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.
Congrats to Justin Leone on his first big league homer. So far he’s making the most of his opportunity.
Okay, so I just heard that tonight was John Olerud’s night to honor kids with disabilities at Safeco Field. And, showing an unbelievable amount of class, he showed up in street clothes and went through with the promotion.
Three cheers for John Olerud. That’s awesome. And, seriously, they couldn’t have DFA’d him tomorrow, knowing that he was part of the pre-game ceremonies tonight?
Today’s trivial complaint: the AFLAC trivia question is often phrased so that you can’t get it wrong, or that there are at least many different correct answers.
“Can you name the three hitters with the most home runs in Safeco Field?”
Some possible answers:
- No, I do not (correct!)
- I could guess (correct!)
- Yes, I can (correct if you know them)
And holy mackeral, the left field ball girl ran out, put her body in front of the ball, got the glove down, and made a nice pick of a grounder. I wonder if she has the arm to play shortstop.
Derek, you can speak for me as long as you send me a comp. version of my own talking bobblehead. I agree with Jason that Olerud’s a pretty poor major league first baseman right now. He’s basically a part-time player who should never face lefties and be pinch-hit for in tight situations. But, unlike half the roster, he actually belongs in the major leagues. He’s light years ahead of Scott Spiezio, who gets little to no grief from the fans. I just don’t really understand why he became the target for fan angst; there are a bunch to choose from, and he’s hardly the worst offender. It’s like prosecuting a pickpocket to the full extent of the law and asking for probation for the guy selling crack to kids.
Things learned while watching the Indians broadcast on MLB.tv. Friday is ladies night in Cleveland, where all female fans get a free massage at the park. Nothing to get the crowd riled up and in the game like a massage. Why not just pass out pillows and announce the seventh inning nap and serve herbal tea?
Also, on Villone, he’s a mortal lock to be traded before the deadline. He’s starting in order to see if the M’s can extract a slightly better prospect due to his value as a swingman rather than a lefty reliever.