News, notes, and a star is born in Anaheim
Aug 7, 2011, 4:24 PM | Updated: Aug 8, 2011, 10:52 am
Several of you have asked so here you go. Chris Gimenez filling in for Shawn Kelley on “Bullpen Banter” which can be heard every Sunday on the Magazine Show. This week Gimenez interviews new Mariner Casper Wells and gets to the bottom of the origin of his name. Give it a listen here. Do we have a future broadcaster in the making?
As for the action on the field this weekend, it was interesting to say the least. Trayvon Robinson was nothing but fun, providing a big league debut, his first hit, a highlight reel catch and his first home run. The pitching was superb with Jason Vargas finding his changeup and appearing to get back on track, Blake Beavan facing a team for the second time and still having the upper hand and Felix Hernandez putting up a very Felix-like effort.
Then there was the offense. While the Mariners pitchers gave up just four runs in three games it was not enough to overcome their own offense.
Little wonder though. The lineup that was run out against Ervin Santana featured five &ndash count em, five – rookies. Some of this was out of necessity as Brendan Ryan missed two games with a sore shoulder and Justin Smoak’s thumb is still not 100 percent. There were bright spots offensively, mostly regarding the youngsters, but there were also mistakes. Some by youth, some by veterans. Eric Wedge has patience for the former but not the latter. Clean baseball may have picked them up another W this series.
News and notes: Justin Smoak and Brendan Ryan were to be seen by Anaheim team doctor Lewis Yocum. No word yet on what he said but there does not appear to be concern for either. Smoak had hoped to be back in the lineup Monday but was not able to hit today so that seems unlikely … It is going to be HOT in Texas with game temperatures likely to be over 100 degrees. Wedge said that he will shorten up the batting practice groups and may not have the team hit on the field Tuesday to keep them out of the heat … Michael Pineda will indeed be the starter Tuesday after being skipped on the off day … Gimenez will most likely be one and done with the Banter as he is scheduled to report to Tacoma Friday to begin a rehab assignment.
