Last night, Shannon Drayer, Matt Pitman, and the crew of the 710 ESPN Radio network broadcast a live Hot Stove League Show from the Alderwood Mall.

Their first two guests, Jack Zduriencik and Eric Wedge, were none too forthcoming about the Mariners’ hand in free agent dealings, but spoke candidly about their hopes for the team in the coming season. Wedge, who prank texted the GM during his segment, let slip that Brendan Ryan was not to so much as touch a bat during the offseason—a rule, he guessed, had been broken once or twice already.

Future live tapings of the Hot Stove League Show will resume on January 8, 2013. You can find Shannon’s rundown of the show on MyNorthwest.com, and upcoming events listed in the sidebar. On to today’s links!

Josh Hamilton Still Available, Mariners Still Looking — For you Hamilton hopefuls out there, here’s a whole lot of non-news. However, one remark Jack made during yesterday’s show is that players like to get deals made before the holidays. True, it’s a cryptic and meaningless comment, but read into it as much as you like.

Should M’s Make a Play for R.A. Dickey? — In the likely event that Texas manages to wrangle Hamilton from the Mariners’ shiny five-year offer (because really, how else would they lure him?), Dave Cameron suggests a non-detestable, quite affordable Plan B: R.A. Dickey.

Potential new developments — In light of the recent Indians-Reds-Diamondbacks blockbuster, Jason Churchill examines the remaining free agents and selects those that would fit well with Seattle. Here’s a hint: Josh Hamilton, Nick Swisher, and Justin Upton aren’t on that list.

Greinke signing highlights Mariners’ dilemma with Felix Hernandez — The asking price for starting pitchers, especially those of King Felix’s caliber, is going way, way up. Larry Stone looks at the recent extensions for top tier pitchers and imagines how the Mariners will need to handle Felix’s upcoming contract renewal.

We’ve officially entered a baseball age of prospect overdose — Geoff Baker ruminates on the perceived value of prospects, and how they affect the mentality of GMs when it comes to building toward a great future or preparing to win in the present.

What have you read this week? Share it with us on Twitter or in the comments below!

Final score: Mariners 5, Twins 4

When the Mariners made their eight-win run last week, we knew that their next road trip had the potential to kill any momentum they gathered at home. Not to discredit their run, fueled by a pair of walk-offs and a perfect game, but robbing wins from the Rays, Twins, and Indians is not exactly a sign of an impending postseason run.

Fortunately, or perhaps not so fortunately, this road trip lived up to our tempered expectations. Against a first-place team, the Mariners took three losses; against the Twins, they captured three of four games.

In this morning’s series capper, Blake Beavan earned his ninth victory with 5 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, and 1 SO over 7 IP. It marked his lowest strikeout total since a disastrous two-inning outing against the Dodgers in mid-June, and his longest outing since the beginning of August.

The offense kept up their end of the deal, scoring on back-to-back hits in the 1st for a quick dose of run support. By the 6th inning, the Mariners trailing 2-1 while Brian Duensing retired 12 consecutive batters, they managed a four-run outburst on a 2-RBI single by Trayvon Robinson and a pair of sac flies (well, one sac fly and one case of a blinded Josh Willingham).

Right now, the Mariners are hanging onto a postseason chance of 0.5%. Heading into September, they’ll split the remaining 30 games with the Angels (9), Red Sox (3), Athletics (6), Blue Jays (3), Rangers (6), and Orioles (3). With roster expansion beginning this Saturday, let’s hope that Seattle finds enough of a spark to be more than a stepping stone for teams still in playoff contention.

Next game: vs. Angels | August 31 | 7:10pm

Final score: Mariners 3, Indians 1

The Mariners have won eight baseball games in a row.

I was a bit shell shocked when they pulled out seven wins in their last homestand, only to falter on their road trip.

This feels different. Better. More real, legitimate, or sustainable.

I apologize if you’re expecting coherent analysis, because I’m in far too optimistic a mood to give it.

The Mariners have won eight games in a row. Michael Saunders struck four home runs in as many games. Eric Thames has repeatedly proven his trade worth, striking out three times this afternoon, but pulling out a game-winning 2-RBI double in the 8th.

The Mariners could very well be on the cusp of something great. I just can’t figure out if that makes me excited or scared.

Next game: @ White Sox | August 24 | 5:10pm

Final score: Mariners 5, Indians 1

Going into tonight’s game, there were three major storylines to follow. The first one, obviously, would be Felix Hernandez’ first start since his perfect game last Wednesday. Would he falter after securing his mane in the history books, like so many before him have? Or would he shine like the pitcher we have grown to love here in Seattle?

The second tidbit surrounding this game was the fact that the Mariners were on a six game winning streak. It was their second six game winning streak since the All-Star break, a period of time in which they were 23-13, leading the American League. Would the winning streak be extended to seven, bringing the Mariners within four games of .500 and that much closer to potential playoff conversations?

The third is something that has been missing in Safeco Field for years. Sure, Opening Night is always a lock to draw a sell-out crowd. Bobblehead nights bring out certain parts of the ‘fanbase’ and visits by the Red Sox or Yankees bring out others, but Safeco has lately become more of a consistent home for the seagulls that feed on the scraps of the 14,000 or less fans that show up on weeknights. Kevin Martinez and the marketing team, however, had a vision. They had a vision of expanding the popular King’s Court section to the whole stadium, engulfing Safeco Field in a sea of yellow and the letter K. Would the promotion actually draw fans to the ballpark? Would Seattle show Felix the love he has shown Seattle over the years?

» Continue reading “Mariners Postgame Recap: Felix’s Victory Lap”

Final score: Mariners 5, Indians 3

Something special is happening at Safeco Field.

I don’t know exactly what it means, or how sustainable it is, or how ridiculously excited I should allow myself to become before the pennant race squashes my hope of a wild card berth. All I know is that the Mariners have won six games in a row, and they have done so in spectacular fashion, and I’m not going to learn from their snapped seven-game winning streak, I’m just not.

Tonight, Trayvon Robinson made a slam dunk catch down the left field line. Eric Thames shot a home run to the deepest point in the park. Michael Saunders launched two homers and drove in four runs. Kevin Millwood retired eleven consecutive batters. Tom Wilhelmsen put us on pins and needles in the 9th and emerged with a double play and a win.

It was a perfect night at the ballpark. It was a perfect way to begin this series. I’m doing everything I can to rein in hopes of contending for, well, anything at this point, but I’m going to enjoy this hot streak the Mariners are riding out.

Tomorrow, the King’s Court takes over Safeco Field. The first 34,000 fans (and you can bet I’m hoping for even more than 34,000) will receive limited-edition King’s Court shirts and a K card, both of which have been specially designed to commemorate Felix’s perfecto. Perhaps, unlike me, you haven’t imagined Safeco Field rocking with the cheers of a sold-out crowd, chanting Felix’s name and waving K cards in each other’s faces. Maybe that’s just a fantasy of mine.

Take a moment and picture it now.

Now go buy your ticket.

Next game: vs. Indians | August 21 | 7:10pm

Final score: Mariners 5, Twins 1

Forget the Rangers, their immovable position atop the AL West, their 11-2 pummeling of Toronto, their Josh Hamilton and Yu Darvish.

Forget the Athletics, who somehow secured second place ahead of Mike Trout and his posse.

Forget the Angels, who have already been forgotten by the Rangers and the A’s.

The Seattle Mariners are now the best team in this division*.

*Since the All-Star break. I know, I know. Asterisks are not fun. Major League Baseball uses them for not-fun things like steroid usage. So, read on.

Since the All-Star break, the Mariners hold the second-best MLB record at 22-13. After today’s 5-1 win, they broke .500 at Safeco Field (30-30), taking 12 of the last 13 games at home.

Since the All-Star break, the Mariners won 7 of the past 11 series. They reached a low point during Baltimore’s three-game sweep, but accomplished three sweeps of their own, including today’s series cap against the Twins.

Since the All-Star break, the Mariners have inched their way along the division/wild card race. They sit a distant 13 games behind the Rangers, so you can continue to lower your expectations for another division title. In the grab for wild cards #1 and #2, they are just 8.5 games back.

Since the All-Star break, the Mariners have gone on a five-game winning streak, second only to the string of seven wins they strung from July 26 – August 1.

Since the All-Star break, the Mariners have pieced together two walk-off wins—one courtesy of John Jaso, who leads the team with a dozen game-winning hits.

Since the All-Star break, the Mariners have thrown a perfect game.

Since the All-Star break, the Mariners have started to become relevant.

Next game: vs. Indians | August 20 | 7:10pm

Final score: Mariners 5, Twins 3

Since Justin Smoak has returned to this team, the Mariners have won via walk-off on Tuesday, perfect game on Wednesday and via the long ball tonight. When Justin Smoak was down in Tacoma, the team was okay. There were ups and downs, but now that Justin Smoak is back with the team, the chemistry is there. Now that the chemistry is there, this team is great once again. They’re 3-0 and Justin Smoak is undoubtedly to thank.

Seem a bit ridiculous? So was the whole “Ichiro-left-and-now-we’re-good-because-of-it” a few weeks ago, Mariners fans. Coincidences happen, and unless you’re ready to crown Justin Smoak the team MVP, it doesn’t make sense to label Ichiro as the cause of the rough first half of the season.

Anyway, to this game, in which Justin Smoak went 1-for-4 (he is 2-for-9 since being recalled). John Jaso did what he seemingly always does and went 2-for-3 with a two run homerun. His average is now up to .292 on the year… but he still isn’t playing every day. I don’t think I’ll ever understand it.

Hisashi Iwakuma was brilliant in a follow-up performance to Felix Hernandez’ perfect game on Wednesday, starting the game with four perfect innings of his own. Iwakuma lasted seven and the only run he gave up was unearned. He got the win and is now 4-3 on the year and has quietly had a very impressive rookie season with the Mariners. At this point, I wouldn’t mind seeing the Mariners give Iwakuma another contract for 2013 – he has developed into a more than serviceable starter.

While Stephen Pryor had a rough outing in which he gave up back-to-back homers to Joe Mauer and Josh Willingham, it wouldn’t matter as the Mariners were already up 5-1 going into the eighth. With a two run lead to protect, closer Tom Wilhelmsen shut the door in the ninth, needing only nine pitches to send the Twins packing in order.

The Mariners are now 20-13 since the All-Star break. They are 3-1 to start out the homestand and their next five games are against the Twins and Indians, followed by a seven game road stretch against the White Sox and Twins again. They are only eight games below .500 now and a 10-2 record in the next 12 games against mostly inferior competition, while highly unlikely, would put them right back at .500.

The 1995 Mariners were 12.5 back on August 20^th. The 2012 Mariners are 13.0 back on August 17^th. I’m not going to say the Mariners have a realistic chance at getting back in the playoff hunt… but crazier things have happened.

Now that we have Justin Smoak, I like our chances.

 Next game: vs. Twins | August 17 | 6:10 pm

Final score: Mariners 4, Angels 1

On Saturday, Mike Trout robbed Miguel Olivo of a home run with a perfectly executed leap at the center field wall.

Yesterday, Trout made the same well-timed move… and watched a solo shot land just out of reach of his glove for Jesus Montero’s first home run of the game.

That’s right, I said first. After going 7-for-13 in his previous three games, Montero piled on two homers and 3 RBIs in Sunday’s rubber match against Anaheim.

These last two games notwithstanding, it’s been a rough week and a half for the Mariners. Coming off of a 7-game winning streak, they lost five straight games in a 6-3 road trip against the Yankees, Orioles, and Angels.

Today, they return to Safeco Field for a 9-game stretch against the Rays, Twins, and Indians—one that will hopefully follow the script of last month’s 8-2 homestand.

Next game: vs. Rays | August 13 | 7:10pm

This weekend, the Mariners will test their recent winning streak against a team that falls somewhere between the Rockies and the Rangers. The Angels may be loaded with the likes of Albert Pujols, C.J. Wilson, and Mike Trout, but they are also clinging to last place in the AL West.

Tonight, Jason Vargas takes the mound against RHP Dan Haren. The pitching matchups for the rest of the week are as follows:

Friday — Blake Beavan vs. RHP Ervin Santana

Saturday — Felix Hernandez vs. RHP Jerome Williams

Sunday — Hector Noesi vs. LHP C.J. Wilson

Current record: 20-25

Last game: vs. Athletics. Following a one-hitter by C.J. Wilson and Ernesto Frieri, the Angels pulled out their second consecutive win with an 11th inning 2-RBI double by Alberto Callaspo.

In the past week, the Angels are 3-4 after splitting a series with the White Sox, losing one to the Padres, and taking 2 of 3 games against the A’s.

Last series against Seattle: September 5 – 7, 2011. The Mariners split the first two games of the series with a 6-error circus show and a 7-strikeout performance from King Felix. By the third game, the Angels required little assistance from Seattle’s defense, completing the series with a one-hitter by Jerome Williams and Jordan Walden.

The past five years haven’t been too kind to the Mariners, who hold a 25-51 record against the Angels since 2008. At Safeco Field, they’ve gone 15-23, slightly better than their 10-28 record in Angel Stadium.

Toughest player: Mark Trumbo. Trumbo leads the team with a slash line of .339/.403/.579, 41 hits, and 6 home runs in 35 games and 134 PA. Fortunately for Seattle, he’s managed to spread those hits fairly evenly across his 30+ appearances, going just 3-for-24 in his last five starts.

Weakest link: Albert Pujols. Okay, perhaps Pujols isn’t the worst Angel, but he’s been having a rough go of it in the American League, and I couldn’t just write this preview without mentioning him.

In 43 games and 185 PA, Albert is batting .213/.254/.333 with a .256 wOBA and 0.45 BB/K. Over his last five games, he went 5-for-24 with two singles, two extra bases (including his fourth home run of the season), and an intentional walk.

Expected result: Perhaps it’s the overconfidence that comes with a series win off the Texas Rangers, but I think the Mariners stand a chance against the Angels. Felix has regained his momentum after that abysmal start in Cleveland, Brandon League managed to get through his last appearance without giving half the fanbase heart attacks, and Seattle has almost figured out how to coordinate good offense and good defense.

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Let the battle for third place begin!

Final score: Indians 6, Mariners 5

I don’t have the heart to talk about this game. Yesterday was one loss too many, and today… well, here’s the good, the bad, and the ugly.

The good: Brendan Ryan went 2-for-3 with a pair of base hits, an RBI, and two walks. In 2012, Ryan has taken 18 walks and scored on 8 of them, which doesn’t speak to the quality of his hitting, but my excitement when the opposing team awards him bases for not hacking at every pitch.

Hector Noesi kept a scoreless game through 6.1 innings, allowing 5 hits, 3 walks, 5 strikeouts, and a run on Lucas Luetge’s slider to Asdrubal Cabrera.

Michael Saunders went 1-for-6, but his lone hit was an 11th inning RBI double that snapped a 4-4 tie.

The bad: Once again, the Mariners looked clueless with runners on base. Today was especially dreadful, stranding 11 and going 2-for-18 with RISP.

The ugly: After 7 blissful innings of a multi-run lead, Jose Lopez carved up a 92 MPH fastball from Steve Delabar, bouncing it off the yellow line for a 3-RBI home run.

Not to be outdone, Brandon League earned his third blown save of the year, walking 3 batters and giving up a walk-off single in 0.1 IP.

Next game: @ Rockies | May 18 | 5:40pm