Mariners Spring Training Update
Friday, February 28, 2014 / 31 Days ‘til Opening Night (March 31 at Los Angeles Angeles) / 40 Days ‘til Opening Night in Seattle (April 8 vs. Angels).
Setting the Scene:
The Mariners worked out this morning prior to the game vs. the Padres. Players are definitely getting into a routine after being in Peoria for over two weeks.
Take a look at some of the photos from today’s morning workouts courtesy of Mariners photographer Ben VanHouten.
Carson Smith and the rest of the pitching staff conditioning in the morning.
John Buck
Manager Lloyd McClendon working with Brad Miller.
Felix Hernandez signing for fans.
Mike Zunino, Willie Bloomquist and Nick Franklin chatting during BP.
The Start of Spring Training:
the Mariners continued their 38th spring training today against the San Diego Padres at Peoria Stadium. Today was the second of a 33-game Cactus League schedule for the Mariners that will conclude March 28-29 with a pair of exhibition games vs. the Rockies in Arizona. LH James Paxton started on the mound for the Mariners against Padres RH Andrew Cashner.
Game 2 in the books:
The Mariners used an 18-hit attack including three home runs to win their second straight in Cactus League play with a 12-1 victory over the Padres in front of 3,204 fans at Peoria Stadium.
Shortstop Nick Franklin got the Mariners on the board in the third inning with a solo home run to right field and the team manufactured another run in the fourth before rallying for five more in the sixth.
In the sixth inning, Seattle got three straight singles, including an RBI single by Xavier Avery. After a one-out RBI single by catcher Jesus Sucre, Nate Tenbrink capped the scoring in the frame with a two-run home run to right-center to make it a 7-1 game.
Seattle got four more runs in the eighth inning on a three-run home run by James Jones and an RBI single Ji-Man Choi before capping the scoring with a run in the ninth inning, an RBI single by Jones.
Twelve different Mariners collected a hit, six had multi-hit games and 11 scored runs in the 12-run outburst.
Starter James Paxton retired all six batters that he faced in 2.0 frames, throwing 13 of his 19 pitches for strikes. After Ramon Ramirez allowed a run in the third inning, Nick Hill, Yoervis Medina, Charlie Furbush, Zach Miner, Carson Smith and Dominic Leone each tossed a scoreless frame.
Logan Morrison and Dustin Ackley taping their bats before the game.
Nick Franklin hitting a solo home run with two outs in the 3rd inning off Tim Stauffer.
Did You know:
The Mariners are 2-0 to open Spring Training for the ninth time in team history, but the first since 1994. Seattle started Cactus League play 2-0 in 1981, 1983, 1988-92 and 1994.
Walker Update:
Seattle Mariners Executive Vice President & General Manager of Baseball Operations Jack Zduriencik announced today the following medical update on right-handed pitcher Taijuan Walker:
Walker has been slowed this spring by minor inflammation in his right shoulder.
Zduriencik said: “Out of an abundance of caution, Taijuan was examined by Dr. Neil ElAttrache at the Kerlan Jobe Clinic in Los Angeles on Thursday after his workout in Peoria.”
Dr. ElAttrache agreed with Mariners Medical Director Dr. Ed Khalfayan’s diagnoses of inflammation in the right shoulder. Dr. Khalfayan and Dr. ElAttrache also agree that the best plan of action at this time is to place Walker on a course of anti-inflammatory medication and, as a precaution, give him 5-7 days off before throwing again. This should allow all of the inflammation to clear in the shoulder. Following the time off from throwing, Walker will resume his regular throwing program.
Walker said: “This definitely stinks. But I feel good about the situation. I would rather not push it and try to fight through something and make it worse. I’d rather take the time off and just get healthy first and then move on.”
Taijuan Walker signing a young Mariners fan’s jersey.
Iwakuma Update:
Hisashi Iwakuma, who has been sidelined since the start of spring training by a strained tendon in the middle finger on his right hand, was re-examined today in Arizona. Hand specialist Dr. Don Sheridan, who saw previously examined Iwakume, re-examined him today. Dr. Sheridan confirmed that Iwakuma is progressing well, but has recommended that his finger remain in a splint for three more weeks, as he originally recommended. Iwakuma will continue to do shoulder exercises and work on his conditioning, and will be able to resume throwing as soon as the splint is removed.
Hisashi Iwakuma
Wrapping Up Mini Camp:
With the conclusion of Mini Camp today, the focus of the Player Development staff now shifts to preparing for Minor League Spring Training Camp. From Coordinators to coaches to trainers all 60 minor league staff member have reported to Peoria and will begin meeting tomorrow night. Director of Players Development Chris Gwynn and Field Coordinator Jack Howell will go lead the three-day meetings that consist of going over expectations, drills and development plans. Minor league pitchers and catchers report on March 4 with structured workouts beginning on March 5. Minor League position players will report on March 10 with full workouts on March 11. The Mariners will have approximately 150 minor league players in camp.
Single Game Tickets on Sale March 8:
Single-game tickets for the 2014 Seattle Mariners season go on sale to the public at 10am on Saturday, March 8. Highlights of the 81-game home schedule include Opening Night (Tuesday, April 8 vs. Los Angeles Angels), Beard Hat Night, Turn Back The Clock Night, Bat Night, Lou Piniella’s induction into the Mariners Hall of Fame, three postgame fireworks shows, and a host of other special events and giveaways (available at this link mariners.com/promotions).
Tickets will be available without a service charge at the Safeco Field Box Office and Seattle Mariners Team Stores. They’re also available at mariners.com, Ticketmaster Ticket Centers and by phone at 1-888-SEA-HITS (service charges apply). Fans can register for a special online pre-sale opportunity to buy tickets on March 6, two days before they go on sale to the general public. Sign up at mariners.com/register. Pre-sale registration closes at 11:59pm on March 3.
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with the Orioles today:
The MLB family is mourning the loss of Orioles PR Director Monica Barlow today after a long battle with cancer. She was 36. Monica joined the Orioles staff as an intern in 1999 and returned full time as a member of the PR staff in 2001. She was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer in September 2009, but continued to lead the department until taking a leave of absence earlier this month. Throughout her illness, she campaigned on behalf of lung cancer research as a speaker and fundraiser for LUNGevity Foundation, the nation’s largest non-profit organization focused on the disease.
Weather:
Temperature at first pitch today in sunny Peoria, Arizona was 73 degrees. Might be our last sunny day for until Sunday. It hasn’t rained in over 70 days in the valley and rain is in the forecast for tonight and tomorrow.
Tweet of the Day:
Catcher's pop-up drill challenge: Mike Zunino tries to match John Buck's four spins before making the catch… vine.co/v/MKwqw7zXWUa—
Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) February 28, 2014
On Tap Tomorrow (March 1):
The Mariners will face the Angels tomorrow afternoon at Peoria Stadium. The Mariners will continue to work out in the morning beginning at 9:30 am with first pitch at 1:05 pm (12:05 PT).