~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners/Pittsburgh Pirates (08)

[johnstone1987]

OFFICIALLY CLOSED

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners/Pittsburgh Pirates (08)

The 2008 Seattle Mariners

Manager: Brian Carmichael

Starting Rotation

1. Felix Hernandez
2. Rick Thomas (R)
3. Miguel Batista
4. Jarrod Washburn
5. Carlos Silva

BULLPEN

Brandon Morrow
Eric O'Flaherty
Ryan Rowland-Smith(R)
Sean Green
Sean White(R)
George Sherrill -SETUP
J.J Putz-CLOSER


LINEUP

Ichiro (CF)
Joey Watson(R) (2B)
Raul Ibanez (LF)
Adrian Beltre (3B)
Richie Sexson (1B)
Kenji Johjima (C)
Jose Vidro (DH)
Adam Jones (RF)
Chan Chung(R) (SS)

BENCH

Jeff Clement(R) (C)
Miguel Cairo (2B)
Andre Dyson(R) (3B)
Willie Bloomquist (OF/IF)

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners/Pittsburgh Pirates (08)

The 2008 Pittsburgh Pirates

Manager: Shawn Fulton

Starting Rotation

1. Freddy Garcia
2. Ian Snell
3. Paul Maholm
4. Zach Duke
5. Tom Gorzelanny


BULLPEN

Juan Perez(R)
John Grabow
Romulo Sanchez(R)
Franquelis Osoria
Jonah Bayliss
Matt Capps-SETUP
Tanashi Sasaki-CLOSER

LINEUP

Nyjer Morgan(R) (CF)
Jack Wilson (SS)
Jason Bay (LF)
Mike Piazza (C)
Freddy Sanchez (2B)
James Watterson(R) (RF)
Adam LaRoche (1B)
Jose Bautista (3B)
PITCHER

BENCH

Ryan Doumit (C)
Chris Gomez (1B)
Josh Wilson (SS)
Nate McClouth (OF)
Steven Pearce(R) (RF)

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners/Pittsburgh Pirates (08)

RESERVED FOR END OF YEAR RECAPS

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners/Pittsburgh Pirates (08)

GAME #1 April 1,2008


Pittsburgh Pirates (0-0) AT Atlanta Braves (0-0)

@



Adam LaRoche hits for Cycle as Pirates top Braves 5-4!

Atlanta,GA- The Pirates kicked off their 2008 campaign with a bang. Adam LaRoche hit for the Cycle and was the Player of the game. Newly aquired Ace Freddy Garcia took the mound and showed the Braves why he is the Ace in the Pirates Rotation striking out 12 while also giving up 2 runs and a 7 hit resume.

"Freddy's our guy. We brought him here for a reason." New Pirates Skipper Shawn Fulton stated. "He was on the market and we wanted him. He's done wonders for us during the Spring."

"I was in the zone today." Said Freddy Garcia. "I wanted to show this club they made the right decision signing me this offseason."

Lets not forget Adam LaRoche hit for the cycle today.

"That doesn't happen very often. I was just lucky enough to experience it." Said First Baseman Adam LaRoche.

The Braves battled but fell short in the bottom of the 9th when Rookie Japanese Closer Tanashi Sasaki came in and picked up his first save of his career.

It's still a long season but the Pirates will celebrate today before coming back tomorrow for another game in Atlanta.

For Tim Hudson and the Braves, it's back to regroup.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners/Pittsburgh Pirates (08)

J.J Putz picks up first Save of year as Mariners beat Rangers 5-3




SEATTLE- The Mariners hosted the Rangers for the second game of the opening series tonight and the M's went to work. Wanting to avoid a 2 game skid, The Texas Rangers looked to capitalize on the inexperience Rookie #2 starter Rick Thomas. That was not the case tonight as the Rookie looked as if he was a ten year pro. Thomas pitched a masterful performance striking out 14 batters while giving up just 2 hits in his Mariner Debut.



"I was really nervous." Joked Rick Thomas. "I was fortunate to be in this Organization for a couple years now with Tacoma. I've had some great coaches and teachers to work with me on my mechanics this past spring."



"We actually had our eye on him for a year now." Said Mariners skipper Brian Carmichael. "I watched him pitch in Tacoma and knew the kid had talent. When we got him in Spring Training we never looked back. "



"For such a young age in the majors, Rick's been solid. Hopefully that trend continues this year." Said First Baseman Richie Sexson. He had a homerun in todays game. His 3rd of the year.



The Rangers had no answer for the Mariners red hot offense as Brandon McCarthy struggled to keep the Mariners off the board. He gave up 6 hits and 3 runs in just the first 4 innings before being pulled by Manager Ron Washington.



"Seattle's a really good team. The way they're starting over there, their pitching, their offense, their defense, everything is just phenomenal." Said Ron Washington after the loss.



"It's just those kinds of days. I didn't perform well. No excuse." Rangers Pitcher Brandon McCarthy said. He hung his head low.



The Rangers would refuse to go quietly however as Hank Blalock hit his 1st homerun of the year to put Texas on the board. The Rangers would soon rally with another deepball by Saltalamacchia. An 8th inning RBI by David Murphy pulled Texas within 2.



All eyes were on J.J Putz who many would argue had the best year of 2007 for Closers.



JJ Putz had no problems entering the 9th with a 2 run lead and showing the MLB world last year was no fluke. He shut down the Rangers by striking out the side earning his 1st Save of the year.



"He's a really good Closer. I have much respect for him." Rangers Second Basemen Ian Kinsler stated.



The Mariners-Rangers series will wrap up tomorrow night before the Mariners hit the road for the first time this year.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners/Pittsburgh Pirates (08)

Game #2




Pirates Rout Braves 8-6 in Atlanta!


ATLANTA- For the second day in a row, the Braves were helpless to stop Pittsburgh. Even with future Hall of Famer Tom Glavine on the mound, the Braves were ripped to shreds in front of their fans tonight.

"It was awful. I couldn't do anything to stop it." Said Glavine.

The Pirates attack was led by star Left Fielder Jason Bay who had a homerun and 4 RBI's.

The Braves will look to avoid a Sweep tomorrow.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners/Pittsburgh Pirates (08)

[

SIZE="3"]GAME #3 April 2,2008[/SIZE]



J.J Putz gets Save as Mariners SWEEP Rangers in Seattle....

Seattle,WA- Miguel Batista was on fire tonight as the Mariners swept the Texas Rangers. The #3 Veteran pitched a flawless first 4 innings while striking out a handful of Rangers in the process.

"He's a nice anchor in our rotation." Said Mariners Skipper Brian Carmichael. "The way he pitches is just phenomenal."

"I was surprised to see how he handled the later innings when Texas was putting runs up. He didn't get rattled at all." Mariners Catcher Kenji Johjima stated.

Johjima was the Player of the Game tonight smacking 2 Home Runs with a couple of RBI's to help out his ball club.

"Kenji's a great hitter. The way he connects with the ball is just amazing." Third Baseman Adrian Beltre stated.

The Rangers (0-3) will head to Southern California tomorrow to battle another A.L Rival, the Anaheim Angels (3-1) who are hot on the Mariners tail
for first place.

"It's never a good feeling being swept. We're in a big hole now but it's still a long season." Rangers Second Baseman Ian Kinsler stated.

"It's never a good thing losing especially to a Division Rival. Seattle is really playing well right now. They're going to be a good team this year." Rangers Manager Ron Washington stated.

The Mariners (3-0) will enjoy a off day before traveling to Baltimore for a series with the Orioles (1-2).

"It's still a long season but if we keep winning we'll be in first." Mariners Left Fielder Raul Ibanez stated.

The Mariners also had a casualty in the sweep as Right Fielder Adam Jones was injured at the plate swinging the bat.

"I don't know what happened. I swung at a pitch and felt pain in my shoulder." Adam Jones stated.

Willie Bloomquist finished the game in Right Field for Seattle.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners/Pittsburgh Pirates (08)

INJURY NEWS April 3,2008



Mariners Right Fielder Adam Jones placed on 15 Day D.L


Adam Jones has been placed on the 15 Day Disabled List, Seattle has announced earlier this morning.

The news comes as no surprise as yesterday, Jones exited the batter's box with a pulled shoulder in the Mariners win over Texas. Jones hasn't been that much of a factor in the series sweep batting .222 with 0 HR's and 0 RBI's.

"It sucks." Adam Jones stated. "I'm here to help my team win. I want to play but the doctor's won't let me."

"Adam (Jones) is a quality player." Said Mariners Manager Brian Carmichael. "He's pretty quiet right now but in time he'll be putting up numbers."

The Mariners will place veteran Willie Bloomquist in Right Field moving forward.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners/Pittsburgh Pirates (08)

GAME #3 April 3,2008

Pittsburgh Pirates (2-0) @ Atlanta Braves (1-2)



PIRATES CRUSH BRAVES 15-5 FOR SWEEP!


Atlanta,GA- By the 5th Inning after a Grand Slam by Star Left Fielder Jason Bay the Pirates were up 12-5. It wasn't long after until the fans begin to leave Turner Field heading for their cars to beat traffic. The Pirates complete the sweep tonight hammering away hit after hit. Braves Pitcher Mike Hampton was helpless against the Pirates Offense giving up 14 hits and 10 runs.

"I take this loss for myself. I really let my team and the fans down tonight." Braves Pitcher Mike Hampton stated after the loss.

"He beats himself up but really it's everybody's fault tonight. We just got swept." Braves Chipper Jones said.

"We're excited for this Season." Pirates Manager Shawn Fulton stated. "We got alot of hungry guys in this clubhouse. Our goal is the Post Season, something our fans haven't seen this team do since 1992. We owe it to them."

Jason Bay was nothing short of amazing today hitting 6 RBI's with his Grand Slam. The fan favorite was all smiles in the Clubhouse.

"Atlanta is a tough team and for us to come in here and sweep them shows the hardwork and dedication we have in this locker room. It's really something special." Jason Bay stated.

"Jason (Bay) is really the leader in here." New Pirates Catcher Mike Piazza stated. His first year with the team. "When he speaks, we listen. He's really the heart and soul of this team. The way he's playing really proves that."

Another Pirate who is making a name for himself is Rookie Right Fielder #3 James Watterson who hit his second HR today.

"I'm excited to be apart of this team. We're hungry and determined for this year. We know what the goal is. We want it. Our fans want it. I want it." James Watterson stated.

The Pirates (3-0) will celebrate the win as they head to South Florida to battle the Florida Marlins (0-3) who were just swept by the New York Mets.

For the Atlanta Braves(1-3) however,they will host the Mets tomorrow night.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners/Pittsburgh Pirates (08)

Accidentally simmed the next games.

Orioles 8 Mariners 6

Pirates 13 Marlins 2



Mariners 11 Orioles 12

My apologies.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners/Pittsburgh Pirates (08)

GAME # 5 April 5,2008


Pittsburgh Pirates (4-0) @ Florida Marlins (0-4)





Marlins avoid sweep with 7-5 Victory with Gregg's first Save of Year!




Miami, FL- Jason Bay hit 3 Homeruns off the Marlins pitchers really making a case for MVP and showing why he's the heart and soul of Pittsburgh. Despite being in his last year of his contract, it should come no surprise Bay will want to stay.


"It's early in the year." Said Bay, "I'm really not focusing on my contract right now. My main focus is the teams focus. Baseball in October. We haven't been to the playoffs since 1992. That's the goal right now."


The Marlins avoided the sweep tonight as The Fish defeated the Pirates 7-5 with some great pitching by Rick Vanden Hurk.


"We're 0-4 so I knew I had to go out there and pitch a good game to help this team start winning." Vanden Hurk stated.


The Pirates had a 3-0 lead in the top of the 3rd until Tom Gorzelanny collapsed and the Marlins mounted a 6 run inning never letting up.


"I couldn't believe it. No matter what I threw they were hitting it." Tom Gorzelanny stated. He gave up 9 hits and 6 runs in just 3 innings. He was pulled soon after.


"Tom was having a bad day. It happens to all of us. I knew I had to pull him early which put pressure on our Bullpen." Pirates Skipper Shawn Fulton stated.


The Fish never let up after being up 6-3. The later innings really tested both Bullpens.


"We were down but not out." Said Pirates Rookie Right Fielder James Watterson. "We just couldn't comeback. We need to figure out how to win games being down like that."


Once the Marlins were up 7-5 in the 8th, they went with the setup Knockout approach. Setup Pitcher Justin Miller came in to set things up for the 9th.


"I knew if I did my job and gave Kevin (Gregg) a chance we'd have a shot." Justin Miller stated. He pitched a flawless 8th striking out two and no hits.


Gregg came on in the 9th.


The Marlins-Pirates will wrap up the 3 game series tomorrow afternoon.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners/Pittsburgh Pirates (08)

GAME # 6 April 6,2008


Seattle Mariners (3-2) @ Baltimore Orioles (3-2)







Felix Hernandez shows Baltimore why he's "KING"


Baltimore, MD- Trying to avoid a 3 game skid the Mariners turned to their Ace Felix Hernandez. The King did not disappoint today pitching a full game with 18 strikeouts and only allowing 5 hits and 1 run as the Mariners finally got a win over the Birds of Baltimore 8-1.


The first 5 innings of the game was like a game of chess with each team studying the other and no runs on the board. That ended in the top of the 5th as Rookie Second baseman Joey Watson hit a 3 run homer off Erik Bedard to put the M's up 3-0.


"It was a hard game. Both pitchers really dueling it out." Mariners Skipper Brian Carmichael stated.


"I was glad to get that swing." Joey Watson stated. "Erik was shutting us down all afternoon. My hats off to him."


Erik Bedard on the other hand pitched a solid 6 innings striking out 6 and allowing 4 runs with 8 hits.


"Sometimes you have those kind of days. I was solid at first but Seattle is really a good team." Erik Bedard stated.


"I knew it was gonna be a tough game with Felix on the mound. He's their Ace for a reason. He lives up to the King name. " Orioles Manager Dave Trembley stated.


The Mariners and Orioles will wrap up their 4 game series tomorrow night.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners/Pittsburgh Pirates (08)

GAME # 6 April 6,2008


Pittsburgh Pirates (4-1) @ Florida Marlins (1-4)





Marlins take "Rubber Match" over Pirates




Miami, FL- Freddy Garcia sat at his locker, his head underneath a towel and sulked in the corner. Garcia took the mound today and had one of the worst performances of his Career. The Pirates Ace gave up 5 runs and back to back Home Runs in just the first inning. But, Pirates new Manager Shawn Fulton didn't pull his #1 starter....Yet.

"I went out to talk to him after that blast by Dan (Uggla). I told him to relax and breathe cause we still had a long game to go." Pirates Manager Shawn Fulton stated.

Freddy Garcia kept quiet and didn't answer any questions. He quickly left the Locker Room after the 14-9 Marlins Blowout.

The Marlins (2-4) came out swinging this afternoon jumping on Freddy Garcia and the Pirates.

Freddy Garcia was pulled in the 3rd Inning and Marlins Pitcher was pulled after a 4 run first inning for Reliever Taylor Tankersley.

"We're a team. It's not all Freddy's fault we lost. We need to come together on defense and help our bullpen out." Pirates Left Fielder Jason Bay stated.

Bay had yet another MVP performance smashing 3 Homeruns.

"It's a 162 game season. We're not going to win every game and sometimes we're going to have games like this. We just need to regroup and focus." Pirates Second Baseman Freddy Sanchez stated.

The Pirates (4-2) will wrap up their road trip and head home for a series with Rivals, Chicago Cubs (3-3) as they prepare for their opening home series.

"We're finally going home in front of our fans in Pittsburgh." Rookie Right Fielder James Watterson said.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners/Pittsburgh Pirates (08)

GAME # 7 April 7,2008


Seattle Mariners (4-2) @ Baltimore Orioles (3-3)






Mariners beat Orioles 8-2 to end Series

Baltimore, MD-

The Mariners pounded Baltimore to tie the Series before moving on to Tampa. Mariners Rookie Pitcher, Rick Thomas showed why he's ready for this level of Baseball. The Rookie gave up 8 hits, 2 runs but struck out 11.

"He's really coming into his own groove." Mariners Manager Brian Carmichael stated.

"I myself enjoy watching him and seeing the things he can do from the bench. It's really exciting." Ace Pitcher Felix Hernandez said..

The Orioles (3-4) will lick their wounds before moving on. The Mariners will head south to do a battle with another AL East team, the Tampa Bay Rays (3-3).

"Baltimore sure was a tough series for us. We had some good games and not so good games up here in this ballpark. " Mariners First Baseman Richie Sexson stated.

The Mariners (5-2) are off to one of their best starts in years.

"Way to early to be looking at our record. We still have alot of baseball left." Mariners Third Baseman Adrian Beltre stated.