tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75447502012-02-16T09:46:11.524-08:00It's mostly about Seattle Mariners baseball. Terrence O'Leary aka Iron Tech is a life-long baseball fan. His opinions are his own, and he is in no way affiliated with the Seattle Mariners or Major League Baseball.Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.comBlogger6711100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-17111509154053662062012-02-03T11:33:00.000-08:002012-02-07T11:53:17.876-08:00

Larry Stone posted a great piece at the Times detailing the pain that has been Seattle Mariner baseball since 2003.  If you weren't feeling bad enough already, give this a read.  *sigh* Shannon Drayer adds some more gloom to this already painful subject.

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-72828352225849955722012-01-27T13:54:00.000-08:002012-01-27T13:54:33.299-08:00

Jerry Crasnick posted an article that is worth a read for Mariner fans.  Check it out.

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-89092786613315783742012-01-24T14:04:00.001-08:002012-01-24T14:04:53.493-08:00

I'm disappointed - was hoping that when the dust settled Prince would come to Seattle.  Larry Stone has the skinny.  *sigh*

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-8688337388211349132012-01-13T18:49:00.000-08:002012-01-13T18:50:06.472-08:00

So the Mariners have finally made a move - sending Michael Pineda and Jose Campos to the Yanks for Jesus Montero and Hector Noesi.  I'm pleased that the team has finally done something to help shore up the offense.  Hate to see Pineda go, but the team had to give up something for Montero.  Dave Cameron says the team isn't done yet, I am inclined to agree.  This deal could definitely be the

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-34905122236267462672012-01-06T10:53:00.000-08:002012-01-06T10:53:12.340-08:00

The Bear is coming to Seattle.  Here's Dave Cameron's take on the Iwakuma signing. Now if Jack Z. could only sign a hitter.

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-85858360253360521912011-12-15T14:05:00.000-08:002011-12-15T14:05:51.980-08:00

The anticipation is starting to get me down.  If the Mariners don't do something soon I am going to have a headache.  And by something, I mean make some sort of significant move that will make the ball club better for the 2012 season.  We've seen the Angels make some moves that make them and the Rangers the teams to beat in the West.  Meanwhile, we sign Gimenez to a ML deal and trade for John

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-86937637098465183272011-12-09T09:53:00.000-08:002011-12-09T09:53:47.940-08:00

I really do hate the Angels!  There - I feel better now. Cool piece (as usual) by Dave Cameron concerning placing the horse before the cart.  Yay!

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-61503612631143299582011-11-21T08:33:00.000-08:002011-11-21T08:33:05.123-08:00

Shocking news this morning that Greg Halman was killed.  Sincere condolences to the Halman family. Dave Cameron has a great piece over at USS Mariner concerning why the M's have been so bad.  Worth a read to remind one that it's not about having a lack of desire, it's about bad decisions.

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-8563474848534228872011-10-26T11:39:00.000-07:002011-10-26T11:39:29.697-07:00

Leave it to Dave Cameron over at USS Mariner - he continues to be prolific with regard to Mariner related blog posts.  You should take a few minutes to read this one concerning what a playoff team looks like, and this one that urges the front office to sign Jamie Moyer this Winter.  Approve!!

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-71400988958293787162011-09-29T08:27:00.001-07:002011-09-29T14:59:50.892-07:00

So ends the 2011 season for the Seattle Mariners.  I really don't have much to say, other than I think there are lots of things to be hopeful about moving forward to 2012. Greg Johns posted this concerning what went right and what went wrong for the M's in 2011. And the team posted a cool photo gallery.

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-29269850303442144502011-09-22T08:46:00.000-07:002011-09-22T08:46:29.607-07:00

Hard to believe that September is coming to a close.  Dave Cameron posted this ode to Joey Votto - I'm onboard!

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-89427110197424503492011-09-16T08:40:00.000-07:002011-09-16T08:40:22.294-07:00

The talented Larry Stone of The Times reminds us why it's so painful to be a Mariners fan.  *sigh*

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-79392984353284908562011-09-15T09:45:00.001-07:002011-09-15T09:45:48.186-07:00

I just think it's cool that Mariners fans can actually cheer for a guy whose last name is Rodriguez again!  :-)

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-47808269173738711232011-08-24T09:34:00.000-07:002011-08-24T09:34:43.215-07:00

An interesting article from MLB.com that discusses the state of Ichiro!  He certainly hasn't been the Ichiro! that we've come to, dare I say it, take for granted in Seattle for the last 10 years.  His numbers are down - 200 hits seems to be a rather remote possibility at this point.  I'm not counting him out - but what are the odds that he comes back next year looking like before?

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-20384638022578551072011-08-01T09:19:00.000-07:002011-08-03T13:07:39.263-07:00

Geoff Baker over at the Times chronicles the end of the Bavasi/Bedard era in Seattle.  Yay. The awesome Larry Stone points out that the M's could still be active in the trade market in August. I'm happy that the Mariners ended up as sellers at the NWTD.  Looks like some interesting guys have been acquired - now it's all about next year.  And oh yeah, Dustin Ackley rocks!!

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-38957168254372220632011-07-25T12:12:00.000-07:002011-07-26T08:24:14.216-07:00

Dave Cameron of USS Mariner notified the blogosphere this morning that he has leukemia.  Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.  Refuse to Lose Dave!!

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-35318675547676384172011-07-22T09:02:00.000-07:002011-07-22T09:03:16.535-07:00

Geoff Baker over at the Times has a good piece today concerning how the Mariners have consistently unraveled over the last 5 years.  He asks a good question - what is it about this team that allows these long losing streaks to occur - and why does it happen when they are on the cusp of contending?

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-36503499414096621262011-07-20T14:24:00.000-07:002011-07-20T14:24:14.115-07:00

Well it was nice while it lasted.  Once the Rangers completed the sweep of the Mariners, the hopes for contending in the AL West this year were dashed once and for all.  The first half of the season was a very pleasant surprise, but it sure didn't take long for that old "Oh no, here we go again" feeling to come back with a vengeance. So what now?  Try to improve the club for 2012, but

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-42149089628974637192011-07-11T15:14:00.003-07:002011-07-11T15:14:34.990-07:00

I had a bad feeling after the M's lost the first game in Anaheim that the weekend was not going to turn out in our favor.  I guess it's good in a way.  Now that the pesky pennant race is no longer a concern perhaps the club can get down to business and try to do some things that prepare for 2012 and beyond.

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-47672250937167997262011-06-30T09:03:00.000-07:002011-06-30T09:03:45.539-07:00

As the clock ticks and the M's suffer another series sweep, it's time for the management to step up and make a move.  As the awesome Larry Stone points out today, the fanbase is looking for reasons to believe in what this team could possibly achieve this year.  Lack of a move to shore up the pathetic offense will most likely alienate fans - I know that is how I am feeling.

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-6325651582525981682011-06-20T10:52:00.000-07:002011-06-20T10:52:23.895-07:00

No analysis here - just a fan who is happy that his ball club is winning!  I'm not sure how they are doing it, but sometimes these things are best enjoyed without asking too many questions.  Who knows how long it will last?  I'm ready to go for a ride with these guys though.  Go M's!!

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-62382550705350304802011-06-02T12:15:00.000-07:002011-06-02T12:15:01.696-07:00

Well here we are - June 2nd and the Mariners are the owners of shiny 28-27 record.  I'm pretty sure that if you would have told me this 6 weeks ago I would have seriously questioned your sanity.  But Baseball is a funny game - just when you think you have it all figured out, it becomes apparent that you don't.  So for the first time in quite a long while, I am actually feeling quite good about

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-27611082136236366282011-04-29T07:15:00.000-07:002011-04-29T07:15:57.064-07:00

When I made my last blog post eleven days ago, I was honestly thinking "will I spend any more time writing about these guys?".  The Mariners were a bad team playing bad baseball.  Now, not so much.  A sweep in Detroit has started me thinking that there may be hope for these guys after all.  Of course that may change pending the outcome of the weekend series in Boston, but at this point I'm mostly

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-71779525364693781472011-04-18T08:23:00.000-07:002011-04-18T08:23:41.123-07:00

Not sure there is really anything else to say at this point.  Well maybe Larry LaRue has a few well chosen words that you should go and look at.

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-49785138169174118112011-04-07T07:22:00.000-07:002011-04-07T07:22:25.730-07:00

We are a week into the 2011 campaign, and I wanted to share a couple of points. The Mariners still can't hit. Felix and Pineda are going to be fun to watch.  I may even have to include Erik Bedard in the mix. I miss Guti. I'm having some very serious doubts about the bullpen. Does it come as a surprise that there are still tickets left for the home opener?

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-37025110694654673022011-04-01T08:26:00.000-07:002011-04-01T08:26:31.959-07:00

There are lots of reasons to be excited by Opening Day.  The great Larry Stone provides his top ten list over at The Times.  I'm just happy that when the ump calls "Play Ball!" tonight it's for real.  Go M's!

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-50786832894423230822011-03-14T07:17:00.000-07:002011-03-14T07:17:33.305-07:00

Bob Condotta of the TImes seems to think that the 2011 Mariners may have begun to show that they won't be the same anemic hitters that the 2010 Mariners were.  There are some numbers that tend to back this up.  I'm hopeful that the club has finally found their hitting shoes.

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-48898966472668455762011-03-11T07:23:00.000-08:002011-03-11T07:23:41.069-08:00

A very quick post this morning - must tell you that it's a little hard to concentrate on baseball issues after the terrible earthquake/tsunami in Japan overnight.  Larry Stone posted this morning concerning Erik Bedard and the tantalizing prospect of him actually contributing to the starting rotation this season.  We've heard this before, and I'm certainly not going to get too excited about

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-61882542671811072232011-03-09T07:18:00.000-08:002011-03-09T07:20:59.806-08:00

I've been putting off writing this post for a week now, but Larry Stone wrote what I have been thinking about, so here we go.  Will the Mariners actually produce any offense this season?  The early indicators give the impression that the 2011 season is going to look a lot like the 2010 season.  Beating Oakland 1-0 on 3 hits is probably not going to get the job done in the regular season.  Wedge

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-8950071804952995842011-02-14T11:28:00.000-08:002011-02-14T11:28:19.162-08:00

Let the 2011 campaign begin!  Pitchers and catchers reported yesterday.  It's raining in Seattle today.  Egypt is free (well sort of - guess the hyperbole got out of control).  Here's Shannon Drayer's first update from Peoria.  To say that I am happy that Spring Training has begun would be a massive understatement!

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-599124006668654082011-02-11T12:51:00.000-08:002011-02-11T12:51:39.792-08:00

Seattle P.I. reporting that Milton Bradley will not face charges.  Good news for the Mariners - should be interesting to see how things develop next week once Spring Training is underway.

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-1984635905093415402011-02-01T12:04:00.000-08:002011-02-01T12:04:03.059-08:00

Saw this piece in the TNT and just wanted to say that it was cool of Kennedy to reach out to the Seattle media (and fans) and admit that he had fucked up.

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-72700675614879149402011-01-27T07:24:00.000-08:002011-01-27T07:24:20.045-08:00

So I'm 27 days late - sue me!  Figured it was about time I broke the ice and made a post.  Not that there's a lot to talk about regarding our beloved Mariners.  I did find this article by Larry Stone that provides some hope for the future.  Pitchers and catchers report on February 13th.  I can hardly wait!

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-25285280255990968642010-12-22T07:21:00.000-08:002010-12-22T07:21:36.980-08:00

I've been thinking about what exactly I wanted to say concerning the 2010 Seattle Mariners.  And perhaps surprisingly, I don't have much. Thankful for Ichiro! and the way that he has stayed in Seattle.  It's probably not a stretch to say that there aren't many players who would have stuck with the team as long as he has (can you say A-Rod?). It was a pleasure to watch Felix and Cliff Lee pitch in

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-53581438778383530212010-12-13T14:06:00.000-08:002010-12-21T14:38:54.575-08:00

Word is out that the Mariners have designated Rob Johnson for assignment. Update:  Traded to San Diego  :-)

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-87009740491001624902010-12-09T13:55:00.000-08:002010-12-09T13:55:03.999-08:00

So the Mariners have signed Miguel Olivo to a 2 year deal.  Here's a nice article by Larry Stone over at the Times that provides a recap of the long search for somebody to take over from Dan Wilson (yeah, it's really been that long!!).

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-49902981277086603032010-12-06T10:47:00.000-08:002010-12-06T10:47:34.401-08:00

Jeff Sullivan over at Lookout Landing opines that Erik Bedard should be a fan favorite in Seattle.  I'm inclined to agree - after I read Bedard's comments concerning his return to the Mariners I'm thinking that he will get another chance as far as this fan is concerned.

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-61155830635439517282010-12-03T09:00:00.000-08:002010-12-03T09:00:02.941-08:00

Ron Santo has passed away.  Larry Stone provides some eloquent words on Seattle's greatest baseball player.

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-79155524247790053662010-11-18T12:50:00.000-08:002010-11-18T12:50:07.496-08:00

Felix Hernandez has won the 2010 AL CY Award!  The bright spot from an otherwise dismal season.  Way to go King!!

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-70499680000121955552010-11-11T07:13:00.000-08:002010-11-15T14:11:47.367-08:00

Dave Niehaus passed away yesterday.  Listening to or watching an M's game will never be the same.  I have only been following the Mariners for a short time compared to Dave's association with the team.  He was always there - and now he's not - and that's sad. Shannon Drayer posted this eloquent tribute.  

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-3264124663436455622010-11-09T09:35:00.000-08:002010-11-09T15:50:50.089-08:00

Here's a long article from Geoff Baker over at the Times that talks about the balancing act that the Mariners will have to try and pull off in 2011. I'm really seriously wondering if it may be time for the club to start thinking about making Safeco Field play a little more fairly for RH hitters.  The ballpark has ruthlessly suppressed RH hitters.  Makes one wonder if A-Rod going to Texas wasn't

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-82342910731331154252010-11-04T12:01:00.000-07:002010-11-09T09:36:06.444-08:00

Larry LaRue details the departure of Casey Kotchman, and also discusses the future of Jose Lopez.  Good stuff - definitely worth a read. Adrian Beltre has understandably declined his option with the Red Sox and will test the Free Agent market.  Beltre had a great year in 2010 - I wonder if it may be time for the Mariners to think about changes to Safeco Field that would mitigate the RH

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-3492643554096743712010-11-03T09:31:00.000-07:002010-11-09T09:36:21.858-08:00

Fairly quiet in Mariner land so far.  Larry LaRue from the TNT has a few tidbits today.  Will the M's exercise their option on Jose Lopez?  Dave Cameron says no - but don't be too anxious for Lopie to be gone.  :) Update:  The Mariners announced several roster moves today.  Declined the options of Branyan, Lopez and Bedard.  See the release for all the details.  Yay!

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-11512107091418828892010-11-02T10:23:00.000-07:002010-11-02T10:23:25.259-07:00

A quick note to say congratulations to the Giants and the City of San Francisco!  :)

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-58950853552116694732010-10-28T07:19:00.000-07:002010-10-28T07:19:36.073-07:00

I have a long commute - 2 hours each way - that consists of a bus ride, a ferry ride and a 15 minute walk.  Last night, with Game One of the World Series underway, I was looking forward to getting home and catching at least half of the game on TV.  Our usual dinner routine is to sit down when I get there and eat while watching Cash Cab.  We did just that - pork chops and green beans - excellent!!

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-46728312422806412952010-10-27T07:33:00.000-07:002010-10-27T08:43:49.598-07:00

The prolific Larry Stone of the Seattle Times has a couple of must read pieces up today.  The first one says that having the Rangers and Giants meet in the World Series is a cruel joke on Seattle fans. The other piece contains some rather gloomy thoughts on the thorny path that the Mariners must follow to regain relevance in the AL West.  Great reading - I feel lucky to live in a place that can

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-34235431712372677882010-10-26T11:54:00.000-07:002010-10-27T15:41:58.201-07:00

With the World Series about to get underway tomorrow, I think it's time to start forgetting about the 2010 season - at least the part that the Seattle Mariners played in it.  The fans can only hope that the club will make some good decisions over the Winter and actually field a more competitive team in 2011. Here's a nice article by Larry LaRue that provides a very concise look at what went

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-27150304418831183542010-10-08T07:31:00.000-07:002010-10-08T07:31:57.322-07:00

The Tenth Inning is captivating.  Ken Burns is a master storyteller.  The Seattle connection is some remarkable footage of Ken Griffey, Jr. in the opening episode.  Seeing Junior as he is now, one tends to forget what a graceful and fluid swing he had when he was in his prime.  A-Rod was also portrayed briefly in the sequence that discusses steroid use.  Chris Rock definitely lends some

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-70204135221049099282010-10-04T07:20:00.000-07:002010-10-04T07:20:10.255-07:00

Ichiro! finishes the 2010 campaign with 214 hits.  Another remarkable performance in what has been a remarkable career in MLB.  I'm glad that Ichiro! has played his MLB games here in Seattle - it's been a joy to watch him and I wonder what else he has up his sleeve. 61-101.  If you would have asked me to give you a prediction for the 2010 season while the team was in Arizona in the Spring, I'm

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-72009970245657690062010-10-01T07:24:00.000-07:002010-10-01T07:24:38.969-07:00

Ichiro! went 2 for 5 yesterday to raise his season hit total to 210! Larry Stone described the only bright spot in an otherwise dismal and shitty performance by the Mariners yesterday: "Justin Smoak was just about the lone bright spot for the M's tonight. He had a double, single, two walks and scored the only run. He has a seven-game hitting streak with a .458 average (11-for-24), six runs, a

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-57554275988720676942010-09-30T08:56:00.000-07:002010-09-30T08:56:58.385-07:00

Ichiro! went 1 for 5 yesterday to raise his hit total to 208. I can't even begin to convey my complete and utter dismay at yesterday's loss in Texas.  Rather than wallow in self pity, I'll let Jeff Sullivan do the talking.

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-70506191091747363522010-09-29T07:17:00.000-07:002010-09-29T07:17:26.698-07:00

With a 2 for 4 performance yesterday, Ichiro! increased his hit total to 207.

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-31157032498812257332010-09-27T11:46:00.000-07:002010-09-27T11:46:39.668-07:00

Ichiro! has raised his hit total to 205.  7 games left to play - and you know that Ichiro! loves hitting in Arlington!!

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-86508509871831491912010-09-23T10:54:00.000-07:002010-09-23T10:54:39.410-07:00

He's 2 for 3 so far today to reach number 200!  Ichiro! is such a special player - thankful to have had the chance to see him play for the Mariners over the last 10 years!!  Ganbare Ichiro!!!

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-81285798342867091772010-09-23T07:09:00.000-07:002010-09-23T10:55:11.231-07:00

With a 1 for 5 performance yesterday, Ichiro! pushes his hit total to 198. How about that Jose Lopez?  Baseball is a funny game.  Lopez has had such a terrible year at the plate - yet he hits three home runs last night.  Wow.  Hopefully this will be my memory of Jose Lopez - I really don't expect to see him when the Mariners report to Spring Training next year.

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-70145927985291065862010-09-22T07:20:00.000-07:002010-09-23T10:56:32.413-07:00

Wow!  Ichiro! goes 4 for 4 last night in Toronto to raise his hit total to 197.  Go Ichiro!

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-80174866650468199492010-09-20T07:08:00.000-07:002010-09-23T10:56:21.304-07:00

Ichiro! stands at 193 hits with 13 games left to play.

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-27681874224233147872010-09-16T07:14:00.001-07:002010-09-23T10:56:12.712-07:00

Ichiro! pulls another 0-fer last night - remains on 189 with 16 games to play.

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-79553609492959943612010-09-15T08:21:00.000-07:002010-09-23T10:56:01.899-07:00

Now that's more like it!!  With a 3 hit performance last night, Ichiro! raises his season total to 189. Larry Stone is right - The Mariners should never have turned loose of David Arias.  Can you imagine how many dingers Big Papi would have hit if he had been playing half his games at Safeco Field?

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-52403939722693401772010-09-14T07:28:00.000-07:002010-09-23T10:55:50.634-07:00

Ichiro! pulled an 0-fer last night - he remains on 186. You know, the Josh Lueke situation is really starting to bother me.  Not his criminal record - he's faced the justice system and paid his debt, etc.  What bothers me is the way the Mariners have reacted to the negative publicity that acquiring Lueke has generated.  I've got some serious concerns about the organization at this point.  How

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-82457387738368510722010-09-13T08:51:00.001-07:002010-09-23T10:55:39.533-07:00

Not a very productive weekend for Ichiro! - although he did manage a 3 run homer!  The hit tally stands at 186 going into today.

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-17903275083694142242010-09-09T11:10:00.000-07:002010-09-23T10:55:26.706-07:00

Here's something I can write about until the season is (mercifully) over - Ichiro! and his relentless pursuit of hit number 200.  Going into today his total sits at 183.

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-69338029976472558822010-09-07T08:49:00.000-07:002010-09-07T08:49:56.317-07:00

I find it increasingly difficult to write anything about the Mariners these days, but someone else has expended quite a bit of effort in writing about them.  Please check out the awesome work by Jeff Angus over at Management by Baseball.  Here are links to a 4 part article concerning the Mariners and Jack Z.'s planning for the 2010 campaign.  It's a long read but very illuminating and worth the

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-76499256737387115632010-08-30T09:46:00.000-07:002010-08-30T09:46:30.337-07:00

Jeff Sullivan takes a look at Luke French over at Lookout Landing - the analysis shows that French's best pitch (slider) isn't being used this year.  As Jeff said:  "It's interesting that French and Brandon League joined the organization with one standout weapon that they now seldom throw." Good question - why isn't the coaching staff after these guys to throw their best pitch?  Why do I still

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-65535480604169886152010-08-23T07:22:00.000-07:002010-08-23T07:22:38.431-07:00

After taking Friday's opener, the Mariners took a thorough drubbing at the hands of the Yanks over the weekend.  I didn't see much of the series, but I did happen to see that marvelous acting job by Jorge Posada yestererday with that non-tag of Death to Flying Things as he scored.  Ouch.  But when you have a club as bad as ours, it should come as no surprise that the breaks seldom go their way.

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-11674863207727712052010-08-17T09:09:00.000-07:002010-08-17T09:09:51.055-07:00

Here is Geoff Baker's take on why King Felix should be considered a favorite for the AL Cy Young award.  I'm with Geoff on this one - if Felix was pitching for a team that had ANY kind of decent offense, there would be no question that he was deserving of the award.  Don't penalize the guy for have the misfortune to be on a team with a bunch of shitty hitters.

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-89808544882973953972010-08-13T07:13:00.000-07:002010-08-13T07:13:13.580-07:00

Put me down as one of those guys that don't think a baseball team's manager has very much impact on the W-L record. Since the firing of Don Wakamatsu, there's been thousands of words written about the bad hand that he was dealt.  There's been discussion of his poor in-game decisions, his inability to maintain good order and discipline in the clubhouse and his lack of results where they count the

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-67116529868027491052010-08-10T10:49:00.000-07:002010-08-10T10:49:14.687-07:00

A fairly long read from Geoff Baker over at The Times concerning yesterday's firing of Don Wakamatsu by the Mariners.  Worth the time - I think there's some very interesting stuff there.

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-35705548546438660522010-08-09T12:40:00.001-07:002010-08-09T12:40:54.928-07:00

It's official!  The Don Wakamatsu era is over in Seattle.

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-84703778584198871202010-08-04T07:15:00.000-07:002010-08-04T07:15:39.130-07:00

Larry Stone over at The Times had an interesting piece yesterday concerning some comments made by Jack Zduriencik on the Wak-Figgy confrontation.  It's a good read - Jack Z. is the master of equivocation.  And tacked on at the end of the piece was this little tidbit: • Left-handed pitcher Erik Bedard will undergo shoulder surgery Friday, the Mariners announced. It will be the third straight

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-89123795270414573502010-08-03T07:07:00.000-07:002010-08-03T07:07:43.657-07:00

As the Mariners return home from a dismal road trip, one gets the feeling that something has to give.  There's no way the club can continue to play such awful baseball without repercussions.  Not sure what those repercussions may be, but I'm fairly certain that there are going to be some.  There has been a lot of speculation in print that Wak's days as manager may be numbered.  I don't think the

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-24956097375282846792010-07-28T08:37:00.000-07:002010-07-28T08:37:04.421-07:00

That's about the only description that comes to mind to describe the beat down that the White Sox gave the Mariners yesterday.  Ouch. Geoff Baker has an interesting piece over at The Times concerning a rift between the F.O. and the Coaching Staff.  I'll say this - it struck me after Figgins went off last week that the G.M. didn't do very much to back up his Manager.

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-29168726390169850332010-07-26T11:54:00.000-07:002010-07-26T11:54:25.788-07:00

I was shocked that Figgins was in the starting lineup the day after he quite publicly challenged the authority of his manager.  And after making a clearly boneheaded play.  But I guess it's not surprising since Jose Lopez was allowed to slide after such a serious brain fart.  No accountability whatsoever.  Check out Ryan Divish's take on it here.

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-47556748699806812672010-07-23T07:30:00.000-07:002010-07-23T07:32:31.402-07:00

Point of view is a funny thing.  Doesn't seem that long ago that it seemed like the sky was the limit for the 2010 Seatlle Mariners.  Jack had just completed deals for Figgins and Lee, Junior was back for a final tour with the club, etc.  But then the reality of the season began to unfold.  Pretty soon that old familiar sinking feeling (can you say 2008?) began to pervade my baseball watching

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-88029773279198082052010-07-22T08:49:00.000-07:002010-07-22T08:49:42.575-07:00

Dave Cameron says DFA Jose Lopez!  I agree.  The team needs to send a very clear message to the players that this kind of crap will no longer be tolerated.  This team is a joke.  Are the inmates running the asylum?  Come on Jack - get this thing under control already.  Jeez!!!

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-23889245954528882672010-07-21T08:22:00.000-07:002010-07-21T08:22:51.735-07:00

Well I'm pretty sure that Thomas Paine wasn't thinking about baseball when he wrote those words, but the quote certainly applies to followers of the Seattle Mariners.  These are indeed the times that try men's (and women's) souls.  And with the news that Bedard is probably done for the year, any hope of at least respectability seems to be fading fast.  I'm truly concerned now that the loss total

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-70035728893428603552010-07-19T09:37:00.000-07:002010-07-19T09:37:12.485-07:00

Ugh!  If the series in Anaheim is any indicator, it's gonna be a long second half.  Very long.  If that's not enough to make your Monday, here's some equally gloomy news from Dave Cameron over at USS Mariner - guaranteed to cheer you right up!

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-10738951538889329952010-07-16T09:31:00.000-07:002010-07-16T09:31:15.328-07:00

You know, hearing about Branyan's run in with a table in his hotel room reminds me of Kaz Sasaki's time on the DL due to a collision with his suitcase while carrying it up (or was it down?) a staircase.

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-50033871018475047332010-07-15T07:07:00.000-07:002010-07-15T07:07:33.966-07:00

So I've finally put my finger on what's been bothering me about the Mariners this season.  It's Cognitive Dissonance.  Jack Z. has been trying to do 2 (IMHO) mutually exclusive things this year - make the playoffs AND rebuild.  At least now that the playoff appearance is no longer a possibility, he should be able to focus on rebuilding the team for a run in 2011 (or probably more likely in 2012).

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-7349366637496506252010-07-13T07:28:00.000-07:002010-07-13T07:28:17.613-07:00

Well that sucked! To say that the 2010 campaign has been a disappointment to date would be a gross understatement.  I was certainly optimistic when the Mariners opened the season - too bad things didn't turn out quite the way that any of us were hoping for.  A few quick thoughts about what has happened: Sometimes taking a chance on the low risk/high reward guys doesn't pan out.  Can't blame Z

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-45477792628123129952010-06-28T09:21:00.000-07:002010-06-28T09:22:45.171-07:00

I must say that I am happy to see Mr. Branyan back in a Mariner uniform.  I was disappointed that they were not able to get him signed over the Winter.  Of course the major question that seems to be in the air today is "Why now?  Why not 6 weeks ago?".  I don't have an answer, but at least this should make the rest of the season more tolerable.  Having a legitimate MOTO bat will be nice - should

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-10655505909340268032010-06-23T07:10:00.000-07:002010-06-23T07:10:36.698-07:00

Generally speaking, having your team win five games in a row is a good thing.  And I suppose that on some level, the win streak that the Mariners are currently on is a good thing.  But in other ways, it is not such a good thing at all.  Coming after the team buried itself in the AL West, it's the kind of thing that gets broadcasters and some fans excited about another "miracle" comeback.  The

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-86794341940362891482010-06-17T11:01:00.000-07:002010-06-28T09:23:10.588-07:00

As the 2010 season continues to slide into oblivion (or as the great Larry Stone says, the Mariners continue to fade from playoff relevancy), I've been thinking about what the team could do in 2011 to add some offense.  One name that jumps off the free agent list for 2011 is Paul Konerko.  The line for 2010 so far is .294/.398/.588 - do the M's have anybody on the roster with an OPS north of .900

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-50592975855252637942010-06-10T07:27:00.000-07:002010-06-10T08:11:49.499-07:00

Another game in the L column. It's pretty clear that 2010 is a lost year as far as making the Playoffs are concerned. So rather than bemoan our fate any longer, let's start talking about what can be done, both now and in the future, in order to make the Mariners competitive in 2011. One of the most immediate improvements that the ballclub can make is getting rid of Ian Snell. After getting

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-47878431578956921102010-06-08T07:17:00.000-07:002010-06-08T07:17:44.936-07:00

The Mariners are not a good baseball team - certainly not a playoff caliber team. Too many problems with this team - lack of offense - lack of consistency from the bullpen - well, you get the idea. Having said all that, I really want to be wrong about this team. After all, they are the home town nine. I'm pretty sure that I'm not wrong, but nothing would delight me more than for these guys to

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-62163708378818646392010-06-07T07:26:00.000-07:002010-06-07T07:28:39.000-07:00

I find it rather ironic that the Mariners completely fell apart in the series with the Angels this past weekend. After acquitting themselves in a very respectable fashion against the Twins, it's not unfair to say that the wheels came off completely at Safeco Field during the last three games. And now the Mariners head off for a 4 game series in Arlington. I've got to tell you that I'm not

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-12316576021415538762010-06-04T10:00:00.000-07:002010-06-07T07:28:07.228-07:00

After a long hiatus Evening Perambulations is back! I have a renewed sense of optimism. There have been lots of changes in the organization since I last posted here - going to take a while to get caught up. Just wanted to say hello again and that I will be here regularly - regardless of how the 2010 campaign ends up. Go M's!!

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-35523753517592107162009-04-10T11:02:00.000-07:002010-06-04T13:41:41.816-07:00

Closing this blog up. I'll continue to talk about the M's (among other things) on my Twitter page - search @terrence_oleary if you would like to follow me. Thanks to all who have followed this blog over the years (especially you Larry!) - I appreciate it and wish you all well.

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-30785547606360903162008-10-01T12:37:00.000-07:002008-10-01T12:40:06.327-07:00

Mercifully for all of us who follow the Mariners, the debacle that was 2008 is over. This season has certainly been a disappointing one for me on many levels – but the most stinging disappointment has come in the form of losing my faith as a baseball fan. I’ve been a baseball fan for many years (I’m well north of 50) and this is the first Summer that I can remember where I was totally and

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-53558313517720187942008-09-25T14:33:00.000-07:002008-09-25T14:38:50.096-07:00

Okay, I know I said I wasn't going to post anything until the Mariners started playing good ball. Well they haven't, but I really wanted to put up a link here to the awesome post that Dave made over at USS Mariner today. He is responding to Geoff Baker's latest installment in his series concerning rebuilding. Check it out - I am in complete agreement with Dave here.

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-58677404520999879002008-07-01T15:19:00.001-07:002008-07-01T15:22:20.142-07:00

I know I said I wasn't going to post until the M's started playing good ball, but this article from Detect-O-Vision caught my eye earlier and I wanted to post a link to it. Some very interesting analysis here - definitely worth a look.

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-84871217910729346252008-06-16T13:14:00.001-07:002008-06-16T13:16:08.541-07:00

It's official, Bill Bavasi was dismissed by the Mariners today. Long overdue. This is just the start of many changes to come - thankfully it has finally begun!

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-56624370088083247782008-06-12T12:28:00.001-07:002008-06-12T12:30:14.801-07:00

Dave Cameron has a great piece over at Baseball Analysts that you should read. It's a nice rundown of all the dumb moves that the organization has made over the last few years.

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-32463937243094764662008-06-03T08:42:00.000-07:002008-06-03T08:44:50.123-07:00

Stick a fork in the 2008 Seattle Mariners - they are done. If you don't believe this to be true, check out what my esteemed colleague Dave over at USS Mariner has to say about this subject today. These are numbers that cannot be refuted. Hopefully Bill Bavasi will get rid of the dead wood currently on the roster, bring up the kids and start building a good team for 2009.

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-36045392545621766652008-05-28T14:25:00.000-07:002008-05-28T14:30:39.111-07:00

It's pretty clear to me that, short of some miraculous occurrence, the Mariners have played themselves into a position of non-competitiveness - or as Larry Stone said last year, removed any "Playoff relevancy" that they may once have had. So if this is indeed a 100 loss club, one wonders whether or not sweeping change is inevitable. As has been mentioned elsewhere, said change may come to pass

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-2784208683284469322008-05-22T13:55:00.000-07:002008-05-22T13:57:03.865-07:00

That's it. I'm not writing another word about the Mariners until they start playing decent baseball. So I may be done for the year. If that's the case, have a nice Summer. See you in Spring Training! :)

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-70324774648490967632008-05-21T09:58:00.001-07:002008-05-21T10:00:34.870-07:00

Saw this interesting piece by Scott Miller this morning that got me thinking about the disturbing similarities between the Padres and Mariners this season. It would seem that they share more than just the Peoria Sports Complex. One must also wonder why we haven't seen any stories about a "livid" Bill Bavasi. I'm just saying.

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-79588240901616332802008-05-19T12:10:00.000-07:002008-05-19T15:33:50.088-07:00

A few points:2 W's in a rowBoth were come from behind victoriesFirst W all season when scoring less than 4 runs (thanks Geoff Baker for that stat)Felix and Bedard both tossed good gamesBut then it struck me - it was against the Padres! Talk to me after this upcoming road trip - then I might have some reason to be optimistic.

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-39667509554201272452008-05-16T13:10:00.000-07:002008-05-16T13:14:07.530-07:00

Not enough time for a big post here, but Dr. Detecto posits that Johjima may be the root cause of the M's poor defense. It's an interesting read - going to have to try and verify some of the numbers. But the good doctor does raise an interesting point - how would you know if you were wrong?

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544750.post-48869867729823382142008-05-13T16:30:00.001-07:002008-05-13T16:33:29.980-07:00

I'm sad today. My team lost a heartbreaking game last night, and I don't really care. My team is falling so far behind the division leaders that they don't have a very realistic chance of getting back into the race, and I don't really care. It's a shame that it's come to this. I used to love baseball. After the last 5 years, I'm not so sure anymore. And that's sad.By the way, Geoff Baker

Terrence O'Learynoreply@blogger.com1