Pallbearer

So, like i said on my Twitter account. What would we do without Russell Branyan. Amazing stroke, as one USS Mariner commenter said... that swing is worth more than one win!

Anyways... interesting note on Jason A Churchill's twitter account. A rival scout believes the mariners to make not just one more but two in the next week and change. one surrounding our line up and one with out rotation, with bedard expected to stick around.

One would assume that it would lead to Washburn being traded but im not entirely sold on that idea just yet. i think the clock for Morrow is ticking and while he has shown some ability. He may not be as untouchable as he once was. Espcially with the emergence of Jason Vargas.


Also of course with the Olson melt down and RRS headed to the fourth spot there is discussion about weather Vargas, Morrow or CJ will get the nod for the 5 spot on sunday. My inclination is Jak will get it. Giving Vargas some time to rest his arm until August so that we have him to make the last push of the season.


I really feel that jakubauskas is a solid choice for us. while he isnt going to be any type of genius you will get from him what you expect. and thats a mini of 5 solid innings.


back to the trading deadline ... do you think there is a fourth option for the starting 5? Jack Z like to surprise and while i dont expect to add someone to the starting rotation through a trade. I really wouldnt be surprised as he has a habit for pulling a rabit out of his hat.


Washburn going tommorrow in the rubber match... GO MARINERS GO!

fly, fly, fly away....

No, this isn't refering to me being on my trip. Which i'm tottally enjoying. i love nothing more than staying up late and playing cards while listening to Dave Neihaus. It is AMAZING!

But, with the girls off watching the American Idol finale i thought it apporiate that i take some time and give a quick Top 5

Top 5: Thing i love most about the 2009 Mariners

5. The return of Erik Bedard. He has really been a great pitcher this year and will never justify the trade that bill bivasi made for him. but he has been what the Mariners thought he would have been last year. An ace equivelent.

4. The pitching of chris jakubauskas/David Aardsma has been exciting!!

--Chris's curve ball is coming along, and should it ever really progress i believe his ceiling could grow beyond a #5 starter....... Please don't misunderstand me... He has had some TERRIBLE games. But then he has some solid games. tonight was a good one...next week will probley be pathetic. it's kind of a crap shoot..

--As for David has stepped up beyond what we expected. He thought he would be solid but stepping into the closer spot being removed and then stepping back up is awesome. He goes about his buisness and is a professional. I love it and i love seeing him in the ninth even if he blows it!

3. franklin gutierrez in center field.. He has shown why he was the center piece of the off-season movement in seattle. amazing glove, great speed, and is growing as a hitter.

2 .The progression of Wladimir Balentine.. He has flown out twice and struck out in the bottom of the 8th with a runner at third. But, more and more he continues to impress me. I love seeing him hit because i feel he has a chance to do anything when he's up.

1. Russ Branyan. Dude this guy is the old man version of chris davis(without the dazzeling defense). This guy hits the ball a solid mile! I love when he gets a hold of the ball it's hit harder than anyone i have seen on the Mariners in a LONG, LONG time...Infact i think the last time i saw a guy like russ was when Jay was in right field. I love seeing him hit and just like Wlad even though he is a feast or faminie guy ... i still love watching him hit as he makes me feel he can change the game. He makes me buy into this team more than i should, and every team needs one player just like that.

...ps... 4 man--shut out... against the angles .. amazing!!!