower. But he seems to block pitches reasonably well; and seriously – has anyone ever compared how many times Olivo has thrown out runners versus how many time runners have advanced on him after he’s failed to corral yet another pitch?
I do like the idea of Montero learning behind Jaso.
I personally like the mere fact that there’s actually a guy I want to put at catcher in place of Olivo. It’s a nice change.
Good win M’s! As for this thread, not so much. 90% mindless conjecture and bitching like a bunch of old ladies complaining about their incontinence. No one wants to read about Olivio time and again anymore then they do about an old ladies issues in the bathroom. How about a novel idea, maybe actually converse about the game a little, as it is a game thread and all. This used to be a great blog, but not so much anymore. Go play Bingo of something. Maybe you can break down the statistics of how often O61 follows B11 and then blame the Bingo caller.
Wow…what a difference between today and yesterday. I hate to think that the catcher has THAT much influence, but maybe it does!
I know that I’m in the majority when I say I’d like to see Montero behind the dish more than Olivo, but for once this season, I’d like to see Olivo on the bench, and Jaso behind the dish, and Montero DH’ing??
Also, if that’d been Guti in center on the flyball that went over Figgy’s head, it would have been an out…pure math there! Taller equals catch.
I’d like to see Montero and Noesi be a regular battery. Watching the game, I could sense a “Comfort Zone” they had for each other out there this evening. It could be because Montero had a good game at the dish and Noesi was dealing, but it still looks like a promising tandem.
It’s possible/likely Montero has caught Noesi while they were both in the Yankee organization.
In any case, I agree with you justdan73.
Did they not play together at all in the Yankees system? methinks they have done this before.
I’d love to hear some NYC talk radio right now, discussing how the Yankees did on the Pineda trade. There is absolutely nothing to be said at this point, but in New York, that wouldn’t stop anyone. Brian Cashman may need some extra security for the next week or so.
It being New York, Breadbaker – if they didn’t have Pineda’s current status to complain about, they’d find something else.
I swear that team could go 162-0 and some Yankee fans would still find some perceived way they got screwed.
Folks: The Olivo-bashing is getting kind of old. He didn’t catch this game and I don’t see anyone on the current active roster who’d be projected to be a significantly better option at DH versus a LHP.
Um, anyone? Olivo is pretty much the worst hitter on the team, regardless of who is pitching.
Heck, last year, Ryan was a better hitter than Olivo.
Take the best fielder on the bench, put him in the field, put the guy he replaced as DH for the day. Done. Was that so hard?
I’m not lobbying for Olivo or anything, but for his career (as opposed to last year) he’s hit LHP significantly better.
Vs LHP. 275/309/482
Vs RHP 229/265/393
he should ONLY be in the lineup against LHP.
To reiterate: The bench players in yesterday’s game were Jaso, Munenori, Seager and Saunders. They all bat left. I don’t think you can reliably predict any of them to be better than Olivo vs. a LHP. Maybe you can argue Seager at 3B and Liddi at DH to also upgrade defense. Anyway, I don’t care much for Olivo either and am all for critizising bad managing by Wedge. But putting Olivo at DH vs. a LHP over these four alternatives doesn’t strike me as a move deserving much critizism. On the other hand, starting Olivo at catcher over Jaso vs a RHP…
vj you are probably right. But we’ve seen so much of him when it made no sense that it’s hard to be objective.
@ Ralph and vj
His career numbers are misleading. He still has a horrible contact rate, he’s off to a horrible start, and a better hitter (as vj noted), Seager, was available. If a lefty bat can hit lefty pitching, a right handed bat like Olivo’s, isn’t necessary. The name “Olivo” and “DH” should never go together in the same sentence.
Olivo is starting again today. Day game after a night game. #FireWedge