Well I am going to try this again. This time I am not going to let any use my laptop to play the game.
With that being said, I am also switching up on not only teams, but leagues. I personally don't care for the Designated Hitter, but since I live in the Pacific Northwest I thought it was best to try and bring the Mariners to the top.
The team will have to win with its pitching, as the offense will not be one to go out and pummel their opponents. I will have to do some rebuilding of the farm system, as they don't have a lot of young promising players.
This should be a fun challenge and I promise to keep with this team.
As always, please feel free to comment or just read along. If you are interested in hearing about any team or player feel free to ask.
Randy
Retired
Moderator: puresimmer
MLB Opening Night
We were honored to play in the season opening game for the League. We started off with a one game series with against the Cleveland Indians at Jacobs field. The starters for the game were Jarrod Washburn (0-0, 0.00) going against C.C. Sabathia (0-0, 0.00). We were expecting a pitching dual and that is exactly what we got.
Cleveland would score their only run in the forth in when the Indians would put together three singles and sac bunt, with Aaron Boone knocking in Johhny Peralta from third. We would tie it in the fifth on a solo shot by Yuniesky Betancourt. Afterwards the pitchers would continue their dominance over the hitters.
Going to the top of the ninth the game is tied at one. With two outs, Raul Ibanez came up to hit the winning home run over the CF fence. J.J. Putz would finish the Indians off in the bottom of the ninth one - two - three.
Next up is a three game series with the Texas Rangers.
Mariners 2 5 0
Indians 1 8 0
WP: Jarrod Washburn (1-0, 1.13)
LP: C.C. Sabathia (0-1, 2.00)
S: J.J. Putz (1)
HR: SEA - Y. Betancourt (1), R. Ibanez (1) CLE - None
Cleveland would score their only run in the forth in when the Indians would put together three singles and sac bunt, with Aaron Boone knocking in Johhny Peralta from third. We would tie it in the fifth on a solo shot by Yuniesky Betancourt. Afterwards the pitchers would continue their dominance over the hitters.
Going to the top of the ninth the game is tied at one. With two outs, Raul Ibanez came up to hit the winning home run over the CF fence. J.J. Putz would finish the Indians off in the bottom of the ninth one - two - three.
Next up is a three game series with the Texas Rangers.
Mariners 2 5 0
Indians 1 8 0
WP: Jarrod Washburn (1-0, 1.13)
LP: C.C. Sabathia (0-1, 2.00)
S: J.J. Putz (1)
HR: SEA - Y. Betancourt (1), R. Ibanez (1) CLE - None
April 2, 2006
Our home opener against the Texas Rangers. We started our flame thrower, Jamie Moyer (0-0, 0.00) with the Rangers starting Kevin Millwood (0-0, 0.00).
We jumped out early on in this one with two home runs in the bottom of the first. With one out, Carl Everett hit his first of the season and two batters later Ritchie Sexson hit his first of the season. We followed up with another run in the second on a double from Yuniesky to knock in Matt Lawton from second.
Once we finally removed Jamie after seven innings of very good pitching, we had to hold on as Rafael Soriano struggles to get anyone out and giving up two runs. Eddie Guardado would thankfully put out the fire, leaving the ninth inning for J.J. Putz to close them out.
Rangers 2 8 1
Mariners 3 7 0
WP: Jamie Moyer (1-0, 0.00)
LP: Kevin Millwood (0-1, 4.76)
S: J.J. Putz (2)
HR: TEX - None SEA - C. Everett (1), R. Sexson (1)
We jumped out early on in this one with two home runs in the bottom of the first. With one out, Carl Everett hit his first of the season and two batters later Ritchie Sexson hit his first of the season. We followed up with another run in the second on a double from Yuniesky to knock in Matt Lawton from second.
Once we finally removed Jamie after seven innings of very good pitching, we had to hold on as Rafael Soriano struggles to get anyone out and giving up two runs. Eddie Guardado would thankfully put out the fire, leaving the ninth inning for J.J. Putz to close them out.
Rangers 2 8 1
Mariners 3 7 0
WP: Jamie Moyer (1-0, 0.00)
LP: Kevin Millwood (0-1, 4.76)
S: J.J. Putz (2)
HR: TEX - None SEA - C. Everett (1), R. Sexson (1)
April 3, 2006
My oh My. Our offense woke up against Vicente Padilla (0-00, 0.00) and the Rangers. We scored in each of the first four innings in route to an 8-1 victory in support of Felix Hernandez (0-0, 0.00).
This was a big surprise as our offense the first two games was just enough to get the victory, but it was good for Felix as it put him at ease. As mentioned above we scored a single run in each of the first three innings and four in the forth. Ritchie Sexson went 3 for 3 with two RBI and home run. (Too bad the real life Ritchie is struggling this year).
As for Felix, he pitched seven and third innings giving up a single earn run while striking out six. As long as he can keep his pitch count down he has a chance to dominate this year.
One more game against the Rangers, as we will be going for the sweep.
Rangers 1 7 1
Mariners 8 12 0
WP: Felix Hernandez (1-0, 1.23)
LP: Vicente Padilla (0-1, 18.00)
HR: TEX - R. Barajas (1) SEA - R. Sexson (2), I. Suzuki (1)
This was a big surprise as our offense the first two games was just enough to get the victory, but it was good for Felix as it put him at ease. As mentioned above we scored a single run in each of the first three innings and four in the forth. Ritchie Sexson went 3 for 3 with two RBI and home run. (Too bad the real life Ritchie is struggling this year).
As for Felix, he pitched seven and third innings giving up a single earn run while striking out six. As long as he can keep his pitch count down he has a chance to dominate this year.
One more game against the Rangers, as we will be going for the sweep.
Rangers 1 7 1
Mariners 8 12 0
WP: Felix Hernandez (1-0, 1.23)
LP: Vicente Padilla (0-1, 18.00)
HR: TEX - R. Barajas (1) SEA - R. Sexson (2), I. Suzuki (1)
April 4, 2006
We swept the Rangers winning game three of our series 3-1, behind the strong outing of Gil Meche (1-0, 1.00). Gil pitched our first complete game of the season, even carrying a no hitter into the sixth. Which would be the one inning the Rangers would get to him. After giving up his first hit of the game to Ian Kinsler, he would struggle with his control having to get out of the inning with bases loaded and one out.
Although the Rangers couldn't complain about the pitching they received from their starter Richard Keeley (0-1, 2.25). Keeley would pitch a complete game, but he could not overcome the two run home run of Adrian Beltre in the forth. Outside of an unearned run in the fifth, he would keep our bats under control.
Up next, we have a three game home series with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, who come into the series at 1-2.
Rangers 1 4 1
Mariners 3 9 0
WP: Gil Meche (1-0, 1.00)
LP: Richard Keeley (0-1, 2.25)
HR: TEX - None SEA - A. Beltre (1)
Although the Rangers couldn't complain about the pitching they received from their starter Richard Keeley (0-1, 2.25). Keeley would pitch a complete game, but he could not overcome the two run home run of Adrian Beltre in the forth. Outside of an unearned run in the fifth, he would keep our bats under control.
Up next, we have a three game home series with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, who come into the series at 1-2.
Rangers 1 4 1
Mariners 3 9 0
WP: Gil Meche (1-0, 1.00)
LP: Richard Keeley (0-1, 2.25)
HR: TEX - None SEA - A. Beltre (1)
April 5, 2006
Well I guess we can't win them all, as we drop the first game of our series with the Angels 4-2.
The Angels would jump out to a two run lead early, as Joel Pinero would be wild issuing a couple of walks and giving up a couple of hits as well. As they say walks can hurt you (at least I thought that someone said that). Thankfully would would tie it in the bottom of the third with two runs of our own, as we had to do it the hard way by piecing together a couple of hits as opposed to the long ball.
In the seventh George Sherrill would get the first batter he faced out, but then would fall apart by walking two and giving up a two run RBI double to Tim Salmon. It did not help that in the middle of this run, Matt Lawton would drop a fly ball for the second out.
Oh well, we will hopefully put this behind us for game two.
Angels 4 9 1
Mariners 2 6 2
WP: Kelvim Escobar (1-0, 2.25)
LP: George Sherrill (0-1, 54.00)
S: Francisco Rodriguez (1)
HR: LAA - None SEA - None
Keep injury updates around the league - Detroit's Dmitri Young will be out two weeks with a minor thigh injury. The other reported injury belongs to Doug Davis of the Brewers, who is expected to miss six days with a minor elbow injury. It does not appear that either play was put onto the DL.
The Angels would jump out to a two run lead early, as Joel Pinero would be wild issuing a couple of walks and giving up a couple of hits as well. As they say walks can hurt you (at least I thought that someone said that). Thankfully would would tie it in the bottom of the third with two runs of our own, as we had to do it the hard way by piecing together a couple of hits as opposed to the long ball.
In the seventh George Sherrill would get the first batter he faced out, but then would fall apart by walking two and giving up a two run RBI double to Tim Salmon. It did not help that in the middle of this run, Matt Lawton would drop a fly ball for the second out.
Oh well, we will hopefully put this behind us for game two.
Angels 4 9 1
Mariners 2 6 2
WP: Kelvim Escobar (1-0, 2.25)
LP: George Sherrill (0-1, 54.00)
S: Francisco Rodriguez (1)
HR: LAA - None SEA - None
Keep injury updates around the league - Detroit's Dmitri Young will be out two weeks with a minor thigh injury. The other reported injury belongs to Doug Davis of the Brewers, who is expected to miss six days with a minor elbow injury. It does not appear that either play was put onto the DL.
April 5, 2006
Well the Angels are making us look awful, as we lose game two 7-3. The loss dropped us from first place as the Oakland A's keep the Rangers down. Well enough about the A's and back to our game.
John Lackey kept us at bay until the eighth when we scored three meaningless runs thanks to a Ritchie Sexson homer. In Jerrod Washburn's first game against his former team, he looked nervous and was lit up for six runs in just four innings of work. Another former Angel Jake Woods would finally tire in the eighth and give up the last of the Angels runs.
Just how tough of a game was it for Jerrod, he gave a home run to deep center to Adam Kennedy of all people.
Well one more game against the Angels to prove we belong with the best of the division. After this we are off for our first extended road trip of the year. A ten game in eleven days that sees us go to Texas for three, back east for four against Boston and then back west for three against these same Angels.
Angels 7 8 0
Mariners 3 6 0
WP: John Lackey (2-0, 3.00)
LP: Jarrod Washburn (1-1, 5.25)
HR: LAA - A. Kennedy (1), M. Napoli (2), J. Rivera (1) SEA - R. Sexson (3)
Around MLB injury report - The Baltimore Orioles have lost catcher Ramon Hernandez has been lost for approximately four months with a severe wrist injury. They have placed him on the 60 day DL. In his place they have called up 21 year old catcher Carlos Kuehn.
John Lackey kept us at bay until the eighth when we scored three meaningless runs thanks to a Ritchie Sexson homer. In Jerrod Washburn's first game against his former team, he looked nervous and was lit up for six runs in just four innings of work. Another former Angel Jake Woods would finally tire in the eighth and give up the last of the Angels runs.
Just how tough of a game was it for Jerrod, he gave a home run to deep center to Adam Kennedy of all people.
Well one more game against the Angels to prove we belong with the best of the division. After this we are off for our first extended road trip of the year. A ten game in eleven days that sees us go to Texas for three, back east for four against Boston and then back west for three against these same Angels.
Angels 7 8 0
Mariners 3 6 0
WP: John Lackey (2-0, 3.00)
LP: Jarrod Washburn (1-1, 5.25)
HR: LAA - A. Kennedy (1), M. Napoli (2), J. Rivera (1) SEA - R. Sexson (3)
Around MLB injury report - The Baltimore Orioles have lost catcher Ramon Hernandez has been lost for approximately four months with a severe wrist injury. They have placed him on the 60 day DL. In his place they have called up 21 year old catcher Carlos Kuehn.
April 6, 2006
What an exciting end to the series as we came back two win the third game 3-2 thanks to a triple by Ichiro to score Yuniesky from first.
We once again sent our flame thrower Jamie Moyer out to stop the bleeding. So of course the first batter he sees is Orlando Cabrera, who lines a shot over the left field wall. There must be something written some where that the Angels have to score in the first inning. The Angels would score again the fifth after loading the bases with one out, but that would be their only run.
As depression was starting to set in, we would finally score in the seventh on a sac fly by Ichiro (who is one of our few hitters actually hitting). Then in the eighth Adrian Beltre would hit his second homer of the season to tie the game at 2.
Jamie would pitch a complete game to help save our tired bullpen to get the win.
Next up the Texas Rangers who will be wanting some revenge for the sweep we put on them up here in Seattle.
Angels 2 9 0
Mariners 3 10 0
WP Jamie Moyer (2-0, 1.13)
LP: Scot Shields (0-1, 15.00)
HR: LAA - O. Cabrera (1) SEA - A. Beltre (2)
MLB Injury Report - The Pirates 1B Sean Casey suffered a minor knee injury that is expect to take two weeks to heal. The Pirates have decided to keep him on the active roster, so they appear to be letting him play through it.
We once again sent our flame thrower Jamie Moyer out to stop the bleeding. So of course the first batter he sees is Orlando Cabrera, who lines a shot over the left field wall. There must be something written some where that the Angels have to score in the first inning. The Angels would score again the fifth after loading the bases with one out, but that would be their only run.
As depression was starting to set in, we would finally score in the seventh on a sac fly by Ichiro (who is one of our few hitters actually hitting). Then in the eighth Adrian Beltre would hit his second homer of the season to tie the game at 2.
Jamie would pitch a complete game to help save our tired bullpen to get the win.
Next up the Texas Rangers who will be wanting some revenge for the sweep we put on them up here in Seattle.
Angels 2 9 0
Mariners 3 10 0
WP Jamie Moyer (2-0, 1.13)
LP: Scot Shields (0-1, 15.00)
HR: LAA - O. Cabrera (1) SEA - A. Beltre (2)
MLB Injury Report - The Pirates 1B Sean Casey suffered a minor knee injury that is expect to take two weeks to heal. The Pirates have decided to keep him on the active roster, so they appear to be letting him play through it.
Weekly Thoughts
After the first week of the season, we sit at 5-2 a top of the AL West, a half a game ahead of the Oakland A's.
As I mentioned earlier our offense was going to be a concern as I didn't see us as a good hitting team. As the first week showed, minus the one game below up against Texas, we were going to need to rely on our pitching. As a team we are currently hitting at a .239 clip, last in the AL. Our best hitters so far have been Ritchie Sexson (.450), Ichiro (.345) and Matt Lawton (.286). Hopefully our hitting will heat up as the season progress, or I am going to have to search for some.
As for our pitching, we have perfomed better than I expected. I knew we would be decent, but our starters have pitched above expectations. We currently have a team ERA of 2.57 good enough for third in the AL, of course the Oakland A's are just above us. We have two complete games so far this season (Meche and Moyer), although Moyers was out of necessity. I am hoping our pitching can keep it up until our offense comes around.
AL West Standings
Seattle 5 2 .714 ---
Oakland 4 2 .667 .5
Anaheim 3 3 .500 1.5
Texas 1 5 .167 3.5
As I mentioned earlier our offense was going to be a concern as I didn't see us as a good hitting team. As the first week showed, minus the one game below up against Texas, we were going to need to rely on our pitching. As a team we are currently hitting at a .239 clip, last in the AL. Our best hitters so far have been Ritchie Sexson (.450), Ichiro (.345) and Matt Lawton (.286). Hopefully our hitting will heat up as the season progress, or I am going to have to search for some.
As for our pitching, we have perfomed better than I expected. I knew we would be decent, but our starters have pitched above expectations. We currently have a team ERA of 2.57 good enough for third in the AL, of course the Oakland A's are just above us. We have two complete games so far this season (Meche and Moyer), although Moyers was out of necessity. I am hoping our pitching can keep it up until our offense comes around.
AL West Standings
Seattle 5 2 .714 ---
Oakland 4 2 .667 .5
Anaheim 3 3 .500 1.5
Texas 1 5 .167 3.5
April 8, 2006
Ever had those games where you get excited about your team playing well only to have it pulled away from you. Well basically describes our game with Rangers today. Remind you that the Rangers came into today's game with us only winning one of their first six games and having only hit two home runs to start the season. Well today they doubled their win total and more than doubled their season home run total.
As seems to be a trend lately, we have to start out behind as Felix gives up a home run to Michael Young. We were fortunate to score two in the second and two more in the sixth. Only to see the Rangers score three in the bottom of the sixth to tie it up, as Kevin Mench hit a three run bomb to center field.
Thinking that it was time to turn it over to the bullpen, I turned to George Sherrill. Well that turned out to be a mistake as he could only get two outs in the eighth and also in the process giving up a two run shot to Mark DeRosa thus ending our bid to win the game.
Thankfully there is tomorrow.
Mariners___4___7___0
Texas_____6__10___0
WP: Vincete Padilla (1-1, 8.18)
LP: George Sherrill (0-2, 36.00)
S: Akinori Otsuka (1)
As seems to be a trend lately, we have to start out behind as Felix gives up a home run to Michael Young. We were fortunate to score two in the second and two more in the sixth. Only to see the Rangers score three in the bottom of the sixth to tie it up, as Kevin Mench hit a three run bomb to center field.
Thinking that it was time to turn it over to the bullpen, I turned to George Sherrill. Well that turned out to be a mistake as he could only get two outs in the eighth and also in the process giving up a two run shot to Mark DeRosa thus ending our bid to win the game.
Thankfully there is tomorrow.
Mariners___4___7___0
Texas_____6__10___0
WP: Vincete Padilla (1-1, 8.18)
LP: George Sherrill (0-2, 36.00)
S: Akinori Otsuka (1)
April 9, 2006
Well we lived with our pitching staff and now we are diing with our pitching staff. For the second game in a row our bullpen gave up a lead in the eighth. In a game that had the appearance of a pitching dual, but the starters would struggle.
For us, Gil Meche was either striking people out or walking them. He was over 100 pitches (106 exactly) by the end of the forth inning. And we are already having the problem of a tired bullpen, so this did not help. Thankfully Rafeal Soriano did his part by keeping us in the game for three innings and even left the game with us ahead 5-4. Only to see Eddie Guardado give it up on a three run homer and once again our fate was sealed.
Hopefully we can get the last game of the series, as we need to try and salvage something out of this.
Today to help our exhausted bullpen, we sent down George Sherrill and brought up 22 year old Emiliano Fruto to take his place. Fruto has pitched four innings striking five out at Tacoma. I am hoping some time at Tacoma will help Sherrill out.
Mariners___5___7___1
Rangers___7__12___1
WP: Richard Keeley (1-1, 3.94)
LP: Eddie Guardado (0-1, 13.50)
S: Akinori Otsuka (2)
For us, Gil Meche was either striking people out or walking them. He was over 100 pitches (106 exactly) by the end of the forth inning. And we are already having the problem of a tired bullpen, so this did not help. Thankfully Rafeal Soriano did his part by keeping us in the game for three innings and even left the game with us ahead 5-4. Only to see Eddie Guardado give it up on a three run homer and once again our fate was sealed.
Hopefully we can get the last game of the series, as we need to try and salvage something out of this.
Today to help our exhausted bullpen, we sent down George Sherrill and brought up 22 year old Emiliano Fruto to take his place. Fruto has pitched four innings striking five out at Tacoma. I am hoping some time at Tacoma will help Sherrill out.
Mariners___5___7___1
Rangers___7__12___1
WP: Richard Keeley (1-1, 3.94)
LP: Eddie Guardado (0-1, 13.50)
S: Akinori Otsuka (2)
April 10, 2006
Breaking News from Arlington, the Seattle Mariners finally score first. 
After the frustration of the last two games, we were finally able to get a lead. We scored a run in the top of the first thanks to a Ichiro single and stolen base. Raul Ibanez then knock him in. Thankfully that was enough for Joel Pinero, as he would hold the Rangers scoreless for 8.2 innings, before being pulled. It was the pitching performance that we were looking for from our starter. Jake Woods and J.J. Putz would finish off the game for him.
Now we are off to Boston for four games and I only hope that we can take something with us from tonight.
Mariners (6-4) ____2__7__0
Rangers (3-6) ___0__6__0
WP: Joel Pinero (2-0, 1.32)
LP: Adam Eaton (0-2, 3.60)
S: J.J. Putz (3)
Injury Notes from around MLB: The White Sox Juan Uribe is suffering from a minor thigh injury which is expected take around eleven days to heal. Cleveland's LF Jason Michaels has a minor hamstring injury which should heal in nine days. Dodger Pitcher Aaron Sele has a sore shoulder and is the injury is expected to heal in ten days. The next two were not so lucky, as both Florida Pitcher James Berry and Yankee Gary Sheffield (no it was not his month hurting him), as they both were put the injury list. Berry has a very serious rotator cuff injury and is on the 60 day DL. In his place the Marlins brought up 24 year old Ricky Nolasco. As for Gary Sheffield is expected to be out for about three weeks and will spend time on the 15 day DL with a moderate wrist injury. In his place the Yankees 18 year old CF/LF Robert Dempster.
After the frustration of the last two games, we were finally able to get a lead. We scored a run in the top of the first thanks to a Ichiro single and stolen base. Raul Ibanez then knock him in. Thankfully that was enough for Joel Pinero, as he would hold the Rangers scoreless for 8.2 innings, before being pulled. It was the pitching performance that we were looking for from our starter. Jake Woods and J.J. Putz would finish off the game for him.
Now we are off to Boston for four games and I only hope that we can take something with us from tonight.
Mariners (6-4) ____2__7__0
Rangers (3-6) ___0__6__0
WP: Joel Pinero (2-0, 1.32)
LP: Adam Eaton (0-2, 3.60)
S: J.J. Putz (3)
Injury Notes from around MLB: The White Sox Juan Uribe is suffering from a minor thigh injury which is expected take around eleven days to heal. Cleveland's LF Jason Michaels has a minor hamstring injury which should heal in nine days. Dodger Pitcher Aaron Sele has a sore shoulder and is the injury is expected to heal in ten days. The next two were not so lucky, as both Florida Pitcher James Berry and Yankee Gary Sheffield (no it was not his month hurting him), as they both were put the injury list. Berry has a very serious rotator cuff injury and is on the 60 day DL. In his place the Marlins brought up 24 year old Ricky Nolasco. As for Gary Sheffield is expected to be out for about three weeks and will spend time on the 15 day DL with a moderate wrist injury. In his place the Yankees 18 year old CF/LF Robert Dempster.
April 11, 2006
When one looks at the final box score you would have to ask your self "How did they only score Nine Runs?"
I know that is exactly what I did. How do we get 20 hits and 6 walks to only score 9 runs? Well that is exactly what happened as we ran into a tired Red Sox bullpen. As you would expect we left a lot of runners on base (16 to be exact). I was also concerned that we had lost Yuniesky Betancourt for an extended period of time. He was hurt running the bases in the third, thankfully it appears that we will fine and will not have to miss any games.
Once again we decide that it would be best to start off down, as we gave up three in the second on a three run homer to Mark Loretta. Thankfully we were able to tie it up in the third with three of our own then taking the lead in the sixth with three more. In eighth up 7-4 and Jarrod tiring I turned to the newly called up Emilano Fruto thinking we could give him work in a non pressure situation. Unfortunately he would struggle not getting anyone out and giving up three runs and now we have a tied game.
Thankfully Jake Woods came in to put water on the fire. In the ninth Raul Ibanez, who has struggled early this season, strokes a two run shot to left for the winning runs. J.J. Putz would record the save and thankfully we were able to put this one away. Only three more to go.
Mariners___9___20__0
Red Sox___7____9__0
WP: Jake Woods (1-0, 1.42)
LP: Keith Foulke (1-1, 5.63)
S: J.J. Putz (4)
HR: SEA - R. Ibanez (2), R. Sexson (5) BOS - M. Loretta (1)
I know that is exactly what I did. How do we get 20 hits and 6 walks to only score 9 runs? Well that is exactly what happened as we ran into a tired Red Sox bullpen. As you would expect we left a lot of runners on base (16 to be exact). I was also concerned that we had lost Yuniesky Betancourt for an extended period of time. He was hurt running the bases in the third, thankfully it appears that we will fine and will not have to miss any games.
Once again we decide that it would be best to start off down, as we gave up three in the second on a three run homer to Mark Loretta. Thankfully we were able to tie it up in the third with three of our own then taking the lead in the sixth with three more. In eighth up 7-4 and Jarrod tiring I turned to the newly called up Emilano Fruto thinking we could give him work in a non pressure situation. Unfortunately he would struggle not getting anyone out and giving up three runs and now we have a tied game.
Thankfully Jake Woods came in to put water on the fire. In the ninth Raul Ibanez, who has struggled early this season, strokes a two run shot to left for the winning runs. J.J. Putz would record the save and thankfully we were able to put this one away. Only three more to go.
Mariners___9___20__0
Red Sox___7____9__0
WP: Jake Woods (1-0, 1.42)
LP: Keith Foulke (1-1, 5.63)
S: J.J. Putz (4)
HR: SEA - R. Ibanez (2), R. Sexson (5) BOS - M. Loretta (1)
April 12, 2006
Well it looks like I am going to need some bullpen help. Once again we get a good start from a starter, Jamie Moyer 8.1 innings and no runs, only to see our bullpen give up a home run to cost us the game. We lost to the Red Sox 3-2 in what would be considered a pitchers dual.
Having to rest a couple of our bigger bats, Ritchie Sexson and Adrian Beltre, I expected a low scoring game against Red Sox starter Curt Schilling and that is what we got. We were able to scrap single runs in the forth and fifth only to see us give up three in the eighth. Once the Red Soxs were able to get the lead they turned it over to Jonathan Papelbon.
Of course what set up in the eighth was two singles and up comes Manny Ramirez. Even though I thought I told Julio Mateo to pitch around him (I thought this meant off the plate), he decided to throw a breaking pitch down the middle of the plate and as they say the rest is history.
Game three tomorrow.
Mariners___2__6__0
Red Sox___3__6__0
WP: Curt Schilling (1-2, 3.38)
LP: Julio Mateo (0-1, 3.86)
S: Jonathan Papelbon (4)
HR: SEA - None BOS - M. Ramirez (6)
Having to rest a couple of our bigger bats, Ritchie Sexson and Adrian Beltre, I expected a low scoring game against Red Sox starter Curt Schilling and that is what we got. We were able to scrap single runs in the forth and fifth only to see us give up three in the eighth. Once the Red Soxs were able to get the lead they turned it over to Jonathan Papelbon.
Of course what set up in the eighth was two singles and up comes Manny Ramirez. Even though I thought I told Julio Mateo to pitch around him (I thought this meant off the plate), he decided to throw a breaking pitch down the middle of the plate and as they say the rest is history.
Game three tomorrow.
Mariners___2__6__0
Red Sox___3__6__0
WP: Curt Schilling (1-2, 3.38)
LP: Julio Mateo (0-1, 3.86)
S: Jonathan Papelbon (4)
HR: SEA - None BOS - M. Ramirez (6)
April 13, 2006
Well this is going to sound like a broken record, another amazing performance by a starter and the bullpen gives up the runs in the eighth to lose it. (DARN IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
It was an amazingly pitched game by both Felix Hernandez and Josh Beckett, it came down the the teams relievers in the end. Neither team was able to do much at the plate.
I don't know what else to say other than Rene Rivera's first hit of the season was a home run. I just remembered another thing, in the second inning the Red Sox must have had a shift on for Matt Lawton as he grounded out 3-6. Amazingly quick short stop.
Thankfully only one more game here in Boston, before we get a day off and a trip to Anahiem for three.
Side Note - this is the last game for the night as I am really frustrated right now. We just aren't performing well at the plate or in the bullpen. I almost want my starters to go nine just so they can have a chance to win again.
Mariners___1___3___0
Red Sox___2___6___0
WP: Josh Beckett (3-0, 1.90)
LP: Felix Hernandez (1-1, 2.91)
S: Jonathan Papelbon (5)
HR: SEA - R. Rivera (1) BOS - None
It was an amazingly pitched game by both Felix Hernandez and Josh Beckett, it came down the the teams relievers in the end. Neither team was able to do much at the plate.
I don't know what else to say other than Rene Rivera's first hit of the season was a home run. I just remembered another thing, in the second inning the Red Sox must have had a shift on for Matt Lawton as he grounded out 3-6. Amazingly quick short stop.
Thankfully only one more game here in Boston, before we get a day off and a trip to Anahiem for three.
Side Note - this is the last game for the night as I am really frustrated right now. We just aren't performing well at the plate or in the bullpen. I almost want my starters to go nine just so they can have a chance to win again.
Mariners___1___3___0
Red Sox___2___6___0
WP: Josh Beckett (3-0, 1.90)
LP: Felix Hernandez (1-1, 2.91)
S: Jonathan Papelbon (5)
HR: SEA - R. Rivera (1) BOS - None
April 14, 2006
Well we were sent out of Boston with our collective tails between our legs. I still can't believe that we let Tim Wakefield to hold us to no runs and only four hits. This is now become a very worrisome issue with our lack of offense. As head back out west, I will need to figure this one out. We are now just a five hunderd team with the loss.
The Red Sox would score all they would need with three runs in the second and a single run in the third off of Gil Meche curtesy of two home runs. One was by Alex Gonzalez in the second and the other by Big Papi.
The only two things good to come out of this one is that Kenji had three hits and Mr. Fruto was able to pitch two innings without giving up a run in his second appearance in the Major Leagues.
Well we are off for Anahiem, who is another team that is struggling. They come into the series losing three to the A's.
Mariners (7-7)___0__4__0
Red Sox (8-5)___4__9__1
WP: Tim Wakefield (2-0, 4.50)
LP: Gil Meche (1-1, 4.26)
HR: SEA - None BOS - A. Gonzalez (1), D. Ortiz (4)
Injury notes from around the league: The following players are were not placed on the DL, but are suffering physically - Pitcher Claudio Vargas (Arizona) is suffering with a very minor elbow injury, 1B/DH Jim Thome (CWS) has a minor thigh injury, Pitcher Aaron Squires (Cincinnati) has a minor elbow ligament injury, C Migel Olivo (Florida) minor hamstring injury, LF Chris Duncan (St. Louis) has a minor fibula injury and Pitcher Adam Eaton (Texas) has a minor finger injury.
The biggest news on the injury front is the ankle injury suffered by the Mets Pedro Martinez. Pedro has been put on the 15 day DL to recover and his place the Mets called up 19 year old Richard Fulton.
The Red Sox would score all they would need with three runs in the second and a single run in the third off of Gil Meche curtesy of two home runs. One was by Alex Gonzalez in the second and the other by Big Papi.
The only two things good to come out of this one is that Kenji had three hits and Mr. Fruto was able to pitch two innings without giving up a run in his second appearance in the Major Leagues.
Well we are off for Anahiem, who is another team that is struggling. They come into the series losing three to the A's.
Mariners (7-7)___0__4__0
Red Sox (8-5)___4__9__1
WP: Tim Wakefield (2-0, 4.50)
LP: Gil Meche (1-1, 4.26)
HR: SEA - None BOS - A. Gonzalez (1), D. Ortiz (4)
Injury notes from around the league: The following players are were not placed on the DL, but are suffering physically - Pitcher Claudio Vargas (Arizona) is suffering with a very minor elbow injury, 1B/DH Jim Thome (CWS) has a minor thigh injury, Pitcher Aaron Squires (Cincinnati) has a minor elbow ligament injury, C Migel Olivo (Florida) minor hamstring injury, LF Chris Duncan (St. Louis) has a minor fibula injury and Pitcher Adam Eaton (Texas) has a minor finger injury.
The biggest news on the injury front is the ankle injury suffered by the Mets Pedro Martinez. Pedro has been put on the 15 day DL to recover and his place the Mets called up 19 year old Richard Fulton.
Weekly Thoughts
This was just a very tough week (even if it is only a game). We finished the week 2-5 and our offense is going to sleep. Although they weren't the only problem we had, as our bullpen wasn't much help.
Our strongest hitters have really struggled (Ichiro and Sexson) this week. We just don't have the room for error not to have our best hitters on base. There are a couple of our starting line up who are close seeing some bench time (Mr. Everett), but I have to be sure not to be too quick with the hook as we are still early into the season.
As for our pitching staff, we have had our starters pitch fairly well only to see the relief corps give up the winning runs. I know that some of our relief corps is young, but they need to do a better job of protecting our leads.
Well off to California for three before going back home. As they say "There is no place like home" [:D]
Our strongest hitters have really struggled (Ichiro and Sexson) this week. We just don't have the room for error not to have our best hitters on base. There are a couple of our starting line up who are close seeing some bench time (Mr. Everett), but I have to be sure not to be too quick with the hook as we are still early into the season.
As for our pitching staff, we have had our starters pitch fairly well only to see the relief corps give up the winning runs. I know that some of our relief corps is young, but they need to do a better job of protecting our leads.
Well off to California for three before going back home. As they say "There is no place like home" [:D]
April 16, 2006
Back on the west coast was good for us. Of course the team made me sweat until the eighth, as we were down by one after two innings of play. We were able to pull it out with a 2-1 win thanks to Ritchie Sexson's six homer of the season off Angel reliever Hector Carasco. This one was a two run shot, which was nice as we really have been struggling to score runs.
Both starters pitched very well tonight, as Jared Weaver went for the Angels and Joel Pinero started out for us. For Joel, we was able to go five and third innings (before he had to be removed hitting the 100 pitch mark), giving up only six hits and striking out three. As for Mr. Weaver, we was able to last six and two third innings. We were only able to get four hits off of him and only two walks.
Jake Woods came in to keep us in the game by pitching two and two third innings, allowing J.J. to come in and save his fifth game of the season.
I am hoping that we can carry the mommentum into tomorrow night's game.
Mariners__2__5__0
Angels___1__6__0
WP: Jake Woods (2-0, 1.00)
LP: Hector Carrasco (0-1, 4.70)
S: J.J. Putz (5)
HR: SEA - R. Sexson (6) LAA - None
Both starters pitched very well tonight, as Jared Weaver went for the Angels and Joel Pinero started out for us. For Joel, we was able to go five and third innings (before he had to be removed hitting the 100 pitch mark), giving up only six hits and striking out three. As for Mr. Weaver, we was able to last six and two third innings. We were only able to get four hits off of him and only two walks.
Jake Woods came in to keep us in the game by pitching two and two third innings, allowing J.J. to come in and save his fifth game of the season.
I am hoping that we can carry the mommentum into tomorrow night's game.
Mariners__2__5__0
Angels___1__6__0
WP: Jake Woods (2-0, 1.00)
LP: Hector Carrasco (0-1, 4.70)
S: J.J. Putz (5)
HR: SEA - R. Sexson (6) LAA - None
RE: April 17, 2006
Talk about night and day. After Angel fans were treated to a pitching dual yesterday, our starter Jarrod Washburn decided to take the day off. He gave eight earned runs and hits in his six innings. The sad fact was he gave up all eight in the first two innings, as I had to see if he could pitch his way out of it as our bullpen was too tired. Thankfully he was able to settle down in his final four innings.
As for the Angels, John Lackey was on top of his game giving up only two runs on four hits over his six innings. The bullpen came in and pitched very well for him to preserve the win. Not that there as any doubt that they would.
I am starting to be concerned about two of our bigger bats in the line up as both Ichiro and Ritchie are starting to cool off. Ichiro has not had a hit in his last five games to see his average drop to .233. He says he is feeling fine, but his bat is saying otherwise.
Tomorrow is the rubber game of our three game series, so I am hoping that we can finish off on a good note. We will have Jamie Moyer going for us. Scheduled to pitch against him is Ervin Santana.
Mariners__2__7__0
Angels___8__11__1
WP: John Lackey (4-0, 2.56)
LP: Jarrod Washburn (1-2, 6.84)
HR: SEA - None LAA - V. Guerrero 2 (3)
As for the Angels, John Lackey was on top of his game giving up only two runs on four hits over his six innings. The bullpen came in and pitched very well for him to preserve the win. Not that there as any doubt that they would.
I am starting to be concerned about two of our bigger bats in the line up as both Ichiro and Ritchie are starting to cool off. Ichiro has not had a hit in his last five games to see his average drop to .233. He says he is feeling fine, but his bat is saying otherwise.
Tomorrow is the rubber game of our three game series, so I am hoping that we can finish off on a good note. We will have Jamie Moyer going for us. Scheduled to pitch against him is Ervin Santana.
Mariners__2__7__0
Angels___8__11__1
WP: John Lackey (4-0, 2.56)
LP: Jarrod Washburn (1-2, 6.84)
HR: SEA - None LAA - V. Guerrero 2 (3)
RE: April 17, 2006
I hate to say it, but I am really struggling to play AL ball. I just enjoy NL (no DH) style better. With that being said I have to find a NL team to work with, but I need a little help. I want to pick a team that has a strong rivalry with some one another NL team (St. L and Cubs, LA Dodgers and SF Giants, etc.)
I am open to suggestions for the best rivalry in the NL.
Thanks,
I am open to suggestions for the best rivalry in the NL.
Thanks,