Grip on Sports: The Mariners’ recent transformation is worth a high five or two
A GRIP ON SPORTS • So who are those guys playing at Safeco Field and what did they do with our beloved stumbling, bumbling Mariners? Read on.
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• The guys the Mariners are putting on the field right now look pretty good, except maybe the one who started in Tacoma last night. But we will get to that later, because these paragraphs are dedicated to the winners.
You know, something the M’s have become lately.
As recently as a week ago the Mariners were in last place in the American League West and seemingly settling in for a long summer stay. Sort of like the sap the maple tree drops on the back deck.
But all of a sudden the M’s bats came alive. The pitching improved. And, nine games later – eight of them wins – the Seattle Mariners are in second place in the West.
First place is about two area codes away, of course, as the Houston Astros are on (insert seven fire emojis here), but that’s OK. Thanks to the availability of a couple of wild-card spots, the M’s are actually within shouting distance of the playoffs.
It’s only June, but that’s actually important. You remember June, don’t you? The month summer arrives and the Mariners usually collapse? Since 2011, the M’s have been 11-16 in the month three times. Last year they were even worse at 10-18.
This year they are 4-1.
That’s better, right? But is it sustainable? Maybe, if only because the starting rotation is starting to get healthier.
James Paxton started for the second time since returning from the disabled list and though he wasn’t lights-out again, he was OK.
Felix Hernandez is on his way back and made his first rehab start for Tacoma last night. It didn’t go well in one regard – he was knocked around a bit – but did in another – he said he was pain free afterward.
Mitch Haniger, though not a starting pitcher, also began his rehab assignment in Tacoma, and seemed to be on course to returning to Seattle this weekend.
Couple that with the news Jean Segura’s high ankle strain is progressing well (and the Mariners are about to sign him to a long-term deal) and the future, as in the rest of the month, seems bright.
That’s not something that was possible to say just 10 days ago.
• The Spokane Chiefs introduced their new coach yesterday, and John Blanchette was at the outdoor press conference. And then wrote this paragraph:
“It’s not just failing to make the Western Hockey League playoffs this past season – a step back that general manager Scott Carter characterized Tuesday as ‘on purpose,’ to cycle younger players into more prominent roles. That’s an often necessary long-term strategy, yet curiously one never disclosed to season ticket holders before they’re asked to re-up.”
Some day, I swear, you’re going to hear it. Some general manager or owner will own up to it.
“We’re rebuilding. This year is going to be awful but, trust us, we will be better next season … or the year after.”
No, maybe not.
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WSU: Wondering what ever happened to quarterback Austin Apodaca, who stopped in Pullman just long enough to fill the role of the backup quarterback everyone wants in the game for a short time? He’s in Winnipeg. … Around the Pac-12, Arizona, as expected, landed another great recruit, a point guard all the West Coast powers wanted. … Ohio State may be thinking about Sean Miller, but the new UA president is having none of it. It seems like a good time for Miller’s agent to call about another raise.
Gonzaga: Jim Allen writes about the local athletes who will be competing at the NCAA track and field championships in Eugene. The one with the best chance to medal? That may be Gonzaga’s steeplechaser, Troy Fraley. … Few Good Men earned a spot in The Basketball Tournament. Whitney Ogden has the story.
Preps: Gonzaga Prep will meet Eastside Catholic in the featured game at the WIAA’s Kickoff Classic Sept. 2. Pullman will also play, facing Fife at 10 a.m.
Chiefs: Besides John’s column on the coaching hire, Dave Nichols has a story on the signing of two players.
Mariners: Dave also has the Mariners Log and we’ve added the links about last night’s 12-3 rout at the bottom.
Seahawks: The Hawks’ defense includes quite a few players on the NFL’s top 100 list, but no one seems too impressed. … No one seems too impressed with Colin Kaepernick still being out of work, either. Or the stories about the Hawks’ problems. … A lot of folks are impressed by the summer work of tackle George Fant (pictured), who is getting bigger. … Others impressing include the young receivers and, as always, Bobby Wagner.
Sounders: Clint Dempsey has a chance to tie Landon Donovan for the most international goals by a U.S. player, but what he really wants out of Thursday night’s World Cup qualifier with Trinidad and Tobago is a win.
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• I just realized my office desk has become such a mess I can’t even find the Ace hardware coupons. Wait, there they are. Oh, they expired at the end of May. Guess I won’t be doing any yard work today. I wonder if the driving range is open? Or maybe I’ll just go have a piece of pizza. Ostentatious toppings optional. Until later …