Mariners are gonna rock this year!

New Manager- Mike Hargrove who led Cleveland to 2 World Series
New Third Baseman - Adrian Beltre, led Majors with 47 homeruns, Gold Glove caliber, All-Star
New First Basemen - Richie Sexson, Gold Glove caliber, All Star
New Shortstop - Pokey Reese, Gold Glove caliber
Returning Right Fielder - Ichiro, led majors and broke single season hits record, Gold Glove, All Star
Returning Center Fielder - Randy Winn, All Star, Gold Glove Caliber
Returning Left Fielder - Raul Ibanez, .304 ave last year on a terrible hitting team, Gold Glove caliber
Returning Second Baseman - Bret "Boonie" Boone, Gold Glove, All Star
Returning Catcher - Dan Wilson, excellent catcher
Returning Closer - "Everyday Eddie" Guardado,

Yeah, we need some depth at SS, and we need a good starting pitcher, or 2, but we're doing okay. I'm excited.

You can read about it here.

Go Mariners!

 

defintately looks promising.

what about my braves? another division title coming...hopefully they'll extend it through the playoffs this time.

 

What do you think about Smoltz being a starter once again? I wish he'd stick with closing, he's amazing. He's one of my favorite players, and I'd love to see him and the Braves get a ring, unless, of course, they were playing the Mariners.

 

I don't know Eric, your current pitching staff was a combined 54-91 last year.

(Hey, no fair looking up the same stat for the Blue Jays )

At least you got hitting. We just have money(no Delgado) and no-one to spend it on.


As an aside, what do you think MLB should do about the steroid issue?

Me, I'd asterisk the lot of them, then come up with a mean zero tolerance policy, and stick to it.

 

if he still has what it takes, fine with me.

@ Mr. Pewty
if it were my decision, I would have random tests once a month, and everyone gets tested, from the big leagues to the backup in 1-AAA. no player should be exempt. first instance, it stays private and within the MLB, player gets fined and sent to counseling. second instance, it goes public, player gets fined, and suspended for the remainder of the year. third instance, you're a goner. by this time, i don't think you need an official asterisk next to the players name...the public will have torn this person to shreds.

maybe its a little harsh, but if something like that is implemented, i believe the problem will fade.

 

If you put an asterisk, then you have to put in on players that retired last year, and years past…..yes, I’m a Giant and A’s fan, I live in the bay area…….it’s like politicks, who’s to say any wrongs happened………each year sports find a new way to test for drugs…drugs that are ok this year, (maybe because they aren’t banned) will be banned next year, and if so, do we add the asterisk…….wobbles

 

If you don't put an asterisk on Bonds, then when he passes Hank Aaron, he passes Hank Aaron, and Hank didn't have any help. Doesn't seem fair to me.

 

I agree, Mr. P- look what MLB did to Roger Marris when he passed the Babe; and Roger was legit. Nobody does juice "without knowing" what they're on- if MCT's made a person grow that big, everybody would be taking it- funny how intelligent people play dumb when the hand's in the cookie jar...

 

imo, bonds gets an asterisk. mcguire gets an asterisk. sammy gets an asterisk (who knows how many he hit out with a corked bat). caminitti gets an asterisk. canseco gets an asterisk. anyone who has been caught using, or admitted to using a banned substance gets an asterisk in my book.

 

The Mariners weren't hitting last year. Without run support, you can't win. The pitchers weren't pitching. I think last year was the antithesis of the 2001, 116-win season. Everyone did so good that year, and last year, everyone did horribly. I think you will see the Mariners of old emerge this year.

As far as Bonds, and company, I think they should be banned. An asterisk is too easy. He cheated, he knows it, he's lying. Get him for perjury too. It disgusts me. How can you ban Rose and not ban Bonds? How much did Rose's gambling affect the actual game? Very little. I'm not saying Rose should be reinstated, he shouldn't. He broke the rules too. But Bonds and company have distorted the numbers and the public view of Baseball and it will be quite awhile before we recover. The users have tainted the game forever. It sickens me. Ban them all.

 

Yeah, and only because Maris had a few more games to play in the season. They have removed that asterisk now, haven't they? Poor Maris. Ever seen 61* ? Heartbreaking movie.

And, not only does Bonds play dumb, but he insults the intelligence of baseball fans everywhere. He holds everyone in disdain but himself. I have never really "liked" Bonds, but I respected him, and was rooting for him to do his thing. I was glad to see history being made. But all that is gone, and now I'm rooting against him. It's a shame.

Bring on more Ichiros. That's what we need.

BTW, I'm Eric. I've not "met" you yet. Glad to make your aquaintance. Where do you hail from? What team do you root for? Long time baseball fan? Short time baseball fan? Not a baseball fan? That's okay.

 

Howdy, Eric- name's Mike (no, really!), live in Massachusetts now (yeah, THOSE guys); like baseball, root for no team in particular, just enjoy the sport- "61*" was excellent (you're right about the *)- I'm more of a hockey fan (OK, stop laughing!)

 

Just wondering Eric. You're a Mariners fan yet you live in Chicago. Are you from the west?

 

Yeah, grew up in Tacoma, family is all still there, and my sister got me into baseball in 98. She took me to the Kingdome to see the Ms play the Yankees, and I've been hooked ever since.

Where you from? Like baseball?

 

I live in Cranbrook in the southeast corner of BC. I've been a Blue jays fan for as long as they've been a team. The Mariners are second choice because they are relatively close to where I live, or first when they have years like '03. The Jays get hurt by the dollar difference. They can't afford to keep the good players. I hope they don't end up like the Expos.