Add to favorites Examiner Bio

Seattle, we have lift off

The Mariners lit their engine, cleared the Metrodome nicely, suffered some second and third stage problems on the way up but managed to get the team into orbit using an extended burn of their fourth stage and the mission is underway with 158 orbits to go. Mission ops are currently being relocated which gives me the opportunity  to write a story while the boys celebrate a really nice win on their way to Oakland for tomorrows game.   Since this is my first season as a Mariners reporter I will explain one of my little quirks when it comes to reporting on baseball. I am a sucker for clichés along with most of my fellow reporters but, unlike many,  I am willing to admit it and even take a few of them to heart.

 

The particular cliché in question here is the old “Our goal is to win series” that no doubt will be uttered innumerable times over the now underway season. I use it as an excuse to wrap up series instead of individual games. The first series of the Mariners new season is a perfect example. Anyone who put too much emphasis on the first game certainly set themselves up for disappointment in the next two games.  There were painful reminders of last year in both games but our team, I believe, played their best baseball in the final game of the four game set. That game we would have lost last year and I have no doubt everyone was holding their breath as Morrow walked the lead off batter with four straight pitches. Note to Don Wakamatsu, do not enter any poker tournament ever.   As fans we love the fact you care so much but Torre always has cared about his teams and he always looks like he is watching paint dry. I don’t know whether it was the look on his managers’ face that provided the motivation but, what ever the source, Mr. Morrow reached inside and found his resolve along with the right hand edge of home plate at 97mph. The next three batters had no chance and, if he can pitch like that consistently, we may very well be looking at one helluva closer for this year’s season.    

 

Does anyone know where the Mariners can get a portable dome to put up when Washburn is pitching? Maybe the air is that much heavier but I believe his confidence is just that much higher when he is ensconced in a bubble. How about that sinker! Amazing and he says it wasn’t that hard to learn. If the wind isn’t blowing maybe heavy air spray will work. Make sure you bring a can to the park the next time Wash is on the mound.

 

Great defense for the whole series, especially the double that wasn’t in today’s game when Gutierrez, literally dug one out of the ground robbing Casilla. He was shaded to right which made the catch even more spectacular. He can watch that catch tonight on ESPN.  Bottom line here is the M’s could have swept this series. They led in every game and had 35 hits for the series. Next up Oakland with a line up that keeps opponents pitching staffs up at night. Mr. Smith goes to Oakland and my good wishes go with him. Our hitters need to make the A’s young pitching staff think they should have stayed in the minors one year longer. 

 

 

 

For more info: Seattle Sports Examiner, Sports Media Examiner