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Howdy everyone!
The Mariners certainly uh….played a spring training game yesterday, tying the Royals 8-8. It’s still that period of Cactus League play where almost literally nothing that happens matters and only like 30% (don’t quote me on that) of at-bats taken or pitches thrown are by people who will meaningfully contribute to the MLB team in 2026. However, my intrigue for Brennen Davis continues to grow with each passing day.
Davis, in case you’ve forgotten, was a top prospect for the Cubs who never quite broke through — though he’s young enough that he still could. That’s got me thinking: what Mariners prospect of the last 20 years do you really wish had panned out the way they were supposed to, if you could only pick one?
In Mariners news…
- J.P. Crawford is sitting out of spring games while he recovers from a shoulder issue. The team does not expect him to miss significant time with the injury at this juncture.
- Crawford was asked to officiate teammate Ryan Bliss’ wedding this offseason. Daniel Kramer spoke to the pair about their close friendship and why Bliss’ wife felt Crawford was the perfect person for the job.
- Now entering the season as the team’s de facto ace, Bryan Woo is working hard to embrace his role as a leader in the clubhouse.
- Ryan Divish spoke to players and coaches about why they’re so excited for Brendan Donovan to take his role at the top of Seattle’s lineup in 2026.
- Josh Naylor spoke up about the importance of respecting trailblazers like umpire Jen Pawol, to whom he displayed public support during the Mariners’ game against the White Sox.
- Jesús Cano at Baseball America spoke to Mariners bullpen hopeful Robinson Ortiz about his journey to the big leagues and why 2026 might be the year it all comes together for him. ($)
- Barrett Snyder at ABCA spoke to Mariners mental skills coach Kellen Lee to get his perspective on the importance of mental health for professional athletes and how he helps Seattle’s youngsters thrive on and off the field.
Around the league…
- The Yankees are retiring the jersey No. 52 in honor of ace left-hander CC Sabathia on September 26. He will be the 24th player to have his number retired by the Bombers.
- Late last night, the Blue Jays agreed to a one-year, $3M deal to bring back veteran right-hander Max Scherzer.
- The Diamondbacks were hit hard by the news that right-hander Merrill Kelly is likely to start the season on the injured list due to back discomfort.
- Cubs first baseman Tyler Austin — recently signed from NPB — will miss “months” after undergoing knee surgery.
- Tigers pitchers Justin Verlander and Framber Valdez have deferred payments on their contracts that won’t fully pay out until 2039.
- After Angels owner Arte Moreno said that the team’s fans don’t view winning as a high priority, Ray Ratto at Defector took him to the cleaners for being out of touch with reality.
- Angels right-hander Alek Manoah spoke to Fangraphs’ David Laurila about his longshot comeback attempt. Do you believe he can reclaim his former glory?
- Houston Astros prospect Bryce Boettcher — who hasn’t played in a game for the organization after being drafted by them in 2024 — is taking a leave of absence to pursue a career in the NFL.
- It’s been a rocky career for Blue Jays right-hander José Berríos. Patrick Dubuque at Baseball Prospectus wonders if the former ace has another gear left as he enters his 30s. ($)
Anders’ picks…
- Many Pokémon fans have likely already heard the news that versions FireRed and LeafGreen are coming to the Switch 2 on Friday. I think I’m going to take this opportunity to finally try my hand at a Nuzlocke run. Does anyone have any advice for a first-timer?