Seattle Mariners 2012 team thread

[12]

Re: Seattle Mariners 2012 team thread

Guess Felix's velocity issues haven't caused any negative results yet. Still looks dominant to me.

Wish we could fast forward to 2013 to see the Jackson trio come up.

Saw that Felix hit 93 on the gun yesterday... He may never be a guy that hit 98 or 99 MPH like he did three years ago, but he can still reach back and hit 96 when he needs to.

His secondary offerings are so filthy that it really doesn't matter if he throws 91 or 96. He makes hitters look foolish regardless.

[12]

Re: Seattle Mariners 2012 team thread

Not a bad week for Felix. 16 innings pitched, 6 hits, 1 run, 18 k's, and ONE line drive allowed. ONE. He faced 59 batters and gave up a single line drive. If you add the Detroit start before that, he's given up just 3 line drives in 23 innings and 85 batters faced. That's unreal.

BTW...Walker had another great performance yesterday for Jackson. As long as he stays healthy and continues a normal progression, we're going to have a 20 year old starter for the Mariners in the 2nd half of 2013.

He's pitching as well as he ever has and should be at five wins already. His fastball is realistically only down about 2-3 MPH, and I think he'll regain that velocity as the season progresses. As I said before, he can be dominant and one of the game's best without the 95+ MPH heater anyway because his secondary pitches are filthy and his plus command make him a real pain in the *** for opposing hitters.

I love following the Jackson trio. I get pretty excited when I think of a rotation that consists of Felix, Walker, Hultzen and Paxton. The fifth starter would be icing on the cake, but the organization has some good options there as well. Vargas, Ramirez, Beavan, Noesi... I think Vargas will likely get dealt before the deadline if he keeps it up and hopefully we get a decent bat in return.

It's likely, or even probable that one of the big three doesn't pan out, but I love our chances with two out of the three. Actually, I think all three will end up being at the very least average, but it's crazy to think that they will be teaming up with Felix in the M's rotation. I don't want to get too excited yet until they're up and producing, but it's an awesome thing to think about.

I am still worried about Smoak... Just really lost on what to think about him right now. I know the logical arguments that might try and explain his struggles, but when watching him I just don't know.

The M's do have some decent bats so 55's statement about them not having any is wrong. Montero is more than a 'decent' bat. He was an elite level hitting prospect and so far he has done everything to prove that notion correct. He's on pace for around 160 hits, 22 home runs and 80+ RBI's. That's a solid rookie year and would probably get him the AL's ROY award. Seager is on pace for 150 hits, 22 home runs, 90+ RBI's, and 40+ doubles. I am not saying these projections will hold up, but who knows? Maybe Montero explodes in the second half and hits 30 bombs this year and drives in 100 runs? Ackley is a guy who has gotten off to a rough start, but he has a small number of big league at-bats and will get it going.

So the cupboard is not entirely bare, but hopefully guys like Smoak, Liddi, Saunders and Carp turn into solid hitters and some of our prospects continue to develop. I guess a lot needs to go right, but the pitching prospects are enough to keep my eyes on the future and not worry too much about wins and losses. At this point, it's about getting our young guys some AB's and moving other hitting prospects through the season when they have earned it.

I type a lot, so sorry... I just have a lot of good things to say about the direction of this team, despite the moments of absolute frustration and anger at times.

[brett the jet favre]

Re: Seattle Mariners 2012 team thread

Not a bad week for Felix. 16 innings pitched, 6 hits, 1 run, 18 k's, and ONE line drive allowed. ONE. He faced 59 batters and gave up a single line drive. If you add the Detroit start before that, he's given up just 3 line drives in 23 innings and 85 batters faced. That's unreal.

BTW...Walker had another great performance yesterday for Jackson. As long as he stays healthy and continues a normal progression, we're going to have a 20 year old starter for the Mariners in the 2nd half of 2013.

Never know could be starting out in spring training, they said he could have this year but wanted him get more experience, and im sure his arm strength isnt there.

[MarinersVsDodgers]

Re: Seattle Mariners 2012 team thread

I think the player that has the best chance for a double A callup this season IMO (be warned; I have not followed the Minors as close as I have previous seasons this year) would be James Paxton, if the Mariners had to get some more pitching depth. I like his numbers and it would not exactly be pushing it to call up a 23 year old. However, if there was an option to keep them (Walker, Paxton, Hultzen) down in the double A for the rest of the season, I would do that. If these three can form a strong bond, and stick together...think of how awesome the rotation will be (as long as Z and Felix are on the same page)...Felix will be nearing/at his prime, and 3 elite youngsters will be backing him up

[Coug00]

Re: Seattle Mariners 2012 team thread

Less Olivo, More Jaso!

[MarinersVsDodgers]

Re: Seattle Mariners 2012 team thread

Fister must be experiencing some deja-vu right now! He was dealt the same kind of game he would get when he pitched for the M's!

[Coug00]

Re: Seattle Mariners 2012 team thread

What a transition from frustrating to fun.

Smoak is so close to getting on track its not even funny. 0-3 tonight, but they were 2 hard line outs and a fly to the warning track. Those have got to start falling sooner or later.

[bomberooski]

Re: Seattle Mariners 2012 team thread

A season of streaks!!! At least we know that every other week won't be depressing

[MachoMyers]

Re: Seattle Mariners 2012 team thread

The youngsters are developing nice and it is great that the Roots broadcasts makes a point of updating you on their lines throughout each game it seems. The one glaring thing that pops up that is probably pretty obvious to most of you is their innings pitched which usually falls somewhere in the 5 inning range. If a mass exodus of young arms came up there would be a huge gap to fill from the bullpen for later innings.

[Coug00]

Wow! Nice to have the old Kelley back. Wedge better be sticking him in high-leverage situations instead of Wilhelmson.

[thaima1shu]

Re: Seattle Mariners 2012 team thread

I hate Kevin Millwood. So much.

[12]

Re: Seattle Mariners 2012 team thread

What a transition from frustrating to fun.

Smoak is so close to getting on track its not even funny. 0-3 tonight, but they were 2 hard line outs and a fly to the warning track. Those have got to start falling sooner or later.

I hope you're right Coug, but honestly, I'll believe it when I see it.

[12]

Re: Seattle Mariners 2012 team thread

I hate Kevin Millwood. So much.

Absolute and total waste of a roster spot.

Seriously... Is there not someone in Tacoma who could provide the M's with what Millwood brings to the table? Some of these signings baffle me. Hurry up and get Erasmo's arm stretched out and DFA Millwood.

[12]

Re: Seattle Mariners 2012 team thread

Regarding Smoak, I am not saying "I'll believe it when I see it" as a way of doubting him. I think he's talented and WILL find success in the Major Leagues. It's just that he's 25 and the clock is ticking. He's still young, I realize that, but we have to start seeing some progress. He has been atrocious at the plate for quite a while. Keep the at-bats coming and see what he's made of. I believe he can come through this, but there's that small amount of doubt that he won't figure it out. At least in Seattle anyway, which seems to be about par for the course with us.

Come on, Justin... A lot of fans are giving up on you. I'm not one of them and you still have a lot of supporters. Start proving us right already.

[thaima1shu]

We should play Detroit way more often