Series Preview: Florida Marlins @ Seattle Mariners
by Matthew on Jun 16, 2008 3:28 PM PDT
in Series Previews
126 comments
Seattle: 24-45
Marlins: 37-32
GAMES
Game 1: Carlos Silva vs Andrew Miller*
Game 2: Felix Hernandez vs Scott Olsen*
Game 3: R.A. Dickey vs Ryan Tucker
Andrew Miller is throwing balls 40% of the time and has lost his groundball ratio. In short, he's nothing like the pitcher he was profiled as as little as a year ago. He's facing a bit of a velocity drop, but nothing significant so that's good news for his shoulder and core, but the loss of control points to a possible elbow issue.
Scott Olsen has received some press this season for his turn around, but once again it's a case of the media following the traditional stats and then applying hackneyed cliches to his "improvement" instead of digging deeper. Olsen is throwing more strikes and allowing fewer line drives, but he's missing the same number of bats and generating the same percentage of groundballs. Has he improved? Yes. But the big push of his improvement in the stupid stats comes from a BABIP that has gone from an unsustainably high .341 to an unsustainably low .224.
One possible repercussion of Bavasi's firing is that it hopefully sends a clear message that 2008 is over, which means giving Dickey an extended look in the rotation to see if there's anything worthwhile there.
Likely Starters:
C Matt Treanor
1 Mike Jacobs*
2 Dan Uggla
S Hanley Ramirez
3 Jorge Cantu
L Luis Gonzalez*
C Cody Ross
R Jeremy Hermida*
D Alfredo Amezaga^
Florida doesn't do much, but what they do do, is power with a team isoP of .195 they are pacing the senior circuit ahead of the Phillies (.188) and then a big gap to the third best team. They lead the lead in homeruns, but also in striking out and are near the bottom in drawing walks and on base percentage. This offense has the makings of one that will go fishing so we could see some good games from Felix and Dickey provided that Felix doesn't pitch like an idiot and Dickey shows more movement on his knucker than last Friday.
CONTEXT
Finally an embarrassing (if you're still rooting for the team) sweep leads to an unexpected front office change. There's nothing more to say here at the moment though that isn't being said elsewhere.
THIS SERIES BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
Lia Fail
Inveralond. Perth, Scotland
I've never had it, but it seems appropriate no?
It's a bitter from Scotland that has a full malty aroma and taste according to reviews. It actually ranks quite well with a noticeable bitter palate and a dark brown color.
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May I add that, to the naked eye, this Marlin team appears to be the worst defensive team in history.
by JI on Jun 16, 2008 3:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
While the stats likely don't agree
We at least have Beltre, Reed and Ichiro
Break it down position by postition:
C Treanor v. Johjima--> *Treanor (He’s a horrible hitter, his CS% is meh, but he’s allowed no PBs)
1 Sexson v. Jacobs-> *Jacobs (He’s less horrible)
2 Lopez v. Uggla --> *Loafie
3 Beltre v. Cantu —> *Beltre
S Yuni v. Ramirez --> *Yuni (even bad Yuni is probably better than Ramirez)
L Raul v. Gonzo —> Gonzo (by default)
C Ichiro v. Ross --> *Ichiro (I don’t know too much about Ross, but his rep isn’t good)
R Reed v. Hermida -> *Reed
by JI on Jun 16, 2008 3:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm always amazed by this
given the few times I saw him play for salt lake, but the stats say Alfredo Amezaga is basically awesome in CF. So that’s perhaps part of the reason they don’t rate as historically terrible as you’d think given the names.
Personally, I’d think putting Cantu at an infield position would overcome mid-career Willie Mays in CF, but who knows.
by marc w on Jun 16, 2008 3:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Miller's Velocity
It looked fine to me in his last outing when he was reaching 98mph and shutting down the Phillies. I’m a little concerned about his groundball ratio, but sometimes it seems it might be necessary to make a change to become a better PITCHER by mixing things up a bit. And he’s also shown better control this year, especially in the last two months as he’s harnessed a 2.3 K/BB over that time span. It’s going to be especially interesting to watch him tonight against the M’s.
by Bodhizefa on Jun 16, 2008 4:07 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
With the Bavasi firing, this means the team is no longer holding on to any rediculous belief that
we are still in this. I hope we see some changes in the lineup that have been needed for a long time.
by thewyrm on Jun 16, 2008 4:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Ichiro will be in RF today, WFB will be in CF per Geoff Baker’s blog….
Yesterday's Pants
A blog-thingy about the Mariners and stuff.
by BrettJMiller on Jun 16, 2008 4:39 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Weird.
That wasn’t the kind of roster change I meant.
by thewyrm on Jun 16, 2008 4:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
See, told y'all not to say "It can't get any worse."
Yes, I'm a girl. Yes, I know baseball. Yes, I even drink beer.
by NOLAmarinergirl on Jun 16, 2008 4:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
This team never ceases to surprise me
seriously, they could start putting ichi at catcher, and vidro at CF and I would not be surprised. Season over, might as well have a laugh and get Vidro some exercise before we cut his fat hot dog-eating ass
http://seattlesportsmaniac.blogspot.com
by LantermanC on Jun 16, 2008 6:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting.
He says the team “has discussed moving Ichiro back to RF” if they can find a suitable CF replacement. ADAM JONES ANYONE??!?
Okay, if they really want to put Ihciro back in RF, how about Reed in CF, and Wlad in LF?
I like midgets more than I should.
by Thingray on Jun 16, 2008 4:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not even that big on that move.
From everything I’ve heard, Ichiro is a better CF than Reed. If the club could find a CF that’s better than Ichiro, I would be fine moving him back to RF.
by BrianL on Jun 16, 2008 4:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's the best option we have in-house.
All our other OF’s are either to low in the minors to even think about hitting at the MLB level, or have no chance of playing CF.
I like midgets more than I should.
by Thingray on Jun 16, 2008 4:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Reed is the best in-house option
then the club needs to leave Ichiro in CF.
by BrianL on Jun 16, 2008 4:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I tend to agree with you.
And I don’t understand why they would be in such a hurry to move Ichiro. Seems like more of an offseason type of move, unless we picked up Coco Crisp or something.
I like midgets more than I should.
by Thingray on Jun 16, 2008 4:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe having Ichiro in RF is management's idea of giving him a night off.
Seriously, has Ichiro had a single day off yet?
by BrianL on Jun 16, 2008 4:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It could be I suppose.
Or a way to get WFB into the lineup for some reason (my guess at this would be that they don’t think he has the arm to play RF?!?).
I like midgets more than I should.
by Thingray on Jun 16, 2008 4:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Putz for Crisp
and a prospect
http://seattlesportsmaniac.blogspot.com
by LantermanC on Jun 16, 2008 6:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Saunders is a center fielder isn't he?
by houseofprime on Jun 16, 2008 4:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not ready, no guarantee he'll stick in center.
by BrianL on Jun 16, 2008 4:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I was thinking he might be ready for the bigs
by mid-season next year.
by houseofprime on Jun 16, 2008 5:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If he is, you could move Ichiro then.
But you shouldn’t move him now for WFB, unless it’s just a one night deal.
I like midgets more than I should.
by Thingray on Jun 16, 2008 5:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why don't we just trade the rights to negotiate Casey Craig out of retirement for Carlos Beltran?
Because clearly it’s easy to get CFs if you’re moving Ichiro back to RF…
Yesterday's Pants
A blog-thingy about the Mariners and stuff.
by BrettJMiller on Jun 16, 2008 4:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not so sure Ichiro is so great in CF anymore.
by JI on Jun 16, 2008 5:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He isn't great, but he's a great bat in CF
by Graham on Jun 16, 2008 5:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he's as good as he's ever been.
Although I’ve never thought of him in the “Cameron class” of CF’s.
I like midgets more than I should.
by Thingray on Jun 16, 2008 5:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mike Cameron spoiled us.
Damn it was fun watching him play CF.
by BrianL on Jun 16, 2008 5:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes he did.
I like midgets more than I should.
by Thingray on Jun 16, 2008 5:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And yes it was.
I like midgets more than I should.
by Thingray on Jun 16, 2008 5:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Obviously.
But we’d need to trade for Josh Hamilton to make keeping Ichiro in CF long term look like a good idea.
by JI on Jun 16, 2008 5:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I realize hamilton is awesome but with texas having such a problem
with pitching for like 10 years why do you trade volquez. Do they have a loaded farm system?
by houseofprime on Jun 16, 2008 5:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
This would make sense if we had another centerfie.... oh right.
by JI on Jun 16, 2008 5:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I used to say "Erik Bedard is really good" to make myself feel better.
It just doesn’t work as well anymore.
by BrianL on Jun 16, 2008 5:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So...
USSM followers go chasing after SP Lager, and you’re implying LL followers chase down some Lia Fail. I wonder if this here readership is sophisticated enough. Hmmm….
Ill Ligitamus Non Carberendum
by PositivePaul on Jun 16, 2008 4:45 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Wlad is not a good Rf so lets play him in CF.
Makes sense.
by houseofprime on Jun 16, 2008 4:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Maybe they are showcasing Willie for the NL?
by Slica on Jun 16, 2008 5:08 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Good thought.
I hope you’re right!
I like midgets more than I should.
by Thingray on Jun 16, 2008 5:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
At least by saying he wants to go the NL
he knows hes nothing more then a bench player.
by houseofprime on Jun 16, 2008 5:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
According to Baker the move to RF is not so temporary
Just finished speaking to McLaren, in the dugout, and he says the Ichiro move is a permanent one for now. He’ll be auditioning others, including Wladimir Balentien and Reed, for the center field job. Unless the M’s have a deal pending to bring a center fielder or left fielder here. Maybe Ken Griffey Jr. in left. Maybe Coco Crisp in center. Who knows?<
by OlSalty on Jun 16, 2008 5:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Jesus Christ.
Someone give Mac the pink slip.
by BrianL on Jun 16, 2008 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wlad in center?
Was Shin-Soo Choo not available?
I love it. Bring it on.
Sexson for SS.
by JI on Jun 16, 2008 5:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Mariners are looking at options for the unproductive Richie Sexson, and one could be to have Johjima get some games at first base. That would allow the club to call up catcher Jeff Clement from the minor leagues.
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/baseball/archives/141288.asp
by JI on Jun 16, 2008 5:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If we're going to lose, it had better be hilarious.
by BrianL on Jun 16, 2008 5:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
via Baker
For the record, McLaren says he wants Ichiro to have more fun, like he did back in 2006 when he was still in right field..
“I just think he’s a great right fielder,’’ he said. “I just want to see him get the smile, the zest and everything going.’‘
Mac may be my favorite Mariner at this mooment
by JI on Jun 16, 2008 5:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I do miss that Ichirio zest.
Yes, I'm a girl. Yes, I know baseball. Yes, I even drink beer.
by NOLAmarinergirl on Jun 16, 2008 5:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh wow and YOU are talking to ME about bad jokes.
At least I can blame my suckage on John Olerud.
by Slica on Jun 16, 2008 5:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good point..
Ichiro had a HORRIBLE year last year… oh wait, he was awesome… and 2006 was his worst year, or close to it…
http://seattlesportsmaniac.blogspot.com
by LantermanC on Jun 16, 2008 6:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
This just keeps getting better and better
FELIX FOR SHORTSTOP!!
by OlSalty on Jun 16, 2008 5:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well then we'll have to move Yuni to catcher
by Last Fan Of Jose Lopez on Jun 16, 2008 5:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, catcher would be taken. He'd have to pitch.
Yes, I'm a girl. Yes, I know baseball. Yes, I even drink beer.
by NOLAmarinergirl on Jun 16, 2008 5:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, but if he pitches
then he gets moved to 3B.
by JI on Jun 16, 2008 5:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Then we shoot Beltre out of a cannon
Unclutch piece of shit.
by OlSalty on Jun 16, 2008 5:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
We'd certainly have a lot more to talk about in the game threads if this all were to happen.
Yes, I'm a girl. Yes, I know baseball. Yes, I even drink beer.
by NOLAmarinergirl on Jun 16, 2008 5:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can it really hurt?
Yes, I'm a girl. Yes, I know baseball. Yes, I even drink beer.
by NOLAmarinergirl on Jun 16, 2008 5:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Besides our sides from laughing, I meant.
Yes, I'm a girl. Yes, I know baseball. Yes, I even drink beer.
by NOLAmarinergirl on Jun 16, 2008 5:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess this increases his chance for serious injury
so, no. not for us anyway.
by JI on Jun 16, 2008 5:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ironic
Cause laughter is supposed to be the best MEDICINE.
by Slica on Jun 16, 2008 5:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So how do you feel after posting that abortion of a joke?
by BrianL on Jun 16, 2008 5:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Like a million bucks, Brian.
Like a million bucks.
by Slica on Jun 16, 2008 5:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It could be worse.
I could be Dane Cook.
by Slica on Jun 16, 2008 5:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess it's true.
It can always be worse.
by BrianL on Jun 16, 2008 5:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It will also be highly entertaining if not hilarious.
by BrianL on Jun 16, 2008 5:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
See--sides hurting.
Yes, I'm a girl. Yes, I know baseball. Yes, I even drink beer.
by NOLAmarinergirl on Jun 16, 2008 5:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're losing sight of the big picture
We finally gave up. It feels good. Might as well kill yourself Darwin-award style.
by JI on Jun 16, 2008 5:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would be annoyed by this if this team was planning to win anytime soon.
by ThundaPC on Jun 16, 2008 5:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
2008 Mariners: We play to lose.
Yes, I'm a girl. Yes, I know baseball. Yes, I even drink beer.
by NOLAmarinergirl on Jun 16, 2008 5:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ot: Stanford v Georgia on espn2
Did we take anybody from stanford or anybody on georgia other then fields? Listening to Mike Patrick sucks though
by houseofprime on Jun 16, 2008 5:31 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm waiting until our temp-GM trades Beltre as a "salary-dump"
Until then, I’ll enjoy Wlad in center.
This team is still screwed until Antonetti shows up.
you + are = you're
by Katal LM on Jun 16, 2008 5:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
We're going to be screwed for a long time, then.
by BrianL on Jun 16, 2008 5:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
While I share the pessimistic overtones
I don’t think / hope that LeeP is going to be able to make any dramatic trades.
by Matthew on Jun 16, 2008 5:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
LeeP more like SeeD!
Where’s my nerd crowd at?
by Last Fan Of Jose Lopez on Jun 16, 2008 5:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jesus Fucking Christ.
I can’t believe you just posted that.
by BrianL on Jun 16, 2008 5:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You were my nerd crowd.
by Last Fan Of Jose Lopez on Jun 16, 2008 5:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Was that a Deus Ex reference?
Or am I thinking of something else….I haven’t played that in forever.
by OlSalty on Jun 16, 2008 8:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Final Fantasy VIII
The FF that takes the most undeserved flak.
by BrianL on Jun 16, 2008 11:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
How long do you think it will be until we hire a new GM?
you + are = you're
by Katal LM on Jun 16, 2008 5:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's why I can see Lee being active
I can’t foresee a scenario where whoever our GM is in late-July isn’t dealing.
you + are = you're
by Katal LM on Jun 16, 2008 5:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm sure something will happen, but Lee isn't going to have the authority (again I hope)
to being phases 1-3 of rebuilding. He’ll be able to deal people like Willie, maybe Raul, try and offload Wash/Sexson, etc.
by Matthew on Jun 16, 2008 5:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have to think that if he gets an offer for Wash/Tits/Sexson
he’ll have the authorization to deal.
by BrianL on Jun 16, 2008 5:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I fear Lee being asked to clean house for now
Then the team plays great in September and he gets the job for good.
by Sec 108 on Jun 16, 2008 5:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I personally think after the trade deadline.
The new GM will have to get familiar with our roster, and I doubt Lincoln/Armstrong will be comfortable with a guy working the deadline who is not familiar with our roster very well. Especially on a team who is going nowhere and should be sellers.
Being sellers, teams will call us more often than we call them.
by Slica on Jun 16, 2008 5:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I really want to hear the argument....
as to why Antonetti would even give the M’s the light of day. He turned down St. Louis!! He’s paid a bunch of money in Cleveland and promised that he’d get the GM position when Shapiro is promoted to President.
by PLU Tim on Jun 16, 2008 6:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Some guys LOVE rebuilding projects
Though that depends on whether he would actually be given free reign to run the ship the way he wants to.
by OlSalty on Jun 16, 2008 8:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can't speak to anything else
but St. Louis was mired in a huge pissy fight between several management factions and they do have less financial resources than we have.
by Matthew on Jun 16, 2008 9:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why is the team looking for a new CF?
We had one, and he split time between RF and the bench.
you + are = you're
by Katal LM on Jun 16, 2008 5:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Tucker's Town
Ryan Tucker had a very good first outing. Then, against the Rays, he hit a brick wall. I dunno if it was the real Tucker, or not being used to a dome, or being away from Miami (doubtful) or what.
I suggest closing the dome for that game.
Do not think that what is hard for you to master is humanly impossible; but if a thing is humanly possible, consider it to be within your reach.
by Orlando Rays on Jun 16, 2008 5:53 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Was that a Hootie and the Blowfish reference?
I reject your reality and substitute my own!
Also, I'm always down for some online Grand Theft Auto IV or Rock Band. Gamertag: Phildopip
by Phildopip on Jun 17, 2008 9:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lee Pelekoudas....
Are the M’s the only organization has carries this perennial 3rd wheel of the “brass”? Seems weird that the M’s have this “in house” assistant GM. It also seems like it would be weird for a GM to have an “assistant” that’s closer to the ownership than he is.
by PLU Tim on Jun 16, 2008 7:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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