Yardbarker: Jarrod Washburn

Wak-amat-su!

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:09:22 -0500

It appears that the Mariners have settled on their man and his name is Don Wakamatsu, former bench coach of the Oakland Athletics.

First off, how amazing of a name is Wakamatsu...say it ten times fast...I dare you. I love this choice already!

But for all the talk of how great the Seattle job is, ...

Mariners Hire Zduriencik

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 17:05:46 -0500

The Mariners announced today that they are hiring former Brewers assistant Jack Zduriencik as their new general manager. "Seattle is an outstanding organization with great fans, a great ballpark and an ownership group committed to the goal of bringing a World Series to the Northwest," said Zduriencik, "I believe that working together, we can make the Mariners a model franchise. I am looking forward to getting to work immediately, and developing a plan to reach our goal." Zduriencik is one of the most respected executives in baseball and should help the Mariners make strong drafting decisions, as well as bringing in solid players to help the Mariners win.

One move that is expected is to trade Jarrod Washburn, as well as acquire a corner infielder and outfielder. They have a busy offseason ahead of them.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Sunday Notes: Reyes Impressive, Offense Struggling, Call-ups Coming

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 20:45:58 -0500

* The twilight of the season has hit the Indians, as the team continues to put a positive spin on a season that has been a big letdown in the eyes of many fans.A One bright spot as of late has been the pitching of former Cardinal pitcher Anthony Reyes, who was impressive again Saturday [...]

Three Quick Points

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:48:43 -0500

> The Warriors won't punish star young guard Monta Ellis for injury himself in the off-season on a moped, an activity specifically prohibited by his contract.

A few things here... first off, I have no idea how you hurt yourself on a moped to the point where you are going to miss months, unless there's alcohol or severe parkour-ing involved.

Well, OK, maybe there is a way...

I also don't know how you don't want to punish the guy, especially considering that the Warriors in the post-Baron Davis Era are overwhelmingly likely to miss the playoffs, since Ellis becoming an immense star was their only chance to stay relevant in the West. Considering that the 0-8 start from last year (with Stephen Jackson's suspension being the big factor) was a direct cause of missing the dance.

Anyway, here's the money quote from Warrior GM Chris Mullin...

"I think he'll learn a lot about himself. He'll be able to draw back to it. I told him myself, if this could trigger him to really committing to an offseason program, then all of a sudden we've got a guy 24, 25, that's really got it together. We might be able to look back and be OK."

Um, sure, Chris. The same way that your alcoholism turned out to be a big help in your playing days...

> Brett Favre is walking with only a slight limp, and should be good to go next week against the Cardinals.

I am shocked, shocked to discover that Brett Favre generated some additional media coverage that turned out to be a big waste of time. Shocking!

> Reports out of Seattle are that the Mariners, the first team in MLB history to finish with the worst record with a $100 million+ payroll, hate star OF Ichiro Suzuki.

Now, to be fair, Ichiro's OPS this year is the lowest of his career, and he's lost the extra-base power that used to make him good, if never quite the weapon that some people have seen him as. In terms of performance for salary, he's not doing them any favors. But we're still looking at a solid OBA and base runner, a plus defensive player, and a guy that's on pace to get hit #2,000 in his ninth MLB season, next year.

Oh, and there's also this -- he might be the only guy on the team that Mariner Fan actually likes. (With the possible exception of Brandon Morrow.)

So it doesn't really matter who wanted to wring Ichiro's neck, under the idea that he was "selfish" about his hits and stats, rather than winning. Um, not to belabor the point here, but who on this team knows a thing about winning, really? Raul Ibanez? Jarrod Washburn? Adrian Beltre?

Oh, and one final thought... how the hell did they spend over $100 million on this roster, really?

Pens faults equal no wins for Santana..............

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 19:41:45 -0500

Johan Santana left the first game of the Mets-Braves doubleheader as the pitcher of decision on the winning side Saturday afternoon, only to watch the Mets bullpen blow the lead.

It was the seventh time this season that Santana watched his bullpen squander a win for him, tying Greg Maddux, Tim Redding and Jarrod Washburn for the most in the majors this season.

Sunday Notes: Reyes Impressive, Offense Struggling, Call-ups Coming

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 11:47:07 -0500

* The twilight of the season has hit the Indians, as the team continues to put a positive spin on a season that has been a big letdown in the eyes of many fans. One bright spot as of late has been the pitching of former Cardinal pitcher Anthony Reyes, who was impressive again Saturday [...]

I'm Sorry, I didn't Mean To Break Up the Party

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 23:34:35 -0500

It was pointed out in a comment that I should probably hold off on the posting for bit more considering the awesome win streak the Indians have been on while I was out...

Was my post yesterday an end to the fun?

I hope you don't want to have at me for that.. I'm certainly not the reason the Indians hit into multiple double plays and blew numerous scoring opportunities.

Anyway, YES, I'm back in action and for good. Moving was exhausting and I didn't get the net at my home till Thursday. I'll be back at it full time tomorrow. However as the season winds down and I get into school, I'll probably cut down on some stuff. Thankfully the minor league season is coming to a close so that's one less thing.

Okay enough small-talk. I've been watching the games thankfully, so I'm not completley out the of the loop. Didn't see Sunday or Wednesday's game, but I did listen to them. Right into the game tonight though. Hey you know it's great to see Victor Martinez back and playing. He looked like the usual Vic, on his first pitch, hacking away and recording a quick out. But he did draw the walk next time up and scored alllll the way from first on that Choo double. If Ibanez comes out with that great catch its a double play. Vic also had that hit later in the game. So, looks good for Vic. He won't play everyday at first and hey let me say this..

SAL FASANO LIVES!!!

Thank GOD for the Stache!

Jamey Carroll scored a run with his groundout and moved a runner over for the other run. But, once again one of those chances squandered as the next two batters failed to get the run at third home.

Felix Hernandez was okay, but they let him off the hook.

Jeremy Sowers threw a lot of pitches early.. Getting a lot fouled off.. If it wasn't for Ibanez he would have had a much better night. But he got tagged for three runs in just five innings, it's okay, not good, or great. Serviceable, but we don't need serviceable, we need better.

Juan Rincon for two solid? What?

Anyway.. Rough way to drop the 10 game win streak, especially to a team as bad as the Mariners. But what you gonna do?

Tomorrow, no freaking tv, I blame FOX damnit! We got Anthony Reyes (how about his pitching performance in Texas?!) going up against Jarrod Washburn.

I'm sorry I didn't bring a win, but it's great to be back! Let's start a new streak!

[BOXSCORE]

Free Agent Pitching is Bad! Believe it!

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 09:18:41 -0500

For the Orioles, the equations are simple: Mark Teixeira + Orioles = Good Big time free agent pitching + Orioles = Disaster

Weekly starters: Duchscherer keeps rollin'

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 01:41:17 -0500

Want to know which pitchers have 2 starts this week? We've put it together for you in one place, every team's rotation schedules for August 18-24.

SEATTLE NEEDS HEROES...

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 19:43:45 -0500

by Andrew, The Grand National Championships

I am not a man who likes to hate. I cannot do it with style and creativity. Especially when it tangentially involves a Wisconsin dude. But you know what?

The Seattle Mariners are run by two very special kids named Davey and Kyle.

They have to be. Jarrod Washburn sucks ass. Let me say that again. Jarrod Washburn sucks ass. He's been living off being lefthanded and a Presidents of the United States of America 2-hit wonderdom of 2002 (I call that one Peaches) and 2005 (a.k.a Lump).

Claudio Vargas looks at him in disgust. Runelvys Hernandez is at his level. And yet? Teams inexplicably like him. I don't know why? They just do.

Some would blame Bill Bavasi for the state of the M's. Some would blame Erik Bedard. Not me. Jarrod Washburn is Shiva the Destroyer for your Seattle Mariners.

But there was hope. Proof that God shined on the retarded. The Minnesota Twins are in a hard-fought race for the AL Central. And they're short on pitching after they let Livan Hernandez go. And seeing as a scrub like Jarrod Washburn is just a tad better than shitty. They decided to offer Boof Bonser.

Now, I know what you're saying. Boof Bonser's ERA is above 6! He's allowed 12 homers in less than 100 IP! 115 Hits as well! Davey and Kyle did the right thing.

No. No they didn't. See, let's talk about baseball teams. Baseball teams worth their salt have cult heroes. These men, while flawed, are the catalysts for their teams emergence. The Cubs were nothing more than an overpaid joke until Ryan Theriot came around. Ned Yost was nearly fired before Russell Branyan brought to bear the Milwaukee Brewers full potential.

And Sox fan, you still love Millar for '04 don't ya?

Boof Bonser would have brought the Mariners back to good for 2009. Boof Bonser would have been able to stem the devil that is Jim Riggleman and make Seattle a fun baseball town again.

The Boof Troop will rise. Somewhere, someday. They will rise to make a team great. I believe in Boof Bonser.

But today? Seattle decided they would be a town for villains. There truly is a better class of baseball criminal there. Boof Bonser would have saved them.

He would have saved us all.

MLB Punchlines: Jimmy Rollins Can't Get His Foot Out of His Mouth

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:10:08 -0500

The most mediocre brother tandem in recent memory: Andy and Adam LaRoche. (Washington Post)

Lessons from L.A.: Walk-off home runs used to be called game winning home runs. (L.A. Times)

MLB gives 55k grant to help build field in Cincinnati. (Cincy Enquirer)

Raul Ibanez and Jarrod Washburn are still M's... for now. (Seattle Times)

Philly sports talk radio boards should be lighting up with calls today from Jimmy Rollins interesting couple of days in L.A. (Philly Inquirer)

Jeremy Guthrie won his fourth straight start last night, says the guy who released him in fantasy five weeks ago. (Washington Post)

Crawford and Longoria might be hurt, not to fret Rays fans your light hitting SS is back! (Tampa Trib)

Manny get his dreadlocks trimmed, Jeff Kent is not impressed. (San Fran Chronicle)

By now people are convinced the Angels are the best team in baseball. So who is their MVP? (OC Register)

Mike Piazza will come back to Shea before it closes for business. (Newsday)

The stadium openers are set for Citi Field and the new Yankee Stadium. (NY Post)

Family has played a big role in Liriano coming back firing for the Twins. (Star Tribune)

J.J. Hardy has been struggling mightily at the plate in the second half of the season. Is fatigue the main reason? (Journal Sentinel)

To no one's surprise, Gary Sheffield cleared waivers on Thursday. No one will be interested at all unless the Tigers pick up the rest of his contract. (Detroit Free Press)

Aaron Cook appears safe to start in fantasy leagues on Sunday, his next scheduled start. (Rocky Mountain News)

Waxing poetically about Adam Dunn. (Cincy Enquirer)

Tim Dierkes of mlbtraderumors.com gets some much deserved props. His site is the best on the net for any and all baseball rumors. (Chicago Trib)

Mark Kotsay hit for the cycle last night. He is the first Brave to accomplish this since 1987. You will never guess who was the last to do it. (AJC)

Blog Talk: Ibanez and Washburn staying put

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 21:04:48 -0500

Despite the confirmation that both Raul Ibanez and Jarrod Washburn have been claimed on waivers, the Mariners' front office has failed to work out a deal with the clubs involved. Both Ibanez and Washburn will be donning a Mariners' uniform the rest of the season. This sucks.

USS Mariner:

"In case you weren't sure, today was a great reminder that we're all rooting for the worst run organization in baseball. There's not another franchise with worse leadership or more incompetence in positions of power. From the CEO on down, these people don't know baseball. They don't know how to run a baseball team, build a roster, or win baseball games."

Lookout Landing:

"Our last hope is that the Mariners put Washburn back on waivers this month. Yes, they still can do that. If a player is put on revocable waivers and is claimed, there is two days to work out a trade. If no trade was made, such as in this case, the player can be put on waivers one more time, but is automatically on irrevocable waivers."

Geoff Baker, Seattle Times:

"Frankly, this team has to decide whether it's going to contend or rebuild next year. If you're rebuilding, Washburn makes little sense as part of that plan. This is where not having a full-time GM could potentially hurt the Mariners. The new GM has to make that call. Not Chuck Armstrong and Howard Lincoln. The new GM will be the one to say if this is a rebuild or a "go for it" scenario. There's no one around now to do that.

On a positive note, more Ibanez funk blasts? Anyone?

Ibanez and Washburn will remain Mariners

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 19:42:11 -0500

Time expired on Thursday afternoon on waiver claims made on two Mariners, left fielder Raul Ibanez and left-hander Jarrod Washburn. Both players will be remaining with Seattle
.
SI.com has learned that the Tigers won the claim on Ibanez and the Twins won the claim on Washburn. However, neither team was able to work out a trade with Seattle within the allotted 48 hours after making the claim.

There were multiple claims on Ibanez, who is batting .292 with 19 home runs and is making only $5.5 million in the final year of his contract before he can become a free agent. The Mariners have been requesting multiple top prospects for Ibanez since they expect to receive two top draft choices if he leaves via free agency. While the Tigers are only on the cusp of the race, their signing of free-agent pitcher Freddy Garcia was an early indication they intend to try to contend.

While it's possible the Twins' claim on Washburn was done mostly to block other American League contenders, including the AL Central rival White Sox, sources indicate that there were trade discussions ongoing between Minnesota and Seattle. However, the teams couldn't agree on a trade before the Thursday afternoon deadline.

Washburn, who is 5-12 with a 4.58 ERA for the last-place Mariners, is making $9.85 million this year and is slated to make $10.35 million in 2009 -- a high price to pay for the low-payroll Twins.

Before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, the Yankees expressed an interest in acquiring Washburn and were offering to take his entire salary but willing to give the Mariners only a middling prospect. FOXSports.com first reported that the two Mariners had been claimed, though the claiming teams haven't previously been named.

Washburn to Cardinals?

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 11:39:14 -0500

According to the Seattle Post, Mariners pitcher Jarrod Washburn has been claimed by the Cardinals. The Cardinals are not giving up on the 2008 season and are looking to upgrade their pitching. The Cardinals are 7.5 games out of first, but that could easily change by one series with the Cubs or Brewers. Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan has been very successful when working with struggling pitchers, so bringing in Washburn could turn out to be a plus.

If any deal is going to happen, it has to be done by the weekend or the claim will be dropped.

Quick Hits: Lugo, Yankees, Andrus, Ibanez

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 18:54:26 -0500

Quick Hits:

According to Peter Gammons, the Red Sox will shop Julio Lugo around in order to open up a spot for Jed Lowrie. However, it is possible they would move Lugo and go after a better shortstop, perhaps Rafael Furcal. Gammons also mentions that they could keep Lugo in a super-utility role.
According to Jon Heyman, Hank Steinbrenner has warmed up to Brian Cashman and plans to offer him an extension. Cashman was rumored to be heading to Seattle or Philadelphia following this season.
According to Jon Heyman, the Rangers may trade one of their top prospects in order to land a big name starter. If they were able to acquire a number three starter under contract, then go out and make a big splash on the market, they would be in great shape for 2009.
According to Ken Rosenthal, the Mariners have placed Jarrod Washburn and Raul Ibanez on waivers and both have been claimed. According to sources, the White Sox did not claim Jarrod Washburn, but the team that did is still unknown. It would not surprise me if the Rays claimed Ibanez, mostly because they need an outfielder.