Mariners notebook: Seager thrilled to get the call
Jul 7, 2014, 7:12 PM | Updated: Jul 14, 2014, 10:19 am
BY
Mariners Insider, Seattle Sports
It was standing room only in manager Lloyd McClendon’s office before Monday’s opener against the Twins. The Mariners returned home with a winning record on the road trip, there was intrigue in what the skipper would do with the pitching later in the week, and of course there was plenty of All-Star talk – most of it about the new addition to the American League squad, Kyle Seager.
“That’s one of the good calls,” said McClendon, who got to break the news to Seager earlier in the day. “He was very happy and rightfully so, and something I am sure he is going to enjoy.”
Without question, Seager was clearly enjoying just making the team. How much so? Well, when we were let in the clubhouse at 3:30 p.m., Seager was at Robinson Cano’s locker, sitting on the floor just listening to stories and advice from the All-Star veteran.
“(Cano) said your first one is going to be exciting, it’s going to be all new to you so just kind of sit back, enjoy, talk to the guys, get to know everybody, and really just have fun and soak it up,” Seager said. “It’s a pretty cool experience.
“What’s cool about this is knowing those two guys (Cano and fellow All-Star Felix Hernandez). I will be able to handle that game and handle that experience kind of like I have been here. Just basically follow Cano around. It’s going to be really cool.”
For Seager, the weekend will be extra special as he won’t be the only Seager in Minneapolis. Younger brother Corey, who is in the Dodgers organization, will be playing in the Futures Game. Mom and dad were already planning on attending, and now Kyle and his family will be there as well. Seager City.
“It is going to be very special,” Seager said.
Lineup!
Michael Saunders, 9
James Jones, 8
Robinson Cano, 4
Corey Hart, DH
Kyle Seager, 5
Logan Morrison, 3
Mike Zunino, 2
Dustin Ackley, 7
Brad Miller, 6
Hisashi Iwakuma
Notes
• TBA is still listed as the starter for Thursday. McClendon will not tip his hand in any fashion on this, saying only that he “has options.”
• James Paxton is scheduled to throw 30 pitches in his simulated game Tuesday.
• The Mariners will hold their first “Bark in the Park” promotion at Safeco Field on Tuesday. The dog tickets have sold out. There are still plenty of tickets available for people.
