It’s almost here, Mariners fans: pitchers and catchers report in six days! Until we can bring you news of actual baseball events, here is some quality shoe-gazing as the Seattle blogosphere reflects on this offseason.

You want a good lights-out story? Super Bowl has nothing on the Mariners — In light of the power outage at this year’s Super Bowl, Larry Stone recounts a moment in Mariners history when a similar scenario caused a bit of havoc on the field.

Josh Hamilton and Not Wanting to Play in Seattle — Dave Cameron debunks the myth that hitters, for varied and unfair reasons, just don’t want to come to the Emerald City.

Let’s Talk Seattle Mariners Front Office — Last month, Cameron elaborated on the nature of a changing front office. Jeff Sullivan adds to that discussion here, explaining that as Jack Zduriencik and his team are an “old-school organization” (and helpfully pointing out that scouting-focused Brian Sabean has two World Series titles under his belt in the last three years), we should evaluate them as they have evolved—not as they used to be.

Mariners payroll stands at just under $79 million with spring training right around corner — If you’re looking for a breakdown of Mariners’ salaries and costs for 2013, the full list can be found here. Geoff Baker explains that the club has ample room to flesh out the starting rotation, even with deferred payments to Ichiro and the leftovers of Chone Figgins’ and Miguel Olivo’s contracts.

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

For now, Jesus Montero is the only guaranteed catcher on the Mariners’ roster.

I’ll give Jack Zduriencik this much: he certainly knows how to pull off a surprise.

Today, the Mariners announced a three-way trade with the Oakland Athletics and Washington Nationals. John Jaso went to Oakland, A.J. Cole, Blake Treinen, and a PTBNL went to Washington, and Mike Morse went to Seattle.

It’s a move that, according to Twitter, left many fans scratching their heads.

In 2012, Jaso held a backup catching role, splitting time behind the plate with Miguel Olivo and Jesus Montero, and coming in as a left-handed pinch-hitter during late innings and extra-inning games. Offensively, he was the hottest lefty on the team, batting .276/.394/.456 in 108 games and 361 PA, with a .372 wOBA, 15.5% walk rate and 3.3 bWAR.

Mike Morse is a familiar name to Seattle fans. The Mariners saw him through the first four years of his career, from his MLB debut in 2005 to an injury-riddled 2008. In just 107 games and 337 PA, he batted .300/.365/.397 for a -0.2 bWAR. His batting average and playing time increased considerably after his departure, peaking at .303 in 2011 and dipping to a comfortable .291/.321/.470 over 430 PA in 2012.

While Morse has experience at first base (123 career games) and left/right field (247 career games), he will be fighting for a position that is over-saturated with candidates: Kendrys Morales, Mike Carp, and Justin Smoak at first, and Casper Wells, Michael Saunders, Eric Thames, Franklin Gutierrez, Jason Bay, Raul Ibanez, and Carlos Peguero in the outfield.

Where does this leave the Mariners’ catching situation? Miguel Olivo is gone. Montero is on the 40-man, but will not be expected to catch 162 games next year. Mike Zunino is promising, but as of yet unproven—and the Mariners seem to be in no rush to hurry him through the next level of minor league development. From Greg Johns’ trade report:

“We’re going to be shopping,” Zduriencik said. “We have our list; we’ve already talked to people this afternoon. We like our catching in the organization. We’ve got some good young kids right on the horizon. But for immediate needs, we’ll definitely be shopping.”

In a nutshell, this trade sees a poor defensive catcher with decent offensive production swapped for a poor defensive outfielder with decent offensive production. It leans in Oakland’s favor (and, for that matter, Washington’s), but bear in mind that Jack isn’t quite finished with the Mariners’ 2013 roster yet.

Opening Day may still be a distant 122 days away, but Christmas is just around the corner, giving you the perfect excuse to ditch the offseason blues for some Mariners-themed memorabilia. Here are a few of our favorites:

King of Perfection DVD, $10

Relive each out of King Felix’s perfect game with this commemorative DVD, available exclusively in Mariners Team Stores. In addition to game footage, the film features postgame interviews with Felix Hernandez, a special video montage, and the choice of radio or TV play-by-play.

» Continue reading “Mariners Holiday Shopping Guide”

In five days, the head honchos of MLB will convene in Nashville for the 2012 Winter Meetings. Among the madness of free agent signings (or, more likely, free agent talks shrouded in mystery), the 2012 GIBBY Awards will be revealed. If you haven’t voted for the Mariners yet, you can do so here.

The Dodgers’ New TV Deal, the Mariners, and Irrational Exuberance — Dave Cameron explains the burgeoning media market for MLB teams, the audience they are both losing and driving away, and what the Mariners might be eying in 2015.

On Chone Figgins and His Player Type — If you think you can write off this article by answering ‘bad,’ think again. Jeff Sullivan mercifully bypasses the details of Figgins’ downfall in Seattle, opting to look into the aging patterns of shorter players.

Don’t be surprised by Mariners’ pursuit of Mike Napoli — Although I feel squeamish thinking about the Mariners signing another Olivo-esque player, Geoff Baker remains certain that a veteran player is needed to keep the prospects and young’uns grounded throughout the season.

Time for Zduriencik to earn stripes — Prospect Insider’s Jason Churchill examines the ramifications another losing season will have on the front office, most notably, GM Jack Zduriencik. In a nutshell: if things don’t improve quickly and drastically, there may be trouble ahead.

Thanksgiving Leftovers — Tacoma broadcaster Mike Curto dives into the minor league news and emerging trade rumors of the offseason.

Munenori Kawasaki Personality Quiz — There was a time when the mention of Munenori Kawasaki’s name lifted the hearts of even the most disillusioned Mariners fans. Now, it has been reduced to this. (If I sound bitter, it’s only because Jeff pegged me as a #3, and I’m dealing with the difficult transition to a #2.)

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

With the end of No Shave November approaching this weekend, another beloved tradition faces its final test: the Mariners’ Movember Madness. It’s time to take sides between the skipper’s handlebar mustache and Brendan Ryan’s facial topiary. You can cast your vote here, or simply enter to win a baseball autographed by Eric Wedge.

• As the winter meetings draw ever closer, Jack Zduriencik offers a glimpse at his offseason plan—and it’s not quite what you might expect. From Greg Johns:

“Offense would be a focal point, but if there are other avenues, if we could add a starting pitcher, who knows what might present itself both for this year and with the bigger picture in mind.”

While the Big Four (Danny Hultzen, Taijuan Walker, James Paxton, and Brandon Maurer) have shown considerable progress in the past season, Jack Z appears to be holding a short leash so far.

• Minor league Mariner and second baseman Stefen Romero was elected to Topps’ 2012 Double-A All Star Team. He joins the outstanding cast of Darin Ruf (PHI), Jurickson Profar (TEX), Mike Olt (TEX), Ali Solis (SD), Oswaldo Arcia (MIN), Alfredo Marte (ARI), Oscar Taveras (STL), and Chris Heston (SF).
• Three Mariners cracked the list of the 2012 AFL Top 25: catcher Mike Zunino (#3), shortstop Nick Franklin (#10), and lefty James Paxton (#25).
• The Mariners are officially on the hunt for a suitable Miguel Olivo replacement. Their latest target? Yankee backstop Russell Martin, who posted a slash line of .211/.311/.403 in 2012. Via MLB Trade Rumors:

“Free agent catcher Russell Martin is receiving significant interest from the Pirates and Mariners, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. The Yankees remain the favorites to sign Martin, but it appears that they’ll have to duke it out with the Bucs and M’s in addition to the Rangers.”

• Ken Rosenthal also appears fairly certain that the Mariners will make significant efforts to boost their offense, potentially including Mike Napoli and other, non-Josh Hamilton hitters. The biggest draw for Napoli, Rosenthal says, would be a legitimate shot at consistent playing time.
• The team released its 2013 spring training schedule yesterday, with pitchers and catchers slotted to begin workouts on February 13. The full list of Mariners’ Cactus League games can be found here.

This week, the baseball blogosphere is brimming with minor league moves and projected 2013 lineups. Whether you’re eying Billy Hamilton, Zack Greinke, or Mike Napoli, there are rumors to satisfy your wildest dreams for the 2013 Mariners.

Minor League Free Agents 2012 — Baseball America’s Matt Eddy recently released the complete list of MiLB free agents this offseason. Check back here often as the Hot Stove heats up.

Seattle Mariners trade scenario: Chase Headley — This week’s trade proposition is brought to you by Jonathan Irwin of NW Sports Beat, who suggests a simple three-step plan to refining Seattle’s infield.

What You Didn’t Know About Hisashi Iwakuma — Whether the Hisashi Iwakuma re-signing has you upset, excited, or just confused, Jeff Sullivan is here to break down Iwakuma’s 2012 performance.

The Problem With Trades — Not to kill your hopes for an exciting offseason, but Dave Cameron narrows the pool of potential trade partners to a handful of teams, and explains why the Mariners may not be in a rush to move pieces of their own.

Offseason Target: Zack Greinke — As we wait for the first Mariners trade rumor to surface (besides the tired idea that Felix Hernandez is headed to New York), Prospect Insider is busy evaluating each worthy trade target. This week, Adam Wong examines the pros and cons of signing Zack Greinke.

A Brief History Of Seattle Mariners Position Players Pitching — Finally, some fun stuff. Unfortunately, none of these players touch Scott Savastano’s 1-2-3 inning and subsequent walk-off home run or the fleeting joy of watching Miguel Olivo warm up.

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

According to the team’s official Twitter account, the Mariners have declined Miguel Olivo’s $3M option for 2013 and released Munenori Kawasaki.

Both moves were anticipated, following Olivo’s waning performance in 2012 and the emergence of Jesus Montero and John Jaso as viable alternate backstops. Olivo collected 232 hits, 90 extra bases, and batted .210/.239/.370 in 321 games and 4 years as a Mariner.

Final score: Mariners 6, Rangers 3

After a week of Twitter giveaways and #FANtasticFriday hashtags, the Mariners celebrated their annual Fan Appreciation Night with a plethora of giveaways and awards. Felix Hernandez was given the Mariners Moment of the Year for his perfecto. Munenori Kawasaki took home the Heart and Hustle Award for, well, just being himself. Randomly selected fans won round-trip airfare, autographed jerseys, signed balls, and snazzy electronics.

The best giveaway of the night, however, was a long-awaited win over the Rangers. In September, the Mariners have gone 7-11 in 18 games, swept by the Athletics and Orioles, and stringing four consecutive wins over this homestand. Against Martin Perez and a Texas lineup missing Adrian Beltre and Josh Hamilton, the M’s managed nine hits and a consistent multi-run lead through five innings.

Hisashi Iwakuma posted another solid outing with eight hits, three earned runs, and four strikeouts in seven innings. For the first time since Sunday, the ‘pen—consisting of Stephen Pryor and Tom Wilhelmsen—did not allow a run.

Providing all manner of run support was Franklin Gutierrez (triple laced down the left field line), Casper Wells (RBI double), Carlos Triunfel (tie-breaking double), Justin Smoak (3-for-4), and Miguel Olivo (2-run mash wrapped around the left field foul pole). Triunfel made his first MLB start at shortstop, giving Brendan Ryan an extra day of rest and turning two double plays.

Tomorrow evening, Blake Beavan will face LHP Matt Harrison. Should the Mariners emerge victorious once again, it will be the first time they’ve strung consecutive wins since last week’s trek to Toronto.

Next game: vs. Rangers | September 22 | 6:10pm

H/T to Steven for the title of tonight’s recap. I can’t take any credit for this one.

Final score: Orioles 4, Mariners 2

When the Mariners began this game, I was still 21.

Nine hours ago, I arrived at Safeco for batting practice, eager to soak up the last little bit of baseball the Mariners have to offer this season. If only I had had an inkling of what was to come.

Through the first eight innings—the first game of the night, really—Erasmo Ramirez shut out the Orioles on two hits and six strikeouts. He returned in the ninth to a standing ovation, then surrendered back-to-back singles to Ryan Flaherty and Nate McLouth. Tom Wilhelmsen blew his fourth save of the year on the third single of the inning, an RBI from Chris Davis that tied the game.

I’m not going to lie: there’s little that excites me more than the prospect of extra innings. In 38 games this year, I had yet to see bonus baseball. So, although I probably should’ve been as sad as Steven was when Wilhelmsen allowed the tying run to score, I was practically bouncing up and down in my seat instead.

I still didn’t know what I was in for.

Over the final nine innings of the game, the crowd of 12,608 dwindled to a few hundred (pictured in the above photo). Eric Wedge brought in John Jaso. Buck Showalter countered with lefty reliever Brian Matusz. Wedge then changed his mind, forfeiting the chance to use his best offensive player, and opted for Alex Liddi.

The 14th stretch came and went. By the 15th inning, even the flocks of seagulls had vanished from the outfield. The field became so quiet that, aside from a few raucous cheers by the seven remaining Orioles fans, you could hear the game broadcast echoing on the main concourse.

It finally ended in the 18th. Lucas Luetge opened the inning with a walk, followed by a pair of base hits and an RBI groundout to give the Orioles a two-run lead. The bottom half of the inning went quickly, without so much as a baserunner for the Mariners.

When this game finally, mercifully finished, I was no longer 21. And although a walk-off would’ve made for an even sweeter story, I couldn’t be happier spending the first part of my birthday at the ballpark. See you tonight, Mariners fans.

Next game: vs. Orioles | September 19 | 7:10pm

In lieu of a postgame recap (Mariners won 3-2, Kevin Millwood left with shoulder tightness, Miguel Olivo did the unthinkable and hit a home run), here is the Mariners’ schedule for next season.

Sure, it may be a little early to think this far in advance, but remind yourself that they get to face the Astros in 2013. If that doesn’t put a smile on your face, I don’t know what will.

Interleague match-ups include the following teams: Padres, Pirates, Cubs, Brewers, Reds, and Cardinals. The Mariners play back-to-back series with the Padres in May, one two-game series in Seattle and one two-game series in San Diego. The Reds and Cardinals will be the only NL teams not paying a visit to Safeco Field. Follow the jump for the complete schedule:

» Continue reading “Mariners 2013 Schedule Released”