| By Jason A. Churchill |  | By 03-31-2009 |
Before I get to the news on right-handers Phillippe Aumont, Maikel Cleto and Michael Pineda, two other right-handers are in the news this week.Austin Bibens-Dirkx and Joe Woerman were released - Woerman last week, AB-D yesterday.
Those were the two most noteworthy transactions, so I thought I'd share. Austin should land on his feet, and he's a favorite of mine, so I wish him well. He can pitch, too, when healthy, and is now using a variance of arm angles regularly, something the organization really liked. But it's a numbers crunch, and the M's have a slew of teenage Latin arms that they need room for.
Aumont to West Tenn
Don't get too excited, because there's more. I have learned that the Mariners have either already decided, or are strongly considering, starting Aumont's second pro season in Double-A West Tennessee - in the bullpen.
On the surface this could tee off a lot of people, but it's a better alternative than sending Aumont to High Desert and using him in the rotation. Why? Because he has all of 50 innings under his belt as a pro and in a relief role the organization can control his environment more effectively. Surprisingly, I love this move.
Aumont may start games at some point in 2009, but this is a great way to monitor his work load, ramp him up properly, aiding the effort to keep his elbow healthy as he builds arm strength and durability, as well as shelter the kid from the California League.
No word on whether any of the other top arms are getting similar treatment.
Pineda Sharp, too
Last week, Keith Law penned a mini-report on right-hander Juan Ramirez - read it here, but Ramirez isn't the only one looking good in Spring Training.
Michael Pineda tossed four innings versus the Rangers' High-A club Saturday, allowing just one hit and sitting 92-95 mph with his fastball and showing a sharp slider. His best fastball in his final frame was 94, and his slider was 79-82 mph.
If Pineda is going to sit even 92-93 and touch 95 (last year he was 90-91 mostly, touching 94 on rare occasions), he's going to be better than Ramirez. Pineda has more movement on his fastball and gets better plane on it, too.
Where is Maikel Cleto?
Nobody can find right-hander Maikel Cleto, the power arm the M's acquired from the New York Mets in the J.J. Putz trade. While I cannot confirm, it's believed that Cleto could be among the 70 or more prospects being held in the Dominican Republic, pending investigation of fraudulent documents.
If players are found guilty of such an offense by the FBI - who has been given carte blanche by the Dominican authorities - players may find it difficult to pass through immigration, and potentially could face future problems with getting a visa.
Hopefully Cleto is just working out indoors, nursing a hamstring injury or a lingering flu or something, but since the player development department isn't willing to say where Cleto is, exactly, I have to at least consider this a strong possibility.
Photo of Phillippe Aumont by Mike Andruski
aumont-news,-pineda,-cleto,-too
Comments
The following 88 comment(s) for this article are shown below:
| 1. By: Gustafson on 03-31-2009 12:13:10 Oh dude. That would suck about Cleto. He was a HUGE part of the Putz trade. The hits just keep on coming... |
| 2. By: Jason A. Churchill on 03-31-2009 12:47:36 The hope is that those players will be given some sort of leniency since they are just kids, really. But the process may take some time. |
| 3. By: Adam T on 03-31-2009 12:53:13 Jason - I may have completely missed this, but why haven't we heard anything re: Saunders? Is he hurt? |
| 4. By: Pumpkin on 03-31-2009 12:53:46 Thanks Jason, awesome report. It is always great to hear about a young prospect like Pineda stepping it up a notch. He has been a favorite of mine since about last June and that the last game he pitched last year was what really got me hooked. Man that would really be a big blow if that did happen to Cleto, he seemed like a good prospect with a very bright future. Do you think that the whole age scandal thing might be in part the reason that the mariners are now switching more toward the Asian market? Personally speaking I hope that we put more resources into the Latin market, with someone like Engle down there, why hurt the best part of your organization? Jason, how certain do think it is that Strasburg will make the jump straight to the majors and we will see him pitching for Washington by the end of the year? |
| 5. By: PositivePaul on 03-31-2009 13:03:26 COOOOOTTTTTOOON!!!!!! Sheesh. I thought the days of overwhelmingly frustrating bad news was out the door with the Bavasi administration. Certainly, yeah, they had to find room in the organization for their players. But they effed Austin up so badly in his development that it stunted whatever progress he should've made. I'll never forget seeing him in Tacoma a few weeks after he was drafted, and instantly wanting to follow him... Scary news about Cleto. Hope that works out! |
| 6. By: Jason A. Churchill on 03-31-2009 13:05:35 Adam, Thanks for reminding me, I forgot to ask about Saunders. Pumpkin, The M's aren't focusing more on Asia. They are just as aggressive in Latin American as ever, but, as I wrote earlier this year, the club may focus, for a little while, more on the draft than the international market, saving their cash for the top talents, instead. They aren't going to punt on any of the better guys down there, just perhaps cut down on the number of signings. re: Strasburg There's a chance, but I think it depends on when he signs. If he's drafted June 9 and doesn't sign until sometime after September, he'll have had a lot of time off between June and Feb-March when spring training starts. If he's sharl in ST 2010, though, and his velo and command are there, no reason to send him to the minors. If he needs a little time to iron it out, AA or AAA for a few weeks won't hurt, and it will delay his service time clock. |
| 7. By: 01v-dubs on 03-31-2009 14:02:27 That would be awesome if Aumount ends up in the rotation in AA at some point this year, also nice to hear about Pineda stepping it up, he's a neat prospect because he's so advanced for his age. Jason, a little OT but how accurate are those draft reports on the MLB's official website? I just ask because I looked at Alex White's one and it said he threw 6 pitches, FB, CB, Slider, Changeup, Spliter, and a Sinker. (It says it in the video, not on the bio page) If that's true he sounds like Dice-K, but I've heard from everywhere else he was a FB, Slider, Changeup/Splitter guy. |
| 8. By: Jason A. Churchill on 03-31-2009 14:06:01 I haven't seen White, and haven't talked to anyone that has seen him in 2009, but entering the year I was told he was a 4FB,SL, SPL guy. I haven't seen him throw what appeared to be a CB in the 12 or so innings I've seen in video, though, an a pro club is going to curb his pitches to three, maybe four, as long as the first three are FB, SPL (it's his change) and one of the breaking balls. His slider is pretty good, so I'd be surprised if his CB was better. |
| 9. By: Slack on 03-31-2009 14:52:50 Thats awesome news about Pineda. I hope he and Ramirez, and Adcock for that matter don't struggle too much in High Desert. I think the M's need to get out of there. The news about Pineda makes the news about Cleto a little easier to swallow. If and when Cleto arrives, where does he go? Does he go to Clinton or High Desert? |
| 10. By: SvhoopsStar5 on 03-31-2009 14:53:03 Jason, Speaking of Ramirez and Pineda, Any chance they end up in the AA rotation along with Aumont by the end of the year? I'm assuming they'll start at High Desert |
| 11. By: Lonnie on 03-31-2009 15:04:16 Jason, For a first timer, the minor league camp in Peoria was a baby nightmare! I looked and looked for all sorts of players, but it was amazing how many players wore the same number! The only really good picture I got was of bloody Joe Woerman! For next year, I'm planning on a 3 week stint down there with no wife, no kids, and no friends. Just me, my camera, my laptop, and a bloody mess of a roster sheet. Lonnie |
| 12. By: Lonnie on 03-31-2009 15:17:04 Jason, Over at MiLB.com they are showing rosters for the minor league teams. They show Cleto as playing for the AA Diamond Jaxx. Is this really where he will end up, or is someone over there enjoying some herb? Lonnie |
| 13. By: Jason A. Churchill on 03-31-2009 15:34:51 Those rosters mean nothing right now, it's fairly random. But some of them are indeed going to end up correct. I know Cotter and Halman are going to start the year there, but does it make any sense for Kelley to go back to Tacoma? They still have players on MILB rosters that aren't in the org anymore, too. Hopefully this year the clubs will get official rosters the day before the seasons starts. I can track some of them down the day before, usually, but it takes more effort than what it's worth for me. I'll probably be able to get the Tacoma, HD and Clinton rosters as soon as the clubs have them. |
| 14. By: littlelinny6 on 03-31-2009 16:18:50 Random comment here but the M's are pounding the Indians now 10-0 with HRs from everyone but by far the most impressive was Russell Branyan's. He has got unbelievable power when he connects. Even if the M's suck this year it should be fun to watch him wallop 450 ft. blast to RF on occassion. And it was off a LHP pitcher to boot! |
| 15. By: rocketdawg31 on 03-31-2009 16:33:29 Jason- when you mention "a slew of Latin arms" being made room for, do you know of anyone specifically coming stateside of note? Are we talking about guys like Nelson Germocen? Are there other names (that we don't know yet but that we should look for)? |
| 16. By: Jason A. Churchill on 03-31-2009 16:40:00 Guys like that, yes. But more importantly, Valdivia. Not sure what to think of Germocen, he's already 20 and while his numbers are ridiculous, many of the bats he was facing are either non-prospects or they are 16-18 years old. Plus, he's apparently already a pure relief guy. We'll see, I don't know much about him other that that. |
| 17. By: Jason A. Churchill on 03-31-2009 16:46:06 Lonnie, I'll coordinate a trip down there next spring - hopefully things won't be so hectic here in Seattle for me next spring - and I'll be around to help point guys out, ask the staff for a roster, get Pedro, the players and the coaches/managers to help us find certain guys. That's the nature of the beast. They only have 100 uniform numbers to use 0-99, and there are more players than that. |
| 18. By: bikozu on 03-31-2009 17:45:30 Great news on Aumont. I'm really glad they're upping his competition and limiting his innings through bullpen work. I hope he gets the coaching he needs and can make those innings he gets really productive. That article on Ramirez was interesting and the Pineda news is excellent. If we get lucky and these high ceiling arms will keep progressing without significant setbacks, we could be in good shape on the SP front a few years down the road. |
| 19. By: Lonnie on 03-31-2009 17:53:48 Jason sez: "I'll coordinate a trip down there next spring - " That would be cool Jason, I was very unprepared for the scene when taken from a scouting/reporting/photographing point of view. I did enjoy myself though, I got to talk to a couple of the coaches about the minors in general. Nothing really to report about, but fun none the less. Any chance of you going to Phoenix for ST next year? Lonnie |
| 20. By: Jason A. Churchill on 03-31-2009 19:16:47 Yeah, I'll be there, planning on 10 days. |
| 21. By: Quacker27 on 03-31-2009 19:43:00 Not sure if this is the right place to ask, but does the Morrow news mean a trade of him or Fields is more likely to happen sometime soon (the next year)? It seems like keeping both is rather redundant now. |
| 22. By: Missthosepilots on 03-31-2009 19:55:19 Thanks Jason. Nice to know there is hope after we pile up a few more low picks..as it would seem. Lonnie, do you go to any Sky Sox games? I am starting to get busy coaching my Babe Ruth team in Fountain. |
| 23. By: Edman on 03-31-2009 20:33:59 What is it with people? Because Morrow is the closer, Fields can't possible work in set-up for a few years? Just because Morrow has decided to close, doesn't mean the Mariners should, or would trade him. You can NEVER have too much pitching. Someone comes along and offers something major for him, great. But, to trade him just because you think you can, is silly. You trade assets to get better, not to clear inventory. |
| 24. By: Jason A. Churchill on 03-31-2009 20:37:54 No, Quacker. Neither Morrow nor Fields is a proven closer. Morrow has some success there last year, but his control is not good - average at very best right now, and that's being kind and ignoring his spring - so who knows what his ultimate role is going to be. Fields hasn't even thrown a professional pitch, so let's not get ahead of ourselves. There are other things to consider, too, before simply assuming that they are redundant talents. Things such as the fact that the shelf life of relievers being very, very short, injuries can happen... and how about this one -- When was the last time a team won the World Series without two very good to great relievers? Philly had Madson and Lidge last year. Boston had Okajima and Papelbon. StL had no great ones, but three very good ones that year in Wainwright, Looper and Isringhausen. The White Sox had three in Cotts, Jenks and Politte. You don't overpay for relievers, shouldn't draft them high and should almost always trade them out at their highest value, but neither Fields nor Morrow are there yet, nor is it likely that both will be in a year or so, if ever. And I still don't believe Morrow's days as a starter are over. |
| 25. By: Jason A. Churchill on 03-31-2009 20:39:26 Edman, sometimes you amaze me. I couldn't agree more. |
| 26. By: Missthosepilots on 03-31-2009 20:48:25 With our starters....a very good bullpen might be in order! With Silva pitching some of them might feel like they were starters. |
| 27. By: DAMellen on 03-31-2009 23:07:02 So as far as Aumont's concerned, this'll basically be the same as last year, right? He started in the bullpen with the plan being to stretch him out and eventually get him starts last year too didn't he? |
| 28. By: Jason A. Churchill on 04-01-2009 00:13:45 I think he could stay in the pen longer, though, but yes. |
| 29. By: stickball on 04-01-2009 15:07:05 How about that Jakubauskas? He's either going to make the show or make the Tacoma team. |
| 30. By: Jason A. Churchill on 04-01-2009 15:11:50 There's no way he's not on the 25-man. He was 89-91 with strikes his last time out, with good command. If it were me, I'd use him in the rotation and push RRS to the pen, just for the start of the year. I can't think of another arm who is throwing strikes with decent stuff that could be kept in his place? They jettisoned Lugo back and Jimenez is on the DL. |
| 31. By: littlelinny6 on 04-01-2009 15:23:40 While that is the logical baseball decision isnt the most likely thing to happen is RRS is #5, Batista in the bullpen, and Jakubauskas in Tacoma. I know you said release Batista, do you think Shefield and now Jenkins both getting released with large contracts could help the M's follow suit and just eat $9 million? I know they can just send Jakubauskas back to Tacoma but shoudn't you put the best players on the ML team?? Also, Jason, are the M's going to start the year with no LHP relief pitchers?? |
| 32. By: stickball on 04-01-2009 15:32:13 Go Jakubauskas. Doesn't RRS have reverse splits? |
| 33. By: Jason A. Churchill on 04-01-2009 15:45:01 Name 7 relievers and try leaving Jakubauskas out without a straight face. Lugo, Johnson, Messenger, Pena, Munoz and Jimenez are out of the running. Walker is gone. Vargas, Hull are in AAA. So you're looking at Lowe, Aardsma, Batista, Kelley, Morrow if healthy enough, Corcoran, White and Jakubauskas or RRS (not both)... Is that not 8? You're telling me Jakubauskas is the worst of those 8, even IF Morrow is healthy? And if Morrow is not healthy -- good chance of that right now -- then all seven (the eighth is the starter out of Jak and RRS) go north. And yes, no LHRs to start the year. None of them are healthy enough or good enough to help right now. LAA won a WS without a lefty in their pen. Just get good relievers. |
| 34. By: Missthosepilots on 04-01-2009 15:59:52 You got it Jason. Good pitchers will beat average combinations of lefty/righty. But as you know, this looks like an average group from the one side! Is there any of that group from the pen you see having upside surprise? Thanks! |
| 35. By: stickball on 04-01-2009 16:02:09 Any chance they have a 5man bench? |
| 36. By: Jason A. Churchill on 04-01-2009 16:05:06 Doesn't sound like it, stick, and they shouldn't, either. They are going to need all the arms they can get. Backup catcher Sweeney Chavez Cedeno That's the bench. re: pilots Besides Lowe, I think none of them have what you'd call upside, really. None of them have great stuff, other than potentially Lowe. |
| 37. By: stickball on 04-01-2009 16:07:58 Jason, The reason why I ask is that the Mariners couldn't work out a trade with rule 5 Lugo. My guess is that they are currently talking with the Yankees for Corona. If they can't work out a trade, they might carry Corona. |
| 38. By: Jason A. Churchill on 04-01-2009 16:12:41 Not likely. It would mean either 11 pitchers - not happening - or that someone happened with Cedeno, Lopez or Betancourt. My guess is that to carry Corona on the roster, there would have to an injury, or Betancourt gets traded. Neither impossible. The M's don't WANT to carry Corona on the 25-man, though. It's not going to be easy getting the Yankees to match up for a trade. Their big-league infield is in shambles. AROD hurt, Ransom and Berroa have been awful and neither are good defensively. The two teams started talking several days ago, of not weeks. The Yankees eyed an A ball SP. |
| 39. By: Missthosepilots on 04-01-2009 16:20:21 Would Corona be worth giving up any of those A pitchers? I hope those guys can all hurry up and arrive safely in Seattle! |
| 40. By: Jason A. Churchill on 04-01-2009 16:28:28 I wouldn't even discuss trading Ramirez, Aumont or Pineda for Corona. His upside might be as an average regular... at best. I'll pass. |
| 41. By: Lonnie on 04-01-2009 16:38:09 Jason sez: "I wouldn't even discuss trading Ramirez, Aumont or Pineda for Corona. His upside might be as an average regular... at best." How about Parades? He isn't quite at the level of the three you mention, but he does have potential I believe. Lonnie |
| 42. By: Jason A. Churchill on 04-01-2009 16:41:20 NYY eyed a useful arm. Paredes has not thrown well this spring, either. |
| 43. By: Lonnie on 04-01-2009 16:52:29 Jason, I've been mulling over the 1st base situation at Tacoma and something occured to me. With the glut of candidates for the position, couldn't one of Carp, LaHair, Hubbard, or even (don't laugh) Clement make a transition to 3rd base? We are soooo thin at third system wide it makes sense to at least give one of these guys a try. Perhaps letting them learn the position at AA West Tenn? Lonnie |
| 44. By: Missthosepilots on 04-01-2009 16:53:17 LaHair and Morse for Corona? Just kidding. Will some of the excess at first get let go at Tacoma or is there any room at AA? Especially if Clement is going to see time there? |
| 45. By: Missthosepilots on 04-01-2009 16:56:07 Lonnie, how about Wilson tackling the ball at third? |
| 46. By: Lonnie on 04-01-2009 16:57:53 I don't believe Wilson has the reflexes to handle the hot corner. He would be a damned intimidating presence on a close play. Wilson is one LARGE man! Lonnie |
| 47. By: Gustafson on 04-01-2009 17:03:08 Corcoran got rocked again today. Shawn Kelley came in and K'd Kelly Shoppach to bail Corcy out. Something tells me Corcy might be driving 35 miles South on I-5 soon... Kelly and Jakubauskus have, frankly, earned spots. And Corcoran has gotten shelled. |
| 48. By: Missthosepilots on 04-01-2009 17:25:31 Lonnie, that Mr. Wilson is. When I was in little league loved watching the Frank Howards and Boog Powell destroy the ball. You live in Colorado don't you? |
| 49. By: Lonnie on 04-01-2009 17:42:56 Missthosepilots sez: "You live in Colorado don't you?" Yep! Colorado Springs. |
| 50. By: Missthosepilots on 04-01-2009 17:51:42 Lonnie, same here. Originally from north part of Seattle. I hope to see you around! |
| 51. By: stickball on 04-01-2009 19:05:37 Jason, You brought up White as a possibility for the pen. White was sent to minors last week. |
| 52. By: Jason A. Churchill on 04-01-2009 19:35:44 Lonnie, None of those guys you mentioned have the athleticism to play third in the minors, let alone at the big-league level. Tui has a much better shot to stick, and I'd put that at 25%. stick, I know, but White has thrown better than all but about five of the arms that are still candidates. He can be brought back up at any time without burning any other options or whatever, and service time is not a concern whatsoever. |
| 53. By: stickball on 04-01-2009 19:44:23 Delgado probably has a better chance than White. Delgado is out of options. |
| 54. By: Jason A. Churchill on 04-01-2009 19:54:12 Not if you're going by how well they threw the ball. Ignore the numbers, Delgado isn't ready for the big leagues. Again, this isn't about what I think they WILL do, rather which guys deserve the spots. I still can't see how Jakubauskas is sent back to AAA to start the year. |
| 55. By: littlelinny6 on 04-01-2009 20:16:25 Well, Wakamatsu said RRS is the 5th starter. Unless Morrow starts in AA/AAA because of total lack of command currently, Batista may be the closer until Morrow is ready according to Baker---that thought scares me. I really wish they would just release Batista, put Jakubauskas as the long reliever, and do a committee for closer until maybe late April when Morrow is good to go. My biggest question is why would Wakamatsu let Batista pitch in any game let alone a close game the M's could win?? I hope this is just Baker speculating about Batista's possible role. |
| 56. By: nighthawk180 on 04-01-2009 22:39:53 Jason do you think that adding Dallas McPherson to the mix at 3rd would be a good idea. With the mariners so thin in 3b prospects do you think it would be a good idea for a minor league contract. Especially seeing that tui might not make the cut. |
| 57. By: Jason A. Churchill on 04-01-2009 22:45:25 McPherson can't play 3rd. Tui is a better bet defensively. |
| 58. By: StandinPat on 04-02-2009 12:53:44 If the M's are looking to add any player to the mix, it needs to be a SS. They already have viable candidates for 3b(Lopez/Tui) and 2b (Lopez, Cedeno, eventually Truinfel). Hopefully the Dodgers need pitching around the break and Bedard is reasonably healthy and we can pry DeJesus from them. |
| 59. By: Slack on 04-02-2009 13:36:00 Jason, Sorry to go off topic but I found out that Rick Porcello made the Tigers starting rotation. What do you think of the move? I'm not sure I like it because he's only pitched 125 innings and you can't expect him to go up to 200 this year. Thats a 75 inning jump. |
| 60. By: Lonnie on 04-02-2009 13:43:19 This may be the best thread of conversation that I've read here so far. Ya got something good brewing here, Jason. Missthosepilots, email me (lonnie.mathis(at)gmail.com) Lonnie |
| 61. By: smartie11 on 04-02-2009 13:44:12 Jason, I've read twice today and seems to be the general assumption, that Truinfel moves to 2B. Doesn't that kind of waste his arm, which by most accounts is rated quite high. Would 3rd make more sense, or even an outfield position if he can handle it defensively? |
| 62. By: Lonnie on 04-02-2009 13:49:12 StandinPat sez: "If the M's are looking to add any player to the mix, it needs to be a SS. They already have viable candidates for 3b(Lopez/Tui) and 2b (Lopez, Cedeno, eventually Truinfel)." LOL, if you are throwing Lopez into that mix then you had better start looking for a 2nd baseman too! Seriously though, moving current starters around to fill holes is a great short-term fix. I'd love to see a situation like we have at catcher, depth, and good depth at that. Behind Tui you have Mangini and Liddi. There really isn't a long-term alternative down on the farm. I understand why you threw Triunfel into the mix, but from everything I've read the M's are going to keep the kid at SS until he either succeeds or falls on his face. A stupid move in my book, but hey, I'm not in charge! If I was I'd start grooming Carlos for 2nd or 3rd now. Lonnie |
| 63. By: StandinPat on 04-02-2009 16:54:39 Lonnie sez: "LOL, if you are throwing Lopez into that mix then you had better start looking for a 2nd baseman too!" Apparently you missed the mention of Cedeno at 2b a mere two words later.... |
| 64. By: Jason A. Churchill on 04-02-2009 18:57:11 Slack, Porcello is their fifth starter, so they'll have plenty of opportunity to curb his workload. They certainly aren't worried about his clock. I don't hate the move, but it could be an act to save Dombrowski's job. Porcello gets ground balls and can miss enough bats to be effective. Triunfel played some second in 2007, 2008, and will again in 2009. He played a lot there in ST, and I expect the split of games between the three infield spots to start swaying more toward 2B. A waste of his arm? That's not important, really. What is is that his range is adequate for the position he plays. I'd split the time between 2nd and short at 60-40 in 09 and forget about third base. |
| 65. By: stickball on 04-02-2009 20:43:15 Kirby Arnold is reporting that Caser Jimenez, currently on the DL, is out of options. I haven't seen it reported anywhere else that Jimenez is out of options. Is he really out of options? |
| 66. By: Lonnie on 04-02-2009 22:04:32 StandinPat sez: "Apparently you missed the mention of Cedeno at 2b a mere two words later...." Oh, I didn't miss it, I'm speaking more along the lines of long term, and I don't see Cedeno as more than a 2 to 3 year option. Who know, he may go longer than that, but to hedge your bet you need to bring in/draft/UDFA sign someone to put some pressure on him to keep up a high level of performance. Besides, Cedeno can't play both SS and 2nd at the same time. ;) Lonnie |
| 67. By: Jason A. Churchill on 04-02-2009 22:10:39 Stick, Yes, he is. He's been optioned out three times - 06, 07, 08. |
| 68. By: littlelinny6 on 04-02-2009 23:01:36 Jason, What is your take on the lineup's vs. RHPs and LHPs. Especially on opening day with Liriano going do you see Griffey sitting? I was thinking Balentien LF, Sweeney 1B and then either Griffey/Branyan DH--who can hit lefties better? Also, is there anything to make of Endy Chavez's torrid spring (16 for 32)? I know small sample sizes, spring training,etc.--but is there something he is doing differently (approach to the plate, etc.) now that he never did before to indicate he could be a decent offensive player this year rather than glove only? |
| 69. By: marinerseric on 04-02-2009 23:23:48 Off topic, but I am concerened about Ichiro and his health. Do you have any idea what is going on Jason? Any updates or speculation? |
| 70. By: Jason A. Churchill on 04-03-2009 01:59:30 I can't see Griffey sitting on OD, no. I'd bet he DHs, Chavez in left. I'd sit him, but they won't. Not on OD, and not on OD at the Safe, either. No on Chavez. It's spring training, half of those ABs were against average or worse arms, and the other half, well, I'd bet half of those were against legit big leaguers that were struggling the way Cliff Lee has all spring. He's not doing anything differently that I know of. eric, I don't know anything. I'd guess that he's truly tired, perhaps has the flu. But it is concerning that he's been back with the team a week and is just now going to the doctor because the fatigue is still there. |
| 71. By: dbookey on 04-03-2009 11:43:55 If Ichiro is out for any amount of time do they play Griffey In the field and let Sweeney DH? |
| 72. By: smartie11 on 04-03-2009 12:33:55 well ichiro is on the 15 day DL with a bleeding ulser. well who didn't see that comin? |
| 73. By: safecochatter on 04-03-2009 13:50:56 i'm thinking adding morse to the 25 man to replace ichiro. after clearing waviers he opted to stay with the mariner org and play for tacoma. just a way to thank a player for their dedication. my question is would morse have to clear waivers again when ichiro returns or has the waiver god been satisfied for the year? |
| 74. By: PositivePaul on 04-03-2009 14:33:48 i'm thinking adding morse to the 25 man to replace ichiro. after clearing waviers he opted to stay with the mariner org and play for tacoma. just a way to thank a player for their dedication. my question is would morse have to clear waivers again when ichiro returns or has the waiver god been satisfied for the year? No! No! No! Morse isn't an outfielder. He sucks at pretty much every position, but OF especially. And this is coming from the last remaining Mike Morse fanboy... And, yes, he'd have to clear waivers again to return to Tacoma after Ichiro returns to the 25-man. |
| 75. By: Slurve on 04-03-2009 17:10:26 Any chance we see Saunders in an M's uni early? |
| 76. By: candasharp on 04-03-2009 17:25:34 We are only looking for a defensive replacement for about two weeks. The question is who best fits that bill. That being said, I would like to take a look at Wilson personally and see if he can turn into a Marcus Thames style-lefty killer. Morse just doesn't do it for me. Burke might be an option since he is flexible defensively. If Halman was a bit closer tot he bigs, he would be the automatic choice but I can't see them starting his service clock based on this injury. |
| 77. By: Lonnie on 04-03-2009 22:57:32 Saunders is a work in progress, and he is currently on the DL. Saunders needs at least a full year of AAA before he can be thought of as an option for the outfield. No Morse. Please, God, no Morse! If they bring anyone up will probably be someone who can actually be more of a utility guy, Like Chris Burke. We have enough outfield talent on the travelling squad to cover for Ichiro's absence. What will be interesting is what Waka will do for a lead-off hitter. Lonnie |
| 78. By: ASUBoyd on 04-04-2009 14:24:25 Thoughts on Mike Leake and his 10ks against U dub, Jason? You said you were going to be there. |
| 79. By: marinerseric on 04-04-2009 16:24:36 I like how Johjima took the ball the other way. If he can do that more often he be a better hitter. Think Boone without the enhancers. |
| 80. By: littlelinny6 on 04-04-2009 18:19:09 According to LaRue to TNT: The pitching staff, then: David Aardsma, Miguel Batista, Erik Bedard,Corcoran, Felix Hernandez, Jakubauskas, Kelley, Mark Lowe, Brandon Morrow, Ryan Rowland-Smith, Carlos Silva, Jarrod Washburn. Catchers: Kenji Johjima and Rob Johnson. Infielders: Adrian Beltre, Yuniesky Betancourt, Russell Branyan, Ronny Cedeno, Jose Lopez, Mike Sweeney, Tuiasosopo. Outfielders: Wladimir Balentien, Endy Chavez, Ken Griffey Jr., Franklin Guttierrrez. As much as I like Tui, why did they give back Corona for Yankees if they were going to carry an extra IF?? Tui can only play 3B and Beltre is possibly our best player and likely never to be replaced. I guess it doesn't matter cuz he won't play much anyways. The good news too is that although Delagado was placed on waivers he was not claimed and will be in AAA so if Corcoran sucks we can recall Delgado. |
| 81. By: littlelinny6 on 04-04-2009 18:31:58 Never mind, Tui will only be with the M's for 8 games until Ichiro comes back so keeping Corona, who can't play OF makes no sense. I guess the hope is they would rather have Tui out playing LF than Mike Wilson. |
| 82. By: stickball on 04-04-2009 19:00:05 Haha. Jakubauskas made the team. |
| 83. By: ASUBoyd on 04-04-2009 19:33:25 why "haha"? |
| 84. By: rocketdawg31 on 04-04-2009 19:50:17 I believe it is a gleeful exhultation, ASUBoyd, stemming from stickball's previous arguments regarding Jakubauskas (and just what he can bring to the table of the favorite baseball club of all of us) with our illustrious host, Jason A. Churchill. To wit, Churchill had labeled Jakubauskas "just another arm", and stickball disagreed. The fact that Jakubauskas has indeed made the 25-man roster leads stickball to believe he was correct in his assessments. My own thought on the matter is: "Rack 'em up, rack 'em up, let's see what we got here..." |
| 85. By: ASUBoyd on 04-04-2009 20:02:53 Eh, if you followed it that is not exactly what transpired. It was more stickball said "Jak should make the team because his spring training stats were good." "jason said no, he should not make it for that reason, he should make it because he is throing 89-91, is throwing strikes, and is would contribute. ST performance does not matter." So it was sort of semantics. |
| 86. By: rocketdawg31 on 04-04-2009 21:00:17 Well, shucks...it still sounded like a gleeful exhultation one would expect from someone who felt their argument vindicated! |
| 87. By: stickball on 04-04-2009 21:15:20 ASU you're misquoting me. I said Jakubauskas did well in his outings. Show me where I said he should make the team only due to his stats. |
| 88. By: stickball on 04-04-2009 21:21:51 rocketdawg31, haha you were right in the first place. Jason didn't even have Jakubauskas having enough pitching upside to make the Tacoma team. |
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