Best Season Highlight
The absolute hands down highlight of the 2012 season, has to be King Felix pitching the first perfect game in Mariner history. The Mariner's marketing had a gift horse handed to them with the perfect game. They capitalized by celebrating Felix's accomplishment by having Supreme Court Night at his next start. The fans turned out with 39,000 plus showing up for a Tuesday night game.
Runner-Up
A close runner-up was the combined no-hitter thrown by six Mariner pitchers. Kevin Millwood was pitching a no-hitter through 6-innings when he had to leave with a groin pull. Eric Wedge used his bullpen that included Furbush, Pryor, Luetge, League and Wilhelmsen to finish out the last three innings and complete the no-hitter against the Dodgers. Rookie pitcher Pryor got credit with the win which was his first major league win.
Player to Watch
The emergent of Seagerlious a.k.a Kyle Seager, not only was his defense gold glove worthy but his offense was just as good. He has a knack for two-out base hits with runners in scoring position. He led the team in hits, homeruns, RBI's and on base percentage (OBP). Not bad for his first full season in the big leagues.
Best Management Move
The mid-season trade of 12-year Mariner veteran Ichiro Suzuki was a good move even if they received two minor league players in return. By trading him there won't be the off season distraction with contract negotiations and with his decline in offensive production it was time for him to move on.
Needs to get Healthy in the Off-Season
Would love to see what Franklin Gutierrez can bring to the team if he can just stay healthy for a full season. It will be nice to see what full season of at bats will do for the Mariner's line-up. This is his second season in a row where he has spent more time on the D.L. then in the starting line-up.
Money Ball is Alive and Well
The Oakland A's won the division with the second lowest payroll in the MLB. It is frustrating as an M's fan that they can be spending 26 million more in salaries and finish 19 games behind Oakland in the standings. Interesting stat is the A's season team batting average was only four points higher then the Mariners. Oakland did however hit 46 more homeruns.
Extra Tidbits
I was disappointed with the Mariner's management and ownership coming out against the new arena deal. I wish they would worry more about putting a competitive team on the field, rather then where an NBA/NHL arena will be located.
The Mariner's announced they will be moving the fences in next season to help improve offensive production.
The Mariner's fired their Hitting Coach Chris Chambliss.
Chone Figgins the multi-million dollar bench warmer for the M's tweeted something to the effect that he can't take another two years in Seattle. Well that makes it unanimous because the fans can't take another two years of him in Seattle either. Chone does have one-year remaining on his contract with the M's holding the option for the 2014 season.
There is really no big offensive bats out there on the free agent market for the Mariners to go after. Fans will have to wait and see if moving the fences in and the maturing of a young team will make a difference in the 2013 season.
