Mariner Report
I thoroughly enjoyed Saturday’s game in Arlington, as I had the privilege of
seeing our boys beat the Rangers in 10 innings. The pitching was very good.
Moyer pitched well, but got a no-decision and Rhodes, Nelson, Soriano (who won
the game), and Hasegawa (who saved the game) all looked sharp. The bats were a
bit slow, but we managed to score enough without it. Overall though, we stink. A
3 and 4 showing this week makes us 13 and 13 over the last four weeks.
Nevertheless, we are still the best team in baseball with a half game edge on
the Braves. Ordinarily, I would be looking forward to next week’s match-ups with
3 against Baltimore and 3 against Tampa Bay, but the way we’ve been playing, I’m
sure we’ll find a way to loose at least one of those series. On a note of minor
interest, Friday’s game will be Lou Piniella’s first time back in Seattle. I
expect the fans will give him a tremendous ovation. Although our record has not
been good of late, Freddie Garcia was named the AL pitcher of the month for
June, and we went the entire month without giving up an unearned run. Ichiro and
Edgar Martinez were both voted to start in the All-Star game, and not
surprisingly, Jamie Moyer and Brett Boone were named as reserves. Gil Meche got
the cold shoulder, but I am just elated that Shigetoshi Hasegawa made the team.
I’ve been pleased over the past few years that top notch middle relievers have
been chosen for the All-Star team, Hasegawa definitely fits the bill. (Although
Arthur Rhodes was severely snubbed for this honor in 2001 and 2002.) I do my
best to give praise to worthy Mariners, but even I have failed to give the
proper credit to Hasegawa. He has 44.1 innings pitched (more than any other M’s
reliever), a 1-0 record, 3 for 3 in save opportunities, and a microscopic 0.81
ERA. Thanks, Shigi. We couldn’t have done it without you.
Mariner of the Week: I got to give this weeks MOW to Jamie Moyer. After a few
down starts and poor run support, Moyer bounced back and got some run support
this week, winning 1 and getting a no-decision in another. In all he pitched 14
innings, gave up 3 runs (1.93), and struck out 5. Moyer ended his week by being
named to his first All-Star team in his 17th season.