Mariners notebook: What a week for Logan Morrison

ANAHEIM, Calif. – Logan Morrison has been on one of those tears that has been fun to watch. He’s enjoying a seven-game hitting streak during which he has gone 13 for 26 with three doubles, three home runs and an OPS of a whopping 1.590. The frustration of hard out after hard out a few weeks ago has been replaced with confidence. Confidence that can go a long way.

“Success breeds success,” he said. “I’m not worried about a first-pitch sinker on the outside corner if he calls it a strike. I know I am going to get a better pitch to hit and I’m not going to miss it.”

Early work and work in the cages is paying off for Morrison.

“I think I’m staying behind the ball better,” he said. “Once my front foot hits I am able to rotate rather than go towards the pitcher.”

So it’s not the Boomstick?

“I’ll let you guys say whatever because I don’t really care,” Morrison said with a laugh.

Morrison has been using one of Nelson Cruz’s bats through this stretch. Cruz swings a bat that is 2 ounces heavier and and inch longer (35 inches, 33 ounces) than what Morrison has used in the past. If everything is correct in his setup and swing he believes the new bat snaps forward quicker.

The original bat he got from Cruz worked well, but alas, the Boomstick broke on a double in the Mariners’ 5-4 loss to the Angels Tuesday night. Never fear, Cruz had a spare.

“I’ve got a different one but it’s still got Nelson’s name on it,” Morrison said.

So how about a never-ending supply of Boomsticks for the entire team?

“I’ve already ordered them,” manager Lloyd McClendon said with a chuckle.

Lineup!

Rickie Weeks, DH
Willie Bloomquist, LF
Robinson Cano, 2B
Nelson Cruz, RF
Kyle Seager, 3B
Mike Zunino, C
Logan Morrison, 1B
Justin Ruggiano, CF
Chris Taylor, SS

Roenis Elias, LHP

McClendon is going with a mostly righty lineup against C.J. Wilson, who has been very tough on the Mariners. Since 2005, Wilson’s 16 wins against the Mariners are the most in the Majors.

Notes

• Tom Wilhelmsen threw a 25-pitch simulated game Wednesday afternoon. All went well. “I thought the ball came out pretty good,” McClendon said. “Good finish on the fastball. Breaking ball was pretty good now. We’ll see how he feels tomorrow and go from there.” A short rehab assignment is most likely next for Wilhelmsen.

• Hisashi Iwakuma would be eligible to come off the 15-day disabled list today but he is obviously not ready. He remained in Seattle and is now throwing from 75 feet. No timetable has been set for his return but he is making progress. Iwakuma will undoubtedly need a rehab assignment and unlike last year when he only made one rehab start before joining the team after missing spring training, I would expect for him to make at least a few starts in the minors.

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