Dan Vogelbach the All-Star

I wish that Dan Vogelbach would have made the home run derby however he did make an appearance in the all-star game Tuesday night.  He flied out in his only at bat but it will be something he will remember. 

He said that the importance was having a good time. Those who didn't get a chance to watch the American League won 4-3. There was one home run by each team.

I read posts on social media by a few people thought it was a boring game. If you expected a lot of runs in the game then I can understand that, however, the pitchers are the best in the major leagues. Both teams used nine pitchers; no one going more than an inning so hard too get any hits that way.

The second half of the season starts on Friday when the Mariners are playing the Angels in Anaheim before heading to Oakland.

I do hope we hear about some trades in the next few days so we have something to talk about. The trading deadline in on July 31. No longer are they making trades in August except for minor leaguers. 

We do hope the pitching improves the rest of the way along with the defense. Though the starting pitching hasn't been good at times the trouble has been mainly out of the bullpen. It is amazing to think that after a couple of outing the relievers end up on the injured list. These are the guys who have done the best among the relievers. 

It shouldn't surprise us that the bullpen hasn't done well since many of them the Mariners have picked up relievers who were not doing well with other teams. Austin Adams did a good turnaround after the Mariners acquired him before having to go on the injured list recently. The same goes for a couple of the other relievers as well.

If the Mariners plan to compete next year they will need to go out and sign a free agent starter. The best choice is Gerrit Cole from the Houston Astros. He is the youngest of the best starters who will be free agents. He will cost the Mariners a lot of money but they are having a lot of money coming off the books. Jerry Dipoto will need to bring in three or four relievers as well. 

The position players seem to be good in the most part but I am sure there will be a few changes there too. It will be good to see some of the prospects move up throughout the system. Go M's.