Felix Hernandez will represent Mariners in All-Star Game

By Kshell

For the third time in the last four seasons Seattle Mariners ace Felix Hernandez will find himself in the Major League Baseball All-Star game this season. The only year which Hernandez missed the all-star game was two years ago his Cy Young season. Hernandez is the only Seattle Mariners player selected to the All-Star team. Hernandez who still remains one of the games best pitchers has had an up and down season this year. However, Hernandez has been pitching terrific lately in his last three starts and was flat out dominant in his last start. Hernandez in his last start pitched a complete game shutout striking out 13 Boston Red Sox as the Mariners defeated the Red Sox 1-0.

For the season Hernandez in 16 starts has a 6-5 record, has thrown 110.2(7 innings a start) with a 3.09 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 114 K's(9.27 K's per 9). Hernandez is having his typical season with the Mariners as he is the workhorse who receives no run support. In 16 starts Hernandez has 10 quality starts on the season. He has also pitched eight innings or more allowing one run or less in six starts(37.5% of his starts) and has pitched seven innings or more allowing one run or less in nine starts(56.3% of his starts). He is holing opponents to a .248 average while allowing only 9 home runs(one home run every 12 1/3 innings pitched). With speculation about Hernandez losing his velocity and hitting his usual bump in the road in May he has rebounded in the last three starts. In his last three starts he has pitched 23 innings(7 2/3 innings a start average), is 2-0 with a 0.78 ERA, 0.87 WHIP struck out 30 batters(11.73 K's per 9). Hernandez is hitting his stride just in time for his third career all-star game as he becomes only the second Mariners pitcher ever to be selected to three all-star games. The man he joins also has a Cy Young for this franchise.

Randy Johnson is the only Seattle Mariners pitcher who has been chosen to more all-star games than Felix Hernandez. Johnson with the Mariners made the all-star team five times(1990, 1993-1995, 1997) including being the starting pitcher for the American League in 1995 and 1997. Just like Hernandez, Johnson is the only other Seattle Mariner who has won a Cy Young award for this franchise. Hernandez is probably the second greatest pitcher in franchise history trailing on "the Big Unit" who in totaly has won five cy youngs in his career. Johnson provided some great moments in the all-star game as well in 1993 he threw the ball over the head of Philadelphia Phillies John Kruk who is now an ESPN analysis. Kruk then stood as far back in the batters box as he could after striking out weakly on three straight pitches. In 1997 facing Larry Walker who had "johnsonitis" and avoided him in the regular season Johnson threw over Walker's head. Walker being the good sport turned around and hit right handed with his helmet on backwards as Johnson then walked him. The man Johnson was eventually traded for Freddy Garcia made two all-star games and was the winning pitcher in the 2001 game in Seattle. Perhaps this year in Kansas City, Hernandez can notch his name in All-Star game history as he pitched a scoreless inning in 2009 while not pitching last year due to pitching on a Sunday.

Overall I'm happy for Hernandez making the all-star team. Sometimes in Seattle due to the poor offense and poor team I feel like people forget just how good Hernandez is. Thankfully AL manager Ron Washington who has faced Hernandez quite a bit with the Texas Rangers recognizes how great of a pitcher Hernandez is and selected him to the all-star team. Hernandez is a guy the Mariners can hopefully someday build around as he is a terrific talent and in this all-star game I can't wait to see him shine once again. The Mariners lone all-star is Hernandez and he'll represent the Mariners well like he has his entire career.

How Mariners management turned the magic of 1995 into a mess today

By Kshell

We all remember the magical run of 1995 that saved baseball in Seattle. The Seattle Mariners who were playing in their 19th season headed to the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. Now 1995 suddenly has been 17 years ago. When the Mariners defeated the New York Yankees in a best of five game series in the first round the town was crazy for the Mariners. When Ken Griffey Jr. slid into home plate for the winning run Mariners play by play announcer Dave Niehaus screamed "It just continues! My oh my!" well unfortunately that run didn't continue. The Mariners lost the next series to the Cleveland Indians in six games. With a core that featured Ken Griffey Jr, Randy Johnson, Jay Buhner, Edgar Martinez, and Tino Martinez who were all in their prime plus up and comer Alex Rodriguez on his way things appeared bright for this franchise. They also had a future hall of fame manager in Lou Piniella running the show as well. Instead the Mariners made the playoffs just three more times after that and are the only American League franchise to have never played in a World Series. The Mariners are currently in a rut having finished in last place six of the last eight seasons. How did this happen? In this following post I'll explain in 11 basic steps how the franchise went from a magical run to in the mess they currently find themselves in right now.

1. Traded Tino Martinez and Jeff Nelson to the New York Yankees:

After defeating the Yankees in a hard fought series the Mariners ownership decided to cut back on payroll instead of go all out. Meaning a choice had to be made. The Mariners announced only one Martinez(Edgar or Tino) was going to be dealt. Since Edgar had just saved baseball Tino was dealt. Trading Tino Martinez was bad but what made this deal particularly bad was he was dealt to the New York Yankees. The Mariners also included reliever Jeff Nelson. Martinez was coming off of an All-Star season at the age of 27 years old he hit .293/.369/.551 with 31 home runs, 111 RBI's and 92 runs scored. Martinez was a former first round pick of the Mariners so this trade really hurt. Nelson who was a 28 year old reliever finally had a break out year going 7-3 in 62 appearences. He pitched 78.2 innings, saving two games, posting a 2.17 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 96 strikeouts(11.0 K's per 9). Both Nelson and Martinez would help the Yankees win four World Series titles. While what the Mariners got in return was Sterling Hitchcock who would win the 1998 NLCS MVP award as the Mariners shipped him away for Scott Sanders who they then dealt for Omar Olivares and Felipe Lira. The other piece was Russ Davis who posted a negative 1.3 WAR in his four lack luster seasons in Seattle. The Mariners help build a dynasty with a team they just defeated while potentially costing themselves from 1996-2003.

2. The Bullpen was historically awful:

After trading away Jeff Nelson and over using Norm Charlton in 1995 the bullpen suffered in 1996. After 1996 the Mariners inexplicably resigned Bobby Ayala back and let Mike Jackson go. The 1997 Mariners set the all-time home run record for a team which featured two batting champions in Edgar Martinez and Alex Rodriguez. Also featured MVP Ken Griffey Jr who belted 56 home runs that year and Randy Johnson finished that season second in the Cy Young race. The terrible bullpens of 1997 and 1998 made sure a team with Griffey Jr, Martinez, Johnson and A-Rod would never win a playoff series together in their prime years.

Ayala took most of the blame of the bullpen failures as he pitched with the Mariners from 1994-1998 posting a 27-26 record in 292 games pitched. He threw 367 innings with a 4.88 era, 1.41 WHIP and had 374 strikeouts with 56 saves. His final year in Seattle in 1998 he was 1-10 with a 7.29 ERA. In the playoffs Ayala posted a 17.47 ERA allowing 11 runs in 5.2 innings in the 1995 and 1997 playoff series combined. The bullpen struggles of 1997 not only cost them that season but put the Mariners franchise in a state of panic which cost them down the road.

3. Mariners trade away three young stars in Varitek, Lowe and Cruz Jr in 1997:

In 1997 the Mariners bullpen was killing the team as the division race was falling away. So the Mariners decided to trade Jose Cruz Jr. who was the 3rd overall pick in the 1995 draft to the Toronto Blue Jays for setup men Mike Timlin and Paul Spoljaric. Cruz. Jr at the time was hitting .268/.315/.541 with 12 home runs and 34 RBI's in 183 at bats. He would finish the year second in the rookie of the year. While Spoljaric flopped and Timlin left the Mariners after the 1998 season. Cruz Jr. posted back to back 30 home runs season in 2000 and 2001 when the Mariners lost back to back ALCS trips. In 2001 Cruz Jr hit .274/.326/.530 with 34 home runs and 32 stolen bases. He could have been the missing power the Mariners needed. What is sad is he wasn't even the worst trade that day.

Cruz. Jr stole all the headlines that day but another trade set the Mariners back. The Mariners traded former first round pick catcher Jason Varitek and pitcher Derek Lowe to the Boston Red Sox for closer Heathcliff Slocumb. Slocumb was the closer for the 1997 division champions but was ineffective. In less than two seasons with the Mariners Slocumb was 2-9 in 84 games. He threw 96 innings posting a high ERA of 4.97, a 1.63 WHIP and had only 13 saves. Meanwhile Varitek and Lowe ended the curse of the Bambino in 2004 as the Red Sox won the World Series title first time in 86 years. Varitek won another title in 2007 as he was the Red Sox captain. Varitek was named to three all-star games, won a gold glove and silver slugger award. In 15 seasons he hit .256/.341/.435 in 5,099 at bats. He belted 193 home runs while driving in 757 RBI's. 

Derek Lowe enjoyed a long career as well. Lowe is 166-146 in his career with a 3.94 era and 1.31 WHIP with 85 saves. Lowe made two all-star games where he led the league in saves in 2000 and then in 2002 as a starter finished 3rd in the CY Young race. During the 2004 playoff run Lowe was the winning pitcher in the series clinching game in all three series. The Mariners could have used Lowe as a bullpen arm in the late 1990's or used him as a front of the rotation pitcher in the 2000's. They definately could have used Varitek's power at the catcher position or Cruz Jr power in left field in 2000-2001. Instead it was all wasted away to pick up three crappy relievers.

4. Poor drafts from 1997-2008:

Starting in 1997 and going all the way until 2008(could be even longer but the rest are too early to tell) the Mariners have done poorly in the draft. Starting in 1997 when the Mariners took 6'11" left handed pitcher Ryan Anderson with 19th pick overall. Most of baseball fell in love with Anderson as he instantly became compared to Randy Johnson. Anderson was also a top prospect for the longest time but never threw an inning in the major leagues.

Here are the list of the names of the Mariners first round picks after Anderon.
1998-Matt Thornton(did nothing for the Mariners but turned good for the White Sox after Bavasi gave him away).
1999- Jeff Heaverlo(never pitched in the major leagues)
1999- Ryan Christianson(11th pick overall, catcher never cracked the major leagues)
2001- Michael Garciaparra(never played in the majors)
2002- John Mayberry(never signed with Mariners, re-entered draft)
2003- Adam Jones(Bavasi traded him away for Bedard in 2008, currently an all-star with the Orioles)
2005- Jeff Clement(3rd pick overall as a catcher. Hit .237/.309/.393 with just 7 HR's in 219 AB's. Currently in minor leagues)
2006- Brandon Morrow(5th pick overall and was chosen ahead of hometown pitcher Tim Lincecum. Lincecum has won two Cy Youngs and a World Series. Morrow has since been traded).
2007- Matt Mangini(has had just 38 AB's with Mariners)
2007- Phillippe Aumont(11th overall pick, is still in the minors. Part of the Cliff Lee trade)
2008- Josh Fields(has yet to make the majors and is in double A as the Mariners have traded him).

Add it all up zero all-star game appearences for the Mariners, seven guys who never played one game for the Mariners and six who were traded away. Hard to win when you whiff on every single first round pick in a 12 year stretch like the Mariners did.

5. Getting rid of Randy Johnson too early:


After finishing second in the Cy Young race in 1997 Johnson was entering his final year on his contract. Johnson wanted a three year deal while the Mariners told him he didn't have three years left. During the 1998 Johnson didn't pitch up to his usual standards and was traded for Freddy Garcia, John Halama and Carlos Guillen. Now that ended up being a decent trade but make no mistake none of them were worth a Randy Johnson. Johnson proved he had several years left as he pitched until the 2009 season.

 Johnson after leaving the Mariners would go on to win four straight Cy Young's then finished second in 2004. He was also World Series MVP in 2001 as well. With the Diamondbacks Johnson was dominant over the next six seasons. Johnson went 103-49(.677) while throwing 1,389.2 innings posting an ERA of 2.65 and a 1.05 WHIP. He also had 1,833 strikeouts good for 11.87 K's per 9. The Mariners desperately needed an ace during the 2000-2003 run when Johnson was winning three of his four Cy Young's in a row and finished in second place in 2004. Even at the end of his career Johnson proved to be a quality pitcher as he won over 300 games in his major league career. The emotional scars of trading away Johnson set up a bad three year stretch for the Mariners as they saw three straight offseasons where they were asked to replace a future hall of famer.

6. Losing both A-rod and Griffey Jr in back to back seasons:

After losing Johnson the Mariners saw Ken Griffey Jr. demande a trade after the 1999 season. The Mariners traded him for Mike Cameron, Brett Tomko and two prospects who never panned out from the Cincinnati Reds. The Mariners without Griffey became Alex Rodriguez team as they advanced to the ALCS before losing in six games to the eventual World Series champions New York Yankees. Griffey who had always owned the Yankees could have been the difference that playoff series as the Mariners lost two heartbreaking games. After that series Rodriguez left the team for a record 10 year 252 million dollars to the Texas Rangers.

In 2001 the Mariners would once again get better without a superstar. The Mariners won a major league record 116 games but failed to reach the World Series. After that season the Mariners little did they know at the time would never reach the playoffs again. While Rodriguez has since joined the Yankees and won a World Series. The Mariners survived at first losing three hall of famers in three successive years but no franchise can survive that long term and the Mariners were no exceptions.

7. Stood "Pat" during the 2000-2003 trade deadlines:

The Mariners posted the best record out of any major league franchise during the four season stretch from 2000-03 yet had no World Series banners to show for it. The reason was the Mariners management refused to upgrade at the trade deadline. In 2000 the only trade was John Mabry for Al Martin(whose blunder in the outfield in the 8th inning of game two of the ALCS started the big inning for the Yankees). In 2001 the Mariners had the division title practically wrapped up by May so fans started to wonder what they need come October. Most felt the Mariners could use one more stick but most of all was a frontline starting pitcher(Randy Johnson would have been nice). The main guy on the block was Al Leiter who was in his second season of five straight seasons of having his ERA in the mid 3.00 range. Leiter had won a World Series with the Blue Jays and along with Freddy Garcia and Jamie Moyer could have made up a nice playoff rotation. Then Mariners general manager Pat Gillick didn't want to be another Woody Woodward from 1997 where he was known as the guy who gave away the next young prospect. Instead the Mariners stood pat and lost in the 2001 ALCS as Aaron Sele the #3 starter had to pitch games one and five and got shelled in both games. In 2002 and 2003 the Mariners once again made no moves and missed the playoffs down the stretch. Since then the Mariners have finished in last place six of the last eight seasons.

8. The roster got old and there was no young replacements ready:

The Mariners in 2004 woke up one morning and were suddenly old. After winning 90+ games four years in a row the Mariners lost 99 games in 2004. I'll list the Mariners opening day lineup in 2004 with their ages next to their name.

1. Ichiro RF(30 years old)
2. Winn CF(30 years old)
3. Boone 2B(35 years old)
4. Ibanez LF(32 years old)
5. Martinez DH(41 yeards old)
6. Olerud 1B(35 years old)
7. Aurilia SS(32 years old)
8. Wilson C(35 years old)
9. Bloomquist 3B(26 years old) was filling in for Scott Spiezio(31 years old)
SP- Moyer(41 years old)
Closer- Guardado(33 years old)

That roster was old. The Mariners didn't bring in any youthful pieces to take over for some of their veterans. Due to the poor drafting there was no up and comer to take over for when a Jay Buhner retired or when Edgar Martinez retired. Nobody to take over when Moyer or Dan Wilson got old. This franchise got old pretty quick and with steroid testing about to begin players stopped being in their prime in their mid 30's.

9. Lou Piniella left the franchise after 2002:

When the Mariners stood pat in 2002 after Piniella screamed to the press over and over he wanted one more hitter for this team. After winning 116 games in 2001 the Mariners stormed out of the gates in 2002 with the best record again after April. Due to injuries and regression to the mean the Mariners were being overtaken by the Oakland A's(the money ball season) and the Anaheim Angels. Eventually losing out the division and wildcard race to both. Frustrated with ownership and seeing that this roster wasn't getting any younger Piniella decided to leave for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

While in Seattle Piniella went 840-711(.542) in 10 seasons. The Mariners prior to his arrival had just one winning season. During his 10 seasons the Mariners had seven winning seasons, four trips to the playoffs and three trips to the American League Championship Series. Since Piniella's departure the Mariners have had just three winning seasons and six last place finishes. The Mariners are just 665-793(.456) since Piniella has left the team. It's looking more and more like Piniella made this franchise as before and after he was here the franchise has produced just four winning seasons(one of which was right after he left). The Mariners have had six full-time managers in the nine seasons that Piniella has been gone and a total of eight overall. This franchise has been a huge mess since he has left.

10. The Bill Bavasi years:

The Bavasi era really sank this franchise. He came into a difficult task as the Mariners roster was old heading into the 2004 season and like I pointed out had drafted poorly from 1997-2003(which doesn't include 1993, 1994 and 1995 first rounder A-rod, Varitek and Cruz Jr no longer part of the franchise) meaning he didn't have a great situation. So it was important that the Mariners got that GM hire correct. Instead they got it so wrong the franchise is still struggling from it. Bavasi is known as the GM who built the first ever 100 loss team from a 100 million dollar payroll. In his five years with the Mariners they went 359-451(.443) with four losing seasons all of which saw them finish in last place.

In fact the Bavasi era was so disasterous I hope you take the time to read my blog post about the Bill Bavasi years as his era deserves a separate post. Adam Jones, Asdrubal Cabrera and Shin Soo-Choo were all traded away under his watch. Jeff Clement was chosen ahead of Ryan Zimmerman, Troy Tulowitzki, Ricky Romero and Ryan Braun. He also chose Brandon Morrow with the 5th pick overall. Taken shortly after him was currenty Cy Young pitcher Clayton Kershaw who went 7th overall and two-time Cy Young award winner Tim Lincecum who was picked 10th overall. Bavasi blew payroll, lost games and developed no talent in his years. The franchise was a mess by the time he stepped away.

11. This franchise has no identity:

Jack Zduriencik was asked to take over for Bill Bavasi. Jack Z basically has walked into a room full of crap all over the walls and ceiling. So far Z has been able to clean a spot off so there is some hope but the place still is covered in crap. In Jack Z's three years in Seattle the Mariners are 213-273(.438) with 196 losses the last two years finishing in last place. The problem with the franchise now is they appear to have no identity. The Mariners are in a rebuilding mode with young prospects yet are trotting Chone Figgins out there over Kyle Seager. Ichiro will receive as much at bats as possible while Casper Wells and Trayvon Robinson rot away. The Mariners farm system far as the hitting goes is still a mess. The Mariners are just a franchise with no true identity anymore. Second straight  offseason where they did nothing after appearing to go for it in 2010 when trading for Cliff Lee and signing Figgins(which blew up in Jack Z's face). Yet in these offseasons the Mariners are signing older guys like Kevin Millwood, Miguel Olivo, Jack Cust, etc. Jack Z inherited a mess as I just explained the franchise was in the toilet well before he arrived but he isn't exactly getting them out of the toilet either. This franchise needs to full on committ to rebuilding which should start with cutting bait on the older guys and going with the young guys.

Back in 1995 the Mariners took over the city. The Sonics were in the middle of their prime and Husky football was towards the end of their run as well. Yet it was the Mariners who captured the cities heart during that time. Ever since 1995 Mariners management has slowly but surely destroyed that feeling. When the Mariners are sitting at home watching the playoffs for the 11th straight year you'll now know why it got to that point. Ever since that magical ride in 1995 the Mariners have made one key blunder after another as attendance continues to drop each season. Look for Safeco Field to be empty yet again as the Mariners continue to be lost this year. Do we compete now? Do we rebuild? Should we play the young guys and punt this year? Should we give Ichiro one last final send off? That is the problem the Mariners don't even know and they never fully commit to one solution. The Mariners are a mess and this was painful to write but felt it had to be done. Maybe on the 20th anniversary of the Mariners magical 1995 run the Mariners by then can finally compete for a playoff spot. One can only hope but knowing this ownership I have my doubts. After reading this how can anyone trust this ownership ever again? I sure as hell don't.

All-time Seattle Mariners starting pitchers

By Kshell

Yesterday I posted the all-time starting hitting lineup for the Seattle Mariners. Judging by the feedback and the number of views that was a successful post. Today I'll be dealing with the five man starting rotation which features some big names but not as explosive as the hitters were. The Mariners pitching staff today features one pitcher who is on the all-time staff already and has a few who can crack the rotation some day. Like I did with the hitters this list is strictly what you did as a Seattle Mariner so no Cliff Lee or Gaylord Perry on this list. All five of my starting pitchers made an all-star game wearing a Seattle Mariners uniform which is pretty good. Just like with my hitters some of these pitchers have quite the hardware as well. My pitchers are all connected as three of them were involved with trades with each other. One pitcher was teammates with three of the remaining four pitchers. One pitcher grew up idolizing another pitcher wearing his same number. While two pitchers went up against each other in one of the biggest games in Mariners history. Well I'll start now with my five man starting pitching staff in order of how I'd put them if I was setting up a staff.

1. Randy Johnson - LHP

Career statistics as a Mariner: 130-74(.637), 3.42 ERA, 1.25 WHIP. Threw 1,838.1 IP, 51 CG, 19 SHO, 2,162 K's(10.6 K's per 9), 2 saves

Career achievements: 1995 Cy Young award winner, Five-Time All-Star, Two-Time All-Star game starting pitcher, led AL in K's four times, won ERA title in 1995, threw No-Hitter in 1990, finished top three in Cy Young four times(runner up in 1993 and 1997)

Best Season: 1995 his Cy Young season where he finished 6th in MVP race: 18-2(.900), 2.48 ERA, 1.04 WHIP. 214.1 IP, 6 CG, 3 SHO, 294 K's(12.3 K's per 9)

When the Mariners traded away ace Mark Langston they received three minor leaguers one of which was Randy Johnson. Johnson the 6'10" wild pitcher nicknamed the "Big Unit" once led the AL in walks three years in a row. Once Johnson learned control in 1993 he was pretty dominant. In 1993 he finished second in the Cy Young race, then in 1994 he finished fourth. In 1995 he finally won the Cy Young. Then he was injured in 1996 only to return in 1997 and again finish second in the Cy Young race. Johnson led the American League in strikeouts four times and at the time of his trade in 1998 was leading the league in strikeouts again. Johnson was a power pitcher and while he went on to win four Cy Young's in Arizona he became a star in Seattle. He also saved baseball in Seattle.

In 1995 there was rumors that the team was going to move to Tampa Bay, Florida. As late as September 19th, 1995(my 10th birthday) the vote for the new stadium was voted down. The Mariners were in their first playoff chase led by Johnson who in September went 4-0 with an ERA of 1.91 and a WHIP of 1.06. He pitched 37 2/3 innings in five starts while striking out 53 batters. Johnson's big September paved the way for the greatest pitching week anyone has ever seen. Johnson in a seven day period would pitch in three games where if he lost the Mariners season would be over and a good chance would be moving. First Johnson faced the Angels in a one game playoff against the guy he was traded for Mark Langston. Johnson would get the win throwing a complete game, allowing just three hits and striking out 12 while allowing just one run. Then on three days rest again the Mariners were facing elimination down 0-2 would face the New York Yankees in game three where again Johnson got the win. Johnson would throw seven innings, allow just four hits while allowing just two earned runs while striking out 10 guys. Then in game five with the series tied at two games and the game tied at 4-4 in the 9th Johnson came into the game on one day's rest. He inherited a first and second nobody out jam and got out of it. Johnson once again got the win in relief pitching three innings, allowing just one hit and earned run while striking out six guys.

Add it all up with the Mariners season on the line in a seven day period Johnson went 3-0 with an ERA of 1.89 while striking out 26 guys in 19 innings. The Mariners didn't get support for a new stadium until after they defeated the New York Yankees in that playoff series. Had Johnson lost just once during that week the team isn't in Seattle today. For that Johnson will always be the staff ace of the Mariners.

2. Felix Hernandez - RHP

Career statistics: 121-88(.578), 3.12 ERA, 1.18 WHP. To date has thrown 1,969 IP, 23 CG's, 9 SHO, 1,857 K's(8.48 K's per 9)

Career achievements: 2010 Cy Young award winner, 5-time All-Star, led AL in wins(19) in 2009, led AL in ERA(2010), finished second in Cy Young in 2009. Threw perfect game in 2012

Best Season: His Cy Young season 2010 where he went 13-12(.520), 2.27 ERA, 1.05 WHIP. Pitched 249.2 IP, 6 CG's, 1 SHO, 232 K's(8.4 K's per 9)

When you look at what Felix Hernandez has already accomplished it is pretty impressive. Then when you stop and remember that he just turned 25 years old it becomes even more impressive. Hernandez has been the best pitcher in the American League since the 2009 season. Hernandez currently this season is leading the American League in strikeouts. While some people may hate him because he doesn't win enough although he has absolutely no control over that. Last year Hernandez was dominant but went 13-12 because the Mariners offense was terrible so was the bullpen.

The sky is the limit for Hernandez due to his age. Randy Johnson for an example didn't become a great pitcher until he hit his 30's. Hernandez someday could be the Mariners greatest pitcher they've ever had. Hopefully the Mariners can reach the postseason so Hernandez can get a chance to show the nation just how great he is. Recently Hernandez was voted as the third best player in baseball. Not third best pitcher but third best player overall. Like I said scary to think that Hernandez is only 25 years old and he has already won a Cy Young plus runner up the year before. The sky is the limit for Hernandez who wears #34 for his idol Freddy Garcia. When Hernandez is done nobody will be wearing #34 in a Mariners uniform ever again.

3. Jamie Moyer - LHP

Career statistics as a Mariner: 145-87(.625), 3.97 ERA, 1.25 WHIP. Threw 2,093 IP, 20 CG, 6 SHO, 1,239 K's(5.3 K's per 9)

Career achievements as a Mariner: 2003 All-Star, Finished fourth in Cy Young in 2001 and fifth in 2003

Best season as a Mariner: 2003 season where he went 21-7(.750), 3.27 ERA, 1.23 WHIP. Threw 215 innings, one CG and 129 K's(5.4 K's per 9)

When the Mariners traded for Jamie Moyer back in 1996 he was supposed to be just a rental. Randy Johnson had got hurt so the Mariners needed some pitching. Moyer would pitch for the Mariners until 2006 and was often the number two starter whether behind Johnson, Jeff Fassero or Freddy Garcia. Then in Moyer's last year the Mariners had an up and coming Felix Hernandez. Moyer is the franchise leader in wins and the ultimate battler as a pitcher. In nine full seasons with the team Moyer won 13 plus games in eight of those seasons. Moyer also won 20 games or more in two separate seasons which is also a Mariners record.

After throwing his shoulder out in his only playoff appearance in 1997 then was injured again in 2000 Moyer finally got another chance at the playoffs in 2001. Moyer was terrific in the playoffs in 2001 as he went 2-0 with a 1.50 ERA and a 0.83 WHIP striking out 10 in 12 innings against the Cleveland Indians. Moyer also won the must win game five to clinch the series 3-2 over the Indians. Then in the ALCS Moyer pitched seven innings, allowed just two earned, four hits and struck out five New York Yankees to win again. In the 2001 postseason Moyer went 3-0 with a 1.89 ERA pitching 19 innings and striking out 15. Moyer finally returned to the postseason and took advantage. He didn't throw very hard but proved that being intelligent is also a gift for a pitcher.

4. Freddy Garcia - RHP

Career statistics as a Mariner: 76-50(.603), 3.89 ERA, 1.29 WHIP. Threw 1,096.1 IP, 9 CG, 4 SHO, 819 K's(6.7 K's per 9)

Career achievements: Two-time All-Star, won ERA crown(2001), winning pitcher in All-Star game(2001), Third in Cy Young in 2001, Second in ROY in 1999

Best season: 2001 where he was the ace on a 116 win team. 18-6(.750), 3.05 ERA, 1.12 WHIP. Threw 238.2 IP, 4 CG, 3 SHO, 163 K's(6.1 K's per 9)

When the Seattle Mariners made the controversial decision to not resign Randy Johnson in 1998 they had to trade him. When they traded Johnson he was dealt to the Houston Astro's for three minor leaguers. Well one of those minor leaguers was Freddy Garcia. Garcia had a big rookie season for the Mariners winning 17 games and throwing over 200 innings. Garcia then became the staff ace for the 2000 playoffs once Jamie Moyer went down. In the 2000 ALCS against the Yankees Garcia went 2-0 with an ERA of 1.54 and WHIP of 1.20. He struck out 11 Yankees in 11.2 IP that series for the Mariners.

The following year saw Garcia start on opening day for three consecutive years. Although bashed on at times by the media Garcia had a productive career for the Mariners. Garcia some fans will remember in 2002 as the pitcher who retired the National League for his final two innings to cause the infamous tie game. Due to that tie game the all-star game decides homefield advantage for the World Series now. Garcia while with the Mariners wore the #34 which is now being worn by Felix Hernandez who looks up to Garcia. Although Garcia wasn't Randy Johnson the Mariners did well snatching a pitcher of his calibar in return for the Big Unit.

5. Mark Langston - LHP

Career statistics as a Mariner: 74-67(.525), 4.01 ERA, 1.37 WHIP. Threw 1,197.2 IP, 41 CG's, 9 SHO's, 1,078 K's(8.1 K's per 9)

Career achievements as a Mariner: 1987 All-Star, Two-time Gold Glove winner, led AL in K's three times, Fifth in Cy Young in 1987, second in ROY in 1984

Best season as a Mariner: 1987 his all-star season he went 19-13(.594), 3.84 ERA, 1.30 WHIP. Threw 272 IP, 14 CG's, 3 SHO's, 262 K's(8.7 K's per 9)

It all comes full circle the pitcher who started turned into Randy Johnson and then Freddy Garcia. Langston was the Mariners first legimate pitcher the franchise ever had. Langston was a power lefty who had four seasons where he struck out over 200 batters in just five full seasons for the Mariners. He led the league in strike outs in three of those seasons and like it was back then when it time for him to get paid the Mariners traded him to the Montreal Expos and received Randy Johnson.

Flash forward to 1995 standing in the way of the Mariners first ever playoff appearance was Langston. Langston who finished second in the rookie of the year in 1984 to teammate Alvin Davis was standing in the way. Back in 1984 fans who actually cared for the team had a vision it was Langston starting big games for the team. Well Langston actually had pitched well as the game was 1-0 heading into the bottom of the seventh. Then everyone remembers Langston's reaction after the fluke Sojo play where he just laid on his back in disgust. Langston was the franchises first great pitcher like Alvin Davis was the first great hitter.

In conclusion, my rotation has three lefties and two right handed pitcher. My list also has two CY Young award winners and all five pitchers had seasons where they finished in the top five of the Cy Young award. For four of my pitchers their game was centered around power and strike outs. For the other like Moyer he pitched to contact proving there is more than one way to be a successful major league pitcher. This would be a tough rotation to face though especially the 1-2 punch of Randy Johnson and Felix Hernandez. I hope you enjoyed my list and the order I put my starting rotation in. I don't feel like I left anyone out as I did my research. My lists feature a ton of recent hitters not because of my age but more to the fact the Mariners weren't a good franchise until the 1990's. I think this list shows that as three of my pitchers weren't on the Mariners before 1995. In fact four of my five pitchers were pitching in the major leagues as of 2009. So let the debate begin either on here or in my group. Just remember the Mariners have had some of the most dominant pitchers baseball has seen.

Is it time to finally forgive A-Rod?

By Kshell

The fans were hurt when he left us for a big payday. They couldn't believe how we lost another superstar in this town. After losing in the ALCS fans wondered out loud if he was on the team could we have finally reached a World Series? They couldn't believe how he betrayed the team and held the team hostage. The player I'm talking about of course is Ken Griffey Jr who demanded a trade after the 1999 season despite having one more year left on his contract. Not only did Griffey Jr demand a trade he demanded a trade to only one team which was the Cincinnati Reds. That meant the Reds were in no position to give the Mariners anything close to fair compensation. When the dust had settled Griffey Jr. was traded to the Mariners to be closer to his family(even though he lived in Florida) and the Mariners were robbed. They received Brett Tomko, Mike Cameron and two minor leaguers who never played in the major leagues for them. The Mariners lost that year in the ALCS to the New York Yankees in six games a team Griffey Jr historically has dominated. Yet when Griffey Jr came back to Safeco Field he was given a standing ovation. While Alex Rodriguez despite leaving the team 11 years ago still continues to be loudly booed for doing something everyone would have done in his shoes. So I beg the question when is it time to finally forgive A-Rod and move on?

While with the Seattle Mariners Rodriguez was a four time all-star, batting champion and pulled off the 40/40(40+home runs, 40+ stolen bases) season. While in 1996 Rodriguez finished second in the MVP race where had either Seattle writer voted him first or second he would have won the MVP and again in 2000 he took third in the MVP race. Rodriguez was a key player on two playoff teams including one team that went to the ALCS where he had a good series. The memories he gave the Mariners fans shouldn't go away and I'm happy to say I saw one of the games greatest players of all-time in person on my team. For the Mariners in seven seasons but in reality only five seasons he hit .309/.374/.561 and hit 189 home runs, drove in 595 runs, scored 627 runs and stole 133 bases. In the playoffs he also performed for the Mariners in a playoff loss to the Orioles he hit .313/.313/.563 with a home run back in 1997. Then in 2000 when he was the man against the White Sox he hit .308/.308/.308 with two RBI's in the three game sweep. Then in a loss to the Yankees in the ALCS he hit .409/.480/.773 with two home runs, five RBI's and four runs scored. So Rodriguez was big time for the Mariners as well. I can understand why at first fans were upset with him for leaving as I was too.

I still remember when Rodriguez left the Mariners for division rival Texas Rangers. I was a freshman in high school at the time and it made me so mad that for the third straight year the Mariners lost a future hall of famer. When the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets both pulled out of the Rodriguez sweepstakes I thought for sure he was going to stay in Seattle. Then out of left field the Texas Rangers gave him an offer he couldn't refuse. I was only 15 years old and was a Mariners fan so I couldn't understand the decision at the time. The Mariners offered him three years at 60 million and two option years making it a total of five years for 100 million. Rodriguez would have been a fool to turn down 10 years/252 million dollars making him the highest paid player in sports history. Rodriguez is a guy who grew up poor without a dad, a guy who finished second in the MVP race in 1996 making $442,334.00 so he needed to be paid what he was worth. I can understand the initial anger towards Rodriguez who left the Mariners an ALCS team for a last place Rangers club in our own division. What Rodriguez did was very professional in my opinion unlike the two previous guys who departed the Mariners.

I'll bring up a quick scenario for you guys to judge who truly is the "bad" guy. Player A demanded a trade to only one team and one team only despite still having a year left on his contract. By demanding a trade to only one team that team was forced to receive some crappy pieces. Player B complained his entire last season and underachieved for various reasons. He was even involved in an altercation with a teammate that season. Player C busted his ass to get the Mariners to within two games of the World Series and finished third in the MVP race. Player C didn't let his free agency be a distraction at all and the Mariners received two first round draft picks for him. Now after reading that clearly player C did the Mariners the least amount of wrong even though he is the only one of those three who receives boo's. Player A is Ken Griffey Jr and player B is Randy Johnson for those who couldn't figure it out. Now I'm not saying Rodriguez means more to the franchise than those two because well he doesn't. I'm also not saying you should boo those two either because that is just dumb. I think it's time we finally let it go on Rodriguez who played his heart out for this team. His last game ever as a Mariner in Yankee Stadium in game six of the ALCS he went four for five with a home run. After that game he sat in his locker crying knowing that could have been the last time he ever played for the Mariners. He gave the Mariners everything he could and I wish instead of booing him the fans would cheer him as a sign of thanks.

When Rodriguez makes it to the baseball Hall of Fame he'll go in as a New York Yankee. Whenever they show his highlights though they'll show some of his moments with the Mariners which for a franchise who had nothing going for themselves prior to 1991 is a great thing. When you walk in the Mariners current Hall of Fame you'll see Edgar Martinez, Jay Buhner, Dave Niehaus and Alvin Davis. Those guys are solid but unless you are from Seattle it shows how bad our franchise is. Eventually you'll see Ken Griffey Jr, Randy Johnson and Ichiro in there which will make our Hall of Fame seem legit. Well if the fans forgave Rodriguez having possibly the all-time Home Run king in our own Hall of Fame would look pretty cool. As long as the fans keep booing him though I doubt the Mariners would risk the PR nightmare of having Rodriguez featured. He will be remembered as a Yankee but he is a hired gun to them. He grew up as a Mariner as the #1 pick coming out of high school, to the kid who scored the tying run in 1995 when David Cone walked Doug Strange, to the man who became the most feared Shortstop hitter in baseball history from 1996-2000. I think time heals all wounds and it's time to stop booing Rodriguez like he personally did something wrong to us.

In conclusion, the Rodriguez who played in Seattle before he became a hollywood type figure in New York was a guy I could respect. He was a guy who worked hard every game, unlike Griffey Jr. on routine groundballs he would always run them out. He didn't care about stats either in game three of the 2000 ALDS against the White Sox he had a sacrifice bunt to move the runner along. His dad walked out on him as a kid and when he became famous his dad wanted to be a part of his life. Rodriguez wanted no part of the man who made life hell on his mom. In fact to this day Rodriguez says he only has one "dad" and his name is Lou Piniella. Rodriguez speaks highly of Piniella, Niehaus and owes his entire career to Edgar Martinez. The Mariners aren't even rivals with the Yankees and Rodriguez has never burned the Mariners in a big playoff game either. He currently has 622 career home runs at 35 years old. There is a very good chance he'll break Barry Bonds career home run record which is 762 home runs. It would be nice if the Mariners can celebrate that moment with Rodriguez. So fans he has been gone for 11 years now. Time to move on and remember the good times he gave the Mariners. I'm just happy and lucky to have watched a player who is as great as he is play for my favorite team. So fans stop booing A-Rod and surprise the nation while cheering him.