Rick Rizzs loves the passion the Mariners have this year

This could be the year for the Mariners and the team’s voice, Rick Rizzs, believes the wins will keep coming if the team continues to have fun and play fundamental baseball.

And like the man who threw out the first pitch at the home opener, Seahawks QB Russell Wilson says about his team, why not the Mariners?

Rizzs told KIRO Radio’s Ron and Don Show Robinson Cano has certainly been an excellent addition to the team.

“It was the right time to go out and get Robinson Cano. This guy is one of the best players in baseball. He brings so much to this organization – a great bat, great defense, he has four gold gloves, but what I see in Robinson Cano is he makes everyone better in this ball club.”

Rizzs said Cano will go out and talk to the pitcher to remind him about who he’s up against and what he’s capable of.

As for the new Skipper, Rizzs said Lloyd McClendon does channel former M’s manager Lou Piniella a bit.

“He’s got that same passion, that same desire to win and to get better … Lloyd’s going to go a great job.”

Rizzs said there is a lot of excitement this year, but they really are just taking it one game at a time.

“If you’re fortunate enough to stay healthy, you can accomplish some great things, but everything has to go right. ”

Rizzs said these guys promise to go out every night, work hard, and play the game right.

“You know, they led the Cactus League in runs scored. They’re scoring runs this year because they’re hitting the ground ball to the right side of the infield to get a runner over third, they’re hitting with runners in scoring positions – something they didn’t do at all last year or the year before.”

And besides all that, Rizzs said you’re sure to have a great time at Safeco Field this year.