Cougars Win Huskies Lose

Late Saturday afternoon it was important for both the Washington State Cougars and the Washington Huskies to win on the road in the San Francisco area. Unfortunately only one team lost and I actually thought it would be the Cougars losing instead of the Huskies. 

The Cougars came back to win the game over Stanford in Palo Alto California. Stanford Cardinal had a two touchdown lead in the first half but the Cougars claw their way back into the game. It was an offensive game throughout. The game looked like it may go into overtime however under two minutes left in the game the Cougars kicked a field a field goal to win the game.

The Huskies on the other hand didn't play a very good offensive game however I didn't think the defense was that outstanding either.  I thought the linebackers were missing throughout the game. Head Coach Chris Peterson made a move at the quarterback position near the end of the third quarter replacing Jake Browning for backup redshirt freshman Jake Haener who had only played against North Dakota earlier in the season. Haener ended up doing well throwing two interceptions with the second returned as a touchdown near the beginning of the fourth quarter. California Bears than went for a two point conversion. Jake Browning returned to the lineup after the touchdown by California. The Bears were leading at the time 12-7. The Huskies did get the ball and move down the field where they could have gone for a touchdown to take the lead but they choose to go for a field goal on fourth down instead of going for it. There was a little bit over five minutes remaining in the game. So the score ended up 12-10.

The neighbors to the south the Oregon State Beavers made quite the turnaround on the road at Colorado. The Buffaloes were leading 31-3 in the second quarter when the Beavers made their move. Half time they were behind 24-3. Both teams made a touchdown in the third quarter than the Beavers scored 24 points to the Buffaloes 3 to tie the game at the end of regulation.  The Beavers made a touchdown in overtime and the Buffaloes tried to but were unable to do so which ended the game  41-34. It was the Beavers first win after losing 22 games straight on the road.

The Oregon Ducks were beaten badly on the road by the Arizona Wildcats 44-15.  The second loss on the road after losing last week to the Cougars. This time they were not able to comeback to make it a close game like against the Cougars. 

This means the Cougars are at the top of the north division with only one conference loss while the Huskies, Ducks and the Cardinal each have two losses. The Cougars win their remaining games they will win the north division and go for the Pac-12 championship. November will be an interesting month for these teams. 

Mariner Top Ten Prospects

The Mariners usually don’t have many prospects make it to the major leagues. In many cases they are traded or aren’t good enough to make it. Kyle Seager and Edwin Diaz are among the few that have made it to the major leagues along with staying with the Mariners.

#1 Kyle Lewis outfielder: Mariners #1 pick in 2016. Has had trouble staying healthy since being drafted by the Mariners. Even so he is still considered their number one prospect. He started his season with single A Modesto where he played in 49 games with a .260 batting average. He had only five home runs so I wouldn’t consider him a power hitter at this time. The Mariners moved him to double A Arkansas where he played in 37 games only batting .220. Positive side he did have an on base percentage over .300 in his career. I expect the Mariners will start Lewis off in double A in 2019. Stay healthy he could end up in Tacoma before the season over. Depending on his play could make the majors in 2020.

#2 Evan White 1st baseman: Another number one pick being selected by the Mariners in 2017.  Played 14 games in 2017 at rookie club in Everett. He batted .277 for Everett. In 2019 he had a solid season playing at Modesto as well where he batted .303 with 11 home runs. I wouldn’t consider him a power hitter like you would generally find at first base but he did have 27 doubles at the same time drove in 66 runs. He played a few games with Tacoma however I see him starting next season with double A Arkansas too. He won a minor league gold glove as well. He doesn’t have a lot of speed but he could end up playing some outfield for the Mariners. Might see him in a Mariner uniform in 2020.

#3 Logan Gilbert: Also a number one draft pick this year. Didn’t pitch at all this summer because of mono. Coming out after three years pitching in college he probably will start at high A and possibly end the season in Double A in 2019. I wouldn’t see him most likely until 2021 though we could see him in the second half of 2020 if necessary.

#4 Julio Rodriguez outfielder: international signing from the Dominican Republic. He is only seventeen. He played on the Mariners Dominican summer league team. He batted a solid .315 in 59 games. Might play another year in the DSL before moving through the Mariner minor league system. Be heralded as a number 4 prospect could move up quickly and be on the Mariners roster at a young age. Remember Felix Hernandez made his debut at 19.

#5 Braden Bishop outfielder: drafted in the3rd round in 2015 by the Seattle Mariners out of University of Washington. He has moved up far as a prospect for the Mariners. This year he was having a fine season in double A before fracturing his forearm in July that cost him the rest of the season. I thought he was going to be promoted to triple A Tacoma in the second half before the injury. He was batting .284 in 84 games before the injury. Most likely start 2019 in double A  however could move up to triple A Tacoma if he is playing well once again. He could end up in Seattle in 2020.

#6 Sam Carlson pitcher: 2nd round draft pick in 2017 pitched only two games in games 2017 in the Arizona rookie league. He missed this past year because he had to undergo Tommy John surgery so he missed this season and possibly 2019. He turns 20 in December so he still has a future we hope. Other pitchers have made comebacks and they aren’t as young as he is. Most likely when he returns will start in the low A league.

#7 Josh Sowers outfield: 2nd round draft pick 2018. Had an outstanding first year in professional ball. He had a batting average of .260 in 58 games at rookie Everett. At this point he isn’t considered a home run hitter however he did steal 20 bases so he does have speed. He could start 2019 in High A then move up to double A. He played college ball at Louisville so he move up quickly could see him in the majors in either the 2020 or 2021 season. He and Kyle Lewis could be part of a good Mariner outfield in the future

#8 Matthew Festa pitcher: 7th round pick in 2016. Has been moving up fast in the Mariner system working out of the bullpen. He spent most of 2018 in double A Arkansas. He is another young pitcher with a strong arm throwing around one hundred miles an hour. He could become a good setup man in the Mariner bullpen and was named Mariner minor league pitcher of the year in 2018. He pitched in 44 games at Arkansas with 20 saves and an era of .276. Pitching 49 innings he struck out 67 batters and walked on 12. He pitched in eight games for the Mariners with an era of 2.16. Whether he makes the Mariner bullpen starting 2019 or not he likely will be in the bullpen at some point. He could start the season at triple A if he doesn’t make the Mariner bullpen.

#9 Wyatt Mills pitcher: 3rd round draft pick in 2017 out of Gonzaga. Started in professional career in 2017 at Everett than moved to class A Clinton.  He pitched most of 2018 at High A Modesto where he saved 11 games in 35 games with 1.91 era and 49 strikeouts. He walked 13 batter and only gave up one home run. August 1 he moved up to double A where he pitched in nine games however had a high era. Most likely he will start 2019 at Arkansas.

#10 Noelvi Marte shortstop: signed this year by the Mariners as an international player out of the Dominican Republic. He is 17 years old with power and a good arm. Time will tell if he stays at shortstop. There is a possibility he could move to third base.  I expect Noelvi will play next year his first in the mariner minor leagues in the Dominican summer league team. The Mainer will give him time to make it to the major leagues. It will be interesting to see where he stands among the Mariner top prospects over the next few years. This will go for the other prospects as well. The odds are high for any player but these are better for these because the Mariners will give them every opportunity to make it.  

 

Huskies and Cougars Win

The Washington Huskies and Washington State Cougars both won on Saturday as I hoped for. The Washington Huskies beat Colorado 27-13 though the game was closer than the score indicated. For a period of time the score was 14-13. In fact it was the score at halftime. The Huskies scored 13 points in the second half without giving up a point however there was doubt for much of the second half. The kicker for the Huskies kicked a 31 yard field goal in the third quarter making it 17-13.It stayed that way until 3:20 left in the fourth quarter when wide receiver Aaron Fuller caught a touchdown being wide open making it 24-13. The Huskies then made another field at 2:02 left in the game to seal the deal. 

The Huskies were without starting running back Myles Gaskins for the game because of injury so they went with three running backs who did a fine job. Back up runner back Salvon Ahmed who himself was hurt against Oregon last week ran the ball nine times for 73 yards and scoring a touchdown. The other two running back Sean McGrew  ran 12 times for 58 yards and Kamari Pleasant ran 10 times for 35 times with a touchdown along with catching one pass for ten yards.

The Washington State Cougars beat the Oregon Ducks 34-20. It was a difference of two half as the Cougars took the lead 27-0 at half time however the Ducks came back scoring twenty unanswered points to come into reach by a touchdown in the fourth quarter being down 27-20. The Cougars then made a late touchdown to seal the deal 34-20. At the end of the game the fans poured onto the field. 

Running back James Williams ran for a touchdown in the first quarter then quarterback Gardner Minshew threw three touchdowns in the second quarter. They missed the extra point on the first touchdown he threw.  Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert who didn't have a good first half threw an eight yard at 11:54 in the 3rd quarter. The Ducks kicked a field goal then Herbert threw another touchdown with 36 seconds remaining in the third quarter. They kicked another field goal at 6:38 remaining in the game to make it exciting and undecided at 27-20. The Cougars final touchdown as at 3:40 left in the game.

The Huskies will take on California at home  next week while the Cougars take on Stanford on the road .

Yes Another Big College Football Weekend

The Seattle Seahawks have this weekend off after beating up the Oakland Raiders last Sunday in London 27-3 however the Washington Huskies are playing the Colorado Buffaloes and the Washington State Cougars are at home against the Oregon Ducks.

The Huskies have to rebound after losing to the Ducks in overtime in Eugene Oregon. The Huskies are still on top of the North Division of the Pac-12 Conference. Right now they are in a tie with Stanford Cardinal who beat Arizona State on Thursday at 3-1. The Ducks and the Cougars are tied right behind the Huskies and Cardinal with a record of 2-1. The Huskies have to have win to stay on top of the north division while the winner between the Cougars and Ducks tie the Cardinal. It is important for the Huskies to win since the Ducks beat them last Saturday. Also the Huskies like the Cougars to beat the Ducks to stay ahead of them. If that happens both the Huskies and Cougars win out until the Apple Cup at the end of October the winner would take the north division and play the winner of the south division for the Pac-12 championship. 

It wouldn't be an easy task for either the Huskies or the Cougars this weekend. Both the Colorado and Oregon are doing well. Colorado has a 2-1 conference record as well and are second place in the south division behind USC Trojans so they will want to keep up with them as well. 

The Huskies have injuries so they will have to depend on some of their backup players to step up as well. Myles Gaskin who went out of the game against Oregon may not play against Colorado but do have some good running backs behind him. Jake Browning will need the offensive line block so he can get the ball to receivers like Aaron Fuller who had only two catches against the Ducks. Fuller is the Huskies number one receiver this year. 

Anyway we are rooting for the Huskies and Cougars get the job done. Next week the Seahawks will take on the Lions in Detroit. Thanks for a great game in London Seahawks. They will have to continue playing well to make the playoffs. In their remaining ten games they are playing against seven teams vying for the playoffs. Go Huskies, Cougars and Hawks. 

Position Players Right Now on the Tacoma Rainiers Triple A Ball Club

Catchers: The Tacoma Rainiers right now have two catchers on their roster.  David Freitas and Chris Herrmann both spent time in Tacoma well as the Mariners backup catcher during the 2018 season. They should both be competing for the spot again behind Mike Zunino. A lot depends whether general manager can pick up another catcher during the off-season.

Alexander Capriata: assigned to Tacoma on September 20 2018. Saw no action in 2018. Not sure what the Mariners are expecting out of him next season.

Cameron Rupp: a veteran catcher who spent time in the major leagues with the Philadelphia Phillies. Showed some decent power having 16 home runs with the Phillies in 2016 and 14 in 2017; his batting average anything to brag about. He was released by the Phillies at the end of spring training of 2018. He spent time in the Texas Rangers and Minnesota systems before signing with the Mariners on a minor league contract on July 14. The Mariners have assigned right now to Tacoma; he has the most experience right now. He might start the season with the Rainiers.

Infield: the Rainiers right now have five players assigned to them for the infield. They are top heavy with three shown as second baseman while one at first base and the other third base. So they are looking for a shortstop at this point.

Cal Hernandez: drafted this year by the Seattle Mariners out of Oral Roberts University in the 26. He was assigned to the Mariners Arizona rookie team on June 18. He is listed on the roster as a second baseman however played third base in college. Though shown on the Rainiers roster I expect he will be single A next season. Have more on him at a later date.  

Adam Law: He played some second base for the Tacoma Rainiers well as third baseman. He started the season at double A before going up to triple A. He was drafted in the 12^th round by the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Mariners acquired him July 2016.Both his father Vance Law and grandfather Vernon Law played in the major leagues. We will have to wait and see whether Adam will make the major leagues or not. He batted .260 with the Rainiers in his time with the team. With his versatility he looks like a utility player in the future if he does make the major leagues. I am sure he will start 2019 at Tacoma.

Seth Mejias-Bean: Here is another player the Mariners picked up they didn’t draft. He was taken in the 8^th round by Cincinnati Reds in 2012. He too spent time in double A for the Mariners before coming to Tacoma. He played in 96 games with a batting average of .266 however he has marginal power as well. Like Law might make it as a utility player too.

Danny Muno: He is another minor leaguer the Mariners signed and he is a little older than the previous two. He spent some of 2018 on the disabled list so he only played in 61 games. He is a career minor league so he doesn’t seem to have a future in the major leagues. Not sure to whether he will stick with the Rainiers either. I certainly would look to find other players if the Mariners actually build on the Rainier team.

Cameron Perkins: he is listed as a first baseman however before the Mariners acquired him from the Philadelphia Phillies in 2017 he played the outfield. He spent some of the year on the disabled list though he did play in 94 games with a .257 batting average. He had limited action in the major leagues primarily with the Phillies so pretty much a career minor leaguer. He is another one that would be border line for the Mariners to keep.

Outfield: current listed three players on the roster.

Andrew Aplin: a left handed hitting outfielder. He started the season in double A went on the disabled list. He came to the Rainiers in June batting .265 in 63 games driving in 31 runs. Hasn’t hit a lot of home runs in his career; interesting he walked 31 times as well. His career shows he walks and drives in runs about the same. He was drafted in 2012 in the 5^th round by the Houston Astros however never has played in the major leagues. He likely will be in the outfield for the Rainiers again this year.

Ian Miller: one player that was drafted by the Mariners in the 14^th round in 2013. He played a full season at Tacoma in 2018 after spending some of the year 2017 in double A before moving up to Tacoma. He batted .261 however had a .333 on base percentage because he walked 45 times. He has been known for his speed stealing bases. In Tacoma he had 33 stolen bases. Right now he is playing for the Mariners team in the Arizona Fall League and he is listed as the Mariners number 20 prospect. Not sure he will make the big club however if he does probably as a fourth or fifth outfielder. This will be a key year coming for Ian how his future goes. He could be involved in a trade the Mariners make this off-season as well.

Sebastian Ochoa: a right handed bat and thrower the Mariners signed to a minor league contract in 2016. He spent first two years on the Mariners Dominican Summer League team. In 2018 he spent most of the year in the Arizona Rookie League. He was assigned to Tacoma on August 28. He is only 20 years old so I expect the Mariners will probably send him to one of the single A teams when 2019 season.

Currently the Rainiers have 20 players on their roster so they have room for six more. Not only could they add these six more may add more than that and remove some of these players already on the roster. We will have to see.

Next look when it comes to the Mariners will be on their top 30 prospects who and where they may start next season along with how they did in 2018.

The Passing of Paul Allen

We heard today that Paul Allen the owner of the Seattle Seahawks and the Portland Trail Blazers passed away. He had  a lot to do with the world of sports in the  Pacific Northwest among many things.

Not only was he an owner in sports he was the co-founder of Microsoft along with many other businesses. He died of complications of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma which he originally had when he decided to step aside from Microsoft however it returned recently.

Paul Allen gave a lot of his money away as well especially to medical research. I hope someday non-Hodgkin's lymphoma will be one of the illnesses that will not be around.

The players who wore the uniforms of the Seahawks and Trail Blazers are saddened by his passing with what he did for each of them. He wasn't the normal owner in the sense of the word and he wasn't the normal billionaire either.

Thank you so much for you did and accomplished for the Pacific Northwest along with the rest of the world. You did something with the purpose you were created for. I am sure we will feel it and be appreciated for many years in the future.

Look at Mariners triple A Team Roster - pitchers only

I have to say right now I am not that impressed by the Tacoma Rainiers roster going into next season. I hope general manager Jerry Dipoto will be able to build the team up where it can help out the major league roster at some point. I will write on those shown on the roster at this point that are not on the Mariner’s 40 man roster. After the season was over the Mariners released Rainier’s manager Pat Listach. Haven’t named a replacement as of yet; at least not that I am aware of anyway.

I start out with the pitching first of all.

Nathan Bannister: 28^th round by the Seattle in the 2016 draft out of University of Arizona. Has played two years in the Mariners minor league system; he didn’t play at all during the summer of 2016. In 2017 he pitched primarily with the Mariners high A team in Modesto. He started 23 games where he threw for a record of 8-7 with an era of 4.33. He pitched 120 innings giving up 16 walks and while striking out 99. His first year he looked like a control pitcher but in 2017 pitching in Double A Arkansas he didn’t do as well. He started 24 games with an era of 6.07. His walk total increased where he walked 48 batters and his strike totals went down to 84. Although he is shown on the Rainiers roster I believe he should spend another season at Arkansas. Being a 28^th round pick the chances are not great he will make the major leagues however he is 24 years old so he should have at least two years to show his stuff. Of course this would depend how he does in 2019.

Rigo Beltran: 31 round draft pick by the Mariners this season. He spent in 15 games at the Mariners rookie team in Arizona. Though he is shown on the Rainiers roster I don’t see him moving up to Tacoma for a couple years or so if at all. He does show potential since he struck out more batters then innings pitched. Since his father played in the major leagues I am sure the Mariners will give him a good chance to succeed. It will be interesting to keep on checking his story.

Bryan Evans: a veteran minor league pitcher drafted in 14^th round in 2008.  Hasn’t pitched at all in the major leagues; in 2018 he started the year in Mexico then started 14 games for the Rainiers. Unless the Rainiers need to have someone to pitch in the rotation in 2019 I don’t see much a future with the Rainiers or the Mariners.

Ryan Garton: relief pitcher the Mariners picked up from the Tampa Rays in late 2017. Actually pitched well for the Mariners in 13 games in 2017 with an era of 1.54; he often was the first pitcher coming in out of the bullpen. I thought the Mariners would give him a good opportunity in 2018 however they sent him to Tacoma. In 35 relief appearances he had an era of 3.16. The Mariners didn’t add him to the roster when call ups happened this September. At this point he likely will start the season in Tacoma once again. The Mariners have several pitchers vying for the bullpen that fit his profile so chances aren’t good however he would add depth though.

Tyler Higgins: the Mariners signed him as a minor league free agent in June. He pitched in relief for the Rainiers coming out of the bullpen 28 times. He actually only walked nine batters so means he has good control. He had 38 strike outs in 35 innings. I see him likely going to pitch out of the Rainiers bullpen once again.

David Rollins: left handed reliever previously spent time with the Mariners signed a contract with them in August of this year and assigned to Tacoma. Not on the 40-man roster however the Mariners may invite him to spring training. He does give them depth at Tacoma. We will have to see what happens with them.

Marc Rzepczynski: started 2018 as the Mariners left handed specialist however was released on June 4. Spent a little time with the Cleveland Indians before being released; the Mariners re-signed him to a minor league contract on July 30. Wasn’t very impressive in Tacoma either; I wouldn’t look to him coming back to Tacoma or Seattle unless a miracle happens.

Daniel Schlereth: another veteran minor league spent 2018 at Arkansas double A and the Rainiers. He spent the year coming out of the bullpens and he is left handed so might get a chance. Wouldn’t be surprised if he is released before the season starts; he is another player I hope the Mariners will look at rebuilding the triple A team.

Rob Whalen: started spring training this year competing for the fifth spot in the rotation however because of a bad outing near the end of training was sent to Tacoma. He didn’t have a great year as well. He originally was on the 40-man roster but later on was released and re-signed where he had to make his way back. I hope he has the chance to do so. He is 24 years old so the future still can be ahead of him. Really like him so I hope he rebounds this coming season. We will see wouldn’t we?

Seahawks Overwhelm Raiders

Although it was counted as a home game for the Oakland Raiders the largest crowd for a NFL game in London, England over 84 thousand spectators the Seahawks looked and sounded like the home team.

Right off the bat the Seahawks scored on their opening drive that took about eight minutes ending with a 5 yard pass to receiver Jaron Brown from quarterback Russell Wilson. The Seahawks scored three touchdowns in total with Wilson throwing to three different receivers. Besides Brown’s touchdown David Moore scored a touchdown in the second quarter. Janikowski kicked a field goal in the second quarter to make the score 17-0. He kicked another in the 3^rd quarter and Tyler Lockett ended the Seahawks scoring in the 4^th quarter with a 10 yard pass complete before the Raiders were able to finally score with a field goal. The Seahawks took care of and ended the game keeping the ball the remaining seven minutes and fifty seconds of the game for the final of 27-3.

The Seahawks are now 3-3 in second place of the NFC west division behind the undefeated Los Angeles Rams. The Seahawks have a bye week coming up before taking on the Detroit Lions on the road. The Seahawks will be able to rest after this tremendous trip to London along with the players have been hurt.

The Seahawks split up the running game behind three main backs in Chris Carson who started the game carry the ball 14 times for 59 yards, Mike Davis carried 6 times for 21 yards and Rashaad Penny 9 times for 43 yards. Most of Penny’s carries and yardage happened late of the 3^rd quarter and the fourth quarter. For the Seahawks be successful in the running game it is good to spread out the carries to keep all three of the guys healthy.

Again the success of the Seahawks was they ran the ball thirty-seven times while passing 23 times. This is the ratio that will allow them to win most games. The teams remaining ten games six of them will be at home. Besides the Lions they will play the Rams, Carolina Panthers and the San Francisco 49ers on the road. The home games will be the Los Angeles Chargers, Green Bay Packers, San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota Vikings, Kansas Chiefs and ending the regular season against the Arizona Cardinals. Be a tough schedule ahead for sure. Go Hawks!

Position Players on 40-man roster of the Mariners

Catchers

David Freitas: began the season with the Mariners because of injury to Zunino. Was sent down for a period of time when injuries happened to Herrmann as well. Had a good batting average in triple A but didn’t translate to the majors. He batted on .215 with 1 home run and 5 rbi’s in 36 games. Likely will compete for backup catcher in spring training. Not sure he will make the team especially if the Mariners pick up another catcher.

Chris Herrmann: I think he is the perfect catcher especially batting left handed. He can play first base and the outfield if necessary but the Mariners didn’t use him in either spot. Problem with allowing only 25 man roster no place to carry three catchers. I wish the major leagues would expand the rosters to 28 this way could use an additional catcher along with outfielder or infielder and relief pitcher. He didn’t have a great batting average but better than the other two. He batted .237 in 36 games with two home runs and seven rbi’s. I hope his defense can improve so Mariners will use him more behind the plate.

Mike Zunino: we all know he is an all-star capable catcher behind the plate but his batting average was subpar once again. The Mariners need to get more out of him on the offensive side of the ball. I think 2019 will be important season for Zunino. Being able to hit home runs with 20 is good however only drove in 44 runs with a batting average of .201. He isn’t able to hit the off-speed pitches and can’t hit fastballs somes either. He struck out 150 times on the season.

Infielders

Gordon Beckham: a veteran infielder who spent much of the season at Tacoma except when Gordon was hurt and then call up at the end of the season. He showed not to be a very good shortstop either. His best positions are second and third base. Mariners need upgrade far as utility player goes. He batted .182 in 22 games driving in one run. May not be in spring training with the Mariners.

Robinson Cano: had a productive season when he played. He was injured fracturing his right arm in May then suspended for 80 games failing the major league drug policy. In 80 games he batted .303 with 10 home runs with 50 rbi’s. Pretty good for a half season for sure. This coming season the question will be how much playing second base or spend more time at first base and designated hitter. The question will be answered when general manager Jerry Dipoto and manager Scott Servais let’s us know. He would like to play second regular but it depends what they want to do with Dee Gordon as well. See if he returns to center field on a regular basis or at second base where he is better defensively. This will depend to whether the Mariners will pick up a center fielder as well. The story will continue.

Dee Gordon: He spent the first month and a half or so playing center field but when Cano was injured then suspended moved back to his previous position of second base. He showed to be a very good defensive second base. In May he broke his toe and spent some time on the disabled list. Never was the same at hitting the rest of the year. In August the Mariners moved him to the bottom of the batting order hitting ninth most of the time. Mitch Haniger was inserted as the lead off hitter and he batted around .333 the rest of the season. The Mariners right now figure he will be lead-off hitter going into spring training. We are hoping Dee Gordon can have a healthy 2019. Should help the bottom of the order next season with his speed allowing Haniger along with Jean Segura to drive in runs. News will come further whether he will play primarily at second base or center field. His versatility would allow him to play short when Segura needs a day off himself.

Ryon Healy: had a solid season at the plate though his batting average was lower than he or the team would have liked. He did show his power again like in his rookie season with the A’s. In 2018 he had 24 home runs and 73 rbi’s. Right now the question is how much will he play at first base. He did show himself a good defensive first baseman which came into question when spring training began. Where Robinson Cano plays and whether the Mariners re-sign designated hitter Nelson Cruz will answer it all. If Cruz comes back and Cano will play a lot of first base the Mariners could trade Healy to bring back a pitcher or someone else needed to bolster the roster. Whatever the case like having Healy around.

Kristopher Negron: he spent most of the season at Reno the triple A team of the Arizona Diamondbacks however impressed the Mariners enough to purchase him from them at the end of the trading deadline. He played in 18 games in September for the Mariners. Though his offense numbers weren’t great he did show the Mariners his versatility he could be the Mariners utility player in 2019. This would depend whether the Mariners can pick up another player for the role or if they really need a utility player since Dee Gordon and Robinson Cano may play more than one position next season. Since the Mariners will likely go with 13 pitchers having 12 position players including two catchers the Mariners will need a stronger bench then they had in 2018.

Andrew Romine: he was the primary utility player for the Mariners. I have to believe he was the weak link to the Mariners bench. He didn’t play very much and didn’t have a good batting average or produce when he did play. He played in only 72 games batting .210 and drove in two runs. He will be a free agent so I don’t expect the Mariners will re-sign him. I don’t see him invited to camp or make the team. He would have to do a big turnaround for sure.

Kyle Seager: though the Mariners didn’t make the playoffs despite winning 89 games; they did it with Seager having an off year. You can blame it on a sore toe but he was having a bad year before then. Usually he hits better in the second half but that didn’t happen this time. For the Mariners to have a good season next season they need to have Seager to bounce back. We hope the Mariner bench will be better where Seager need some time off they will be able to allow him to even if he doesn’t want the time off. Now he is making a lot of money in the $19 million there is more scrutiny as well. I like Kyle so I am rooting for his recovery.

Jean Segura: had a great first half being named to the all-star team. Should have been named the MVP of the all-star game because of his home run. The second half he was OK but wasn’t noticed that much since the offense of the team went dead. His stats were almost identical of 2017. I am not sure what happened between him and Dee Gordon in an argument however I hope he will be a team player next year. The Mariners need to have the best of him if they have any chance to make the playoffs.

Daniel Vogelbach: spent most of last season in Tacoma where he was MVP. He showed his power even when he was with the Mariners. His defense at first base is not even average so he would be best at dh. Probably doesn’t have a spot on the Mariners so I hope they  trade him to another American League team.

Outfield: Had some turmoil during the season with Gamel and Heredia both spending time in triple A along with Dee Gordon having to go back to his familiar position of second base.

Ben Gamel: started on the disabled list in spring training. Doing well platooning with Heredia in left field the in mid-May the Mariners acquired Denard Span. At that point they were sharing left field until Dee Gordon went back to second base when Robinson Cano was injured then suspended. Gamel played some in right field with Haniger moving to center field when Heredia was struggling at the plate. Gamel was sent to triple A in August though he was hitting well. He returned in late August playing sparingly. Not sure where he will be in 2019. I don’t think there will be room for both him and Denard. One of them will likely be traded.

Mitch Haniger: had a solid season for the Mariners. He was named the MVP of the team. He was second in home runs and rbi’s to Nelson Cruz. He started batting sixth then moved to cleanup when Cruz was out for a little while. In August moved to lead-off hitter when Gordon was struggling. Also played some center field as well though manager Servais feels right field is his true position. In my mind he is a superstar in the making.

Guillermo Heredia: started the season platooning in left field with Ichiro then Gamel was doing fine in that role. He started playing center field when Dee Gordon moved to second base because of Robinson Cano injury then suspension. He plated good center field but his hitting suffered playing every day. He was sent to Tacoma when Gamel was reactivated for a short period of time then again in late August when he was struggling and the Mariners had acquired Cameron Maybin and brought Gamel back up. I see Heredia platooning once again in left center and occasionally playing in center field as well. At some point he could become a regular in the outfield but not sure this is a good time.

Cameron Maybin: the Mariners acquired him at the trading deadline from the Miami Marlins. He started playing some in center field however never felt like he fit in with the Mariners. In September he was in the role of platooning in left field and occasion in center field. He will be a free agent and I don’t see him returning to the Mariners.

Denard Span: acquired in May along with reliever Alex Colome. Been a solid contributor platooning in left field along with pinch hitting when needed. Not the defensive player he once was but his offense was good including in the second half when some of the other players offense had disappeared. He could play a good role in the outfield once again if they decide to keep. He has an option so the Mariners could release him or trade him. If he stays on the team he will be paid $12 million. I see him or Gamel in the Mariners outfield but not both especially if they pick up another outfielder. This will depend to what they decide to do with Dee Gordon as well.

Designated Hitter:

Nelson Cruz: had another good season for the Mariners making the all-star team once again. He was one of the few who continued to play good in the second half. Led the team in home runs and rbi’s as well. He will be a free agent. Although he would like to return not sure the Mariners are as keen to keep him around. The reason they would like to use position players at dh instead of someone who can’t play in the field. Though I agree with them at the same time will they be able to replace his offense output. We will see what happens. I do hope he returns since he is a special player.

Next up looking at players on the triple A Tacoma roster not on the 40-man roster.

Mariners 40-man Roster

I am looking at the Mariners 40-man roster; let you who should stay and should go. Also I believe the Tacoma Rainiers roster needs a turnover from last season. I am sure there will be those who will move up from Double-A Arkansas.

Dan Altavilla: 2018 turned out mainly to be a loss year because of injuries to his right elbow. He pitched in 22 games with an era of 2.61 era and 23 strikeouts. He would be so valuable as the setup man in the sixth or seventh inning. Also could pitch the 8th if Alex Colome need a rest. He can pitch more than one inning if necessary as well. He was recalled on Oct. 1.

Shawn Armstrong the Mariners acquired last December from the Cleveland Indians. He pitched most of the year for the Tacoma Rainiers where he was the primary closer. He pitched in 49 games with 15 saves in 17 opportunities and an era of 1.77 while walking 26 and striking out batters. The Mariners selected his contract on August 28. He pitched in 14 games for the Mariners mainly being the first guy coming out of the pen in the fifth or sixth inning. A good role for him next season. He had an era of 1.23 and striking out 15 batters.

Chasen Bradford: started the season at Tacoma however was recalled on April 9. After pitching in different circumstances he started becoming one of the first pitchers out of the bullpen. He had a good season for the Mariners. In August he was sent a couple times to Tacoma because the Mariners needed to have a pitcher brought up because of use by a long reliever. He pitched in 46 games with an era of 3.69. Going into August his era was under three but I believe having to go down to Tacoma it hurt his performance. Again he should be in competition for the first pitcher to bring into the game. He is valuable because he can pitcher a couple innings if necessary.

Alex Colome: a big pickup by the Mariners in May from the Tampa Bay Rays. He became the Mariners 8th inning setup man ahead of Edwin Diaz. With the Rays he had been their closer so the Mariners can use him if necessary in the role as well. He pitched in 47 games with 30 holds. First half of the season it was an amazing and important spot to be in because of so many one-run games. He helped get Diaz to have 57 saves. He should be back next season in the same role.

Ryan Cook: a veteran reliever who spent a lot of the season with Tacoma however when the Mariners needed him he was recalled. He was used in the spot Bradford was in when he came up in April where he was pitching in different spots. A lot of times he came in when the Mariners were already behind in games. He hadn’t been in the major leagues since 2015 because of injuries. For the Mariners he pitched in 19 games but had a high era of 5.29. I am not sure he will be back next season. If the Mariners need a spot to be open when acquiring another player he could be one of the first to go. He could play at Tacoma if a spot is open but I wouldn’t be surprised if he is released as well.

Edwin Diaz: not more you can say about this guy. Not only the most valuable pitcher on the Mariners staff he likely will be named Fireman of the year for his 57 saves tying the second highest in major league history. Long as he doesn’t get injured he should become even better than last year if that is possible.

Zake Duke: picked up at trading deadline as left handed specialist however he wasn’t what the Mariners had hoped for. In 27 games with a 5.52 era; expected to be a free agent. I hope the Mariners don’t re-sign him. Look elsewhere for a new lefty for the bullpen.

Roenis Elias: required him in May. Began his time in Tacoma however did pitch in 23 games for the Mariners including starting 4 games. Most of his relief pitching was in long relief. Manager Servais hopes to put him in a better role in 2019. I hope he is able to pitch as a left handed specialist who can go against righties as well. He should get more opportunity to show what he has.

Matt Festa: spent most of the year in double A Arkansas. He was named Mariners minor league reliever of the year. The Mariners brought him up a couple times during the season before the September call up. The Mariners will give him a shot to make the bullpen next season. He is another young reliever who can throw around 100 miles per hour. Instead of going with veteran reliever who may not have much left I do hope he is in the Mariners’ bullpen next year.

Marco Gonzales:  one of the two surprised pitchers in the Mariners starting rotation. He had a record of 13-9 in his first full season in the major leagues. It will be nice if he can add a couple more victories or more next season.

Justin Grimm: pitched in Tacoma after Mariners signed him to a minor league contract when he was released by the Kansas City Royals. Mariners selected him in September when rosters expand. Pitched in only five games; might be invited to spring training. Stay tuned.

Felix Hernandez: former ace of the Mariners not the pitcher he had been. In August he was sent to the bullpen but pitched in relief only once before going back into the rotation because of injury to Paxton. Felix has one year left on his contract though it will cost the Mariners $25 million they might release him if he doesn’t have a good spring training. The Mariners are hoping he can reinvent himself. Certainly help the Mariners to make the playoffs next season.

Casey Lawrence: a long reliever spent some of the season in Tacoma. Pitched in only eleven games with an era of 7.33. Need the roster spot the Mariners could release him before spring training. I would look elsewhere to find a pitcher for long relief and depth to the bullpen.

Mike Leake: had a so-so 2018 season with 10-10 record. The only good thing going he was able to pitcher 31 games and he kept the Mariners in many of the games he didn’t get a decision on.  It would be nice if he can pitch another 31 games this time four more game.

Wade LeBlanc: the other surprise pitcher in the rotation. The Mariners picked him up at the end of spring training after the New York Yankees released him. Started in relief before being added to the rotation. He was able to start 27 games going 9-5 with the lowest era among Mariners starters at 3.72. Depending on whether the Mariners picks up another starter or not he likely will be their fourth or fifth starter. The Mariners signed him to a two-year contract so we know he will have every chance to start next season.

Juan Nicasio: signed to a two-year contract during the off-season as a free agent. The Mariners were hoping he would be the setup reliever before closer Edwin Diaz. During the first half of the season he had up and downs in the role sometimes giving up leads that either cost Mariners games or put them in the spot where Diaz had to save one run games. Early June he was put on the disabled because of his right knee. In August he again was put on the disabled list this time for the season. Currently is on the 60 day disabled list after having to go through surgery. The Mariners are hoping he will be available next season to be the pitcher they hope he would be. This time though he will likely be pitching in sixth or seventh inning.

James Paxton: considered the Mariners ace. Only trouble he wasn’t able to make it through an injury free season having to go on the disabled list a couple times. Highlight was pitching a no-hitter against the Blue Jays in Toronto. He was able to start 28 games with a record of 11-6. It would be nice if the Mariners could win 4 or five more wins next year whether pitching 28 or more. Although the Mariners are not planning to rebuild they could do well by trading Paxton for a couple major league players plus top prospects. I am not saying this because I believe they should however it could help out at the same time. Remember two years ago when during the off-season they traded TaiJuan Walker for Jean Segura and Mitch Haniger. This would be the only way I would trade Paxton.  

James Pazos: second year with the Mariners after being traded by the New York Yankees. He can not only be used against lefties but righties as well. If necessary he can pitch a couple innings as well. The Mariners used him in 60 games; he had an era of 2.88. Once again be pitching in the sixth thru the eighth inning. Should again be valuable member of the bullpen.

David Phelps: he was out all season. He had surgery to his right elbow he hurt at the end of last season. The Mariners were hoping Phelps be the setup reliever in the sixth or seventh inning in front of Nicasio. He will be a free agent however spent all season rehabbing in Seattle so they are hoping to sign him to a new contract. Being healthy he would be a good addition to the bullpen pitching in the sixth or seventh inning leading up to Colome and Diaz.

Max Povse: One of the Mariners top pitching prospects. He was out some of the season starting in 18 games between Tacoma triple A team and Arkansas double A. He has been in the minor leagues five years and is only 25 years old so I am sure the Mariners still giving a shot. He was activated to roster on October 1. Wouldn’t surprise me he starts the season at Tacoma and gives Mariners depth to bring up during 2019 if necessary

Erasmo Ramirez: he spent most of 2018 on the disabled list or rehabbing. He came up to the club in August to take Felix Hernandez’s spot in the rotation. He did have times he looked good however gave up runs early in the ball games. There is a good possibility the Mariners will release him before training camp. The only thing going for him is he can pitch starting and relieving however the Mariners are looking at adding depth in both department.

Nick Rumbelow: pitch well limited time in Tacoma however pitched poorly in his limited time in Seattle. I am not sure they will give him an opportunity with other pitchers ready to go in the bullpen. We will see won’t we.

Sam Tuivailala: Mariners traded for him close to the end of the trading deadline with the St. Louis. Unfortunately he  got hurt when running a baserunner back to third base. He is 25 years old so has a good future to be part of the bullpen. Probably won’t be ready to go at the beginning of the season hopefully though be able to go in the second half.

Nick Vincent:  third season with the Mariners. His season didn’t look good as the following two season however his stats looked about the same. I think a lot depends when coming into the game. The Mariners were in a lot of one run games as well. He will have played his way onto the team I believe with several pitchers vying for the same spot. He is a veteran so could help him out.

Adam Warren: Here is another pitcher the Mariners picked up at the trading deadline. How the Mariners performed in the second half he probably pitched better than it looked. The main difference I see in his stats between being with the Yankees and his time in Seattle he pitched more frequently with the Mariners because the amount of games was about the same. So pitched two months with Seattle compared to four months in New York. In New York he pitched more than an inning while just under an inning with the Mariners. He had more than twice as many strikeouts in New York as well. Tells me he isn’t used to pitching so much. Expected to be a free agent so not sure he will be back with the Mariners.

Next post on the Mariners look at the 40-man roster or more with the position players.