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Editor’s Note: Jeff Sullivan founded this blog back when the Mariners’ playoff drought was in its infancy. Some here know him exclusively from FanGraphs, or the Effectively Wild Podcast, but for so many people Jeff Sullivan is nothing less than the reason they are or remain Mariners fans. Lord knows the team hasn’t made it easy, but Jeff filled these pages with humor, sabermetrics, and boundless curiosity. Since Leone For Third, Jeff helped develop a community and catalogue unlike anything that existed for the sport of baseball. He inspired people like me to write differently, ask questions, and be okay with not finding the answer every time. Now, Jeff will be taking his talents to the Tampa Bay Rays, expanding the proud list of Lookout Landing alumni to be hired by MLB clubs. We will miss reading his work, but are proud of Jeff for achieving a lifelong dream, even if it was one he’d long shuttered. Thank you, Jeff, and good luck. ~ JT
Baseball is back! The Mariners played their first spring training game yesterday, crushing the Athletics 10-1. At this rate, the Mariners will never lose a game ever again. Check out Kate’s recap. Share your takes on the spring training opener in the comments! Also, enjoy these links.
In Mariners News...
- Although Justus Sheffield is dealing with a blister, he's expected to pitch this weekend.
Justus Sheffield is dealing with a small finger blister. Has been playing catch, was ready to pitch yesterday before the rain, should get into a game this weekend.
— Shannon Drayer (@shannondrayer) February 22, 2019
- The Mariners have high praise for their new infield coach.
- Has the mystery of the Morrow sinker been solved?
Remember this supposed Morrow sinker? I wrote about it last year when Morrow told me he doesn't throw a sinker. He had a few theories back then why it was happening, but now, with the help of some tech, he was able to confirm exactly what was going on: https://t.co/3ftBkABnCn https://t.co/KHtM7suCjL
— Sahadev Sharma (@sahadevsharma) February 22, 2019
- Here’s MLB Pipeline’s official top 30 prospects for the Mariners.
- Dee Gordon for ever.
One of the most electric players in the game.
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) February 22, 2019
Today's #BlackHistoryMonth feature celebrates @FlashGJr. ⚡️⚡️⚡️ pic.twitter.com/6YRHwof0ut
- Jean Segura talked about the locker room fight he was a part of last year with the Mariners.
Jean Segura on fight with Seattle teammate Dee Gordon Last Year:
— Jeff Skversky 6abc (@JeffSkversky) February 17, 2019
“I don’t like to fight.... I’m not a trouble guy in the clubhouse... I never intend to fight nobody in baseball. If a fight comes to you, as a grown man you’re not going to let it by; It’s simple”@6abc#Phillies pic.twitter.com/QIUju36T6l
- I love JRod.
@J_RODrodiguez44 great to meet you today. Thx for signing my brother's ticket. We're rooting for you big time. Go M's pic.twitter.com/RHvKYxoQQt
— dmoney (@Mariners2019) February 23, 2019
- Ichiro is an absolute machine.
The ageless one. #MarinersST pic.twitter.com/3lcQvz14BC
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) February 23, 2019
- Justin Dunn logged a 1-2-3 inning for the Mariners.
Nice work by Justin Dunn today for @Mariners in #SpringTraining. He had a
— ROOT SPORTS™ | NW (@ROOTSPORTS_NW) February 23, 2019
1-2-3 inning vs Oakland. #WHEREiROOT #MARINERSST pic.twitter.com/gxTxMJ7S36
- Mitch Hanidinger? Mitch Hanidinger!!
Can't say enough about how nice it is to have @M_Hanny17 home runs back in our lives. #MarinersST pic.twitter.com/nNHN5HhQcn
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) February 23, 2019
- Kyle Seager notched two hits yesterday.
Servais happy to see Kyle Seager with a 2-for-2 day with a double.
— Greg Johns (@GregJohnsMLB) February 22, 2019
"He’s put a lot of time in this offseason getting his body in great shape and it’s nice to see guys get results right out of the chute.”
Around the League...
- Check out Nelson Cruz in his new threads.
.@kikehndez puts on a show at spring training, Yankees celebrate Luis Severino, and Latino power shines at Twins camp. Here's what you need to know in #Latino béisbol today.https://t.co/pR0ZvPFJjw pic.twitter.com/XdKP31bVRI
— La Vida Baseball (@LaVidaBaseball) February 21, 2019
- The NPB tweeted about middle school pitchers being limited to 85 pitches in tournament games to protect their arms.
1st year middle school baseball players to have a pitch limit of 85 pitchers per day in tournaments starting this year. The move was made to protect children's arms, as many of the players switch from hard rubber baseballs to leather baseballs at that time https://t.co/AodybWHjJU
— NPB on reddit (@NPB_Reddit) February 22, 2019
- Ervin Santana found a team.
Starting pitcher Ervin Santana is in agreement with the Chicago White Sox on a minor league deal, sources tell ESPN. If Santana makes the team, his base salary will be $4.3 million. @JonHeyman had the agreement.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 22, 2019
- Marwin Gonzalez is no longer in the AL West.
Breaking: Marwin to Twins
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 22, 2019
- The Dodgers have take an anti-dairy position ($).
- Shohei Otani hit off a tee yesterday.
Shohei Ohtani will hit off a tee for the first time since Tommy John surgery today, Brad Ausmus said.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) February 22, 2019
- The rules. They’re changing.
The use of a 20-second pitch clock for spring training games is going to be announced today, league sources tell ESPN, and the rule will include ball-or-strike penalties for violations after an easing-in period early in the spring.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 22, 2019
- Here are some Bryce Harper updates.
Chisox wouldn’t hang up if Harper were to call but they are not in aggressive pursuit. They made a sincere try for Machado but believe the numbers are getting too high for Harper. Saw MM, who also would have played 3B for them, as better positional and $ fit.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 23, 2019
While Philly appears to be in strong position, word is there is no deal yet with Bryce, and no expectation he will be returning east with Phillies owner John Middleton. “Just a meeting,” is the official word. SF, SD, Wash, maybe 1 more still in the game to varying degrees.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 23, 2019
Luke’s Pick...
- Matisse Thybulle is also a machine.
@MatisseThybulle is a PROBLEM.#TougherTogether pic.twitter.com/MwuSN8BP5I
— Washington Men's Basketball (@UW_MBB) February 23, 2019