SB Nation Seattle - Mariners Japan Road Trip 2012: Seattle Falls 5-1 To Hanshin Tigers, 9-3 to Yomiuri Giantshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48997/seattle-fave.png2012-03-26T12:09:19-07:00http://seattle.sbnation.com/rss/stream/24964392012-03-26T12:09:19-07:002012-03-26T12:09:19-07:00Exhibition Game: Seattle Mariners Fall To Yomiuri Giants, 9-3
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<p>Well, this is a trip the <a href="https://www.lookoutlanding.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Seattle Mariners</a> would soon like to forget, and it isn't even over yet. While their fellow MLB team, the <a href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Oakland Athletics</a>, split two games against Japanese competition, the Mariners followed up their 5-1 loss to the Hanshin Tigers with <a href="http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120326&content_id=27615958&vkey=news_sea&c_id=sea">a 9-3 loss to the Yomiuri Giants on Monday morning</a>.</p>
<p><span>Dustin Ackley</span> did go 2-for-3 with a home run and a triple but he was the lone positive.</p>
<p>Starting pitcher <span>Hisashi Iwakuma</span> - who pitched in Japan the past 11 years - was rocked for six runs and 10 hits over four innings and they didn't get much from anyone else either.</p>
<p><span>John Bowker</span>, an American playing for the Giants, got it started with a home run off Iwakuma in just the second at-bat of the game and it was a done deal after that. Fifteen hits and nine runs later the Mariners saw themselves with another preseason L before the start of the regular season against the A's begins on Wednesday night in the Tokyo Dome.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/seattle-mariners/2012/3/26/2903999/exhibition-game-seattle-mariners-fall-to-yomiuri-giants-9-3Ronald Clark2012-03-25T14:49:15-07:002012-03-25T14:49:15-07:00Mariners Score Update: Seattle Falls 5-1 To Hanshin Tigers, Ichiro The Main Attraction
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lookoutlanding.com/">Seattle Mariners</a> and <span>Ichiro Suzuki</span> were a hit in Japan for their exhibition matchup in a 5-1 defeat. Ichiro only made one hit in his four at-bats, but received highly positive reaction every time he stepped up to the plate.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Hanshin took the lead in the second on an infield single, and a two run home run off of <span>Hector Noesi</span>. A double and a single scored two more runs to take a 5-0 lead going into the final inning, where <span>Casper Wells</span> puts Seattle on the board with a homer. Seattle's only other real chance of scoring came in the eighth inning, but ground out and struck out with a runner in scoring position.</p>
<p>Seattle players seemed to appreciate the experience. <a target="_blank" href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/marinersblog/2017834708_mariners_downplaying_defeat_af.html">Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times has more here</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote>
<p>"It was awesome,'' said <span>Michael Saunders</span>, who had a single in the third inning as the Mariners loaded the bases with one out before coming up empty. "It felt like -- I've never seen it before except on TV -- but it was almost like a European soccer game. They're extremely enthusiastic, obviously they have a lot of fun and they take a lot of pride.</p>
<p>"I had a lot of fun. It's good baseball, obviously and they take a lot of pride and have a lot of passion for the game.''</p>
</blockquote>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://mynorthwest.com/category/mariners_blog/">Shannon Drayer of 710AM ESPN also got these quotes. </a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>While the Mariners were throwing a regulation MLB ball the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a> were throwing a Japanese baseball. I was talking to <span>Shawn Kelley</span> before the game when another player handed him one of the balls.</p>
<p>"This ball feels like a rubber ball. That's their game ball? It's like rubber. I have heard this ball isn't going anywhere," he said.</p>
<p><span>Justin Smoak</span> compared the ball the Tigers used to a high school ball. High seams and soft. Add that to facing pitchers with different repertoires and somewhat strange movements and it wasn't an easy day at the plate.</p>
<p>"I don't know if it was there ball that they used or what but it moved a lot," he said when asked what he saw from the pitchers today. "The first guy had a really good 2 seamer, and the last guy I faced had 8000 twitches and stops before he threw it to the plate. It was a little different but it was good."</p>
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<p><i><b>To discuss the result with Mariners fans, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lookoutlanding.com">hit up Lookout Landing</a>. </b></i></p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/seattle-mariners/2012/3/25/2901902/seattle-mariners-japan-ichiro-suzukiAvinash Kunnath2012-03-24T06:00:47-07:002012-03-24T06:00:47-07:00Mariners Spring Training Odds And Ends: Felix Hernandez Gets Shelled, M's Arrive In Japan
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lookoutlanding.com/">Seattle Mariners</a> have arrived in Japan in preparation for their two-game series against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/">Oakland Athletics</a> that will officially kick off the 2012 baseball season. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.redbluffdailynews.com/sports/ci_20238776/mariners-arrive-japan-opening-series">Jim Armstrong of the Associated Press reported</a> on the M's arriving in Narita on Friday morning. There were a healthy number of fans waiting to greet both the Mariners and the A's at the airport. The Mariners, of course, have deep ties to Japan, not least of which being that the team owner hails from and resides in Japan. Seattle also has three Japanese players on their roster: <span>Ichiro Suzuki</span>, <span>Munenori Kawasaki</span> and <span>Hisashi Iwakuma</span>.</p>
<p>One of the non-Japanese players who may be eager to put the United States behind him for a little while is Seattle ace and Opening Day starter <span>Felix Hernandez</span>, who made his last Spring Training start on Wednesday and got absolutely shellacked. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/seattles-hernandez-hit-hard-in-final-spring-start-white-sox-beat-mariners-13-8/2012/03/21/gIQAuofkSS_story.html">As the Associated Press reported</a>, Hernandez had been throwing pretty much lights-out in the Cactus League until that final start against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">Chicago White Sox</a>, in which the picther was roughed up for eight runs in a 13-8 loss. But Hernandez is looking forward to the real season starting, as are the rest of us.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"It's time to be serious," Hernandez said.</p>
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<p>Baseball is serious business and certainly all Seattle fans are looking forward to the first official pitch being thrown. As always, it's going to be quite a season.</p>
<p><i>For all news and information regarding the Seattle Mariners, please visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lookoutlanding.com/">Lookout Landing</a>. </i></p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/seattle-mariners/2012/3/24/2899100/mariners-spring-training-felix-hernandez-japanBill Hanstock2012-03-23T16:17:08-07:002012-03-23T16:17:08-07:00Seattle Mariners' Japan Trip Game Schedule
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<p>The Mariners open their season next week but this weekend and Monday will play exhibition games against the Hanshin <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a> and Yomiuri <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mccoveychronicles.com/">Giants</a>. Then, on Wednesday, Seattle then opens the regular season with two games in Tokyo against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/">Oakland Athletics</a>. If you want to catch those games live, you best prepare a pot of coffee.</p>
<p>Here's the schedule:</p>
<p><b><i>Exhibition Game One:</i></b> On Sunday, March 25th at 8:06 pm PDT | 12:06 pm JST In Tokyo, the Mariners face off against the Hanshin Tigers.</p>
<p><b><i>Exhibition Game Two:</i></b> Monday, March 26th at 3:04 am PDT |<span style="line-height: 9px;"> </span>7:04 pm JST<span style="line-height: 9px;"> </span>In Tokyo. The M's to visit the Yomiuri Giants.</p>
<p><b><i>Regular Season Game One: </i></b>The Mariners open their season against the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday, March 28th at 3:10 am<span style="line-height: 9px;"> PST | </span>In Tokyo (7:10 pm JST)<br>TV: ROOT SPORTS, MLBN (delay) | MLB.TV</p>
<p><i><b>Regular Season Game Two:</b></i> The M's come back the next day and on Thursday, March 29th, face the A's at 2:10 am<span style="line-height: 9px;"> PST | </span>In Tokyo (6:10 pm JST)<br>TV: ROOT SPORTS, MLBN (delay) | MLB.TV</p>
<p><i><i>For more news and notes on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lookoutlanding.com/">Seattle Mariners</a>, make sure you check out <a href="http://www.lookoutlanding.com/" target="_blank">Lookout Landing</a> to get in on the action.</i> </i></p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/seattle-mariners/2012/3/23/2898460/seattle-mariners-japan-trip-game-scheduleDanny Kelly2012-03-22T12:05:08-07:002012-03-22T12:05:08-07:00Seattle Mariners Set 30-Man Roster For Japan Trip
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<p>The <a href="https://www.lookoutlanding.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Seattle Mariners</a> are getting close to their trip across the world to Japan to take on their last few exhibition games against the Hanshin Tigers and Yomiuri Giants and their first regular-season opener against the <a href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Oakland Athletics</a>.</p>
<p>Jerry Brewer of the Seattle Times noted that they'll be taking off around noon from Peoria, AZ, and <a target="_blank" href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/marinersblog/2017814876_mariners_set_30-man_roster_for.html">had to cut the roster down to 30</a> to make the trek. Here's how it breaks down by position:</p>
<p><strong>Pitchers (14):</strong> <span>Blake Beavan</span>, <span>Steve Delabar</span>, <span>Felix Hernandez</span>, <span>Hisashi Iwakuma</span>, <span>Shawn Kelley</span>, <span>Brandon League</span>, <span>Hector Noesi</span>, Erasmo Ramirez, <span>Chance Ruffin</span>, <span>Tom Wilhelmsen</span>, <span>Charlie Furbush</span>, <span>Lucas Luetge</span>, <span>George Sherrill</span>, Jason Vargas.</p>
<p><strong>Catchers (four):</strong> <span>Miguel Olivo</span>, <span>Jesus Montero</span>, <span>John Jaso</span>, <span>Guillermo Quiroz</span>.</p>
<p><strong>Infielders (seven):</strong> <span>Dustin Ackley</span>, <span>Chone Figgins</span>, <span>Munenori Kawasaki</span>, <span>Alex Liddi</span>, <span>Brendan Ryan</span>, <span>Kyle Seager</span>, <span>Justin Smoak</span>.</p>
<p><strong>Outfielders (five):</strong> <span>Mike Carp</span>, <span>Carlos Peguero</span>, <span>Michael Saunders</span>, <span>Ichiro Suzuki</span>, <span>Casper Wells</span>.</p>
<p>All 30 players will be eligible for the exhibition games, but will have to cut it to 28 for the regular season games. Only 25 of the 28 will be eligible to play in those games. All of the 28 players must also be placed the 40-man roster as well. Pitcher Kevin Millwood won't make the trip to continue with his training back in Arizona.</p>
<p><i>For more news and notes on the Seattle Mariners, make sure you check out <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lookoutlanding.com">Lookout Landing</a> to get in on the action.</i></p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/seattle-mariners/2012/3/22/2894162/seattle-mariners-set-30-man-roster-for-japan-tripErnie Pomin2012-03-21T15:57:51-07:002012-03-21T15:57:51-07:00Seattle Mariners Announce Pitching Rotation: Felix Hernandez Leads Off
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lookoutlanding.com/">Seattle Mariners</a> have a new pitching rotation in place.<a target="_blank" href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/marinersblog/2017805882_mariners_announce_rotation_and.html"> Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times reports</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The team had already announced that <b><span>Felix Hernandez</span></b> and <b>Jason Vargas</b> will be the first two starters and will start the games against the A's in Japan March 28-29.</p>
<p>Today, manager <b>Eric Wedge</b> said the other three starters to begin the season will be <b><span>Hector Noesi</span>, <span>Blake Beavan</span></b> and <b>Kevin Millwood</b>.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Here's a little bit on each pitcher. </p>
<p>Felix Hernandez is the lead pitcher once again. His 2011 season fell off from his excellent 2010 campaign, as his ERA rose to 3.47 from 2.27 and the WHIP went from 1.057 to 1.220, while strikeouts slightly declined from 232 to 222. Still enough for Hernandez to keep his lead spot though.</p>
<p>Jason Vargas comes next, and also saw his ERA rise from 3.78 to 4.25. His WHIP and hit/walk count also increased slightly, although his strikeout count did go up from 116 to 131.</p>
<p>Hector Noesi has only one season in the majors; in his two starting appearances with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a> he managed a 4.47 ERA. In his remaining relief appearances he struck out 45 in 56 innings pitched.</p>
<p>Blake Beavan has also only pitched one season in the majors, going 5-6 with a 4.27 ERA.</p>
<p>Kevin Millwood has pitched in the majors since 1997, and is coming off a year in Colorado where he only pitched nine games with a 3.98 ERA.</p>
<p><i><b>To discuss the pitching rotation with Mariners fans, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lookoutlanding.com">head on over to Lookout Landing</a>. </b></i></p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/seattle-mariners/2012/3/21/2892094/seattle-mariners-felix-hernandez-pitchersAvinash Kunnath2012-03-20T10:00:21-07:002012-03-20T10:00:21-07:00Mariners Spring Training 2012 Stats: Alex Liddi And Jesus Montero Producing At The Plate
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lookoutlanding.com/">Seattle Mariners</a> are currently 18 games into their Spring Training season with two final games on Tuesday and Wednesday before departing for two exhibition games in Japan and finally opening day against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/">Oakland Athletics</a> on on March 28th. </p>
<p>Currently with an 11-7 record in the Cactus League, the Mariners are three games back from first place. Here are some notable statistical totals from the Mariners:</p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px;">In 11 games, outfielder <span>Carlos Peguero</span> leads the team with three home runs, but also has struck out a team-high 13 times. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px;">In 13 games, third baseman <span>Alex Liddi</span> leads the team with nine runs scored with a line of .393/.485/.689. Liddi is making a strong case for himself to be added as a bench player to the 25-man roster. He'll have to beat out <span>Kyle Seager</span> who currently has more big league experience.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px;">Despite missing a few games due to illness, <span>Jesus Montero</span> leads the team with 10 RBIs. Montero, the projected starter at catcher for the Mariners is expected to produce offensively and be a mainstay in the middle of the order this upcoming season.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px;">In three appearances, Mariners starter Jason Vargas has surrendered 12 runs through 8.1 innings. Though the number is alarming, spring training is often used as a tool to improve certain pitches or experiment on the mound. Winning games and statistics are not the priority for established pitchers like Vargas.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span>Felix Hernandez</span> has pitched like a King this spring. In three starts, King Felix has struck out a team-high13 batters and has only allowed five hits in 13 innings pitched.</span></li>
</ul>
<div><i><b>To talk more Mariners baseball, head on over to <a href="http://lookoutlanding.com" target="_blank">Lookout Landing.</a></b></i></div>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/seattle-mariners/2012/3/20/2885979/2012-seattle-mariners-spring-training-statisticsKevin Cacabelos2012-03-19T16:13:03-07:002012-03-19T16:13:03-07:00Spring Training 2012: Hong-Chih Kuo Released By Mariners
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<p>2012 Spring Training did not get off to a great start for new <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lookoutlanding.com/">Seattle Mariners</a> acquisition <span>Hong-Chih Kuo</span>, but things only got worse for the reliever as Cactus League play progressed in March.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgersnow/la-sp-dn-hongchih-kuo-20120319,0,958977.story">Steve Dilbeck of the Los Angeles Times reports</a> that Kuo was released by Seattle on Monday, which is certainly not the ending that either he or the Mariners had hoped for. The anticipation was that Kuo would be able to bounce back following a rough 2011 season with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Los Angeles Dodgers</a>, but he was roughed up time and again in his Spring Training outings and the M's were finally forced to cut him loose.</p>
<p>This may not be the end of the road for Kuo, but his prospects at this point will be slim. A team may take a gamble on a minor league contract with the lefty, but his March has done nothing but hurt his stock. He made only six appearances with the Mariners in Arizona, pitching only 6.2 innings, but allowed 13 earned runs on 14 hits and four walks.</p>
<p><i>For all news and information regarding the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../../mlb/teams/seattle-mariners">Seattle Mariners</a>, please visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lookoutlanding.com/">Lookout Landing</a>.</i></p>
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https://seattle.sbnation.com/seattle-mariners/2012/3/19/2885858/spring-training-2012-hong-chih-kuo-released-by-marinersBill Hanstock