Spring Training

[seahawksfan234]

I think it's good that they've got Montero at 1B. I'm not sold on Logan Morrison being a legitimate solution at 1B, there were times when he would be a really dangerous hitter for a 10 game stretch, then follow it up without a hit for 4 straight games. I could honestly see a situation in which Logan Morrison is hitting sub .200 and a serious conversation about who can replace him would come up.

They should get Rickie Weeks some playing time at 1B as well. I would not be surprised if Logan Morrison is replaced at some point this year.

 

[cezero]

for those of you at spring training, does seager look a little more fit?

he looks a little skinnier to me.

 

[wazzu31]

This was one of the reasons why I didn't think hitting in Safeco would be a huge problem. Camden Yards is a serious hitters park, it's not like playing there inflated his HR statistics.

I seriously doubt that he will match his 2014 totals, or even come close to them, but I'd be happy with/I expect around 25-30 HRs. It would be a drastic increase from the DH performance we've had last year.

I truly couldn't care less about his homerun total, I care more about his RBI total and the number of walks he gets. What is the point of having huge power if your numbers end up like Zunino? It will be nice to pitchers have to actual think on how to pitch to the middle of the order since they can't just pitch around Cano and Seager.

I'm thinking maybe a lineup change where they should stick Seager at 2 and maybe try Zunino at 5.

 

[seahawksfan234]

I truly couldn't care less about his homerun total, I care more about his RBI total and the number of walks he gets. What is the point of having huge power if your numbers end up like Zunino? It will be nice to pitchers have to actual think on how to pitch to the middle of the order since they can't just pitch around Cano and Seager.

I'm thinking maybe a lineup change where they should stick Seager at 2 and maybe try Zunino at 5.

The problem is, Cruz is not a very patient hitter. He has never had more than 55 walks. And RBIs are sort of luck based IMO, it requires people in front of you to get on base.

Not a fan of putting Seager at #2 as it wouldn't give him a chance to knock in runs. I think you could put Seager at #4 or #5 and be good.

 

[NWinAZ]

AZ, 3 things.

1. Really appreciate the Spring Training updates. I've always loved reading them going back to CBS, always really interesting.

2. Try to keep an eye on Montero. I'm actually really interested to see how the loss of weight impacts his hitting. His increased fitness will obviously help him in the field and running the bases, but I'm interested to hear how he looks at the plate.

3. Your profile picture: I had seen that screenshot of the play when Wilson released the ball, Lockett was open, the Seahawks got what they wanted and Wilson made the right decision, I think that picture just shows what a great play Malcolm Butler made and perhaps the lack of effort by Lockett in fighting for the ball.

1- Thanks. Much appreciated. Just wish I could get over there more like past years.

2- I am with you on this 100%. It will be a great side story to spring training. I think the biggest.

3- Not to turn this into a Hawks thread, but a few personal opinions on it.

A- Having a 5'10: QB throw a ball over 6'3"+ linemen has disaster written all over it. Tip passes, not being able to see clearly over them, and the fact DB's are not dropping when at the 1 yard line spells nothing but trouble on that play.

B- Was open at the snap, play ran right into coverage. Again, coverage doesn't drop from 1 yard line so they play everything right in front of them.

C- Agree totally that Lockette did not fight for the ball. He has to tackle the DB if need be. He cannot allow an INT.

D- Wilson did not make a good play on it. He has to see the DB making a play. He threw it more to him than he did Lockette. That is when he has to throw behind the receiver and not lead him.

E- Finally, you will never convince me that was the correct play to make there even if it worked. The risk was off the charts. PC said that there was not one INT in the league this year when thrown from the 1 yard line. I will bet that there was not 1 pass from the 1 yard line thrown on a quick inside slant either. Nobody does it because of the risk factor. 30 seconds and one time out left would have been ample time to run (and I mean physically run) 3 plays with the best goal-line back in the world. Yes everyone knew that would be the play and that is because it is the play. If you can't trust your beast back to run it in from the one, then why even bother trying to re-sign him and for twice+ his current salary? Cocky coaching has its price and we fans paid it. Sometimes simple gets the job done.

Good talk.

 

[NWinAZ]

for those of you at spring training, does seager look a little more fit?

he looks a little skinnier to me.

I saw him up close last weekend and I thought the same thing but didn't mention it because I thought maybe I was wrong. He looks trim.

 

[wazzu31]

The problem is, Cruz is not a very patient hitter. He has never had more than 55 walks. And RBIs are sort of luck based IMO, it requires people in front of you to get on base.

Not a fan of putting Seager at #2 as it wouldn't give him a chance to knock in runs. I think you could put Seager at #4 or #5 and be good.

I really seen no problem with Seager at 2 because IMO that is a good fit for him, he is protected by Cano and helps burn a lefty bullpen arm late in games earlier to face them and pull him to face Cruz then Zunino. Instead of saving the lefty specialist for a Morrison/Miller/Ackley. I like the idea of putting Zunino at 5 because he is going to get his homeruns regardless of his batting average and why not give him one more opportunity a game to get more meaningful homerun or in theory if he strikes out with the bases loaded he will be the second out instead of ending an inning in the 6th or 7th spot in the order.

Another reason I like Seager in the 2 hole is because of his ability to drive the ball. My thinking is, it is better for the club if a Miller/Taylor/Jackson are at 1st when he gets a double as opposed to Cano or Cruz.

 

[cezero]

probables for the first few starts of cactus league:

Mariners notebook: Taijuan Walker gets the ball first - Shannon Drayer | 710 ESPN Seattle

WED vs. Padres

Walker

Gaviglio

Kickham

Rollins

Perez

Smith

Leone



Thu vs. Padres

Elias



Fri at LAD

Ramirez



Sat (ss) vs. AZ

Iwakuma

Sat (ss) at CWS

Pries



Sunday at CIN

Happ

 

[cezero]

LMC says that Austin Jackson is the key to "jumpstart" the M's offense.

Says they'll give him more rest. That'll do the trick.

McClendon: Jackson key to 'jumpstart' Mariners offense | mariners.com

McClendon told reporters he expects Jackson's total number of games played to decrease this year -- an effort to keep the 28-year-old center fielder fresh. Last season, Jackson hit .191 in September -- with a significant decline in his slugging percentage during the second half of the season.

 

[seahawksfan234]

Like many Mariners hitters, Austin Jackson has a lot of potential. He wasn't good when he was with the Mariners, but if he can return to form he can be a very productive addition to the lineup.

 

[cezero]

He was surrounded by garbage last year when he got here compared to the Tigers lineup was my point.

That, combined with the Safeco effect is far more revealing about his hitting woes after the trade than the bogus idea that it was fatigue.

I'm not convinced that our lineup is really that much more potent than it was last year, so I just don't know.

 

[wazzu31]

He was surrounded by garbage last year when he got here compared to the Tigers lineup was my point.

That, combined with the Safeco effect is far more revealing about his hitting woes after the trade than the bogus idea that it was fatigue.

I'm not convinced that our lineup is really that much more potent than it was last year, so I just don't know.

But there really there shouldn't be a Safeco effect on anyone in August and September. I don't buy the excuse of fatigue either because of how much rest players get now. What is there 10 off days in the last two months. The lineup will never be as good as Detroit's but he needs to accept that he is a lead off hitter for the Mariners and his job is to get on base, not strikeout.

 

[unlvmariners]

I think it's good that they've got Montero at 1B. I'm not sold on Logan Morrison being a legitimate solution at 1B, there were times when he would be a really dangerous hitter for a 10 game stretch, then follow it up without a hit for 4 straight games. I could honestly see a situation in which Logan Morrison is hitting sub .200 and a serious conversation about who can replace him would come up.

They should get Rickie Weeks some playing time at 1B as well. I would not be surprised if Logan Morrison is replaced at some point this year.

I completely agree with you about LoMo. Im not sold yet but I also think he has the potential to be a very solid player, key word potential. What he has to do is not have long slumbs at the plate and stay healthy. If he can do that I could see him having .255-.265 avg, 20+ homers, 60+ RBI''s and an ops. in the high .700 range. If he can put up numbers in that range I would be fine with him at first. However if he struggles it would be nice to fall back to another solid option in Montero. I hope Montero does well in spring.

I have been saying this about Rickie Weeks since we picked him up, if he can't play a little bit of 1B, 3B and LF it is a waste and he should not be on the team.

 

[Anointed One]

I'm looking forward to see how well D.J. Peterson does... That guy has huge upside and we're definitely going to need an upgrade at 1B as the season goes on... He could be a guy that joins the team in June... Like most of you, i'm not sold on LoMo as our everyday starter at 1B... He's a journeyman player at best...

 

[wazzu31]

I completely agree with you about LoMo. Im not sold yet but I also think he has the potential to be a very solid player, key word potential. What he has to do is not have long slumbs at the plate and stay healthy. If he can do that I could see him having .255-.265 avg, 20+ homers, 60+ RBI''s and an ops. in the high .700 range. If he can put up numbers in that range I would be fine with him at first. However if he struggles it would be nice to fall back to another solid option in Montero. I hope Montero does well in spring.

I have been saying this about Rickie Weeks since we picked him up, if he can't play a little bit of 1B, 3B and LF it is a waste and he should not be on the team.

I'm confused with Weeks thing, Lloyd made it sound like he was basically projected to be an everyday player. Will platoon with Ackley which is what 70 games and split some time with LoMo at 1B which is what a minimum of 60 games he will need off. It'd be nice to figure out to squeeze Montero onto the club to backup 1st more IMo than trying to get 100 plus games out of Weeks.

 

[unlvmariners]

I'm confused with Weeks thing, Lloyd made it sound like he was basically projected to be an everyday player. Will platoon with Ackley which is what 70 games and split some time with LoMo at 1B which is what a minimum of 60 games he will need off. It'd be nice to figure out to squeeze Montero onto the club to backup 1st more IMo than trying to get 100 plus games out of Weeks.

I am confused about the Rickie Weeks thing also. I struggle to see any value in bringing him in at all, what I end up coming up with is his ability to hit LH pitching and that is really it. If he is in a full time role he will struggle if he plays when he has favorable match-ups then he might put up decent numbers. No doubt he will be a below avg. defender in the outfield but that never bothered the M's in the past. We should get a taste of how he will be used in spring, we should also get a better taste of his abilities. I really don't know what the thinking is for the M's on this one. I know a lot of guys on here don't have a problem with the Weeks move but I view a move like this as the incorrect way to build a roster for a team that wants to make the playoffs.

 

[Anointed One]

I'm looking forward to see how well D.J. Peterson does... That guy has huge upside and we're definitely going to need an upgrade at 1B as the season goes on... He could be a guy that joins the team in June... Like most of you, i'm not sold on LoMo as our everyday starter at 1B... He's a journeyman player at best...

WOOT! DJ Peterson hit's a HR today in the opener...

 

[Anointed One]

I'm heading to AZ and Spring Training tomorrow... Flying out of Spokane, WA so I am pumped... Any ideas of some Spring Training activities that I should be looking into outside of the games?

 

[unlvmariners]

Nice Anointed, I am also going to spring training soon. Im driving to AZ this weekend with my Dad to catch a game or two. I have never been before so I don't have any advice. Although my buddy who happens to be a Padre fan goes every year and he told me to check out where the Cubs play if I get a chance. He said the Cubs have a cool field.

I'll bet AZ has some pointers for us.

 

[dude82]

Assuming everyone is healthy going into the season and there are no surprises, I think the batting order will look something like this quite often: Jackson - Ackley - Cano - Cruz - Seager - Zunino - Morrison - Smith/Ruggiano - Miller/Taylor.