Yusei Kikuchi

Friday Kikuchi the Mariners lefty out of Japan
has his second outing of the spring. Did much
better this round. It doesn't mean he won't have
his lumps the rest of spring.

Kikuchi is working with new mechanics so it
means things could go up and down for a little
while in spring.

Kikuchi is expected to be the Mariner number
two starter behind Marco Gonzales so the
important thing is to be ready for the beginning
of the season

Kikuchi was stretched out a little further
going 2 and 1/3 innings giving up a run
in the third inning. He gave up one hit,
walked two and struck out three. He
should have another outing next Wednesday.

The Mariners hitters did something different
that happens even less often they hit a reverse
cycle. Kyle Lewis hit a home run for his first
of the spring. First baseman Jose Marmolejos
who I am not familiar with who signed a minor
league contract as a free agent during the off-season
with the Mariners hit a triple.

Tim Lopes playing third base had a double.
He has gotten off to a tremendous start this spring.
He keeps doing what he is doing he will make the
Mariners.Lopes had a tremendous season with the
Mariners last year when he was called up
in August. Dee Gordon followed with a single.
Gordon made a start at shortstop had three hits
on the day.

Shed Long Jr expecting to be the Mariners
second baseman had a couple hits on the day
driving in a couple of the Mariner runs. The
Mariners won the game 6-2 collecting ten
hits.

The Mariners are not expecting to have the
long ball as much this season but collecting
ten hits on a regular basis would be less
missing the home runs.

The Mariners take on the Kansas City Royals
Saturday afternoon in Peoria. The game will
be televised for those who can get the Mariners
on television.

Shed Long will be leading off again, however,
he will be designated hitter this time. He will
be followed by JP Crawford at short and Kyle
Seager at third.

Daniel Vogelbach who should be at dh most of
the season will be playing first base. Tom Murphy
 will be catching followed by Carlos Gonzales who
 is trying to make the team signing a minor league
contract at the beginning of training camp in right field.

The Mariners number one prospect Jarred
Kelenic who did have an appearance in Friday's
game will be starting in center field. Dee
Gordon will be starting once again this time
he will be at second base. Jose Siri will be
starting in right field to round out the starting
lineup. Marco Gonzales will be starting pitcher.
He is hoping for a better outing than his initial
outing for the spring.

Julio Rodriguez the Mariners number two
prospect is expected to play in the game at
some point as he did in Friday's game.

It is so exciting for the fans to see the young
guys playing and thinking what the future
for the Mariners look like. The Mariners
haven't had young players like this for
some time. Go M's.

In college men's basketball the Washington
State Cougars ended up beating the Washington
Huskies Friday night in Seattle. It ended up
being a close game though the Cougars did
lead by double digits in the first half. The
final score was WSU 78 UW 74.

Both teams have two games remaining on the
Pac-12schedule facing Arizona and Arizona State
on the road. After that will be the Pac-12
schedule. For either team to go further they
need to win the tournament Tall order though.

Getting a Good Look At Jarred Kelenic

Jarred Kelenic the Mariners number one prospect
and one of the darlings this spring started against
the San Francisco Giants on Thursday in one of
the split games. The Mariners lost both games
but Kelenic did get a hit along with making a
good catch.

I am sure the fans can't wait until he puts on
a uniform in Seattle. It is too soon to know
when it may be. I am sure a lot of us would
like it on March 26 opening day.

Kelenic has the talent, confidence and the
personality that everyone in Seattle loves.
He will be likely in right field when he
makes his major league debut.

It is hard to say but he could end up in
center field for a long time. It depends
on other outfielders around him.

If Kelenic isn't in Seattle to start the season
he should be in double-A Arkansas where
he ended the season or in triple-A Tacoma.
It should be big crowds in Arkansas or Tacoma
to watch this kid who may turn into a superstar.

Living only a few minutes from Cheney Stadium
in Tacoma I hope to see Kelenic play. I am Ok with
him being in Seattle as well. The important thing
he begins the season where he needs to be.
We hope for a big year of Kelenic.

Mariners Even Spring Training Games

The Seattle Mariners are now 2-2 in four games. The
pitching is improving in these two last games. When
the pitchers start getting around to being in more games
the scores should be improving. Sometimes though
runs can be scored often late in the games because
the teams have pitchers that won't make the team.

The case of this year's spring training the Mariners
have a lot of pitchers competing for a spot on the
roster so it may not happen as frequently as in past
ears. The starting rotation is close to being in place
but the bullpen is wide open for relievers to make
the roster. The Mariners will have a five-man rotation
along with 13 relievers.

The starting rotation is intact for the most part though
the fifth starter there will be competition  for the
relievers. It will be interesting to see how things
work out.

Since the Mariners are rebuilding they could go with
one or two young relievers in the bullpen. Let you
know how that works out.

Wednesday the Mariners beat the Reds 5-3. Justin
Dunn made his spring debut. It is his job to win or
lose the fifth spot in the rotation. He could end up
in the bullpen to. He went two innings giving up
two hits, one run, one walk and two strike outs.

The Mariners had five pitchers who will be
competing for the bullpen throwing in the game along
with a minor league pitcher. Tim Lopes came into
the game not starting continues to carry a hot bat
getting two doubles now he is 5-5 so far. He certainly
taking it seriously to make the ball club.

The Mariners have a split squad on Thursday taking
on the White Sox on the road while having the San
Francisco Giants on their home field. They will
probably go with their starting position players at
home.

Seahawk Wednesday

The Seattle Seahawks brass of John Schneider general manager
and his brass are in Indianapolis this week at the NFL combine
to look at the players they maybe interested this week.

At the same time Schneider is looking at negotiating with defensive
end Jadeveon Clowney. He is expected to be asking for more than
$20 million per year. The Seahawks look like they are willing to
pay him that kind of contract. It is the kind of contract they were
not willing to give Frank Clark last year. The difference though
Clowney is a free agent who can go anywhere while Clark the
Seahawks were able to trade him to the Kansas City Chiefs
getting seven players in return.

The Seahawks are hoping to bring back Jarran Reed  defensive
tackle as well as tight end Luke Willson. Reed could be hard to
sign because another team may come out with a higher offer than
the Seahawks want to pay out. Willson on the other hand will
be sign inexpensively. We will see in the weeks ahead who the
Seahawks retain and who they lose along with other pickups.

In baseball the Seattle Mariners beat the Milwaukee Brewers
on Tuesday 2-1. Kelly Graveman started going two innings
gave up one hit, one walk, and no walks. He was followed
by Justus Sheffield going to two innings as well. Sheffield
could be the Mariners third starter. He gave no hits, runs, and
struck out three batters. A good way for both of them in their
first outing of the season.

The game was scoreless until the seventh inning when the
Mariners scored two runs then the Brewers came back in
the bottom of the inning with one run. Daniel Vogelbach
playing first base had a couple games while Evan White
at dh had a couple hits as well. Jarred Kelenic had a hit and
scored a run in the game.

The Mariners are playing the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday.
Justin Dunn made his spring training debut.

Games Will Continue For Mariners

I won't get into the whole look of the baseball games
during spring training or that matter the regular. I
may give a bit of the highlights depending on the
game. Also, what I take away of the game.

Monday the Mariners lost to 16-12 now with a
record of 0-2. We shouldn't be looking on how
the starters at least are doing early on.

Marco Gonzales I am sure the Mariners were
hoping would go two innings but he ended up
getting two outs while giving up five runs. We
should expect him to get better with every outing.

The Mariners used seven relievers. Most of them
didn't do well either. I am sure you had that figured
out since they gave up 16 runs

The two relievers that did well were right-handers
Gerson Bautista who went an inning striking out
two. He has a lot velocity on his fast ball. He
pitched in nine games for the Mariners last year.
He showed he needed more seasoning in the minors.
He won't turn 25 until the end of May so his future
is still ahead.. The other is Sam Delaplane who the
Mariners really like even though he is a non-roster
invitee, He gave up no hits and struck out one in his
one inning of pitching. Manager Scott Servais really
likes him so don't be surprised if he makes the Mariners
roster coming out of spring training.

Timmy Lopes and Dylan Moore both competing for
a utility role on the Mariners both had great games
It is hard to know right now but both could make the
team, otherwise it might be hard to choose between
the two. Lopes had three hits on the day while driving
in four runs while Moore hit a home run in the game.
It will be good to keep an eye on the two of them
throughout camp.

Tuesday the Mariners take on the Milwaukee Brewers
in Maryvale, Arizona. Kevin Graveman makes his
Mariner debut for the spring on the mound.

Shed Long will be leading off once again at second base.
He will be followed by JP Crawford, Kyle Lewis, Daniel
Vogelbach at first base, Evan White at dh, number one
prospect Jarred Kelenic, Tom Murphy, Mallex Smith
and Dylan Moore will start for the second straight game
this time at third base.

I am sure those Mariner fans who travel to Maryvale
are looking forward to  seeing Kelenic in the lineup.

Game Two Coming Up On Monday

The Seattle Mariners play the Chicago Cubs on Monday afternoon
at Peoria Stadium. It is on the radio only.

The Mariners have a whole different lineup than opening game on
Sunday afternoon, Kyle Seager is the only player in the lineup that
played on Sunday. Most likely he will get a couple at bats on the
day before coming out of the game.

Marco Gonzales who is expected to be the Mariners opening day
starter will be taking the mound. Last year Marco won 16 games
on the season. In September the Mariners gave him little offense
support or he could have had 18 wins. A good season even so for
a pitcher on a team that had a losing record while trying to rebuild.

Outside of Seager the Mariners will be leading off with Jake Fraley
starting in left field. He could be the Mariners starting left fielder
when opening season begins. He has the speed the Mariners can
use both defensively and on the base paths.

Austin Nola who played a lot of first base last season when he was
called up in June is catching and batting second. He likely will be
the backup catcher to Tom Murphy who started Sunday. With his
versatility we could see Nola playing all over the field. It will depend
whether they have a third catcher on the roster to begin the season
or not.

Patrick Wisdom who the Mariners signed as a minor league free
agent is playing first base. He likely will start the season in triple-A
Tacoma for added depth. In Tacoma he will probably play first base
along with third base as well.

Former all-star outfielder Carlos Gonzales the Mariners signed just
before camp to a minor league deal will bat fifth and play right field.
We will see if he has anything left. If so he could make the roster
as a veteran presence. With Mitch Haniger out right now the third
starting spot is open right now. Mallex Smith should start and play
center field. Kyle Lewis will likely start in left or right field depending
on his spring.

Tim Lopes is going to start at second base. In Tacoma he played a lot
of second and third base. When he was brought up to Seattle late in the
season he played mostly left field. He had never played the outfield
before but it was the spot open until Shed Long came up in September.
Lopes was like Nola when he was brought up he had never played in
the  major leagues before; however, he did an admirable job. Lopes likely
be the 25th or 26th man on the roster if he makes the team. They will
be able to use him in the infield and outfield.

Eric Filia is a non-roster invitee. Through his career in the Mariner
minor league system he has hit well. His problem he has been suspended
twice according to the minor league drug policy. Not sure his chance of
making the ball club but he has to stay clean if he expects to make the
major leagues at some point. He will be the designated hitter in this game.

Dylan Moore starts at shortstop. He was the Mariners primary utility
player last year. He will have competition to keep his spot this season.
He will likely play shortstop and third base when he is in the lineup.
With Dee Gordon likely to start the season on the Mariner roster
Moore will probably not play a lot unless injuries happen. He is
good to be on the team willing to be on the bench.

Jose Siri the Mariners recently picked up from the Cincinnati Reds on
waivers will be in center field. Last year he played primarily in double-A
ball with a little time in triple-A. Most likely he will start the season
in Tacoma.

Let you know how things go in this game later. This will be an exciting
spring training since there are spots for players to make the team.

Game One Completed

Sunday we got to see the Mariners play their first
spring training game. Unfortunately they lost to
Texas Rangers 7-5. The game came down to the last
as Cal Raleigh struck out with two runners on base.

I wouldn't call it a great game but had some solid
moves made during it.

It was wonderful seeing the defense of Evan White
at first base. Usually we don't see his kind of defense
at first base. He made several plays in the game other
first baseman don't make. I am sure he saved at least
one run or two. He will keep the Mariner pitchers
earned run averages down.

Mallex Smith made a running catch going into to
the fence. I haven't been to sure having him back
in center field after last year but if he can do that
on a regular basis it will be a good move. At least
the Mariners have Jake Fraley and Braden Bishop
able to play in center as well.

Though they didn't start we got to see the Mariners
number one two prospects Jarred Kelenic and Julio
Rodriguez play. Kelenic was able to hit a double in
the game and score a run in the seventh inning. Look
forward to seeing a lot of them.

The Mariners take on the Chicago  Cubs on
Monday If you wonder the last game of sprng
training is a month from today. The regular season
begins on March 26 at home against the Texas
Rangers.

College men's basketball the Washington State
Cougars lost to the Stanford Cardinal at home
Sunday 75-57 . They will be in Seattle on Friday
to take on the Washington Huskies. It will be the
Huskies final game at home this season.

The game  against Stanford was WSU's last
game at home this season.

Seattle Mariners playing Sunday

The Mariners first spring training game finally going to happen
Sunday afternoon.

The opening lineup will be close to what it will be for opening season.

Shed Long Jr (added the Jr this season) will  start leading off
at second base followed by Evan White at first base.

Kyle Seager, Kyle Lewis (playing right field) and Daniel Vogelbach
batting three thru five.

The rest of the lineup six thru nine is catcher Tom Murphy, ss JP
Crawford, CF Mallex Smith and LF Braden Bishop

Yusei Kikuchi is starting Sunday's game. Marco Gonzales is
expected to start on Monday.

Let you know these guys do along with the other players
who get into the game.

-In basketball the Washington Huskies ended their nine game
losing streak beating the California Golden Bears 87-52
behind some outstanding defense. They take on the Cougars
next Friday night.

The Cougars are home Sunday against the Stanford Cardinal.

The Gonzaga Bulldogs were upset on the road losing to BYU
91-78. We will see where it will put the Bulldogs in the national
ranking and whether they will not be a top seeded team.

Game One Cancelled

The anticipation of the opening game of spring training
has to wait at least another day because Saturday's game
in Peoria, Arizona because of rain.

The Mariners are scheduled to play the Texas Rangers
on Sunday. We will update whether the game will be
played or not.

I was hoping we were going to be seeing both Jarred
Kelenic and Julio Rodriguez in the game at some point.
Now we will have to wait another day for it to.

This season we should see outfielder Kyle Lewis
 and Jake Fraley whether on March 26 the opening
of the season or sometime during the season All
depends whether they are set to play now or later.
We hope now because they should be exciting to
watch whether at the plate or in the field.

In basketball the Washington Huskies men are hoping
 to end their losing streak against the California Golden
Bears. Right now they lack the confidence in themselves.
Coach Hopkins says he has confidence in them but they
 have to believe as well.

The Washington State Cougars will take on Stanford who
beat the Huskies Thursday night. Both the Cougars and
the Huskies don't want to be swept at home.

Next Friday the Huskies and Cougars will be playing
each other in Seattle. The following week the Pac-12
will end with the teams playing Arizona State and
Arizona. It would be nice to upset both of them.

The Pac-12 tournament will follow up before the
NCAA tournament happens. Only the winner of the
Pac-12 tournament is guaranteed to be in March
madness.

 The top teams in the Pac-12 need Washington  to
win to give them a better chance to get in. If Wash-
ington continues losing than the ratings of the other
teams will be lower to get in.

Gonzaga Bulldogs take on the BYU Cougars on
the road. BYU is ranked #23 so they hope to upset
Gonzaga. Thursday they beat the San Francisco Dons
on the road 71-54.

Mariners Tentative Schedule of Starting Pitchers

Nestor Cortes is scheduled to start the opening game of spring training on Saturday. Yusei Kikuchi

will start Sunday's game the first game televised on Roots sports. It will be nice to see how his 

new mechanics look. We hope to see the pitcher the Mariners signed before last spring training.

Marco Gonzales is expected to start on Monday. He pitchers every five days then he will be ready

 to be the opening pitcher in Seattle on March 26 against the Texas Rangers.

Kendall Graveman will start on Tuesday followed by Justin Dunn on Wednesday. I am sure we 

will see Justus Sheffield in the second round of five starters. 

Unlike previous season's this year the Mariners will have eight games played before having a 

day off so they will probably keep the rotation in order. Starting with the fourth starter they 

will have an extra day off in the rotation. This will give each starting pitcher an extra 

day off on occasion through out the season. Only other change will probably happen at the 

all-star break. 

Sunday's game we will hope to see both Kelenic and Rodriguez in the lineup. Though they won't 

start the season in Seattle most likely it will give us a chance to see what the future looks like. 

First Game About Ready To Happen-Mariners

Saturday will be the Mariners first game of spring training. I expect we will a bunch

of different players getting into the game. 

The game likely will be begin with the starting position players or at least the ones 

expected to start going three innings followed by backups and those invited to spring

training as non-rosters. 

News came in that Dee Gordon has arrived. He got a lot of congratulations from the 

other players now that he is a new dad with a baby girl.

Mitch Haniger says that when he returns he will be better than ever. We certainly hope so.

Like to see Kyle Lewis and Jake Fraley in the outfield. Also, Braden Bishop former 

Washington Huskie who has had injuries the last couple seasons. Be healthy and hit

 major league pitching. Seeing Jarred Kelenic and Julio Rodrigues to see how close 

they are to being major leaguers.

Spring Training Contiues For Mariners

News came out that Dee Gordon's wife had a baby girl on Tuesday so he should be
reporting this week to training camp. Mitch Haniger arrived as well, of course, he
will start rehabbing while the other players get ready for the season or make the ball club.

Manager Scott Servais says that he and the coaching staff like the work of reliever Yohan Ramirez the rule five player they picked in December from the Houston Astros. There is no doubt Ramirez

has the stuff the deal can he get the ball over the plate consistently. The rule five pick has to make the ball club or offered back to his previous team if he doesn't. 

Last year Brandon Brennan was the Mariners rule five pick and he had a good season while being healthy. He is expected to be one of the eight relievers the Mariners are expected to be on the ball club. So if he and Ramirez are on the team leaves six other spots. 

The Mariners bullpen has much more talent then they had last year. In fact, Brennan is the only reliever still on the roster when the season began. The bullpen was a major reason the Mariners ended up last place in the American League West.  I believe the bullpen won't be the reason the Mariners don't do better this coming season. 

The first spring training game begins on Saturday. The infield group working together on the main field were Evan White and Daniel Vogelbach. Not surprising we might see Vogelbach at first base on occasion. It would be nice to see him improve his defense so maybe White will rub off of him. Shed Long was at second base. I am sure he will be joined by Dee Gordon when he arrives. JP Crawford and Dylan Moore  were at shortstop. Moore should be Crawford's backup at shortstop though we should see Gordon there as well as he is with the Mariners. Kyle Seager was at third base. We should see Moore taking grounders at third base  as well.

Seahawk Wednesday

Another addition of Seahawk Wednesday. The big news on Tuesday the Seahawks signed tight end Greg Olsen to a contract. Olsen became a free agent when the Carolina Panthers released.

Olsen has had some big games against the Seahawks so it is nice to see he is on our side now. Olsen

is expected to become a broadcaster when his career is over but the Seahawk will let him wait on it

for now.

With Will Dissly hurt again missing most of 2019 like he did the year before the Seahawks decided 

to go the free agent route to pick up a tight end. The tight end the Seahawks love to use in their offense. Jacob Hollister did an admirable job as the tight end after Dissly went down; however, 

he started the season on the practice squad. The Seahawks went back to a former tight end in

Luke Willson but he missed several games because of injuries.

So it is good to see the Seahawks picked up a quality starting tight end to go along Dissly. This should allow the offense to flourish in the passing game once again. 

In baseball the Seattle Mariners had second day of workouts on Tuesday. They begin playing spring training games this coming Saturday against the San Diego Padres. Probably won't be much to report at this point unless there is an injury or a player is released or another player is picked up.

The veteran players are primarily in camp to add depth to the team outside of Kyle Seager and Dee 

Gordon. Speaking of Gordon he hasn't reported yet because his wife is expecting their first child. 

He will be in camp after that happens. No news about trading him either. 

Tuesday Full Day Work For Mariners

Tuesday is the first day the whole squad works out together. There are youth

for the most part but a few veterans hanging around as well.

Taijuan Walker has returned to compete for the fifth starter position. Marcus Gonzales likely will open the starting of spring training as well as opening day though no announcement has been made as of yet. I am sure we will know real soon.

The starter will likely going a couple innings while those coming into relief will go one inning. Since Walker is in the same grouping as Gonzales he likely would be pitching in the opening game as well.

I expect we will see Yusei Kikuchi starting in game two followed by Justus Sheffield in game three. It could be different only because Gonzales, Kikuchi and Sheffield all throw left handed. The Mariners could have Kendall Graveman expected to be the fourth starter exchange places with Sheffield. Justin Dunn might start the fifth game. We may know some time soon how the schedule goes.

More news about the players will come soon.

Monday Position Players Report For Mariners

As spring training continues position players will have their physicals happening on Monday before getting into full action on Tuesday.

For the pitchers it will be day six of spring training. News out Yusei Kikuchi has worked out on  new mechanics coming into spring training. It will be interesting to his improvement throughout training camp.

Besides the youngsters it will be interesting to see whether veteran outfielders  Carlos Gonzales and  Collin Cowgill have anything left to help out the Mariners.

Listed on the depth chart Jake Fraley is listed as number on right field with Mitch Haniger out for a while after having a second surgery. He is listed number two in left and center field on the depth chart. Fraley is an exciting player who every one should enjoy watching. If he hits in spring training he will be in the lineup.

The depth chart shows Kyle Lewis, Mallex Smith and Fraley as the starters for the outfield. Brandon Bishop is listed behind Fraley in all three outfield spots. The key can he hit major league pitching and can he stay healthy which he has had problems doing the last couple seasons. 

It will be interesting to see Tom Murphy to take the lead as the Mariners starting catcher. Also, Austin Nola as the backup catcher. Nola primarily played first base last season when he was called up in June. We may see him playing a lot including dh when he isn't catching. We may see Murphy at dh when isn't catching when facing a lefty.

Evan White who signed a major league six-year contract without playing a day in the majors as of yet is expected to be the Mariners first baseman. He is already a fantastic defensive catcher all we need to know whether he can hit major league pitching. 

The Mariners first spring game will take place this coming Saturday taking on the San Diego Padres. I am sure we will a lot of players in that game on Saturday. The starters will probably only go three innings then we will be seeing those competing for backup role.

Day Four

The Mariners had a group of pitchers including Marco Gonzales and Taijuan Walker

throwing on Saturday. Walker looked good without any signs of his injury from last year.

The Mariners signed two more veteran players into the fold. Starting pitcher Cody

 Anderson most recently of the Cleveland Indians and outfielder Collin Cowgill. 

He has been playing in the minor leagues the last few years. Along with Carlos 

Gonzales they are hoping for veteran leadership among a young group of outfielders.

Hard to know whether either one will make the Mariner roster when the season begins.

It will depend on them well as who is ready to make the jump to the major leagues on

a full-time basis. 

In other local sports the Washington Huskies men's basketball team collapsed again the second half after having a 12 point lead early on in the second half. The Huskies were unable make baskets

down the stretch. Isaiah Stewart and Jaden McDaniels led the Huskies each with 15 points losing

67-57 to the UCLA Bruins in LA.

The Washington State Cougars lost on the road in LA as well to the USC Trojans 70-51. The Gonzaga Bulldogs continued their winning ways beating Pepperdine down in the LA area as well 89-77.

We hope for the best for the Huskies, Cougars, and Bulldogs down the stretch. 

Day Three of Spring Training

Taijuan Walker talked about being back with the Mariners while missing most of the last two years because of injuries. 

I am sure many are wishing Walker the best this spring training to become the fifth starter at the beginning of the season. Justin Dunn is expected to be the fifth starter if he is ready to start the season in the major leagues; however, it is good to have a backup like Taijuan Walker. Whatever the case it will be nice to see a strong rotation. How good the rotation will depend on how good the bullpen will be over the season as well. It is important not to overuse the bullpen. 

Ichiro will be in camp along with Franklin Gutierrez  and Mike Cameron to make the outfield the best it can be defensively. The Mariners should be a better defensively outfield over what it was last year. The question can they hit as well we will see. 

Mitch Haniger had his second surgery this week so no news when he will return. We may not have the answer for some time. The Mariners will be going with the youngsters in the outfield. Carlos Gonzales the Mariners signed this week might make the team. He is signed to a minor league contact though.

The pitchers and catchers are out doing their thing right now before the position players all get into camp. I am sure the pitchers can't wait until next Saturday to throw some live action. For now they are throwing off the mound or in the bullpen. We hope for some surprises along with those expected to be on the team. Go M's. 

Day Two of Spring Training

Taijuan Walker is a member of the Seattle Mariners signing a deal on Wednesday. Also, news came out on Thursday Mitch Haniger had to have another surgery so he will be out longer so this gives at least one player more time to impress the Mariners. 

The Mariners first spring training game is eight days a week against the San Diego Padres on Saturday February 22. We should see both players who are expected to start in the field for the Mariners well as those fighting for reserve spots and Mariner minor leaguers to show off their talent to the major league staff.

The Mariners position players will report on Monday though some are in camp already. 

In college basketball the Washington Huskies men's basketball teams losing streak continued to seven. The Huskies led the game at half-time but USC went on a 9-0 run to lead off the second half. The Huskies in the middle of the game were unable to score for seven minutes. They still had chances to win but without a clutch player were unable to win. Final USC 62 Washington 56.

Washington State Cougars lost in LA as well to the UCLA Bruins  in overtime 86-83. The Cougars were unable to keep a large lead. They were leading in double digits before the Bruins got hot. 

Gonzaga didn't play Thursday they will take on Pepperdine on the road Saturday night. 

Day One of Spring Training

The pitchers and catchers reported Wednesday for spring training. The day primarily was for taking physicals and meetings. Today(Thursday) the pitchers will be start throwing. I am sure there are some position players in camp as well.

In the meetings they end up breaking pitchers into groups for what days they will throw. On the other days, they will exercise including stretching probably in the outfield. 

I remember when I went to see the Mariners in spring training I saw Felix Hernandez bunting with a group of other pitchers. This was the spring after he signed his latest contract that ended last year. Other pitchers were laughing because Felix couldn't bunt  or at least he wasn't taking it seriously.Of course, bunting only happens inter-league games any way.

Former Mariners Franklin Gutierrez is in camp to work with the outfielders along with Mike Cameron and Ichiro. Edgar is in camp to work with the hitters I expect.

Word was Taijuan Walker was in the clubhouse on Wednesday Reporting he is going to sign a contract with the Mariners. Not sure whether it is a major league contract which would mean they would have to release a player since the 40-man roster is full or to a minor league deal.

Any player who is on a minor league deal and not on the 40-man roster makes the team out of spring training will be added on well as being on the 26-man opening roster.  

Spring Training Begins

For us baseball fans we have been waiting for four to five months for baseball season to begin. Now spring training begins with the pitchers and catchers reporting for the Seattle Mariners.

On Tuesday the Mariners signed veteran outfielder and former all-star for the Colorado Rockies Carlos Gonzales to a minor league contract. With Mitch Haniger out until the end of April at the earliest the Mariners had to bring in a veteran presence among their outfielders. Whether Gonzales has anything left in his tank or not we will find out. 

At this time Mallex Smith is the outfielder with most experience with Kyle Lewis, Jake Fraley, and Brandon Fraley not with a lot of major league experience  so good to have Gonzales available too. 

Kyle Lewis had a good September when called up so he is expected to be one of the starters besides Smith in the outfield so leaves one spot open as an every day starter. There is a possibility the Mariners may platoon in the outfield with Fraley being a left handed hitter an Brandon Bishop hitting right handed. 

The Mariners are going to have 66 players in camp so almost two-thirds of the players won't be on the opening day roster. The Mariners will be going with 13 pitchers and 13 position players as the rosters have expanded to 26.

It looks like the playoffs may change in 2022 with four wild cards with two series going for three games. This means the season will either have to be shorten or spring training ending sooner. I hope that spring training will be shorter by a week or ten days. I like the season being at 162 games.

Wednesday will normally be about the Seattle Seahawks but not much happening right now. I am sure general manager John Schneider and coach Pete Carroll are looking into the free agent pool to grab a few players. Be back at it next Wednesday. Anything happen in the meantime, I will report it if it is a big thing. Go M's and Hawks. 

One More Day

The time is finally about here with the Seattle Mariners pitchers and catchers reporting to Peoria, Arizona on Wednesday. The rest of the squad is expected next Monday though some well will be in came before then.

I don't expect the Mariners to have a winning season like most but it will be nice to see the present and future of the Mariners on display at the same time.

I like to see some excitement here and there during the season giving us hope for the future. I expect the bullpen will be better this season so it should add some victories over last year since that where a lot of losses came from where they couldn't hold the lead. Most of those guys are gone now.

I expect a lot of low scoring games from the Mariners at least in the beginning because the losses of Omar Narvaez and Domingo Santana when it comes to home runs. I hope to that Daniel Vogelbach can hit home runs and not be just a one year wonder. Actually a first half wonder since he slumped after the all-star break.

The Mariners will have to score runs the old fashion way with speed along with single and doubles. Speaking of speed the outfield should be better defensively this  year. I hope to see improvement from Mallex Smith in center field. If not, they will need to move him over to left field inserting Jake Fraley or Braden Bishop there. 

The infield should be improved with Evan White at first base along with Shed Long playing second base. We hope for a full season out of an improved Kyle Seager at third base along with JP Crawford at short.

The outfield is open right now with Mitch Haniger out until late April or early May. Mallex Smth in center field and Kyle Lewis in either left or right field. They will have several youngsters competing for the third starting spot along with the fourth outfielder. The Mariners could go with an extra utility player who will spend time in the outfield as well.

One thing for sure spring training will be interesting. So let it happen. Go M's. 

WSU Beats UW Men's Basketball

I was hoping the Washington Huskies would end their losing streak in men's basketball, however it didn't happen.  The Washington State Cougars beat Washington 79-67. The Cougars ended their three year losing to Washington Huskies. 

The Huskies continue in last place of the Pac-12 with a 2-9 record with seven games remaining.  The Cougars led most of the game though the Huskies crept close a few times. The Huskies were unable to take advantage when the Cougars went six minutes without scoring a point late in the game. The Huskies continue throwing the ball a way well as off their bodies. Also, not making any three-s during the time. 

The Cougars led around eight points most of the time. The final score was WSU 79 UW 67.

The Huskies now go to LA taking on USC on Thursday followed by UCLA on Saturday. The Huskies blew out the Cougars in their first outing while being upset by UCLA. 

Look Ar Saturday

The Gonzaga Bulldogs won easily once again beating Saint Mary's 90-60. The Bulldogs have five games remaining on their schedule. They have a three game lead over second place BYU who are 8-3 in WCC while they are 11-0. Gonzaga's next game will be next Saturday at Pepperdine.

Gonzaga now are playing to get ready for the NCAA tournament. Unless they are upset in one of these five games or lose in the WCC tournament they should have a number one seed probably in the West region.

The Seattle Dragons made their debut in the XFL on Saturday losing 31-19. Not a very exciting game to watch though the style of play and rules different than the NFL. I have to admit I didn't watch much of the game just tuning into the game on occasion. I hope the future games will look better than this one. 

Dragons next game will be against the Tampa Bay Vipers next Saturday at home in Century Link Field. The game starts at 2 pm with it being televised on Fox. I hope it will be a better game after the coaches realize what mistakes they made along with the players.

The Washington Huskies play WSU Cougars in Pullman at 3 pm on Sunday. With a week off we are hoping the Huskies men's basketball team will be playing better ball than they have for the last month. We will see how it goes.

Wednesday the Mariners pitchers and catchers report to Peoria, Arizona. Although we are not expecting a team to have a winning record this coming season it will be interesting to see how season two of the rebuild happens. We are hoping to see the young players be ready to be major league players. We are looking to see if the Mariners sign any more players before training camp especially starting pitching. Go M's. 

Saturday College Basketball

The Gonzaga Bulldogs are now 20-1 after beating Loyola of Marymount on Thursday 85-67. Saturday they take on St. Mary's  20-5 on the road. 

The Bulldogs had five players scoring in double figures led by Filip Petrusev with 21 points. He made 11 of 15 from the foul line.

The Washington Huskies and the Washington State Cougars don't play today they play each other on Sunday at 3pm in Pullman. The Huskies on a five game losing streak are hoping to turn things around in the final eight games of the season plus the Pac-12 Conference Tournament.

The Cougars on the other hand are hoping to continue the Huskies woes by beating them at home.

Ex-Mariner Santana Signs With Indians

It was announced as spring training is about ready to happen that Domingo Santana is signing  with the Cleveland Indians. Not sure whether he will play in the outfield or dh. 

His one season in Seattle he hit well until he was hurt in August having to go on the injured list. The Mariners started Santana in left field where he should have played well but he could not adjust to the position after playing right field in Milwaukee. 

The Mariners switched him back to right field about the time Mitch Haniger was hurt. The intention was to move Haniger to center field and Mallex Smith to left. With Haniger's injury Smith went back to center. Santana did better back in right field but looked like a liability still. 

I am not sure it was Santana's fault or not. At times he wasn't able to get to balls when the Mariners were in a shift. Some of the balls were hit between second base and right field. He likely was playing to deep to get to the ball. 

I think that Santana could play first base but likely will be at dh. He could play in the outfield on occasion as well. 

Santana seemed to be a good guy so I wish him the best with the Indians. 

Seahawk Wednesday

Every Wednesday during the off-season will be Seahawk Wednesday. 

Last Sunday at the Super Bowl former left tackle Walter Jones and receiver Steve Largent both hall of famers were honored as the best 100 players in NFL history as the NFL just concluded its first 100 years.

Also, over the weekend former left guard Steve Hutchinson who played with Walter Jones was named to the NFL Hall of Fame. So he will be inducted later this year.

Tight end Greg Olsen formerly of the Carolina Panthers is a free agent. He is expected to make a visit to the Seahawks. During last season Will Dissly was injured and lost for the season second year in a row. Dissly did a fine job when healthy. The Seahawks need to have depth at the tight end; since Olsen is one of the top tight ends in the NFL it would be nice to have him especially since the Seahawks love to use the tight end in their game plan. 

The XFL Seattle Dragons begin their first season this coming Saturday. Let you know how they do in their first game.

In other local sports the Seattle Mariners will begin spring training next Wednesday when the pitchers and catchers report. Go M's. 

Marco Gonzales Signs Deal With Mariners

The Seattle Mariners signed number one starter Marco Gonzales to a four-year contract plus an option. The option goes high to $15 million so he will have to pitch well for that to go into effect.

Gonzales is a tough pitcher though not among the best in baseball. He has more heart and aggressiveness than many other pitchers out there. He is an example for the younger pitchers to follow.

Marco Gonzales will turn 28 years old during spring training in less than two weeks. He would be eligible for arbitration next season so this could save the Mariners some money as well.

Last year he had a record of 16-13 with an ERA of 3.99.  With more run support in his last couple starts Gonzales would have won a couple more games. We should expect him to start the season opener like he did last year.

The Mariners picked up outfielder Jose Siri off of waivers from the Cincinnati Reds. He will compete for the outfield during spring training with Mitch Haniger out. The Mariners now have six outfielders on the 40-man roster including Haniger.

Siri had a solid season in double-A ball playing in over 100 hundred games before being promoted to triple-A where he didn't do as well. The likelihood though Siri will start the 2020 season in Tacoma. 

More Football?

The Super Bowl turned out to be Super on Sunday with the Kansas City Chiefs winning. In the fourth quarter, you would have thought the Seahawks were playing with Russell Wilson making the comeback.

For those who want more football than the XFL starts this coming Saturday. Though I am getting ready for Mariners spring training and March Madness I will let you know how Seattle's version the Dragons will do. For those who may not know Seahawk's original quarterback Jim Zorn is the head coach.

I know football won't be as good as the NFL but it could end up being entertaining.  We will see. 

The Mariners spring training starts in 9 days when the pitchers and catchers report. The position players don't have to report for two weeks from today. The first spring training game is against the San Diego Padres on February 22.  

The regular season begins at home on March 26 against the Texas Rangers followed by the Minnesota Twins. The first road trip begins on April 2nd in Kansas City against the Royals followed by the Chicago White Sox. The second homestand will be the Mariners against the Boston Red Sox April 9 thru the 12 followed by a two-game series against the World Champions Washington Nationals. A good way to start off the season. Those who want to know the Yankees come to town June 1 thru 3. Go M's. 

Huskies and Cougars Both Lose

It wasn't a good week for the Huskies as they lost both to Arizona and Arizona State. On Saturday the Huskies lost 87-73. The game wasn't that close most of the time. Arizona State had a 13 point lead in the second half. The Huskies scored 12 points in the last 90 seconds while the Sun Devils scored six. It was a bit different than the previous four games the Huskies have lost as well.

The Cougars, on the other hand, beat the Sun Devils on Thursday with a 3 point shot after blowing a 13 point lead. Saturday though they lost to Arizona by a score of 66-49. The Cougars got off to a good start but it didn't last long. Both the Sun Devils and the Wildcats are tough teams to beat though the Pac-12 most of the teams have been playing well at home.

Both teams have most of this week off as they play each other in Pullman next Sunday. The Huskies are hoping this the right time to end this losing streak.

Coach Mike Hopkins needs to find a way to get the young puppies back into playing good ball. We all know they have the talent the deal can they play that way. Go Dawgs!

Saturday College Basketball

Most everyone is getting ready to watch the Super Bowl on Sunday you might as well get into the swing of things by watching or at least hearing about local college basketball.

The Washington Huskies who have been on a tailspin since the Pac-12 schedule at the beginning of January take on the Arizona State Sun Devils. Hopefully, things will change now that February is now here. 

It has been frustrating watching the Huskies because they are leading in the second half in double digits then find a way to lose the game at the end. Jaden McDaniels one of the Huskies top freshman had a very good non-league season has had trouble during the Pac-12 schedule including fouling out of several games as well as having technical fouls. Those technical fouls have shot the Huskies in the foot each time. He needs to control his temper or whatever it is that is causing him to get the technical fouls.

It doesn't help that the Pac-12 referees are a terrible group. So often they stop the action to look at a replay. It is in the rules but why so often. It shows they are missing something out on the floor. They either need to add another referee or get new ones. It isn't fair for the players to stop the action, especially for several minutes. Get your act together guys. 

The Washington State Cougars take on Arizona on Saturday after beating Arizona State at the end of the game. The Cougars had a big lead that they squandered and almost lost winning on a shot at the end.

The Cougars are rebuilding so whatever is positive is going in the right direction.

The Gonzaga Bulldogs take on the San Francisco Dons Saturday afternoon on the road. They beat Santa Clara 87-72. Gonzaga is still ranked second in the country waiting to be a top seed in the NCAA tournament in March.