Seattle Mariners (ESPN 2K5)

[BearcatsFan]

It's baseball season, so I decided to start up my Mariners dynasty, I just bought ESPN MLB 2K5 earlier today, and am already addicted.


Seattle Mariners
ESPN MLB 2K5
162 Games/Pro Difficulity (I plan on moving up though)

[BearcatsFan]

Re: Seattle Mariners (ESPN 2K5)

2005 Seattle Mariners Preview
The Seattle Times

The Mariners finished the 2004 season with a 63-99 record, the third worst in baseball. GM Bill Bavasi knew changes needed to be made, Seattle had the worst offense in the American League last year, leaving their pitching staff with nothing to work with. The M's also faced alot of injuries last year, they were the first team in a long time to have three minor leaguers start in the same year they were in the AAA. However this season, the M's got a little more experience, they brought over last years MVP runner-up and 2004 league leader in home runs, Adrian Beltre. They also brought over stud first baseman Richie Sexson in hope to give Seattle the runs they needed. The M's staff will finally be 100% healthy, with closer Eddie Guardado back, Soriano healthy and a fresh Joel Pinerio leading the staff. Some questions still linger around the M's though. Will Jamie Moyer, who just turned 42 be able to make it all year. Will Bret Boone still be with the team in September? Or will hidden gem Bobby Madritsch be able to pitch 200+ innings in the big leagues. The M's also brought over a new manager in Mike Hargrove, Hargrove led the 1997 Indians to the World Series, but has struggled with Baltimore the past few years. Things are changing in Seattle and hopefully for the best. The offense and pitching staff are rejuvanated, healthy and ready to make a run at the AL West.

Lineup:

1 - Ichiro Suzuki
Right Field - '04 Stats: 8 HR, 60 RBI, 101 Runs, 36 SB


2 - Randy Winn
Center Field - '04 Stats: 14 HR, 81 RBI, 84 Runs, 21 SB


3 - Richie Sexson
First Base - '03 Stats: 45 HR, 124 RBI, 97 Runs, 2 SB


4 - Adrian Beltre
Third Base - '04 Stats: 48 HR, 121 RBI, 104 Runs, 7 SB


5 - Bret Boone
Second Base - '04 Stats: 24 HR, 83 RBI, 74 Runs, 10 SB


6 - Raul Ibanez
Designated Hitter - '04 Stats: 16 HR, 62 RBI, 67 Runs, 1 SB


7 - Jeremy Reed
Left Field - '04 Stats: 0 HR, 5 RBI, 11 Runs, 3 SB


8 - Miguel Olivo
Catcher - '04 Stats: 13 HR, 40 RBI, 46 Runs, 7 SB


9 - Pokey Reese
Shortstop - '04 Stats: 3 HR, 29 RBI, 32 Runs, 6 SB


The Mariners lineup is looking good going into 2005, Ichiro and Winn will leadoff as the 1-2 hitters, with a combined 441 hits in '04, they are among the best 1-2 hitters to get on base. Then, they will be followed by Beltre and Sexson, a couple of powerhouse sluggers. Boone, who will be trying to rebound from a subpar 2004 season will follow at the fifth spot. Ibanez will be 6th after a injury plagued '04 season, he has some rebounding to do as well. Jeremy Reed will be next and starting in left, he is a huge prospect and has a shot at the rookie of the year award, along with Angel star prospect Dallas McPherson. Miguel Olivo and Pokey Reese round out the lineup.

Bench:
Bucky Jacobsen - DH/1B
Scott Spiezio - 1B/3B
Chris Snelling - RF/LF
Dan Wilson - C
Willie Bloomquist - 3B/SS
José López - 2B/SS

Rotation:

1 - Joel Piñeiro
2004 Stats - 6-11, 4.67 ERA, 111 K's, 43 Walks


2 - Jamie Moyer
2004 Stats - 7-13, 5.21 ERA, 125 K's, 63 Walks


3 - Gil Meche
2004 Stats - 7-7, 5.01 ERA, 99 K's, 47 Walks


4 - Bobby Madritsch
2004 Stats - 6-3, 3.27 ERA, 60 K's, 33 Walks


5 - Ryan Franklin
2004 Stats - 4-16, 4.90 ERA, 104 K's, 61 Walks


Things can only get better for the 2005 rotation, after a combined 30-50 record in 2004, the staff will be working on turning that around. Gil Meche had a stellar second half last year along with Bobby Madritsch who posted a 3.27 in 11 starts. Jamie Moyer led the league last year in home runs allowed and will be working on his pitch selection, and stud Joel Piñeiro is capable of winning 16-20 games with a decent offense says manager Mike Hargrove. The M's do have one of the MLB's best pitching coaches in Bryan Price, and are hoping to get different results this season.

Bullpen:

Middle Relief - Shigetoshi Hasegawa
2004 Stats - 4-6, 5.16 ERA, 46 K's, 31 Walks

Middle Relief - Julio Mateo
2004 Stats - 1-2, 4.68 ERA, 43 K's, 16 Walks

Middle Relief - Rafael Soriano
2003 Stats - 3-0, 1.53 ERA, 68 K's, 12 Walks

Long Relief - Ron Villone
2004 Stats - 8-6, 4.08 ERA, 86 K's, 64 Walks

Long Relief - Travis Blackley
2004 Stats - 1-3, 10.04 ERA, 16 K's, 22 Walks

Setup- J.J Putz
2004 Stats - 0-3, 4.71 ERA, 47 K's, 24 Walks

Closer - Eddie Guardado
2004 Stats - 18 Saves, 2.78 ERA, 45 K's, 14 Walks


AAA Roster

Tacoma Rainiers
Prospects/Replacements

Matt Thornton - RP
Scott Atchison - RP
Clint Nageotte - SP
Greg Dobbs - IF
Jamal Strong - OF
Wiki Gonzalez - C
Aaron Looper - RP

[BearcatsFan]

Re: Seattle Mariners (ESPN 2K5)

2005 Seattle Mariners Preview
The Seattle Times

The Mariners finished the 2004 season with a 63-99 record, the third worst in baseball. GM Bill Bavasi knew changes needed to be made, Seattle had the worst offense in the American League last year, leaving their pitching staff with nothing to work with. The M's also faced alot of injuries last year, they were the first team in a long time to have three minor leaguers start in the same year they were in the AAA. However this season, the M's got a little more experience, they brought over last years MVP runner-up and 2004 league leader in home runs, Adrian Beltre. They also brought over stud first baseman Richie Sexson in hope to give Seattle the runs they needed. The M's staff will finally be 100% healthy, with closer Eddie Guardado back, Soriano healthy and a fresh Joel Pinerio leading the staff. Some questions still linger around the M's though. Will Jamie Moyer, who just turned 42 be able to make it all year. Will Bret Boone still be with the team in September? Or will hidden gem Bobby Madritsch be able to pitch 200+ innings in the big leagues. The M's also brought over a new manager in Mike Hargrove, Hargrove led the 1997 Indians to the World Series, but has struggled with Baltimore the past few years. Things are changing in Seattle and hopefully for the best. The offense and pitching staff are rejuvanated, healthy and ready to make a run at the AL West.

Lineup:

1 - Ichiro Suzuki
Right Field - '04 Stats: 8 HR, 60 RBI, 101 Runs, 36 SB


2 - Randy Winn
Center Field - '04 Stats: 14 HR, 81 RBI, 84 Runs, 21 SB


3 - Richie Sexson
First Base - '03 Stats: 45 HR, 124 RBI, 97 Runs, 2 SB


4 - Adrian Beltre
Third Base - '04 Stats: 48 HR, 121 RBI, 104 Runs, 7 SB


5 - Bret Boone
Second Base - '04 Stats: 24 HR, 83 RBI, 74 Runs, 10 SB


6 - Raul Ibanez
Designated Hitter - '04 Stats: 16 HR, 62 RBI, 67 Runs, 1 SB


7 - Jeremy Reed
Left Field - '04 Stats: 0 HR, 5 RBI, 11 Runs, 3 SB


8 - Miguel Olivo
Catcher - '04 Stats: 13 HR, 40 RBI, 46 Runs, 7 SB


9 - Pokey Reese
Shortstop - '04 Stats: 3 HR, 29 RBI, 32 Runs, 6 SB


The Mariners lineup is looking good going into 2005, Ichiro and Winn will leadoff as the 1-2 hitters, with a combined 441 hits in '04, they are among the best 1-2 hitters to get on base. Then, they will be followed by Beltre and Sexson, a couple of powerhouse sluggers. Boone, who will be trying to rebound from a subpar 2004 season will follow at the fifth spot. Ibanez will be 6th after a injury plagued '04 season, he has some rebounding to do as well. Jeremy Reed will be next and starting in left, he is a huge prospect and has a shot at the rookie of the year award, along with Angel star prospect Dallas McPherson. Miguel Olivo and Pokey Reese round out the lineup.

Bench:
Bucky Jacobsen - DH/1B
Scott Spiezio - 1B/3B
Chris Snelling - RF/LF
Dan Wilson - C
Willie Bloomquist - 3B/SS
José López - 2B/SS

Rotation:

1 - Joel Piñeiro
2004 Stats - 6-11, 4.67 ERA, 111 K's, 43 Walks


2 - Jamie Moyer
2004 Stats - 7-13, 5.21 ERA, 125 K's, 63 Walks


3 - Gil Meche
2004 Stats - 7-7, 5.01 ERA, 99 K's, 47 Walks


4 - Bobby Madritsch
2004 Stats - 6-3, 3.27 ERA, 60 K's, 33 Walks


5 - Ryan Franklin
2004 Stats - 4-16, 4.90 ERA, 104 K's, 61 Walks


Things can only get better for the 2005 rotation, after a combined 30-50 record in 2004, the staff will be working on turning that around. Gil Meche had a stellar second half last year along with Bobby Madritsch who posted a 3.27 in 11 starts. Jamie Moyer led the league last year in home runs allowed and will be working on his pitch selection, and stud Joel Piñeiro is capable of winning 16-20 games with a decent offense says manager Mike Hargrove. The M's do have one of the MLB's best pitching coaches in Bryan Price, and are hoping to get different results this season.

Bullpen:

Middle Relief - Shigetoshi Hasegawa
2004 Stats - 4-6, 5.16 ERA, 46 K's, 31 Walks

Middle Relief - Julio Mateo
2004 Stats - 1-2, 4.68 ERA, 43 K's, 16 Walks

Middle Relief - Rafael Soriano
2003 Stats - 3-0, 1.53 ERA, 68 K's, 12 Walks

Long Relief - Ron Villone
2004 Stats - 8-6, 4.08 ERA, 86 K's, 64 Walks

Long Relief - Travis Blackley
2004 Stats - 1-3, 10.04 ERA, 16 K's, 22 Walks

Setup- J.J Putz
2004 Stats - 0-3, 4.71 ERA, 47 K's, 24 Walks

Closer - Eddie Guardado
2004 Stats - 18 Saves, 2.78 ERA, 45 K's, 14 Walks


AAA Roster

Tacoma Rainiers
Prospects/Replacements

Matt Thornton - RP
Scott Atchison - RP
Clint Nageotte - SP
Greg Dobbs - IF
Jamal Strong - OF
Wiki Gonzalez - C
Aaron Looper - RP

[BearcatsFan]

Re: Seattle Mariners (ESPN 2K5)

April 2005 Schedule
The Seattle Times

4th-6th
vs Minnesota ('04: 92-70, 1st in AL Central)
8th-10th
vs Texas ('04: 89-73, 3rd in AL West)
11th-14th
at Kansas City ('04: 58-104, 5th in AL Central)
15th-17th
at Chicago WS ('04: 83-79, 2nd in AL Central)
18th-19th
at LA Angels ('04: 92-70, 1st in AL West)
20th-21st
vs Oakland ('04: 91-71, 2nd in AL West)
22nd-24th
vs Cleveland ('04: 80-82, 3rd in AL Central)
25th-27th
at Texas ('04: 89-73, 3rd in AL West)
28th-May 1st
at Oakland ('04: 91-71, 2nd in AL West)

As usual April will be full of divisional matchups, the M's have 6 games against Oakland, 6 against Texas and 2 against LA. They also have a tough matchup against the Twins to start the year off, they will face last years Cy Young winner opening day. They also will get to visit former Mariner Freddy Garcia, as he is scheduled to pitch sometime in the three game series at Chicago.

[BearcatsFan]

Re: Seattle Mariners (ESPN 2K5)

April 2005 Schedule
The Seattle Times

4th-6th
vs Minnesota ('04: 92-70, 1st in AL Central)
8th-10th
vs Texas ('04: 89-73, 3rd in AL West)
11th-14th
at Kansas City ('04: 58-104, 5th in AL Central)
15th-17th
at Chicago WS ('04: 83-79, 2nd in AL Central)
18th-19th
at LA Angels ('04: 92-70, 1st in AL West)
20th-21st
vs Oakland ('04: 91-71, 2nd in AL West)
22nd-24th
vs Cleveland ('04: 80-82, 3rd in AL Central)
25th-27th
at Texas ('04: 89-73, 3rd in AL West)
28th-May 1st
at Oakland ('04: 91-71, 2nd in AL West)

As usual April will be full of divisional matchups, the M's have 6 games against Oakland, 6 against Texas and 2 against LA. They also have a tough matchup against the Twins to start the year off, they will face last years Cy Young winner opening day. They also will get to visit former Mariner Freddy Garcia, as he is scheduled to pitch sometime in the three game series at Chicago.

[Acid]

Re: Seattle Mariners (ESPN 2K5)

4 - Adrian Beltre
Third Base - '04 Stats: 48 HR, 121 RBI, 104 Runs, 7 SB


I'm still upset about that.

Looking good dude, I'll definately be reading.

[Acid]

Re: Seattle Mariners (ESPN 2K5)

4 - Adrian Beltre
Third Base - '04 Stats: 48 HR, 121 RBI, 104 Runs, 7 SB


I'm still upset about that.

Looking good dude, I'll definately be reading.

[BearcatsFan]

Re: Seattle Mariners (ESPN 2K5)

4 - Adrian Beltre
Third Base - '04 Stats: 48 HR, 121 RBI, 104 Runs, 7 SB


I'm still upset about that.

Looking good dude, I'll definately be reading.

I dont think Beltre will have the same numbers he had in LA this year, but I still want to thank the Dodgers for not re-signing him. I dont know how LA will do this year, they lost alot of talent, and are in a tough division.

[BearcatsFan]

Re: Seattle Mariners (ESPN 2K5)

4 - Adrian Beltre
Third Base - '04 Stats: 48 HR, 121 RBI, 104 Runs, 7 SB


I'm still upset about that.

Looking good dude, I'll definately be reading.

I dont think Beltre will have the same numbers he had in LA this year, but I still want to thank the Dodgers for not re-signing him. I dont know how LA will do this year, they lost alot of talent, and are in a tough division.

[BearcatsFan]

Re: Seattle Mariners (ESPN 2K5)

ESPN Pre-Season Rankings



ESPN Rankings (Week of 3/28-4/3)


#1 - New York Yankees (0-0)

#2 - Boston Red Sox (0-0)

#3 - St. Louis Cardinals (0-0)

#4 - Anaheim Angels (0-0)

#5 - Minnesota Twins (0-0)

#6 - New York Mets (0-0)

#7 - Atlanta Braves (0-0)

#8 - San Francisco (0-0)

#9 - Chicago Cubs (0-0)

#10 - Seattle Mariners (0-0)

It is no surprise the Yankees and Red Sox are the top two in the rankings, after the signings they had in the offseason, like the signings of Randy Johnson and Matt Clement. The Cardinals, Angels and Twins round out the top five making some big moves of their own, the Cardinals brought over Mark Mulder and Anaheim got Finley and Cabrera. The Mets are in sixth after a big offseason involving the signings of Pedro Martinez and Carlos Beltran, two of the biggest names on the FA market. Atlanta and San Francisco are in the next two spots, Atlanta will be contending for their 14th straight NL East title, and the Giants brought over hitter Moises Alou, and closer Armando Benitez. The Cubs are in the ninth spot, hoping they finally have a healthy pitching staff. Seattle rounds out the top ten, after they imporved their offense by signing Beltre and Sexson, they also signed Pokey Reese giving them one of, if not the best defensive infield in baseball.


ESPN's Bottom Three

#28 - Washington Nationals (0-0)

#29 - Colorado Rockies (0-0)

#30 - Kansas City Royals (0-0)

The Nats have alot to prove, they at least made moves to get Guillen, Guzman, Castilla and Loaiza, they may not be down here in next weeks rankings. As for Colorado, they made no significant moves and more than half the starters have less than one year of major league experience. Kansas City is in the same boat, but they really need pitching, the Royals have a long season ahead of them.

[BearcatsFan]

Re: Seattle Mariners (ESPN 2K5)

ESPN Pre-Season Rankings



ESPN Rankings (Week of 3/28-4/3)


#1 - New York Yankees (0-0)

#2 - Boston Red Sox (0-0)

#3 - St. Louis Cardinals (0-0)

#4 - Anaheim Angels (0-0)

#5 - Minnesota Twins (0-0)

#6 - New York Mets (0-0)

#7 - Atlanta Braves (0-0)

#8 - San Francisco (0-0)

#9 - Chicago Cubs (0-0)

#10 - Seattle Mariners (0-0)

It is no surprise the Yankees and Red Sox are the top two in the rankings, after the signings they had in the offseason, like the signings of Randy Johnson and Matt Clement. The Cardinals, Angels and Twins round out the top five making some big moves of their own, the Cardinals brought over Mark Mulder and Anaheim got Finley and Cabrera. The Mets are in sixth after a big offseason involving the signings of Pedro Martinez and Carlos Beltran, two of the biggest names on the FA market. Atlanta and San Francisco are in the next two spots, Atlanta will be contending for their 14th straight NL East title, and the Giants brought over hitter Moises Alou, and closer Armando Benitez. The Cubs are in the ninth spot, hoping they finally have a healthy pitching staff. Seattle rounds out the top ten, after they imporved their offense by signing Beltre and Sexson, they also signed Pokey Reese giving them one of, if not the best defensive infield in baseball.


ESPN's Bottom Three

#28 - Washington Nationals (0-0)

#29 - Colorado Rockies (0-0)

#30 - Kansas City Royals (0-0)

The Nats have alot to prove, they at least made moves to get Guillen, Guzman, Castilla and Loaiza, they may not be down here in next weeks rankings. As for Colorado, they made no significant moves and more than half the starters have less than one year of major league experience. Kansas City is in the same boat, but they really need pitching, the Royals have a long season ahead of them.

[BearcatsFan]

Re: Seattle Mariners (ESPN 2K5)

Ichiro and the M's Sweep the Twins
The Seattle Times

Ichiro started the 2005 season off with a bang, as did the Seattle Mariners. Ichiro went 7 for 12, had three home runs and 7 RBI's in the three game sweep at Safeco Field. The Mariners pitching also was great in the three games, as the starters pitched for a combined 23 innings of the 27 total. Jamie Moyer pitched a great game, showing his age was only a number. Moyer pitched 8 strong innings, got 11 strikeouts and didnt walk a single batter in a 3-2 M's win.


Ichiro went 7 for 12 in the series.

Game One - Seattle 7, Minnesota 3
WP: Joel Pineiro (1-0)
LP: Johan Santana (0-1)
S: Julio Mateo (1)
HR: Ichiro (1,2), Boone (1), Mauer (1)
Player of the Game: Ichiro Suzuki, 3-4, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 2 Runs

Pitching Stats
Joel Pineiro (SEA) - 6 IP, 3 ER, 9 K's, Win
Julio Mateo (SEA) - 3 IP, 0 ER, 2 K's, Save
Johan Santana (MIN) - 4.1 IP, 6 ER, K, Loss

Hitting Stats
Ichiro Suzuki (SEA) - 3-4, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 2 Runs
Bret Boone (SEA) - 2-3, HR, 2 RBI, Run, BB
Joe Mauer (MIN) - 3-4, HR, 2 RBI

The Mariners put up six runs on Johan Santana, including a solo and three run homer by Ichiro Suzuki, Bret Boone also had a 2-run bomb, giving the Seattle fans something to cheer for, offense.


Game Two - Seattle 3, Minnesota 2
WP: Jamie Moyer (1-0)
LP: J.C. Romero (0-1)
S: Eddie Guardado (1)
HR: Ichiro (3)
Player of the Game: Jamie Moyer, 8 IP, 2 ER, 11 K's, Win

Pitching Stats
Jamie Moyer (SEA) - 8 IP, 2 ER, 11 K's, Win
Eddie Guardado (SEA) - 1 IP, 0 ER, 2 K's, Save
Brad Radke (MIN) - 7 IP, 1 ER, K, No Decision

Hitting Stats
Ichiro Suzuki (SEA) - 2-4, HR, 2 RBI, Run
Jeremy Reed (SEA) - 2-3, BB, SB, Run
Randy Winn (SEA) - 2-4, SB, Run

The Mariners were down 2-1 in the eighth, but decided to let Moyer pitch one more inning, he sat down three straight, and the M's came up to bat. With one out and Jeremy Reed on first, Miguel Olivo hit a deep ball to center, but was robbed by spiderman himself, Torii Hunter. Pokey Resse then grounded out to second. With two outs, Ichiro came up, and hit a deep ball into the gap, and with his speed he was able to make it all the way around for an inside the park home run. M's win 3-2 after a Guardado save.


Game Three - Seattle 3, Minnesota 1
WP: Gil Meche (1-0)
LP: Kyle Lohse (0-1)
HR: Beltre (1), Jones (1)
Player of the Game: Gil Meche, 9 IP, 1 ER, 6 K's, Win

Pitching Stats
Gil Meche (SEA) - 9 IP, 1 ER, 6 K's, Win
Kyle Lohse (MIN) - 5 IP, 3 ER, K, Loss

Hitting Stats
Ichiro Suzuki (SEA) - 3-4, 3 2B, RBI, Run
Adrian Beltre (SEA) - 3-4, HR, RBI, 2 Runs
Jacque Jones(MIN) - 3-4, HR, RBI, SB

Gil Meche threw a three hit complete game, striking out six batters. If it wasnt for Jacque Jones' home run in the seventh, Meche would have probably gotten the shutout as well. Adrian Beltre crushed a ball to deep center off the scoreboard in Safeco, giving Seattle a taste of his offensive talents, he also had a couple good moves on defense at third base.

Player of the Series (Offense): Ichiro Suzuki, 7-12, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 3 2B, 4 Runs
Player of the Series (Pitching): Gil Meche, 9 IP, 6 K's, 1.00 ERA, Win
On Deck: vs Texas April 8th-10th

League News (4/7/05)