Tuesday, June 18, 2013 @ 7:47pm

Why Ackley needs more time in the outfield

By Shannon Drayer

Justin Smoak made the trip from Sacramento to Anaheim alone. There was some thought that perhaps Dustin Ackley might accompany him to relieve a struggling Michael Saunders but that did not happen. Eric Wedge spent nearly a half hour talking with Jack Zduriencik about what he saw while with the Rainiers for the last two days. Smoak obviously was deemed ready to go and Franklin Gutierrez who is eligible to come off the 60-day DL Saturday "looked really good" according to Wedge. As for Ackley?

"Jack said he looked really good in left field but didn't really have any balls hit to him in center field," Wedge said in his pre game meeting with the media. "But he has been okay in center field. And he's swinging the bat. He's up there ready to hit."

"He's doing what he needs to do down there but we need to give him a little more time."

Specifically, more time in the outfield.

"The reps in center field would be a concern right now. We want to make sure he can do that," said Wedge.

The assumption by many has been that this would be no problem because Ackley played the outfield in college. He was drafted as an outfielder after all. Sure, we know he played first base his junior year after Tommy John surgery, but he was an outfielder right? That's what most of the pre draft publications and broadcasts had him listed as.

Not really. When Justin Smoak arrived in the clubhouse today the reporters descended on him with all sorts of questions about how Ackley looked in the outfield. I thought it would be a good idea to talk to his college teammate Kyle Seager about it as well. Kyle told me in truth he didn't see a lot of Ackley in the outfield in college because he didn't play there very much.

Sure enough, a look at his college numbers shows he played just 16 games in the outfield at North Carolina. He was recruited as a shortstop. He played the outfield in the Cape Cod League but over his career it has hardly been his primary position so it is understandable that Wedge and Zduriencik would want to see him in center more than four games.

Both Seager and Smoak said that they thought the transition would not be a problem and while scouting director Tom MacNamara pointed to Ackley's speed as an asset he thought could be greatly utilized in the outfield, his teammates pointed to his arm as being impressive.

"He's got a hose out there," said Smoak. He made a couple of great plays while I was there, one really impressive throwing out a runner at second."

"It's a different throw than from second and one that seems natural for him," said Seager. "You see it when he plays long toss after stretch. He really can let it fly."

This will not be like converting Michael Morse or Mike Carp to the outfield. Ackley has some experience and tools better suited for the outfield than the Mikes. Still, he needs to have a decent comfort level in the position before you make a move but I suspect that won't take long. It will be very interesting to see what the Mariners outfield looks like in the next couple of weeks.

Monday, June 17, 2013 @ 6:03pm

Video: Updates on Justin Smoak, Dustin Ackley

By 710Sports.com staff

In the video above, Shannon Drayer checks in from Angel Stadium of Anaheim, where the Mariners are set to open a four-game series tonight.

First pitch is 7:05. The game can be heard on 710 ESPN Seattle, and you can also follow along with our live gametracker.

Here is the Mariners' lineup:

Endy Chavez, RF
Nick Franklin, 2B
Kyle Seager, 3B
Kendrys Morales, DH
Michael Morse, 1B
Raul Ibanez, LF
Mike Zunino, C
Michael Saunders, CF
Carlos Triunfel, SS

Aaron Harang, SP

Sunday, June 16, 2013 @ 11:16pm

A less than pleasant Sunday in Oakland

One of the stranger scenes I have ever witnessed following a game took place in Oakland Sunday.

We were told that the manager interview would not take place in the visiting manager's office because there was "an issue" in the clubhouse. Thoughts, of course, jumped to some sort of situation with a player. Perhaps the spread had been turned over – all sorts of things could be going on. Turns out the truth was worse than the imagined scenarios.

Raw sewage in the clubhouse. Not just on the visitors' side, but the home clubhouse and umpires' dressing room as well. Pipes were backing up and on the Mariners' side, the showers, manager's office and training room were flooded. Now that's what I call hospitality.

The trainers were trying to attend to players in the middle of the clubhouse while the traveling secretary was shouting to the players to hurry up and get out as the water, and stuff, was rising. Players from both teams were forced to run upstairs in towels and shower shoes to the Raiders locker room to shower and dress for their getaways.

Hisashi Iwakuma lost for the first time since April 23 Sunday and allowed an earned run for the first time in 31 2/3 innings, ending the second-longest streak in club history. (AP)

On a serious note, I have also said for years that A's fans deserve better. This is a stadium situation that needs to get figured out. That is their problem, however. The Mariners have problems of their own to worry about.

Sunday's loss was perhaps a bit more disappointing than most in that you thought they had a good shot at sweeping their first series of the season. Unfortunately, Hisashi Iwakuma was off, the offense wasn't able to capitalize on some early hits off Bartolo Colon and some of the bullpen's weaknesses were exposed late. The 10-2 score added a bit of insult to injury as well. Interestingly enough, the Mariners have yet to win a Sunday road game this year.

Still, they took the series and they need to take the next one as well. This one looks to be tougher with less than ideal matchups early, but Aaron Harang, Jeremy Bonderman and Joe Saunders are all coming off good outings so we shall see if they can carry that over.

Perhaps there will be help for the offense as well. Justin Smoak very well could be back Monday and Kendrys Morales is looking like a guy who could use a break with just two hits in his last 26 at-bats. His back may be bothering him more than he is admitting to right now.

The team would like to get Franklin Gutierrez back soon as well with Michael Saunders struggling horrifically. Gutierrez, however, was not in the lineup for Tacoma Sunday so that would seem to indicate that he is still further off. Could Dustin Ackley be a possibility? Left field was short lived. He's been in center the last four days. There is little doubt we will see one move in the next couple of days. It will be interesting to see if there are more.

Friday, June 14, 2013 @ 6:06pm

Video: Why Blanco is in and Shoppach is out

By 710Sports.com staff

The Mariners made a surprise move before tonight's series opener against the Athletics, signing catcher Henry Blanco and designating Kelly Shoppach for assignment.

In the video above, Shannon Drayer explains the rationale behind that move and discusses another bit of pregame news regarding Tom Wilhelmsen's status as Seattle's closer.

First pitch for tonight's game is 7:05. The game can be heard on 710 ESPN Seattle, and you can also follow along with our live gametracker.

Here is the Mariners' lineup:

Jason Bay, RF
Nick Franklin, 2B
Kyle Seager, 3B
Kendrys Morales, DH
Michael Morse, DH
Raul Ibanez, LF
Mike Zunino, C
Michael Saunders, CF
Brendan Ryan, SS

Joe Saunders, SP

Friday, June 14, 2013 @ 12:30pm

Mariners DFA Shoppach, go all in with Zunino?

Well, this move came out of left field. The Mariners have announced they have signed 41-year-old veteran catcher Henry Blanco and designated for assignment Kelly Shoppach.

Blanco, who has spent the majority of his career as a backup, has played in all of 73 games the last three years. This move would indicate that, barring disaster, Mike Zunino is now the Mariners' everyday catcher.

"We had interest in Henry this offseason," general manager Jack Zduriencik said in the press release. "And recent circumstances developed allowing us to acquire Henry. We are pleased to be able to add him to our 25-man roster and look forward to his contributions."

The move to cut Shoppach is a bit of a surprise despite his .196 average in 35 games. A move such as this one would indicate that the team perhaps was looking for something else in a mentor for Zunino.

Blanco was DFA'd by the Blue Jays earlier this week and had been mainly catching R.A. Dickey.

Thursday, June 13, 2013 @ 3:14pm

Dan, Edgar and Jay take the field this weekend for a special cause

By Shannon Drayer

On any given night in Seattle up to 1,000 kids may be on the streets homeless for various reasons. This year, in order to raise funds and awareness of the growing problem, United Way invites you to join them for the All-Star Softball Classic for Homeless Youth at Safeco Field.

710 ESPN Seattle, KIRO Radio and AM 770 are sponsors of the event with Bob Stelton and Don O'Neill actually participating as players. While their experience on the ball field may be limited, they will be playing alongside Mariners Hall of Fame members Dan Wilson, Jay Buhner and Edgar Martinez.

"I'm curious to see what it is going to be like out there," joked Wilson, who said the event will mark the first time since their retirements the three have been on a baseball field together. "My team against Jay's team? He's pretty excited. We are going to go at it pretty hard but it's going to be a lot of fun."

On a serious note, the cause is near and dear to Wilson and his wife Annie. The two are chairing the event and their children will also be volunteering. Dan and Annie have been involved in helping homeless youth almost from the first day they arrived in Seattle, first with their work at First Place School and then with their increased involvement with United Way.

"We have had the opportunity to meet a lot of great agencies in Seattle and United Way supports a lot of agencies in Seattle that are really working together on this problem and I think we are really on the cusp of really making a difference in this arena," said Wilson. "Now youth homelessness is something they want to tackle and really, to have a 1,000 kids on the street there is no excuse for that. This is a chance for all of us to come together and really make a difference."

You can help, too. Tickets for the event, which takes place at Safeco Field this Saturday, are only $10. Among those scheduled to appear and play are Gary Payton, Golden Tate, Kate Wedge, Detlef Schrempf, Slick Watts, Steve Zakuani, Jeff Ament and more. A concert by Seattle band The Young Evils will follow the game.

"It's going to be a great family event. Kids serving kids. It is just going to be fun all around," said Wilson.

For information and to purchase tickets log on to the United Way's website. Come out to the park and see some old friends mix it up on the softball field and help make a difference in the lives of homeless youth.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013 @ 8:02pm

Ackley in the outfield plus Hultzen and signings notes

It has finally happened. Dustin Ackley started in left for the Rainiers Wednesday night. He was told Tuesday that the organization wanted to see him in the outfield and that is where he finds himself.

"I think that giving him a chance to go down there and get his feet wet in the outfield, it'll be good for him," general manager Jack Zdurinecik said of the move. "As you look at the different scenarios, you don't know how it's going to play out. I think as long as guys have experience playing other positions, it could benefit the player and the organization, and that's the purpose of it."

Zduriencik said the move had been discussed for some time but indicated that it wouldn't be made at the major-league level. With Nick Franklin up, and doubling as I write this, the opportunity was there to give Ackley a look in the outfield.

Scouting director Tom McNamara, who saw quite a bit of Ackley in the outfield in college, believes that it could still be a good fit.

"He can run. You can see more of his speed when he's playing the outfield," McNamara said. "I still think that run tool he has can be more productive out there."

The move somewhat displaces Stefen Romero, whose bat the Mariners like. According to Zduriencik, he will shift to right and also could see some time at first and third.

Notes

The Mariners have agreed to terms and or signed 13 of their draft picks.

• Right-handed pitchers: Emilio Pagan (10th round), Kevin McCoy (24th), Ricky Claudio (27th), Rafael Pineda (30th);

• Left-handed pitchers: Tyler Olson (seventh), Jacob Zokan (ninth);

• Infielders: DJ Peterson (first), Jack Reinheimer (fifth), Justin Seager (12th), Jeff Zimmerman (19th);

• Outfielders: Tyler O'Neill (third), Corey Simpson (sixth), Chantz Mack (30th).

A handful of draftees were at the park Wednesday taking batting practice, including No. 1 pick DJ Peterson, who sat down for an interview with me after his turn at the plate.

He talks about his first experience in the clubhouse (Kyle Seager gave him his glove and bat to use), what it was like to hit on the field at Safeco, how special it was to have his brother Dustin drafted shortly after him and much more.

These first interviews are always fun and DJ's excitement can be heard throughout this one. Give it a listen and let me know how many times he calls me ma'am.

One last Peterson note: It was neat to see his family &ndahs; including Dustin, who was drafted in the second round &ndahs; on the field to support DJ. I asked McNamara if this was okay to have a player from another team there and he said they called the Padres and let them know. DJ will attend Dustin's field visit in San Diego. So much for the blood feud with the natural rivals, complex sharing, Vedder Cup opponent Padres.

Moving on.

No. 2 pick Austin Wilson was noticeably missing Wednesday but I am told there is nothing to worry about there. Apparently he is taking his finals at Stanford this week so he was unable to come up for the homestand. I wouldn't be surprised if we see him on the road, either in Oakland or Anaheim later this week.

Last note involves another No. 1 pick, Danny Hultzen. I asked Zduriencik where he was in his recovery from his rotator strain and tendinitis. He is still in extended spring training in Arizona and threw 51 pitches Wednesday. He is scheduled to throw outings of three, four and five innings to build back up and then the plan is to send him back to Tacoma.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013 @ 8:11pm

Will Mike Zunino sink or swim?

By Shannon Drayer

Mike Zunino is at Safeco Field and in uniform, wearing number 3. Ready or not, here he is. Ready or not, regardless of the collective online, on-air, and on-text hand wringing over the move, Mike Zunino is going to be just fine.

Mike Zunino

Zunino will be given the opportunity to sink or swim. They like his defense, love his makeup and composure and believe his bat will come along, according to manager Eric Wedge.

"With him, the priority first and foremost is behind the plate, handling the staff, leadership, the presence that he has," Wedge said before the game. "The bat will take care of itself in time."

We will see if the bat takes care of itself at the major-league level. If it does, that will be a heck of an accomplishment, learning at this level. If it doesn't, he will be sent down like the majority of young players. This is hardly going to destroy him.

Zunino grew up in this game. His maturity and composure have impressed at every level. He dealt with a measure of failure this year and appears to be no worse for wear. If he can't get the bat going up here he will have at least seen what he is up against and have a new knowledge and focus at Triple-A. I don't see how this experience could possibly make him worse.

In the video in the last post I talked about Kyle Seager's first callup. It obviously is not the same situation as Seager tore up Triple-A in the 24 games he played there. He got the call to Seattle and in seven games hit .136/.240/.136/.376 and then was sent down. Beyond the numbers, Seager was a fish out of water in the bigs. To this day he is still the rookiest rookie I have ever seen. I am not even convinced that was really him because the guy who came back 12 days later was completely different.

As good as Seager is, and for all of the baseball instincts and smarts he has, I am convinced he has learned a lot at the big-league level and the first exposure he had helped. If Zunino fails in his first attempt I wouldn't be surprised if he follows suit. If he can't handle the breaking pitches it may take more time but any time he has up here no doubt for him will be learning time.

Wedge is a big believer in learning at this level. Failing is part of that.

"He's going to be a pretty good hitter," Wedge said. "How good? I don't know but what he is going to be is a very good, complete ballplayer, all-around ballplayer and that we feel pretty confident about that. For him to get up here and get into that learning curve, it's only going to help us around the corner. We feel like he's able to handle that now."

We shall see.