Mailbag: Moyer back for more?

11/21/2005
What is Jamie Moyer's career record, and what will his role be in the '06 Mariners' rotation? Will he be expected to be the ace? -- Brian W., Ephrata, Wash.
Moyer, who turned 43 years old on Nov. 18, has a 205-152 career record and is 139-75 with the Mariners. He currently is a free agent and could sign with any of the 30 MLB teams. If he returns to the Mariners, he would be in the starting rotation, but it's too early in the offseason to say whether he would be the ace of the staff.
Whatever happened to Tim Davis? -- D.C.L., Shoreline, Wash.
Davis, a left-hander drafted in the sixth round of the 1992 First-Year Player Draft out of Florida State, spent four seasons (1994-97) with the Mariners, compiling a 6-5 record in 89 games, including six starts. Davis, now 35, lives near Bristol, Fla., and coaches girls basketball and boys baseball at a middle school. He was the recreational director at a correctional facility in Florida the previous three years. His career ended after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
How many games does a player have to start to not be considered a rookie? Will Felix Hernandez be eligible for the award next year? Thanks. -- Jeff Pechacek, Tacoma
A pitcher loses his rookie status after pitching 50 innings or accumulating 45 days (excluding September) on the 25-man Major League roster. Hernandez surpassed both limits last season and therefore will not eligible for Rookie of the Year honors in 2006.
I was wondering what Mark McLemore was up to these days. Is he still playing baseball? -- Stacy B., Moro, Ore.
McLemore, who played for the Mariners from 2000-'03 and was a key member of the 116-win team in '01, currently lives in Arlington, Texas, with his family, and no longer is an active player. He was hired by ESPN last year as an analyst.
Will Ichiro Suzuki be joining the Japanese team in the World Baseball Classic? -- CJ Cortes, Tokyo.
The rosters for the 16 WBC teams have not been selected, but Ichiro probably will play for the Japan team, which will be managed by Sadaharu Oh -- the all-time professional baseball home run leader (868). Oh is so highly regarded in his country that if he asks Ichiro to be on the team, you can be sure that Ichiro would be happy to play.
Is there a chance the Mariners might bring back Ken Griffey Jr. as their designated hitter? They do mention that they need a power left-handed batter ... or perhaps trade for Carlos Delgado? -- Mark W., Mount Vernon, Wash.
Anything is possible -- even Griffey returning to Seattle at some point of his career. But knowing Junior, being a designated hitter is not something he would like to do. And he still has a huge contract that could prevent the team from acquiring the starting pitcher(s) it needs. In other words, don't hold your breath waiting for Griffey to return. As for Delgado, rumor has it that he will be traded to the Mets.
A fan recently asked in a past mailbag if anyone had hit a "homer cycle." According to David King, co-author of "Baseball in the Lone Star State: The Texas League's Greatest Hits," the only recorded instance of a player hitting a solo home run, two-run home run, three-run home run and grand slam in the same game was done by Tyrone Horne of the Texas League Arkansas Travelers on July 27, 1998, in San Antonio against the Missions. -- David K., New Braunfels, Texas
Thanks for the information. I wonder how many pitchers were used in that game by San Antonio.
In looking at the stats from the Arizona Fall League, Nick Markarkis hit well. Where is he from? -- Jamie S., Lewiston, Idaho
Markakis, who batted .326 for the Peoria Javelinas, was the Orioles' first-round selection in the 2003 First-Year Player Draft. He is from Woodstock, Ga., attended Young Harris (Georgia) Junior College and is still in the Orioles organization. The Javelinas team is comprised of players from the Mariners, Orioles, Rockies, Brewers and Padres.
I was thinking of getting a Felix Hernandez jersey for the upcoming 2006 season and was wondering what number he will be wearing. Do you know? -- Mark H., Huntingburg, Ind.
As of now, Felix still has No. 59. But that is expected to change to a much lower number, which probably will happen shortly before Spring Training.
I was wondering why Major League awards are announced after the season and playoffs are done? -- Tracy B., Tukwila, Wash.
The primary reason is so that the Division Series, Championship Series and World Series get all of the attention from baseball fans.
You recently mentioned that Edgar Martinez lives and operates a business in Bellevue. What other current or former Mariners make their year-round permanent homes in the Seattle area? -- Dave B, Spokane, Wash.
It is a rather long list and includes, probably among others, Bret Boone, Dave Henderson, Julio Cruz, Mike Blowers, Mike Campbell, Bill Caudill, Norm Charlton, Jay Buhner, Dave Heaverlo, Brian Holman, Bill Krueger, Paul Sorrento, John Moses, John Olerud, Aaron Sele, Roy Thomas, David Valle and Omar Vizquel.
What happened to Nomar Garciaparra's little brother and when will we see him in a Major League uniform? -- Manuel R., Los Angeles, Calif.
Michael Garciaparra, the Mariners' supplemental first-round draft choice in 2001 (compensation for Alex Rodriguez signing with the Rangers), batted .298 with six home runs and 33 RBIs in 84 games with Class A Inland Empire (California League) last season. He joined the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers for the Pacific Coast League playoffs and went 0-for-1 and scored one run.
Jesse Foppert played winter ball last year and I was wondering if he would be playing winter ball again this year. -- Marisol S., San Mateo, Calif.
Foppert, acquired from the Giants last July, finished the season at Triple-A Tacoma (0-1, 2.57 ERA in six starts) and he is not scheduled to pitch again until Spring Training. He still is recovering from Tommy John surgery and the Seattle organization felt it was more important for him to rest his arm this winter.
Are the Mariners on the hook for all of the medical care that their players receive? I was wondering about a player like Pokey Reese, who was signed in the offseason only to spend his Mariner career in the infirmary. I'm sure the care that Major Leaguers get is second to none -- just wondering who foots the bill. And do these costs figure into the yearly budget projections? -- Christopher T., Washington, D.C.
All Major League teams have medical insurance, so surgeries usually are covered. However, Reese's salary ($900,000) was guaranteed and the Mariners had to pay all of that, plus $300,000 for a second-year buyout.

Source: http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/

Mailbag: Moyer back for more?

11/21/2005
What is Jamie Moyer's career record, and what will his role be in the '06 Mariners' rotation? Will he be expected to be the ace? -- Brian W., Ephrata, Wash.
Moyer, who turned 43 years old on Nov. 18, has a 205-152 career record and is 139-75 with the Mariners. He currently is a free agent and could sign with any of the 30 MLB teams. If he returns to the Mariners, he would be in the starting rotation, but it's too early in the offseason to say whether he would be the ace of the staff.
Whatever happened to Tim Davis? -- D.C.L., Shoreline, Wash.
Davis, a left-hander drafted in the sixth round of the 1992 First-Year Player Draft out of Florida State, spent four seasons (1994-97) with the Mariners, compiling a 6-5 record in 89 games, including six starts. Davis, now 35, lives near Bristol, Fla., and coaches girls basketball and boys baseball at a middle school. He was the recreational director at a correctional facility in Florida the previous three years. His career ended after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
How many games does a player have to start to not be considered a rookie? Will Felix Hernandez be eligible for the award next year? Thanks. -- Jeff Pechacek, Tacoma
A pitcher loses his rookie status after pitching 50 innings or accumulating 45 days (excluding September) on the 25-man Major League roster. Hernandez surpassed both limits last season and therefore will not eligible for Rookie of the Year honors in 2006.
I was wondering what Mark McLemore was up to these days. Is he still playing baseball? -- Stacy B., Moro, Ore.
McLemore, who played for the Mariners from 2000-'03 and was a key member of the 116-win team in '01, currently lives in Arlington, Texas, with his family, and no longer is an active player. He was hired by ESPN last year as an analyst.
Will Ichiro Suzuki be joining the Japanese team in the World Baseball Classic? -- CJ Cortes, Tokyo.
The rosters for the 16 WBC teams have not been selected, but Ichiro probably will play for the Japan team, which will be managed by Sadaharu Oh -- the all-time professional baseball home run leader (868). Oh is so highly regarded in his country that if he asks Ichiro to be on the team, you can be sure that Ichiro would be happy to play.
Is there a chance the Mariners might bring back Ken Griffey Jr. as their designated hitter? They do mention that they need a power left-handed batter ... or perhaps trade for Carlos Delgado? -- Mark W., Mount Vernon, Wash.
Anything is possible -- even Griffey returning to Seattle at some point of his career. But knowing Junior, being a designated hitter is not something he would like to do. And he still has a huge contract that could prevent the team from acquiring the starting pitcher(s) it needs. In other words, don't hold your breath waiting for Griffey to return. As for Delgado, rumor has it that he will be traded to the Mets.
A fan recently asked in a past mailbag if anyone had hit a "homer cycle." According to David King, co-author of "Baseball in the Lone Star State: The Texas League's Greatest Hits," the only recorded instance of a player hitting a solo home run, two-run home run, three-run home run and grand slam in the same game was done by Tyrone Horne of the Texas League Arkansas Travelers on July 27, 1998, in San Antonio against the Missions. -- David K., New Braunfels, Texas
Thanks for the information. I wonder how many pitchers were used in that game by San Antonio.
In looking at the stats from the Arizona Fall League, Nick Markarkis hit well. Where is he from? -- Jamie S., Lewiston, Idaho
Markakis, who batted .326 for the Peoria Javelinas, was the Orioles' first-round selection in the 2003 First-Year Player Draft. He is from Woodstock, Ga., attended Young Harris (Georgia) Junior College and is still in the Orioles organization. The Javelinas team is comprised of players from the Mariners, Orioles, Rockies, Brewers and Padres.
I was thinking of getting a Felix Hernandez jersey for the upcoming 2006 season and was wondering what number he will be wearing. Do you know? -- Mark H., Huntingburg, Ind.
As of now, Felix still has No. 59. But that is expected to change to a much lower number, which probably will happen shortly before Spring Training.
I was wondering why Major League awards are announced after the season and playoffs are done? -- Tracy B., Tukwila, Wash.
The primary reason is so that the Division Series, Championship Series and World Series get all of the attention from baseball fans.
You recently mentioned that Edgar Martinez lives and operates a business in Bellevue. What other current or former Mariners make their year-round permanent homes in the Seattle area? -- Dave B, Spokane, Wash.
It is a rather long list and includes, probably among others, Bret Boone, Dave Henderson, Julio Cruz, Mike Blowers, Mike Campbell, Bill Caudill, Norm Charlton, Jay Buhner, Dave Heaverlo, Brian Holman, Bill Krueger, Paul Sorrento, John Moses, John Olerud, Aaron Sele, Roy Thomas, David Valle and Omar Vizquel.
What happened to Nomar Garciaparra's little brother and when will we see him in a Major League uniform? -- Manuel R., Los Angeles, Calif.
Michael Garciaparra, the Mariners' supplemental first-round draft choice in 2001 (compensation for Alex Rodriguez signing with the Rangers), batted .298 with six home runs and 33 RBIs in 84 games with Class A Inland Empire (California League) last season. He joined the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers for the Pacific Coast League playoffs and went 0-for-1 and scored one run.
Jesse Foppert played winter ball last year and I was wondering if he would be playing winter ball again this year. -- Marisol S., San Mateo, Calif.
Foppert, acquired from the Giants last July, finished the season at Triple-A Tacoma (0-1, 2.57 ERA in six starts) and he is not scheduled to pitch again until Spring Training. He still is recovering from Tommy John surgery and the Seattle organization felt it was more important for him to rest his arm this winter.
Are the Mariners on the hook for all of the medical care that their players receive? I was wondering about a player like Pokey Reese, who was signed in the offseason only to spend his Mariner career in the infirmary. I'm sure the care that Major Leaguers get is second to none -- just wondering who foots the bill. And do these costs figure into the yearly budget projections? -- Christopher T., Washington, D.C.
All Major League teams have medical insurance, so surgeries usually are covered. However, Reese's salary ($900,000) was guaranteed and the Mariners had to pay all of that, plus $300,000 for a second-year buyout.

Source: http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/

Mariners catch a rising star in Johjima

11/22/2005
The Mariners are opening the door to another trailblazer from Japan.
Already super-successful with the signing of right fielder Ichiro Suzuki five years ago -- making him the first position player to make the transition from Japan to the Major Leagues -- the Mariners on Monday announced that they have signed catcher Kenji Johjima to a three-year contract for a reported $16.5 million.
The 29-year-old Johjima becomes the first catcher from Japan to sign with an MLB organization.
"This was a unique opportunity for us," general manager Bill Bavasi said. "We had a chance to acquire offense at a premium position and we went after it aggressively. We are excited to sign Kenji, and believe that this signing is one more step in our transition.
"As soon as he steps on the field, he makes our Major League roster better, and that's what we needed as we headed into this offseason. It is also significant for us since this will not involve compensation during next year's amateur draft."
The biggest question in this never-done-before signing is how Johjima can communicate with the non-Japanese-speaking pitchers on manager Mike Hargrove's staff.
Bavasi said during a conference call Monday night that Johjima, who speaks limited English, already has started working with a tutor in Japan to learn English and Spanish.
"When we met with him [in Seattle], he made a point of using English as much as he could," Bavasi said. "That leads me to believe he will be fine. He is going to have to pick up English and Spanish to a limited degree and we have to have some patience with him."
Hargrove agreed that the language issue isn't a huge problem.
"I think, given the facts he has started his English lessons and has a strong desire to play over here, language won't be an issue," he said. "I don't anticipate it taking him a long time to catch up. Kenji is a good baseball player, number one. And it has been my experience that good players know how to get people out."
Johjima has a career batting average of .299 with 211 home runs and 699 RBIs in 11 seasons (1,117 games) with the Pacific League's Fukuoka Softbank Hawks. He batted .309 (127-for-411) with 24 home runs and 57 RBIs over 116 games in an injury-shortened 2005 season. Johjima broke the tibia in his left leg on Sept. 22 and missed the reminder of the season.
Bavasi said that a recent MRI showed that the injury wasn't completely healed, but added that it was a clean break and "it's a non-issue."
Johjima, who is in Japan, sent word through the Mariners that he is excited about the challenge he faces.
"It is an honor to become a member of the Seattle Mariners," he said through a club official. "They were the first team to come to me and they have pursued me with great sincerity, which meant lot to me. While my family and I visited Seattle earlier this month, they provided us with tremendous hospitality and made us feel very comfortable and at home. They really made us feel this is the place to be.
"Even though today is one of the happiest moments of my life, I fully understand that I have a lot of work ahead of me. I need to learn about my pitchers and I need to work hard to earn their trust. I will do everything I can to adjust to the Major Leagues and I hope that I can help [the Mariners] get back into the playoffs."
The Mariners believe they can take a step in that direction with Johjima in the lineup.
The Mariners used seven catchers last season and none of them produced much in the way of offense. The seven receivers -- Dan Wilson, Pat Borders, Miguel Olivo, Wiki Gonzalez, Miguel Ojeda, Rene Rivera and Yorvit Torrealba -- were a combined 113-for-524 (.216) with 10 home runs and 46 RBIs.
"There's always a risk in a multiyear, high-dollar contract," Bavasi said. "But if anyone was to say the catching has been bad [offensively] and it can't get any worse, there is some truth to that."
Johjima has been described as a "gap" hitter, which would play well at Safeco Field, where it is difficult for a right-handed hitter to hit many home runs.
"He has seen the park here," Bavasi said, "and when you talk to him, that's the way he sees himself -- as a gap-to-gap hitter."
The Mariners need more offensive production. They finished near the bottom in the American League for the second straight season in 2005, ranking last in batting average (.256), and next-to-last in runs (699) and home runs (130).
"One thing I have heard over and over is he is a good offensive catcher," Hargrove said. "He swings the bat and we can use every good bat we can get. I'm very excited about him joining the ballclub. I'm looking forward to it."
The Mariners went into the offseason with starting pitching and a left-handed power hitter at the top of their wish list. Catching was listed as the third priority.
But when Johjima became available on Nov. 8, expressed a strong desire to play for the Mariners and club officials realized they could sign him and not lose a draft choice for doing it, the deal became extremely attractive.
A right-handed batter, Johjima averaged .305 with 30 homers and 87 RBIs in 627 games over the past five years, and led the league in caught-stealing percentage four consecutive seasons.
"Kenji is an exciting acquisition for the Mariners, not only on the field as a superb catcher, but also in terms of what he will bring to the Seattle community," said Mariners chairman and CEO Howard Lincoln. "I was fortunate enough to spend some time with Kenji and his family when they visited Seattle and came away from that meeting highly impressed. He approaches this opportunity as a great challenge."
Playing under manager and legendary player Sadaharu Oh, Johjima was a member of three Pacific League championship teams (1999, 2000 and '03). The Hawks won the Japanese Series in 1999 and '03. A six-time postseason All-Star, Johjima was named to the Pacific League "Best Nine" from 1999-01 and again from 2003-05. He was a first-round selection by the Hawks in the 1994 draft.
Bavasi said Johjima would return to the U.S. in mid-January and participate in the organization's winter program.
It remains unclear whether he will play for Japan in the World Baseball Classic, scheduled for March 3-20.
"We've discussed it, and we will cross that bridge when we get there," Bavasi said.
With Johjima on board, Torrealba may soon be overboard. He had been projected as the team's Opening Day starting catcher, but this signing puts him on the trade market.
"We'll have to wait and see," Bavasi said. "There is a market for catching out there. We're more inclined to let Rivera back up here. Torrealba wants to be an everyday guy and has the ability to be an everyday guy. But with this signing, that is not possible."
And with the new catcher taking up about $5 million of the payroll, it could have an impact on the chances of landing a top-notch starter or left-handed hitter with power.
"If we move some money around, we can still get those things done," Bavasi said. "It won't be quite as easy, but we're still a better club with [Johjima] on board."

Source: http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/

Hasegawa, Reese are set free

11/01/2005
The Mariners have declined contract options on veteran right-handed reliever Shigetoshi Hasegawa and infielder Pokey Reese, the team announced on Tuesday.
The 37-year-old Hasegawa spent the past four seasons with the Mariners, earning an All-Star invitation in 2003 when he compiled a 1.48 ERA and a career-best 16 saves while filling in for the injured Kazahiro Sasaki.
Hasegawa was 1-3 with a 4.19 ERA in 46 games with the Mariners this past season. He needed to appear in 58 games, or finish 45 games, for his 2006 option year (for $3.1 million) to kick in. The Mariners opted for a $330,000 buyout.
His overall record with Seattle was 15-16 and 17 saves, appearing in 230 games and posting an overall 3.46 ERA.
Reese, signed as a free agent last January, missed the entire season with right shoulder injuries.
The Mariners currently are negotiating a new deal with left-handed starter Jamie Moyer and have until Wednesday night to pick up the option year on closer Eddie Guardado's contract for $6.25 million. If they don't pick it up, Guardado has seven days to decide whether to exercise his own option for $4.25 million.
Meanwhile, Guardado's agent, Kevin Kohler, has made a two-year offer that is being considered.
Besides severing ties with two of its players, the Mariners on Tuesday promoted Lee Pelekoudas to associate general manager and Jim Na to director, baseball administration, a position Pelekoudas had held since September 1997.
Pelekoudas is in his 27th year with the Mariners, starting out as the traveling secretary in 1979.
"Lee's promotion is really just the overdue recognition of the job he was already doing," general manager Bill Bavasi said in a written statement. "He has done an outstanding job of player contract negotiation, overseeing Major League player movement and helping to shape the big league club."
Na joined the Mariners baseball operations department in May 2001 and was promoted to baseball operations assistant/systems coordinator on Dec. 5, 2003.
"Jim has taken on increasing responsibility over the past two seasons and done a terrific job," Bavasi said in the statement. "This promotion better reflects the work he does for us each day."
Former Mariners GM Pat Gillick, a special consultant to Bavasi the past two seasons, reportedly has accepted the GM job with the Phillies. A formal announcement was expected Wednesday in Philadelphia.

Source: http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/

Mariners' Adamack wins Fishel Award

11/16/2005
Mariners executive Randy Adamack, who ranks second to Dave Niehaus on the organization's seniority list, has been selected as the 2005 winner of the Robert O. Fishel Award for Public Relations excellence.
All but three of Adamack's 31 years of Major League service have been with the Mariners, beginning in 1978, when he became the director of public relations. He has served in various capacities since then and currently is the vice president of communications.
"We are absolutely pleased and thrilled that our own Randy Adamack has received the 2005 Robert O. Fishel Award," Mariners president Chuck Armstrong said. "This award is well earned, justly deserved and we extend our heartiest congratulations to Randy."
The annual award is named for Fishel, a longtime American League public relations vice president.
Adamack served as the Cleveland Indians' director of public relations from 1975-78 before joining the Mariners. In his current position, Adamack continues to play a key role in the club's efforts in media relations, broadcasting and advertising, and for special events, such as the 1979 and 2001 All-Star Games and Seattle's participation in the AL playoffs in 1995, 1997, 2000 and 2001.
A native of Conneaut, Ohio, Adamack is a 1973 graduate of Wittenberg University and attended the sports administration graduate program at Ohio University.
The Robert O. Fishel Award goes to the "active, non-uniformed representative of Major League Baseball whose ethics, character, dedication, service, professionalism and humanitarianism best represent the standards propounded by Robert O. Fishel."
The selection committee consisted of past winners, current PR directors, Major League Baseball officials and the Baseball Writers Association of America.

Source: http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/

Wilson giving back to Seattle

11/16/2005
SEATTLE -- The city of Seattle and Dan Wilson have had a great relationship since 1995, when Wilson first put on a Mariners uniform and started a distinguished 11-year career that ended with his retirement last season.
When the former catcher announced in September that he wouldn't be playing anymore, he also said he would remain a Mariner and a member of the Seattle community.
"Now is my time to give back," Wilson said then, and he's already begun to fulfill that pledge.
On Saturday, Dec. 3, Wilson will make an appearance at the University Village Shopping Center near the University of Washington and sign autographs for fans who make a donation to the international agency through which Wilson and his wife, Annie, adopted two of their four children. University Village is located north of Husky Stadium just off Sand Point Way NE.
The Wilsons, who have four children -- Sofia, Josephine, Elijah and Abraham -- adopted Sofia and Abraham with the assistance of All God's Children International, a Portland, Ore.-based agency that facilitates adoptions in the United States.
When they first looked into adopting through AGC in 1995, the Wilsons were able to view photographs and videos of Sofia, who was a 6-month-old orphan in Bulgaria. They adopted Abraham, who was in Guatemala, in 2001.
"It's a group that does amazing things," Wilson said. "And the main reason it's so great is the fact that they also provide aid for orphans in countries, whether or not they're going to be adopted."
On Dec. 3, donations such as diapers, infant and toddler clothing, and toys are encouraged and cash contributions also will be accepted. All donations will provide welcome relief and comfort to children living in orphanages around the world.
Community service is nothing new for Wilson, who earlier in the season was named the Mariners organization's choice as its Roberto Clemente Award nominee. The Clemente Award, which was won by Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz, honors players for their off-field charitable contributions.
"It is a big honor, obviously," Wilson said when he learned of the nomination. "It's not one of those things you have in mind when you're doing things off the field to help people. It's just nice to be able to go out in the community and help kids, especially."
In addition to being supporters of All God's Children, the Wilsons have been active with several charitable organizations, including continuing service as members of the Board of Directors of the First Place School, a Seattle-based service agency devoted to educating and nurturing children whose families struggle with the risk or reality of homelessness by offering housing, culturally relevant education and support services enabling families to achieve permanent stability.
"My wife and I have been involved in First Place School for a long time, pretty much ever since we got to Seattle," Wilson said.
"That was the first [charitable endeavor] we did. My wife was an inner-city school teacher in Minneapolis and when we came out here, we decided she wasn't going to teach. She wanted to get involved in the community in some way. We asked the Mariners and they pointed us in that direction. It has been a great relationship since, a great fit, and we have enjoyed it."
Wilson's charity work is fitting with his work ethic as a Major League player. Wilson was admired throughout baseball for being a steady presence behind the plate. That's a big reason why Wilson's retirement hit the Safeco Field faithful so hard.
Wilson, who had torn his anterior cruciate ligament in May, announced in September that he'd retire at the end of the year, but he rehabbed enough to appear in one final game. On Sept. 30, Wilson caught the first inning of the Mariners' win over the Oakland A's, hooking up with his longtime friend and battery-mate, starter Jamie Moyer, for a scoreless frame.
Wilson got three standing ovations from the crowd and a lot of hugs from teammates.
"Very few people have the sorts of career that warrant this type of treatment," Mariners manager Mike Hargrove said. "Seattle has been lucky to have a few of them. And I'm not talking about careers where they put up gaudy numbers. I'm talking about careers where you're a solid player, a winner and a good person, to boot."
Wilson will likely remain in the Mariners organization in some capacity, a proposition firmly backed by club president Chuck Armstrong, who announced Sept. 12 that there would be a "Dan Wilson Day" held next April at Safeco.
In the meantime, he'll show up from time to time to continue to give back to the community, and it'll start at University Village on Dec. 3.

Source: http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/

Mariners tweak 40-man roster

11/19/2005
The Mariners filled their 40-man roster on Friday by adding six names and subtracting one.
Right-handed pitchers Renee Cortez and Emiliano Fruto, left-handed pitchers Cesar Jimenez and Bobby Livingston, infielder Oswaldo Navarro and outfielder T.J. Bohn were added to the 40-man roster, while infielder Ramon Santiago was released.
The veteran infielder, acquired from the Tigers three years ago for shortstop Carlos Guillen, spent most of last season with Triple-A Tacoma. With so many young shortstops coming through the system, and rookie Yuniesky Betancourt expected to man the position for several years, it made more sense to cut Santiago loose and use the roster spot on an up-and-coming prospect.
Another roster move could be forthcoming.
According to the Seattle Times, Japanese free agent catcher Kenji Jojima could decide on Tuesday whether to remain in Japan and play for the Sadaharu Oh-managed Fukuoka Soft-Bank Hawks or accept an offer from the Mariners, reportedly for two years guaranteed worth about $12 million and a club option for a third year.
Jojima averaged .305 with 30 homers and 87 RBIs the past five years and would become the first Japanese catcher to sign with a Major League team.
All MLB teams had to have their 40-man rosters set by Friday, and the Mariners did just that.
Bohn, 25, split this past season between Double-A San Antonio and Tacoma, batting .308 (135-for-438) with 30 doubles, two triples, 12 home runs, 45 RBIs and 27 stolen bases in 113 games with the Missions. He was a member of the Texas League All-Star team and named Player of the Week, July 4-10, before being promoted to Tacoma.
With the Rainiers, he hit .321 (26-for-81) with three doubles, one home run and four stolen bases in 22 games.
The 22-year-old Cortez was 5-3 with a career-high 10 saves and a 3.96 ERA in 44 games with San Antonio. In his only start of the season, and his first since 2002, he tossed four scoreless innings, allowing five hits while walking one and striking out four on July 15 against Springfield. Cortez tossed a season-high 15 1/3 innings (nine games) with out allowing an earned run from July 9-Aug. 15.
Fruto, 21, was 3-5 with 12 saves and a 4.05 ERA in 49 games combined between San Antonio and Tacoma. He held opponents to a .237 average (67-for-283) while striking out 75 batters in 77 2/3 innings. Fruto was on the disabled list with a right elbow strain from Aug. 4-16.
Jimenez, also 21, split the 2005 season between San Antonio and Tacoma, going 3-5 with four saves and a 2.62 ERA in 45 games -- one start -- with the Missions. Jimenez made four relief appearances with Tacoma, striking out nine batters in 7 2/3 innings from July 7-19. He was on the disabled list with tendinitis in his left elbow from July 26-Aug. 2.
Livingston, 23, was 14-6 with a 3.42 combined between San Antonio and Tacoma. He was 8-4 with a league leading 2.86 ERA in 18 starts with the Missions, landing a spot on the Texas League All-Star team before being promoted to Tacoma. With the Rainiers, he was 6-2 with a 4.70 ERA in 10 starts. Livingston struck out a career-high 14 batters in seven innings on Sept. 2 vs. Sacramento.
Navarro, 21, hit .269 with 57 runs, 29 doubles, nine home runs and 11 stolen bases in 120 games with Class A Wisconsin. He recorded 33 multi-hit games, including six three-hit games.

Source: http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/

Q & A session with Kenji Johjima

11/22/2005
Question: Why did you choose the Seattle Mariners?
Answer: It is an honor to become a member of the Seattle Mariners. They were the first team to come to me and they have pursued me with great sincerity, which meant a lot to me. While my family and I visited Seattle earlier this month, they provided us with tremendous hospitality and made us feel very comfortable and at home. They really made us feel this is the place to be.
Even though today is one of the happiest moments of my life, I fully understand that I have a lot of work ahead of me. I need to learn about my pitchers and I need to work hard to earn their trust. I will do everything I can to adjust to the Major Leagues and I hope that I can help the team get back into the playoffs.
Q: Did you hear any explanation [from the Mariners] that you will be the "regular" catcher?
A: There is competition to become a "regular" catcher. And I know that it is not easy. It is something that I have to go there and work for.
Q: How long is the contract?
A: I didn't negotiate myself, but [it's three years].
Q: What did you like about the city of Seattle?
A: It looks somewhat similar to Japan. The water is beautiful and they also have mountains. It was a little rainy during the time I was there but I heard that the weather is nice during the season.
Q: Did your family like [Seattle]?
A: My wife liked the Japanese supermarket, Uwajimaya.
Q: I heard that there are a lot of Japanese people living [in Seattle].
A: Yes, there are.
Q: What did you feel about the team facility?
[A] Good. It was beyond what I have imagined. I've seen a lot of Ichiro's games on TV, and Safeco Field is not unfamiliar. However, I re-recognized the beauty of that ballpark.
Q: Were you able to imagine yourself on the field [at Safeco]?
A: Not yet.
Q: When you came off the plane [from the US trip], you said you hadn't made up your mind yet. Now you have. What went on during that period?
A: I was able to explain everything to my family after I actually saw Seattle. So then I was able to have a family meeting to talk about everything.
Q: Did you decide not to travel to New York?
A: I thought that it is not necessary for me to go there.
Q: You had offers from six teams. Why did you not go [to visit those other teams]?
A: The Mariners really showed me that they wanted me. And as the first Japanese catcher to go the Major Leagues, I had no dissatisfaction in what they presented me. I did not want to try and run up the price.
Q: Isn't language going to be an issue for you?
A: There is no way I can fluently talk without an interpreter. However, I would like to make good communication with the pitcher. Of course, I will need the help of an interpreter on important occasions, but by showing sincerity/good faith to the pitcher, I think they will teach me English as a teammate. My English is not good yet, but I will make my best effort to improve.
Q: Do you have any anxiety [regarding the language barrier]?
A: Sure I have. But I will make my best effort. I will try and spend a lot of time with the pitcher and work to communicate the manager's "vision for baseball" to them.
Q: Today is the Hawks' end of season reception. How are you going to tell everyone about this?
[A] I have always said this but I have no complaint for the Hawks. So I have made all the protocols that I need to keep. I have reported and updated of where things are. I reported to Manager [Sadaharu] Oh and the team executive yesterday, and today I will tell Mr. Son [team owner].
Q: What did Mr. Oh say?
A: He seems like he scheduled things as if he had already thought I was someone gone from his team. He said, "Tell everyone in the US about the Hawks."
Q: Do you have a message to the fans?
A: I know I have been in the news a lot with all this recently ... I have been in Fukuoka for 11 years, and with the fans' support, I was able to gain this much stature and become a mature player, and that led me to this contract with an MLB team. The reason I was able to develop this much is because of the fans. I have no complaint or issues with the team or the city. That is the reason I spent so much time thinking about this move. But I've decided to make this challenge [to play in the MLB]. So though Mr. Oh told me to show the people in the US about the Hawks, I want to be representing Fukuoka. I want to be a great player and show the team.
Q: It was rather a quick negotiation period?
A: They gave me an offer that was enough for me. So if I went to New York, I may have seen something else, but that would mean that I am putting the Mariners' goodwill/sincerity to me as the first Japanese catcher in the MLB on a scale against other teams. I didn't want to put their goodwill/sincerity on a scale and disregard that attitude that they showed me.
Q: Did you decide everything while you were in Chicago?
A: I decided to prioritize my feelings.
Q: Did you meet Mr. Yamauchi while you were in the US?
A: No.
Q: In what way did you feel the goodwill/sincerity of the Mariners?
A: The executives of the Mariners took me and my family to a meal and presented us with what is good about Seattle. They showed me that I am necessary for the team in many different ways. I can't specify one.
Q: As the first Japanese catcher in MLB what would you like to appeal?
A: [The Mariners] evaluated me for what I have achieved until now. So I have to do what I have done until now ... which is always difficult to do. I will gradually adjust myself to what MLB does but will try and keep my present style where it is necessary. Even though language may be a problem, I am sure that if I show sincerity, I will be able to get my message across. Communicating the managers' "vision of baseball" is a part of the catcher's job.
Q: The number of games in NPB and MLB is different ... how many games will you be out there?
A: What I have now is a contract and not a regular position in the team. There is no assurance or guarantee that I will be on the field on Opening Day. However, if I am able to wear the mask on Opening Day, I don't want to give that up to anyone. There is only one position for a catcher and I don't want to give it up.
Q: You had an average of about .300 in Japan. What are you thinking about in the US?
A: I don't know yet. But if I am thinking of negative results, I wouldn't be going [to the Majors]. I want to have a good result. I am not imagining of the negative.
Q: Did you hear anything about what number you are having on your uniform?
A: I haven't heard anything.
Q: There may be cases where you will have a difficult time communicating with not only Americans but other people, like Venezuelans. How are you going to deal with that?
A: I will think about it when it happens.
Q: Are you studying English?
A: I have a tutor provided from the Mariners, and starting the day after tomorrow, I will have lessons. Once I go [to the US], I will have a Japanese interpreter.
Q: What is your schedule after this?
A: There will be an official contract made and the press announcement may be made in December or January in Seattle.
Q: You said you have a three-year contract. Are you coming back to Fukuoka after that?
A: I want to retire in Fukuoka, but I don't know when that will be. I am not thinking of a "brief stop" at the MLB.
Q: What are you going to do about the World Baseball Classic?
A: I have had an offer. But the time of the tournament is when I need to get to know the team and when the team needs to get to know me. Mr. Oh said that, "Spring Camp is important, so use it for yourself". I don't think I will attend [the WBC].
Q: Did you make any contact with Ichiro upon making a step to MLB?
A: Not yet. I know he's also busy right now. But as a protocol, I will need to make a greeting to him.
Q: Did the fact that Ichiro plays in Seattle give any effect in your decision?
A: Not directly. But Seattle has an environment ready to accept Japanese [ballplayers]. And I think that environment was made by having Ichiro ... so I suppose it did give an effect in a way.
Q: Do you have any specific player you want to play against?
A: No one in specific. I've got to attend the Spring Camp and be able to imagine myself wearing the mask on Opening Day there. I want to be able to simulate myself playing out there with confidence.
Q: Why do you want to play in the Major Leagues?
A: All players want to be better. It's not a comparison with Japan and the US, but everyone wants to challenge higher goals. I think [the catcher position] is a good point about Japanese baseball. And if [a Japanese catcher] can gain success in the US, it will show Japanese baseball to the US fans.
US baseball has a long history with certain levels. I think it was natural for me to want a challenge. I don't know when I started to have that feeling, but in recent years I have had a strong will, and I want a new challenge.

Source: http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/

Mailbag: Moyer back for more?

11/21/2005
What is Jamie Moyer's career record, and what will his role be in the '06 Mariners' rotation? Will he be expected to be the ace? -- Brian W., Ephrata, Wash.
Moyer, who turned 43 years old on Nov. 18, has a 205-152 career record and is 139-75 with the Mariners. He currently is a free agent and could sign with any of the 30 MLB teams. If he returns to the Mariners, he would be in the starting rotation, but it's too early in the offseason to say whether he would be the ace of the staff.
Whatever happened to Tim Davis? -- D.C.L., Shoreline, Wash.
Davis, a left-hander drafted in the sixth round of the 1992 First-Year Player Draft out of Florida State, spent four seasons (1994-97) with the Mariners, compiling a 6-5 record in 89 games, including six starts. Davis, now 35, lives near Bristol, Fla., and coaches girls basketball and boys baseball at a middle school. He was the recreational director at a correctional facility in Florida the previous three years. His career ended after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
How many games does a player have to start to not be considered a rookie? Will Felix Hernandez be eligible for the award next year? Thanks. -- Jeff Pechacek, Tacoma
A pitcher loses his rookie status after pitching 50 innings or accumulating 45 days (excluding September) on the 25-man Major League roster. Hernandez surpassed both limits last season and therefore will not eligible for Rookie of the Year honors in 2006.
I was wondering what Mark McLemore was up to these days. Is he still playing baseball? -- Stacy B., Moro, Ore.
McLemore, who played for the Mariners from 2000-'03 and was a key member of the 116-win team in '01, currently lives in Arlington, Texas, with his family, and no longer is an active player. He was hired by ESPN last year as an analyst.
Will Ichiro Suzuki be joining the Japanese team in the World Baseball Classic? -- CJ Cortes, Tokyo.
The rosters for the 16 WBC teams have not been selected, but Ichiro probably will play for the Japan team, which will be managed by Sadaharu Oh -- the all-time professional baseball home run leader (868). Oh is so highly regarded in his country that if he asks Ichiro to be on the team, you can be sure that Ichiro would be happy to play.
Is there a chance the Mariners might bring back Ken Griffey Jr. as their designated hitter? They do mention that they need a power left-handed batter ... or perhaps trade for Carlos Delgado? -- Mark W., Mount Vernon, Wash.
Anything is possible -- even Griffey returning to Seattle at some point of his career. But knowing Junior, being a designated hitter is not something he would like to do. And he still has a huge contract that could prevent the team from acquiring the starting pitcher(s) it needs. In other words, don't hold your breath waiting for Griffey to return. As for Delgado, rumor has it that he will be traded to the Mets.
A fan recently asked in a past mailbag if anyone had hit a "homer cycle." According to David King, co-author of "Baseball in the Lone Star State: The Texas League's Greatest Hits," the only recorded instance of a player hitting a solo home run, two-run home run, three-run home run and grand slam in the same game was done by Tyrone Horne of the Texas League Arkansas Travelers on July 27, 1998, in San Antonio against the Missions. -- David K., New Braunfels, Texas
Thanks for the information. I wonder how many pitchers were used in that game by San Antonio.
In looking at the stats from the Arizona Fall League, Nick Markarkis hit well. Where is he from? -- Jamie S., Lewiston, Idaho
Markakis, who batted .326 for the Peoria Javelinas, was the Orioles' first-round selection in the 2003 First-Year Player Draft. He is from Woodstock, Ga., attended Young Harris (Georgia) Junior College and is still in the Orioles organization. The Javelinas team is comprised of players from the Mariners, Orioles, Rockies, Brewers and Padres.
I was thinking of getting a Felix Hernandez jersey for the upcoming 2006 season and was wondering what number he will be wearing. Do you know? -- Mark H., Huntingburg, Ind.
As of now, Felix still has No. 59. But that is expected to change to a much lower number, which probably will happen shortly before Spring Training.
I was wondering why Major League awards are announced after the season and playoffs are done? -- Tracy B., Tukwila, Wash.
The primary reason is so that the Division Series, Championship Series and World Series get all of the attention from baseball fans.
You recently mentioned that Edgar Martinez lives and operates a business in Bellevue. What other current or former Mariners make their year-round permanent homes in the Seattle area? -- Dave B, Spokane, Wash.
It is a rather long list and includes, probably among others, Bret Boone, Dave Henderson, Julio Cruz, Mike Blowers, Mike Campbell, Bill Caudill, Norm Charlton, Jay Buhner, Dave Heaverlo, Brian Holman, Bill Krueger, Paul Sorrento, John Moses, John Olerud, Aaron Sele, Roy Thomas, David Valle and Omar Vizquel.
What happened to Nomar Garciaparra's little brother and when will we see him in a Major League uniform? -- Manuel R., Los Angeles, Calif.
Michael Garciaparra, the Mariners' supplemental first-round draft choice in 2001 (compensation for Alex Rodriguez signing with the Rangers), batted .298 with six home runs and 33 RBIs in 84 games with Class A Inland Empire (California League) last season. He joined the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers for the Pacific Coast League playoffs and went 0-for-1 and scored one run.
Jesse Foppert played winter ball last year and I was wondering if he would be playing winter ball again this year. -- Marisol S., San Mateo, Calif.
Foppert, acquired from the Giants last July, finished the season at Triple-A Tacoma (0-1, 2.57 ERA in six starts) and he is not scheduled to pitch again until Spring Training. He still is recovering from Tommy John surgery and the Seattle organization felt it was more important for him to rest his arm this winter.
Are the Mariners on the hook for all of the medical care that their players receive? I was wondering about a player like Pokey Reese, who was signed in the offseason only to spend his Mariner career in the infirmary. I'm sure the care that Major Leaguers get is second to none -- just wondering who foots the bill. And do these costs figure into the yearly budget projections? -- Christopher T., Washington, D.C.
All Major League teams have medical insurance, so surgeries usually are covered. However, Reese's salary ($900,000) was guaranteed and the Mariners had to pay all of that, plus $300,000 for a second-year buyout.

Source: http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/

Mariners catch a rising star in Johjima

11/22/2005
The Mariners are opening the door to another trailblazer from Japan.
Already super-successful with the signing of right fielder Ichiro Suzuki five years ago -- making him the first position player to make the transition from Japan to the Major Leagues -- the Mariners on Monday announced that they have signed catcher Kenji Johjima to a three-year contract for a reported $16.5 million.
The 29-year-old Johjima becomes the first catcher from Japan to sign with an MLB organization.
"This was a unique opportunity for us," general manager Bill Bavasi said. "We had a chance to acquire offense at a premium position and we went after it aggressively. We are excited to sign Kenji, and believe that this signing is one more step in our transition.
"As soon as he steps on the field, he makes our Major League roster better, and that's what we needed as we headed into this offseason. It is also significant for us since this will not involve compensation during next year's amateur draft."
The biggest question in this never-done-before signing is how Johjima can communicate with the non-Japanese-speaking pitchers on manager Mike Hargrove's staff.
Bavasi said during a conference call Monday night that Johjima, who speaks limited English, already has started working with a tutor in Japan to learn English and Spanish.
"When we met with him [in Seattle], he made a point of using English as much as he could," Bavasi said. "That leads me to believe he will be fine. He is going to have to pick up English and Spanish to a limited degree and we have to have some patience with him."
Hargrove agreed that the language issue isn't a huge problem.
"I think, given the facts he has started his English lessons and has a strong desire to play over here, language won't be an issue," he said. "I don't anticipate it taking him a long time to catch up. Kenji is a good baseball player, number one. And it has been my experience that good players know how to get people out."
Johjima has a career batting average of .299 with 211 home runs and 699 RBIs in 11 seasons (1,117 games) with the Pacific League's Fukuoka Softbank Hawks. He batted .309 (127-for-411) with 24 home runs and 57 RBIs over 116 games in an injury-shortened 2005 season. Johjima broke the tibia in his left leg on Sept. 22 and missed the reminder of the season.
Bavasi said that a recent MRI showed that the injury wasn't completely healed, but added that it was a clean break and "it's a non-issue."
Johjima, who is in Japan, sent word through the Mariners that he is excited about the challenge he faces.
"It is an honor to become a member of the Seattle Mariners," he said through a club official. "They were the first team to come to me and they have pursued me with great sincerity, which meant lot to me. While my family and I visited Seattle earlier this month, they provided us with tremendous hospitality and made us feel very comfortable and at home. They really made us feel this is the place to be.
"Even though today is one of the happiest moments of my life, I fully understand that I have a lot of work ahead of me. I need to learn about my pitchers and I need to work hard to earn their trust. I will do everything I can to adjust to the Major Leagues and I hope that I can help [the Mariners] get back into the playoffs."
The Mariners believe they can take a step in that direction with Johjima in the lineup.
The Mariners used seven catchers last season and none of them produced much in the way of offense. The seven receivers -- Dan Wilson, Pat Borders, Miguel Olivo, Wiki Gonzalez, Miguel Ojeda, Rene Rivera and Yorvit Torrealba -- were a combined 113-for-524 (.216) with 10 home runs and 46 RBIs.
"There's always a risk in a multiyear, high-dollar contract," Bavasi said. "But if anyone was to say the catching has been bad [offensively] and it can't get any worse, there is some truth to that."
Johjima has been described as a "gap" hitter, which would play well at Safeco Field, where it is difficult for a right-handed hitter to hit many home runs.
"He has seen the park here," Bavasi said, "and when you talk to him, that's the way he sees himself -- as a gap-to-gap hitter."
The Mariners need more offensive production. They finished near the bottom in the American League for the second straight season in 2005, ranking last in batting average (.256), and next-to-last in runs (699) and home runs (130).
"One thing I have heard over and over is he is a good offensive catcher," Hargrove said. "He swings the bat and we can use every good bat we can get. I'm very excited about him joining the ballclub. I'm looking forward to it."
The Mariners went into the offseason with starting pitching and a left-handed power hitter at the top of their wish list. Catching was listed as the third priority.
But when Johjima became available on Nov. 8, expressed a strong desire to play for the Mariners and club officials realized they could sign him and not lose a draft choice for doing it, the deal became extremely attractive.
A right-handed batter, Johjima averaged .305 with 30 homers and 87 RBIs in 627 games over the past five years, and led the league in caught-stealing percentage four consecutive seasons.
"Kenji is an exciting acquisition for the Mariners, not only on the field as a superb catcher, but also in terms of what he will bring to the Seattle community," said Mariners chairman and CEO Howard Lincoln. "I was fortunate enough to spend some time with Kenji and his family when they visited Seattle and came away from that meeting highly impressed. He approaches this opportunity as a great challenge."
Playing under manager and legendary player Sadaharu Oh, Johjima was a member of three Pacific League championship teams (1999, 2000 and '03). The Hawks won the Japanese Series in 1999 and '03. A six-time postseason All-Star, Johjima was named to the Pacific League "Best Nine" from 1999-01 and again from 2003-05. He was a first-round selection by the Hawks in the 1994 draft.
Bavasi said Johjima would return to the U.S. in mid-January and participate in the organization's winter program.
It remains unclear whether he will play for Japan in the World Baseball Classic, scheduled for March 3-20.
"We've discussed it, and we will cross that bridge when we get there," Bavasi said.
With Johjima on board, Torrealba may soon be overboard. He had been projected as the team's Opening Day starting catcher, but this signing puts him on the trade market.
"We'll have to wait and see," Bavasi said. "There is a market for catching out there. We're more inclined to let Rivera back up here. Torrealba wants to be an everyday guy and has the ability to be an everyday guy. But with this signing, that is not possible."
And with the new catcher taking up about $5 million of the payroll, it could have an impact on the chances of landing a top-notch starter or left-handed hitter with power.
"If we move some money around, we can still get those things done," Bavasi said. "It won't be quite as easy, but we're still a better club with [Johjima] on board."

Source: http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/

Mariners' wives make a difference

11/23/2005
SEATTLE -- The charitable contributions made by Mariners wives during a season might go mostly unnoticed, but never do their efforts go unappreciated.
Whether it's baking cookies and pies, holding an auction or collaborating on a cookbook of their husbands' favorite foods, the wives step to the plate and deliver a grand slam every year.
"Giving back to the community our husbands are in is a given," Karen Moyer said. "It is an honor to bring smiles to kids' faces when they are going through a difficult time. Sometimes simple things we take for granted mean the world to a child."
Moyer, wife of longtime Mariners left-hander and current free agent Jamie and mother of six, juggles her busy schedule so well that she finds time to be a mom and wife, help run the Moyer Foundation -- a charitable organization founded by her and husband several years ago -- and do her part with other players' wives for various regular-season charity events.
As a result, Mariners Care -- the organization's non-profit foundation and its corporate partners -- raised more than $1 million in 2005 for a variety of charities throughout the Northwest. It was the sixth consecutive year that Mariners Care surpassed the $1 million mark and more than $6.7 million has been raised since 2000.
"We take our responsibility to the community very seriously," Mariners CEO Howard Lincoln said. "The fans have been so supportive of us over the years that through Mariners Care we can make a positive and lasting impact on our community."
More than 1,500 local organizations benefit from the money raised each year.
Shirley Pineiro has visited Seattle Children's Hospital several times during her husband Joel's five seasons with the club, and she said each time brings the same satisfaction -- and sadness.
"It makes you feel good when you see the kids smile," she said, "but at the same time, it's sad because you know what they are going through."
Among the events the wives conducted in 2005:
• They collected, assembled and sold mystery grab bags of autographed baseballs and other items, raising $37,000 for First Place, a program that provides education and services for children who are homeless or in transition.
• Raised more than $18,000 during a silent auction of baskets filled with the favorite things of players, manager Mike Hargrove and his coaching staff. The event benefited the Army Emergency Relief (AER), a private non-profit organization that provides aid and emergency financial assistance to U.S. Army soldiers and their dependents.
• The Mariners Wives collection of women's apparel, sold exclusively in Mariners Team Stores. A large portion of the proceeds were donated to Gilda's Club of Seattle, a support center for families affected by cancer.
"We realize how blessed we are," Karen Moyer said, "so to support those in need is the right thing to do. The Mariners Wives make a bigger difference in the lives of many others because we are committed to the community that supports our husbands and realize the impact we can make.
"I am personally impressed when some of the wives go to other teams and they carry the same giving tradition with that to their next team and city."

Source: http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/

Ibanez: Hurricane Wilma 'awesome'

10/31/2005
Raul Ibanez spent much of Monday returning phone calls that had gone unanswered for more than a week.
"Sorry it took so long to get back to you," the Mariners outfielder/designated hitter said, "but this is the first day we've had phone service since the hurricane."
Ibanez, calling from a cell phone while driving through the neighborhood ravaged by Hurricane Wilma the previous weekend, described the damage done to the area near his home in Miramar, Fla.
"The neighborhood is trashed," he said. "I'm driving down a street and there about a dozen trees -- big trees -- that had to be cut in half. A lot of old trees are uprooted and there are concrete power poles that are 30- to 40-feet high broken in half."
Electricity returned to the area Saturday and schools reopen Tuesday.
Ibanez, a Florida resident most of his life, said he never has seen anything like this.
"It's incredible. I remember Hurricane David in 1977, but I was just a kid," he said. "That was a bad storm. This one was much worse."
Ibanez said he, his pregnant wife, Teryvette, and their two children remained in their house during the hurricane "and hoped the shutters did what they are designed to do -- withstand winds up to 150 miles per hour."
The house received some structural damage and two cars "got beat up pretty good," but everyone made it through the hurricane unscathed.
Wilma definitely made her presence felt.
"You know it's coming, and all you can do it sit there and bear it," Ibanez said. "We started feeling the wind gusts about 12 hours before the storm. The actual pounding started about 5:30 in the morning and lasted until about 1 or 2 in the afternoon.
"The eye of the storm passed right over us, and it was really surreal," he added. "All of a sudden it gets real calm for awhile, and you start getting pounded by the wind again and feel the house shake. It was a pretty awesome thing to be a part of, actually."
Having one house damaged is bad enough. Ibanez suffered a double-whammy.
"We had just bought another place and were in the process of putting this one up for sale," he said. "Both houses got hit, but the second one, in Miami, is a lot better off. A tree fell in the pool, but that has been cleaned up. We'll be moved in by Thanksgiving."
Some three months later, the third Ibanez child will be born.
"It's a girl, but we haven't picked a name yet," he said. "It won't be Wilma."
As for the phone call he was returning, Ibanez gave his full support to the hiring of batting coach Jeff Pentland, his hitting coach in Kansas City in 2002 when he batted .294, hit 24 home runs and drove in a career-best 103 runs.
Ibanez was one of the Mariners' top hitters last season, batting .280 with 20 home runs and 89 RBIs.
"I am fired up about that," he said. "Jeff is a good hitting coach. He's a highly intelligent man and thinks outside the box, which I like, suggesting a lot of stuff that might seem unorthodox but works."
"He's big on situational hitting and has some excellent ideas on how to execute. He doesn't just tell you to do it, but he tells you how to do it. He's awesome and his two best qualities are his work ethic and honesty."

Source: http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/

Niehaus a top contender for Frick Award

11/01/2005
The highlight of any Major League Baseball announcer's career would be being honored by the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y.
And once again, longtime Mariners broadcaster Dave Niehaus is among the top contenders for the Ford C. Frick Award, given to an active or retired broadcaster with a minimum of 10 years of continuous MLB broadcast service with one ballclub, network, or combination of both.
"It would be a great honor, the highest honor anyone in my business can get," Niehaus said. "It was an honor last year getting the most votes from the fans."
Starting Tuesday and continuing through Nov. 30, fans can put their two cents worth into selecting the next Frick winner by voting online at baseballhalloffame.org. There are 182 broadcasters on the ballot this year and the final ballot will be announced Dec. 5, the first day of the annual Winter Meetings, held in Dallas.
Fans can vote daily for as many as three broadcasters.
The final ballot will be comprised of the three fan selections, along with seven other candidates, determined by a Hall of Fame staff research team. The Frick electorate includes all living Award winners, including 2005 inductee Jerry Coleman, and six historians appointed by the Hall of Fame.
Niehaus has been the Voice of the Mariners since the organization's inception in 1977 and some of his most colorful expressions -- such as "My Oh My" and "It will fly away!" -- have become household words in the Northwest.
He was inducted into the Mariners Hall of Fame on May 7, 2000, honored by the Washington State House of Representatives in 1997 for his "contributions to the quality of life in the Pacific Northwest" and selected Sportscaster of the Year in Washington in 1995 and '96.
The Frick Award has been awarded annually since 1978 and previous winners include: Mel Allen, Jack Buck, Vin Scully, Curt Gowdy, Jaime Jarrin and Bob Uecker.
More than 165,000 ballots were cast in the first two years of online balloting, with 2004 Frick Award winner Lon Simmons receiving the most votes in 2003, and Niehaus receiving the largest number of fan votes in 2004.
Voters are asked to base their selections on the following criteria: longevity; continuity with a club; honors, including national assignments such as the World Series and All-Star Games; and popularity with fans. Paper ballots will be cast by voting members each January and the final results will be announced on the Hall of Fame's Web site in February.
Each voter will cast ballots for three candidates and the broadcaster with the most support will be named as that year's award winner, and be honored the following summer during the annual induction ceremony in Cooperstown.
The annual award is named in memory of Hall of Famer Ford C. Frick, renowned sportswriter, radio broadcaster, National League president and baseball commissioner.

Source: http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/

Hasegawa, Reese are set free

11/01/2005
The Mariners have declined contract options on veteran right-handed reliever Shigetoshi Hasegawa and infielder Pokey Reese, the team announced on Tuesday.
The 37-year-old Hasegawa spent the past four seasons with the Mariners, earning an All-Star invitation in 2003 when he compiled a 1.48 ERA and a career-best 16 saves while filling in for the injured Kazahiro Sasaki.
Hasegawa was 1-3 with a 4.19 ERA in 46 games with the Mariners this past season. He needed to appear in 58 games, or finish 45 games, for his 2006 option year (for $3.1 million) to kick in. The Mariners opted for a $330,000 buyout.
His overall record with Seattle was 15-16 and 17 saves, appearing in 230 games and posting an overall 3.46 ERA.
Reese, signed as a free agent last January, missed the entire season with right shoulder injuries.
The Mariners currently are negotiating a new deal with left-handed starter Jamie Moyer and have until Wednesday night to pick up the option year on closer Eddie Guardado's contract for $6.25 million. If they don't pick it up, Guardado has seven days to decide whether to exercise his own option for $4.25 million.
Meanwhile, Guardado's agent, Kevin Kohler, has made a two-year offer that is being considered.
Besides severing ties with two of its players, the Mariners on Tuesday promoted Lee Pelekoudas to associate general manager and Jim Na to director, baseball administration, a position Pelekoudas had held since September 1997.
Pelekoudas is in his 27th year with the Mariners, starting out as the traveling secretary in 1979.
"Lee's promotion is really just the overdue recognition of the job he was already doing," general manager Bill Bavasi said in a written statement. "He has done an outstanding job of player contract negotiation, overseeing Major League player movement and helping to shape the big league club."
Na joined the Mariners baseball operations department in May 2001 and was promoted to baseball operations assistant/systems coordinator on Dec. 5, 2003.
"Jim has taken on increasing responsibility over the past two seasons and done a terrific job," Bavasi said in the statement. "This promotion better reflects the work he does for us each day."
Former Mariners GM Pat Gillick, a special consultant to Bavasi the past two seasons, reportedly has accepted the GM job with the Phillies. A formal announcement was expected Wednesday in Philadelphia.

Source: http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/

Ichiro snares another award

11/01/2005
The glove that Ichiro Suzuki uses on defense remains golden.
Though noted more for becoming the first player in Major League history to have at least 200 hits in each of his first five seasons, the Mariners right fielder made it five-for-five in Gold Glove selections Tuesday afternoon when the premier defensive players in the American League were announced.
Ichiro was the only Mariners player selected this year, ending a run of four consecutive seasons the team had at least two Gold Glove winners, including a club-record four in 2003 -- when Ichiro, Bret Boone, John Olerud and Mike Cameron all won.
Ken Griffey Jr., is the only player in franchise history with more Gold Gloves (10) than Ichiro and the Mariners have won at least one Gold Glove every year since 1987, when pitcher Mark Langston became the first player in franchise history to strike gold on defense.
The 19-year streak is the longest in the Majors. The Atlanta Braves and Texas Rangers are next at 14 years.
The Mariners finished the season with the fewest errors (86) in the AL and Ichiro was one of the primary reasons.
He committed two errors in 393 total chances and had 10 assists, the third time in the past three years he reached double-digits in assists.
Seattle's .986 fielding percentage in 2005 tied for the Major League lead with the Braves, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and Oakland Athletics. The Mariners committed 86 errors (in 5,944 chances), tying Atlanta for the fewest in the Majors this season.
During his 779 games over five seasons with Seattle, Ichiro has made just 11 errors in 1,819 total chances -- all but eight of the chances coming as right fielder. His .994 fielding percentage is the highest among Major League outfielders who have played in more than 650 games. Ichiro also won seven consecutive Gold Glove Awards while playing for the Orix Blue Wave in Japan.
Ichiro is joined on the AL all-defensive team this year by three AL West colleagues -- starting pitcher Kenny Rogers and first baseman Mark Teixeira of the Rangers and third baseman Eric Chavez of the Athletics -- along with catcher Jason Varitek (Red Sox), second baseman Orlando Hudson (Blue Jays), shortstop Derek Jeter (Yankees), outfielder Torii Hunter (Twins) and Vernon Wells (Blue Jays).
The Mariners had two other candidates this past season deemed worthy of Gold Glove consideration -- third baseman Adrian Beltre and center fielder Jeremy Reed.
Beltre committed 14 errors in 425 total chances and was adept at fielding balls hit to his right and left and Reed led the team -- if not the league -- in diving catches.

Source: http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/

Mariners retain Guardado's services

11/02/2005
Respect means as much to Eddie Guardado as money, and the veteran closer received both Wednesday morning, securing his return to the Mariners in 2006.
They arrived via a phone call from Mariners general manager Bill Bavasi.
"I woke up this morning and the thought that this might be my last day as a Mariner crossed my mind," Guardado said. "But Bill called and told me they were going to pick up my option. I didn't know what to say, except, 'Thank you, I appreciate it.'"
The Mariners had until midnight Wednesday to exercise the one-year option on Guardado's contract for $6.25 million, or risk losing the team's most valuable pitcher from last season to free agency. If the Mariners had declined their option, Guardado would have filed for free agency and pursued a two-year contract with another organization. As a last resort, he could have weighed the possibility of returning to Seattle next season for $4.25 million, plus incentives.
That is the path Guardado took last year after the Mariners declined their option. He returned for the same salary ($4 million) he received the previous season.
He had the same option available again, but the scenario Guardado wanted all along -- the organization picking up the option -- played out perfectly.
"Getting something done was real good news," he said. "This makes you feel they really want you. I know the business part of this game and they've got to do their thing, too.
"It would have been a lot easier if they had picked it up sooner," he added. "It gets frustrating, but I'm happy to be a Mariner again."
Bavasi said during a conference call that there was no specific reason for waiting until just before the deadline to exercise the option, and that a final decision was made Tuesday night.
"We did not want to leave ourselves with one more hole [especially] on a club that already has several holes," he said. "As we got close to the deadline, we felt picking up his option was as good as any of our options."
Guardado, who pitched with a small tear in his left rotator cuff last season, posted a 2-3 record with a 2.72 ERA and 36 saves in 58 relief appearances. He converted a club-record 27 consecutive saves from April 13-Aug. 9 and retired 21 consecutive batters during one seven-for-seven save stretch.
"I worked hard to stay on the field," he said. "When I got hurt, I had to prove to them and also to myself that I'm OK. I think I proved that."
There were discussions the past two days about a two-year contract, but that has been put on hold.
"There's nothing in the rules that say we can't talk about it later," said Bavasi.
"We'll see what happens," said Guardado. "I know they've got other guys to deal with, too. But they picked [the option] up and did their job. Now my job is to go out there and save some games."
The Mariners signed "Everyday Eddie" as a free agent prior to the 2004 season after he had two superb seasons with the Twins. He saved 45 games in 2002 and and 41 more in '03, earning a selection to the American League All-Star team each season.
He was 2-2 with a 2.78 ERA and 18 saves for Seattle in '04 before the tear in his rotator cuff and an injury to his right knee ended his season prematurely. Though surgery on his shoulder was recommended at the time, Guardado received a second opinion and avoided surgery by strengthening the shoulder area.
"Eddie is an important piece in what we are trying to do here," Bavasi said. "In addition to his proven track record on the field, Eddie brings the intangibles that every club needs. He's a professional, he's got guts and he has a burning desire to win. That's a great fit for us."
Indeed, the 35-year-old Guardado brings more to the Mariners than just protecting leads.
Some of his clubhouse antics are classic. He is the ring-leader in many of the events that keep players loose. And he's a good teacher.
"I take great pride in showing the young kids how the game should be played," Guardado said. "What I try to explain to the younger guys is what playing in the Major Leagues is all about. It's not about big planes and fancy cars, but about going out there every day and doing your job.
"To be successful, you have to set a routine, stick with it and carry it onto the field. I want to do the best job I can to win a championship here. I'm not getting any younger."
Right-handed reliever J.J. Putz is one of Guardado's disciples.
"He has pretty much taught me everything I know about being in the bullpen," Putz said. "It was all knew to me when I got here. And the way he works every day is a good lesson for all of us."
As good of a day Wednesday was for Guardado, it might have been even better for Putz: His wife, Kelsey, gave birth to twin girls -- Kaelyn and Lauren -- at 11:19 and 11:30 a.m. PT, respectively.

Source: http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/

Harris finally puts the 'off' in offseason

11/02/2005
This offseason already is unlike any other for Mariners right-hander Jeff Harris.
Baseball is a full-time job, allowing him to concentrate almost entirely on his career, instead of supplementing a Minor League salary by working in a warehouse, cleaning sewers or building swimming pools for expensive homes.
"Except for 1998, when I went to Mexico to play winter ball and saved some money, this is the first time I haven't had to get a job during the offseason," Harris said. "It feels kind of weird. I almost feel guilty about it."
You might call it a guilty pleasure.
Harris is experiencing the benefits of spending the first two months of his 11-year professional baseball career in the Major Leagues. He was able to save enough money from the pro-rated MLB minimum ($316,000) to spend the offseason with his wife, Kimberly, in her hometown of Chico, Calif., preparing for next season.
"You don't make much money in the Minor Leagues," he said. "I worked my uncle's auto body warehouse in Oakland for three or four years and then started doing some plumbing and landscaping."
At this time a year ago, he was building custom swimming pools in Chico, a college town north of Sacramento, dreaming about playing in the Major Leagues while working his tail off to make ends meet.
And now this.
"I finally have a chance to focus on baseball and take the time I need to prepare myself for Spring Training," he said.
That, and preparing something even better.
Of all the good things that happened to Harris this past season, one particular day stands out as the most memorable of all.
"It was August 25th," he said. "One of the best days of my life and i'll never forget it."
Harris started the series finale against the Rangers in an afternoon game at hot and steamy Ameriquest Field in Arlington, allowed four hits and one unearned run over seven innings and was rewarded with his first Major League victory.
"This is it, this is the best moment," Harris said after the game. "The plane ride the first day I was called up [Aug. 1] was pretty cool, but this is tops."
But the day would get even better.
The team returned to Seattle after the game and Kimberly was at the airport to meet her husband. They went out to dinner that evening and she had some good news.
"She told me she was pregnant," Harris said. "The baby's due in May."
The dream season continued in Harris' next start as he beat the Yankees at Safeco Field for his second MLB victory.
"It's really fun to get out there and compete against one of the best teams, and one of the best organizations, in the history of the game," he said after the victory.
Looking back, Harris said, "both of my wins were special, but it's a great feeling anytime you beat the Yankees. That's the game my friends want to talk about."
Harris ended his first month in the big leagues with a 2-1 record and 2.28 ERA. And though he struggled in September (0-4, 7.40 ERA), he's looking ahead to Spring Training with high hopes.
"I think I put too many expectations on myself and got out of my game a little bit," he said of his September appearances. "My body felt fine, but I have to learn when to back off a little. [Manager Mike Hargrove} said some good things to me the last day of the season and told me to come to Spring Training ready to compete for a job."
Harris said he took a couple of weeks off after the season, played some golf, and then started working out two to three hours a day, three or four times a week.
"I can't wait to pick up a ball in November," he said.
That being said, he's not quite ready to store away all the memories of this past season, which started when he reported to camp in Peoria, Ariz., a virtual unknown career Minor Leaguer. The Mariners assigned him to their Double-A San Antonio club and he spent the first two months of the season with the Missions before being promoted to Triple-A Tacoma.
Three days after improving his record to 5-2 with six scoreless innings against Iowa in Tacoma, Harris was informed that he would be accompanying the Mariners to Detroit -- along with Felix Hernandez and Jorge Campillo -- to replace starters Aaron Sele (released), Ryan Franklin (suspended) and reliever Jeff Nelson (bereavement).
"We pretty much knew Felix and Jorge were going to get called up," Harris said, "but for them to take three pitchers, including me, at the same time? That came out of nowhere."
Campillo started the series opener against the Tigers, departed in the second inning with an injured right elbow and Harris made his MLB debut -- holding Detroit to one run over five innings in a game the Mariners (but not Harris) would win.
As he reflects on the best two months of his career, Harris still has to pinch himself.
"I'm still trying to take it all in," he said. "It's hard for me to imagine that this could happen to me. I enjoyed the season so much and as my buddy, Waylon, told me, 'You'll be in the Baseball Encyclopedia forever.'
"It's hard for me to realize where I was two years ago, and where I am now."
Harris' travels have taken him to so many places he could be nicknamed "Atlas."
After six years in the Twins organization, he pitched in Chico, China, Taiwan, Quebec City and Mexico.
Now he can add some Major League cities to his resume, and hopefully several more down the road.

Source: http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/

Jones finding his stroke in AFL

11/04/2005
Adam Jones finally had his breakout game. After struggling for most of the season at Peoria, the shortstop barely missed hitting for the cycle in a 12-6 victory over Grand Canyon on Thursday.
Jones went 4-for-6 from the leadoff spot with a home run, triple, two singles and two runs scored. He raised his batting average to a season-high .242.
Jones and five other Mariners prospects are playing for the Javelinas. Here's how they fared during the week of Oct. 28-Nov. 3:
RHP Chris Buglovsky -- Buglovsky has been unable to get hitters out on a consistent basis. He gave up a run in one inning against the Desert Dogs on Oct. 29 and surrendered two runs -- one earned -- against the Saguaros on Nov. 2. Those appearances lowered his ERA to 12.95.
RHP Mike Flannery -- After not surrendering more than one earned run in any of his eight previous outings, Flannery surrendered six runs in a 10-3 loss to the Desert Dogs on Oct. 31. He followed that with a perfect inning against the Saguaros on Nov. 2, but that previous outing sent Flannery's ERA to 6.28.
RHP Clint Nageotte -- Nageotte continued to impress in his most recent start, giving up one run on six hits over five innings against the Saguaros on Nov. 1. The lone run came on a homer. Despite a microscopic 1.64 ERA, Nageotte's record stands at 1-1.
C Jeff Clement -- Clement hit a dry patch at the plate, going 3-for-17 to drop his batting average from .350 to .298. Clement was 1-for-4 with an RBI, two runs scored and a walk in a 7-0 victory over the Saguaros on Oct. 28.
OF Gary Harris -- Harris had a season-high three hits in a 12-6 victory over Grand Canyon on Nov. 3. All three hits were singles. The right fielder saw his first action as a designated hitter, going 1-for-3 with a run scored in a 3-2 victory over the Saguaros on Nov. 1.

Source: http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/

Mailbag: Is there a curse in Seattle?

11/07/2005
Is there a limit to how many times a player can be called up and sent down to the Minors? Sometimes a team will send players down and bring them back right away. -- Mike D., Everett, Wash.
Whenever a player is placed on the 40-man roster, he has three "option years" and can be promoted to the Majors, and sent back to the Minors, an unlimited number of times during each of those seasons. After the third year, in order for the player to be sent to the Minors, he must be removed from the 40-man roster and clear waivers. That is called "outrighted" as opposed to "optioned". If the player clears waivers the first time he is outrighted, he must remain in the organization and report to the Minors. But if he is outrighted a second (or more) time, he can choose to become a free agent.
I was wondering why Torii Hunter received the Gold Glove award for center field, rather than Jeremy Reed. After all, Reed played the entire season while Hunter broke his ankle in late July/early August, and was out the remainder of the season.-- Kara M. Richland, Wash.
A lot of people are asking the same question. Unfortunately, managers and coaches -- the ones that vote for the award -- do not put enough thought into selecting the Gold Glove recipients. They rely more on reputations than they should and, without question, Reed was worthy of a Gold Glove over Hunter, who played in only 92 games. By the way, Gold Gloves are awarded to three outfielders -- not specifically a left fielder, center fielder and right fielder. Therefore, three center fielders could win Gold Gloves while every other position is specified. In other words, a third baseman can only win a Gold Glove as a third baseman.
Why are the Mariners going to go after two veteran catchers? Yes, they drafted Jeff Clement for the future, but why can't Rene Rivera be part of the catching future? He'll get better with time and be ready to be a back up Clement when Clement is ready, which looks to be closer than farther. -- Alex T. , Shelton Conn.
One of the objectives this offseason is to add one catcher, not two, and preferably a left-handed hitter to share the catching duties with right-handed hitting Yorvit Torrealba. Rivera performed well for the team last season and very well could be the backup in 2006. Clement is progressing well in the Arizona Fall League, batting close to .333 and improving his behind-the-plate skills. Don't be surprised if he reaches the big leagues sometime next season, although 2007 is more likely.
Why did the Mariners let Bobby Madritsch get away? I thought he was going to be a solid addition to the team in the years to come. -- Ben A., Lake Elsinore, Calif.
At his age (30), missing virtually an entire season because of injury, and facing shoulder surgery, the organization decided that it made more sense to take Madritsch off the 40-man roster to make room for someone else via a trade or free agent signing during the offseason.
What is the update on Bucky Jacobson and Travis Blackley? Will they make it back to the Majors or will they retire due to injuries?-- Alex W., Spokane, Wash.
Jacobson became a free agent on Oct. 15 and will not return to the Mariners. Blackley, who underwent rotator cuff surgery on his left (throwing) shoulder last spring, is recovering on schedule and is expected to start throwing again early next year, probably around the middle to end of Spring Training. He has a lot of catching up to do before returning to the Majors.
I hear all about these curses, like the Red Sox and the Cubs. Is there a Mariners curse? Why is it that players like Jeff Cirillo and Adrian Beltre are so good with other teams and then struggle with the Mariners? Is there a curse on the Mariners or is it just a coincidence? -- Tyler E., Spokane, Wash.
That is far more coincidental than related to a curse. Both Cirillo and Beltre changed leagues, going from the NL to the AL and faced new pitchers. The more Cirillo struggled, the worse it got because he was his own worst critic. Beltre had a career year for the Dodgers in 2004, and a so-so season with the Mariners in '05. He still has four years remaining on his contract and that is enough time to prove that the organization made a good investment.
The biggest holes seem to be in the bullpen and up the middle of the diamond -- shortstop and second base. I realize that the Mariners would be more interested in getting a quality starting pitcher but wouldn't it make more sense to go after one or two quality middle relievers?-- John H., Auburn, Wash.
Middle infield and relievers are the two strongest points on the team. Yuniesky Betancourt is a Gold Glove-caliber shortstop and Jose Lopez and/or Willie Bloomquist are capable of handling the second base duties. As for the bullpen, it is pretty well set with closer Eddie Guardado, right-handers J.J. Putz, Julio Mateo, Scott Achison and Rafael Soriano returning in '06, along with left-hander George Sherrill and perhaps Matt Thornton.
I was wondering if you have heard anything about Aric Van Gaalen, who was drafted in the 30th round this year? What do you think he'd need to work on to make it to the Majors?-- John T., Leduc.
The 6-6, 195-pound Van Gaalen, the 893rd pick overall in the 2005 First-Year Player Draft, played for an Independent League team in Canada before signing with the Mariners in late August. He reported to the Arizona Instructional League team in Peoria and Mariners farm director Greg Hunter gave a positive report on Van Gaalen, who has since returned to Canada and will report to Minor League Spring Training next March. Van Gaalen has tremendous upside and just needs a lot more experience.
What happened to Rett Johnson? I remember he was a top prospect in Triple-A and haven't heard about him lately. -- Austin E., Des Moines, Wash.
Johnson, an eighth-round draft choice in 2000, no longer is in the organization. He was released during Spring Training after climbing as high as Triple-A Tacoma in 2003.
When will the 2006 preseason schedule in Peoria, Ariz., be released? -- Arlene N., Wilsonville, Ore.
As of Nov. 7, the Spring Training schedule had not been finalized. It is expected to be completed and released sometime around Thanksgiving.
Are the Mariners planning any type of festivities for Dan Wilson on their opening homestand? I was rather let down that they didn't have anything for him like they did Edgar.-- Evan D., Seattle.
There will be a Dan Wilson Day at Safeco Field sometime in April, but the exact date hasn't been determined.
What is the current status of Chen Yung Chi? He seems to have potential.-- Eddy T, Taiwan.
The 22-year-old infielder had a solid season with Class A Wisconsin, batting .292 (147-for-503) with seven home runs and 80 RBIs, the second-highest total on the team. He could begin the 2006 season at Class A Inland Empire (California League) and keep working his way up.

Source: http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/

Niehaus in Frick Award contention

11/08/2005
The highlight of any Major League Baseball announcer's career would be to be honored by the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y.
And once again, longtime Mariners broadcaster Dave Niehaus is among the top contenders for the Ford C. Frick Award, given to an active or retired broadcaster with a minimum of 10 years of continuous MLB broadcast service with one ballclub, network, or combination of both.
"It would be a great honor, the highest honor anyone in my business can get," Niehaus said. "It was an honor last year getting the most votes from the fans."
Niehaus is one of 182 eligible broadcasters on the ballot this year, a list that includes booth partners Rick Rizzs and Ron Fairly.
Between now and Nov. 30, fans can put their two cents worth into selecting the next Frick winner by voting on-line at www.baseballhalloffame.org. The top three vote-getters will be announced Dec. 5, the first day of the annual Winter Meetings, held in Dallas.
Fans can vote daily for as many as three broadcasters.
The final ballot will be comprised of the three fan selections, along with seven other candidates, determined by a Hall of Fame staff research team. The Frick electorate includes all living Award-winners, including 2005 inductee Jerry Coleman, and six historians appointed by the Hall of Fame.
Niehaus has been the Voice of the Mariners since the organization's inception in 1977 and some of his most colorful expressions -- such as "My Oh My" and "It will fly away!" -- have become household words in the Northwest.
He was inducted into the Mariners Hall of Fame on May 7, 2000, honored by the Washington State House of Representatives in 1997 for his "contributions to the quality of life in the Pacific Northwest" and selected Sportscaster of the Year in Washington in 1995 and '96.
The Frick Award has been awarded annually since 1978 and previous winners include: Mel Allen, Jack Buck, Vin Scully, Curt Gowdy, Jaime Jarrin and Bob Uecker.
More than 165,000 were cast in the first two years of online balloting, with 2004 Frick Award winner Lon Simmons receiving the most votes in 2003, and Niehaus receiving the largest number of fan votes in 2004.
Voters are asked to base their selections on the following criteria: longevity; continuity with a club; honors, including national assignments such as the World Series and All-Star Games; and popularity with fans. Paper ballots will be cast by voting members each January and the final results will be announced at the Hall of Fame's Web site in February.
Each voter will cast ballots for three candidates and the broadcaster with the most support will be named as that year's award-winner, and be honored the following summer at the annual induction ceremony in Cooperstown.
The annual award is named in memory of Hall of Famer Ford C. Frick, renowned sportswriter, radio broadcaster, National League president and Baseball commissioner.

Source: http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/

Boone says he has fire back

11/09/2005
INDIAN WELLS, Calif. -- Bret Boone went shopping on Wednesday, hoping to find an organization that would give him a chance to restart a career that was highly successful in Seattle, but mind-bogglingly horrible in Minnesota.
The ever-confident Boone, sporting a blonde hairdo that made him look like Billy Idol from the forehead up, spent the afternoon in meetings with at least two of the general managers attending the GM meetings at the Hyatt Grand Champions Resort and Spa.
"I am in a different position now than at any time in my career," the three-time All-Star second baseman said. "I'm looking for an opportunity to get my career back on track."
A career that had seen the 36-year-old stand among the game's top second basemen was interrupted last season when, on July 3, the Mariners designated Boone for assignment. Nearly a week later, he was traded to the Twins for a player to be named later or cash considerations.
A total derailment soon followed.
After hitting .231 with seven home runs and 34 RBIs in 74 games with the Mariners, Boone batted .170, drove in three runs and hit no home runs in 14 games for the Twins, who released him in late July.
"When I left Minnesota, I needed to go home [to Seattle]," he said. "Mentally, I wasn't ready to play for anyone."
His agents and dad, former Major League catcher Bob Boone, tried to persuade Bret to find another place to play and finish out the season. Boone insisted that he wasn't mentally prepared to keep playing and remained at home with his wife and four children, and began working out -- physically and mentally.
"I needed to rehabilitate myself and it's the best thing I ever did," he said. "I have the fire back and whatever happens, happens. Someone is going to get a good deal. I have so much left to give to this game."
Which organization that might be is anyone's guess. Boone has no idea.
He says it's all about getting a chance, not about the money.
"I don't care how big, or how small, the contract is," he said. "It's about opportunity. It would be easy to walk away from this game and say 'I have had a very nice career and made a ton of money.' But I couldn't do that and look at myself in the mirror. I have a lot left; I know I do. I know I can play at an All-Star level."
The free agent doesn't pretend to think he can match the kind of season he had in 2001 -- when he batted .331, hit 37 home runs, drove in 141 runs and helped the Mariners win an AL-record 116 regular-season games.
The numbers he accumulated in 2002 (.278, 24, 107) and '03 (.294, 35, 117) were solid, but he slipped in '04 (.251, 24, 83), and fell off the cliff last season.
"Mentally, I know where I am right now," he said. "This past year was very humbling, but I have been humbled before. Check out what I did with Cincinnati in 1996-97. That was humbling, but nothing like last season.
"I ran into a wall and needed time to get my hunger back. It's back."
The question is: will another organization feed him?

Source: http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/

For starters, Mariners want a No. 1

11/09/2005
The roster-restructuring game has taken center stage in Major League Baseball, and Mariners general manager Bill Bavasi and his staff are working on ways of getting the team back on track in the American League West.
The Mariners struck out in their efforts to land a top-of-the-rotation pitcher a year ago -- rebuffed by right-handers Carl Pavano and Jaret Wright -- but are stepping to the plate again this year in pursuit of a potential go-to starter to help lead the team out of its two-year residency in the division basement.
"We feel the team underperformed in some areas last year and we're not that far away" from contending, associate general manager Lee Pelekoudas said. "But there are some holes that need to be filled. We have to improve our starting pitching and our offensive output."
As of Wednesday -- the day before teams can make offers to free agents from other organizations -- the Mariners had six players signed for 2006 and they would consume more than half of the projected $90 million payroll. Ichiro Suzuki ($12.5 million), Adrian Beltre ($12 million), Richie Sexson (