Recap and podcast of “The Hot Stove” from FanFest

It would appear that a good time was had by all 11,906 fans that showed up at FanFest Saturday. If you missed it, fear not, FanFest will be in full swing from 11-4 Sunday as well. What you won’t get is a “The Hot Stove” show, and if you missed that Saturday, well, we have a podcast.

Rick Rizzs and Aaron Goldsmith took time off from their “Dugout Dialogue” duties to join me in hosting the two-hour extravaganza, which took place on the main concourse behind section 135. General manager Jack Zduriencik was our first guest and he explained what went into making the trade decisions this offseason and why he did not trade one of the Mariners’ big prospects.

“We stayed the course. Was it tempting? At times, but you have to be true to who you are and what you are all about and we did that for the most part,” he said.

Zduriencik also had some interesting comments that would indicate that the days of youngsters learning at the big-league level are over. He admitted that the final day of the season was a tough one for everyone in the Mariners’ clubhouse. The flip side of that, however, is it made the offseason goals for individuals that much clearer.

Up next were two of the “Future Stars” who were invited to FanFest, John Hicks and Alex Jackson. Jackson talked about his brief experience in professional ball, the injury that ended his first season and the adjustment of moving from catcher to the outfield.

Hicks, a catcher, played in the Arizona Fall League last fall and gave us his thoughts on the pace-of-play measures that we could soon see. He also talked about a guy who was a teammate of his in high school select ball and an opponent he faced in college. This guy just so happens to be the quarterback of the Seahawks. Hicks gave a good scouting report on Russell Wilson the pitcher.

Designated hitter Nelson Cruz joined us at the end of the first hour and told us that he believes Seattle is a good fit for him. He is clearly thrilled to have a home for the next four years and compared the excitement he was feeling coming to a new team to the excitement a child feels when he has a new toy. Cruz also gave us his approach to facing Felix Hernandez and had an interesting story of what he heard about the Mariners from the Angels last year before the Orioles came to Seattle for the four-game series in July.

James Paxton, who kicked off the second hour for us, is raring to go after missing the majority of 2014. He told us he made the most of his down time by studying opposing hitters and making a special effort to be in the dugout on days that Felix pitched. Paxton finished his interview with a personal favorite story of mine about a very special throwing partner.

Center fielder Austin Jackson was next and to me he looked like a different Austin Jackson. He admitted that the experience of being traded in the middle of the season – the middle of an at-bat, in fact – and coming to a new club was tough for him and perhaps he pressed a little too much trying to make a positive impact for his new club and manager, with whom he has a very good history. An offseason to adjust and being with his new team from day one very well may be a difference maker for him next year.

The host of “Bullpen Banter,” reliever Charlie Furbush, entertained for the next 10 minutes. Furbush gave all the scoop on the bullpen and then some. He may not have the singing and dancing skills that teammate Tom Wilhelmsen possesses, but he can tell a story.

Manager Lloyd McClendon closed out the show and while he wasn’t going to say what would happen in terms of wins and losses with the Mariners in 2015, there was one thing heading into spring training he could say with confidence.

“We’re legit,” he declared.

Legit, with competition at a couple of key positions. The shortstop battle is wide open, according to McClendon, and as far as the rotation goes, while he called himself one of Taijuan Walker’s biggest fans, McClendon said nothing should be taken for granted.

“He’s got to earn it. He’s got to win that spot,” McClendon said.

In a lighter moment, McClendon explained why tears came not just during his daughter’s wedding ceremony but at the reception as well.

The two-hour show went by quickly. It was great to see not only the players that stopped by the show but the others who were out for FanFest as well. They were excited to see teammates, thrilled with the turnout by the fans and most of all, ready to get going again. The first-full squad workout is just one month away.

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