2008 Seattle Mariners season
Encyclopedia
The Seattle Mariners
season was the 32nd Major League Baseball
season in the team's history. Coming off the heels of the previous 2007 season
, in which the M's finished with their first winning record since 2003
, the team was widely expected to once again compete for the American League
West
division championship. The team was bolstered by some major roster additions during the previous offseason, most notably starting pitcher
s Erik Bedard
and Carlos Silva. However, by the end of May, it became apparent that the team had gone back to its losing ways of the 2004-06 seasons. Despite their losing ways, they won their first and last game of the season. Their longest winning-streak of the season is 4 games after a Cleveland sweep at the end of August and a 12-6 win against the Texas Rangers on the first day of September. However, standing at 57-87, their longest losing-streak of the season is 12 games, 11 on the road, 1 at home, after being swept by the L.A. Angels, Kansas City Royals, Oakland Athletics, and suffering a loss at the last homestand opener against the L.A. Angels. On September 23, the Mariners became the first club to spend $100 million in payroll and lose 100 games. The team finished the season with a 61-101 (.377) record, last in the West
for the 4th time in 5 years, and second worst in the Majors.
With the team underperforming and underachieving, a number of people who had become scapegoat
s for the team's underperformance were dismissed during the season, most notably general manager
Bill Bavasi
, field manager
John McLaren
, first baseman
Richie Sexson
, and designated hitter
José Vidro
.
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
season was the 32nd Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
season in the team's history. Coming off the heels of the previous 2007 season
2007 Seattle Mariners season
The Seattle Mariners' 2007 season was their 31st in franchise history, and has started with the Mariners trying to win their first AL West title since they tied the MLB record for wins in a season in the 2001...
, in which the M's finished with their first winning record since 2003
2003 Seattle Mariners season
The Seattle Mariners 2003 season was their 27th since the franchise creation, and ended the season finishing 2nd in the American League West, finishing with a record of 93-69.-Offseason:...
, the team was widely expected to once again compete for the American League
American League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
West
American League West
The American League West is one of three divisions in Major League Baseball's American League. The division currently has four teams, but it has had as many as seven teams before the 1994 realignment. Although its teams currently only reside along the west coast and in Texas, historically the...
division championship. The team was bolstered by some major roster additions during the previous offseason, most notably starting pitcher
Starting pitcher
In baseball or softball, a starting pitcher is the pitcher who delivers the first pitch to the first batter of a game. A pitcher who enters the game after the first pitch of the game is a relief pitcher....
s Erik Bedard
Erik Bedard
Érik Joseph Bédard is a free agent Canadian professional baseball pitcher in Major League Baseball.Bédard previously pitched for the Baltimore Orioles and Seattle Mariners. With Baltimore, he was the staff ace, setting the franchise single-season strikeouts per nine innings record at 10.93 in...
and Carlos Silva. However, by the end of May, it became apparent that the team had gone back to its losing ways of the 2004-06 seasons. Despite their losing ways, they won their first and last game of the season. Their longest winning-streak of the season is 4 games after a Cleveland sweep at the end of August and a 12-6 win against the Texas Rangers on the first day of September. However, standing at 57-87, their longest losing-streak of the season is 12 games, 11 on the road, 1 at home, after being swept by the L.A. Angels, Kansas City Royals, Oakland Athletics, and suffering a loss at the last homestand opener against the L.A. Angels. On September 23, the Mariners became the first club to spend $100 million in payroll and lose 100 games. The team finished the season with a 61-101 (.377) record, last in the West
American League West
The American League West is one of three divisions in Major League Baseball's American League. The division currently has four teams, but it has had as many as seven teams before the 1994 realignment. Although its teams currently only reside along the west coast and in Texas, historically the...
for the 4th time in 5 years, and second worst in the Majors.
With the team underperforming and underachieving, a number of people who had become scapegoat
Scapegoat
Scapegoating is the practice of singling out any party for unmerited negative treatment or blame. Scapegoating may be conducted by individuals against individuals , individuals against groups , groups against individuals , and groups against groups Scapegoating is the practice of singling out any...
s for the team's underperformance were dismissed during the season, most notably general manager
General manager (baseball)
In Major League Baseball, the general manager of a team typically controls player transactions and bears the primary responsibility on behalf of the ballclub during contract discussions with players....
Bill Bavasi
Bill Bavasi
William J. Bavasi, born December 27, 1957 in Scarsdale, New York, is a former general manager and vice president of baseball operations for the Seattle Mariners, and currently works as a Special Assistant to the GM for the Cincinnati Reds, under Reds GM Walt Jocketty...
, field manager
Manager (baseball)
In baseball, the field manager is an individual who is responsible for matters of team strategy on the field and team leadership. Managers are typically assisted by between one and six assistant coaches, whose responsibilities are specialized...
John McLaren
John McLaren (baseball)
John Lowell McLaren is a former Major League Baseball coach and manager, best known for his brief tenure as manager of the Seattle Mariners, from July 1, to June 19,...
, first baseman
First baseman
First base, or 1B, is the first of four stations on a baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a baserunner in order to score a run for that player's team...
Richie Sexson
Richie Sexson
Richmond Lockwood "Big Sexy" Sexson is a former Major League Baseball first baseman who played for five teams from 1997 to 2008...
, and designated hitter
Designated hitter
In baseball, the designated hitter rule is the common name for Major League Baseball Rule 6.10, an official position adopted by the American League in 1973 that allows teams to designate a player, known as the designated hitter , to bat in place of the pitcher each time he would otherwise come to...
José Vidro
José Vidro
José Angel Vidro is a former Major League Baseball second baseman. Though he never officially retired, Vidro has not played since .-Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals:...
.
Offseason
- December 20, 2007 Signed free agentFree agentIn professional sports, a free agent is a player whose contract with a team has expired and who is thus eligible to sign with another club or franchise....
RHP Carlos Silva - January 8, 2008 Signed free agent INF Miguel CairoMiguel CairoMiguel Jesús Cairo is a Major League Baseball utility player who is currently with the Cincinnati Reds. He has mostly played second base during his career, but has played every position in baseball except catcher and pitcher. He currently plays mostly third base, in place of Scott Rolen during his...
- January 31, 2008 Signed free agent OF Brad WilkersonBrad WilkersonStephen Bradley "Brad" Wilkerson is a former American college and professional baseball player who was an outfielder and first baseman in Major League Baseball for eight seasons in the 2000s. Wilkerson played college baseball for the University of Florida, and was selected by the Montreal Expos...
- February 8, 2008 Traded OF Adam JonesAdam Jones (baseball)Adam La Marque Jones is a Major League Baseball center fielder for the Baltimore Orioles. Jones was born and raised in San Diego, California where he starred at Samuel F. B. Morse High School. He was drafted in the first round of the 2003 draft by the Seattle Mariners...
, LHP George SherrillGeorge SherrillGeorge Friederich Sherrill , also known as "The Brim Reaper", "Flat Breezy", and "Duckbill" , is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher, who is a free agent-College and independent baseball:Sherrill was not drafted after graduating from Austin Peay State...
, and minor league pitchers Tony Butler, Chris Tillman and Kam Mickolio to the Baltimore OriolesBaltimore OriolesThe Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
for LHP Erik BedardErik BedardÉrik Joseph Bédard is a free agent Canadian professional baseball pitcher in Major League Baseball.Bédard previously pitched for the Baltimore Orioles and Seattle Mariners. With Baltimore, he was the staff ace, setting the franchise single-season strikeouts per nine innings record at 10.93 in... - Dismissed all coachesCoach (baseball)In baseball, a number of coaches assist in the smooth functioning of a team. They are assistants to the manager, or head coach, who determines the lineup and decides how to substitute players during the game...
hired under Mike HargroveMike HargroveDudley Michael Hargrove is a former Major League Baseball first baseman and manager. He is currently employed as an advisor with the Cleveland Indians....
except hitting coach Jeff PentlandJeff PentlandJeffrey William Pentland is a Major League Baseball coach, who was most recently the hitting coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers.-Playing career:...
and hired former MLB managers Jim RigglemanJim RigglemanJames David Riggleman is a former Major League Baseball manager and coach. Riggleman was an infielder and outfielder in the Los Angeles Dodgers and St. Louis Cardinals minor league systems from 1974–1981...
(bench coach), Sam PerlozzoSam PerlozzoSamuel Benedict Perlozzo is a former second baseman and manager in Major League Baseball, most recently with the Baltimore Orioles...
(third base coach), and Lee EliaLee EliaLee Constantine Elia is a former professional baseball player and manager in Major League Baseball. He was a manager of the Chicago Cubs and the Philadelphia Phillies . Additionally, he has served as a coach for the Phillies, New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Baltimore...
(special assistant to the manager), as well as Mel StottlemyreMel StottlemyreMelvin Leon Stottlemyre, Sr. is a former Major League Baseball pitcher and pitching coach. He played 11 years in the Major Leagues, all of them with the New York Yankees...
(pitching coach), Norm CharltonNorm CharltonNorman Wood Charlton III , nicknamed "The Sheriff", is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds , Seattle Mariners , Philadelphia Phillies , Baltimore Orioles , Atlanta Braves , and Tampa Bay Devil Rays .Charlton holds three degrees from Rice University.The left-handed...
(bullpen coach), and Eddie RodriguezEddie RodriguezEduardo "Eddie" Rodriguez is a former minor league baseball player and manager and the current 3rd base coach for Kansas City Royals of Major League Baseball.-Playing career:...
(first base coach).
Roster
| 2008 Seattle Mariners | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roster | |||||||||
| Pitchers | Catchers Infielders |
Outfielders | Manager Coaches (bullpen) (hitting) (third base) (bench) (bench) (first base) (pitching) (hitting) |
||||||
In-season transactions
- April 2, 2008 Placed pitcher J. J. Putz on the 15-day disabled list, and purchased the contract of pitcher Roy CorcoranRoy CorcoranRoy Elliot Corcoran is an American professional baseball pitcher. He bats and throws right-handed.-Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals:Corcoran signed with the Montreal Expos on June 21, , as an amateur free agent...
from TacomaTacoma RainiersThe Tacoma Rainiers are a minor league baseball team that plays in the Pacific Coast League , and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners...
of the Pacific Coast LeaguePacific Coast LeagueThe Pacific Coast League is a minor-league baseball league operating in the Western, Midwestern and Southeastern United States. Along with the International League and the Mexican League, it is one of three leagues playing at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball.The...
(AAA)AAA (baseball)Triple-A refers to the highest level of play in minor league baseball in the United States and Mexico.-Purpose:Triple-A teams' main purpose is to prepare players for the Major Leagues:...
. - April 11, 2008 Recalled IF Greg Norton from Triple-A TacomaTacoma RainiersThe Tacoma Rainiers are a minor league baseball team that plays in the Pacific Coast League , and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners...
; designated OF Charlton JimersonCharlton JimersonCharlton Maxwell Jimerson is a guest co-host for Life Beyond The League. He played college baseball at the University of Miami.-Early life:...
for assignment. - April 14, 2008 Selected the contract of LHP Arthur RhodesArthur RhodesArthur Lee Rhodes, Jr. is a Major League Baseball left-handed relief pitcher.-Career:Rhodes played high school baseball at La Vega High School in Waco, Texas. He was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 2nd round of the 1988 Major League Baseball Draft.Rhodes made his MLB debut with the Orioles...
from Double-AMinor league baseballMinor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in the Americas that compete at levels below Major League Baseball and provide opportunities for player development. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses...
West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx; Recalled RHP R.A. Dickey from Triple-A TacomaTacoma RainiersThe Tacoma Rainiers are a minor league baseball team that plays in the Pacific Coast League , and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners...
; Placed OF Mike MorseMike MorseMichael John Morse is a Major League Baseball left fielder and first baseman for the Washington Nationals.-Professional career:...
on 15-day disabled list with a dislocated left shoulder; Optioned LHP Eric O'FlahertyEric O'FlahertyEric George O'Flaherty is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Atlanta Braves.O'Flaherty is the only pitcher in Seattle Mariners franchise history to begin his Major League career with seven consecutive wins.-Road to the Mariners:O'Flaherty was drafted out of high school by the Seattle...
to Double-AMinor league baseballMinor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in the Americas that compete at levels below Major League Baseball and provide opportunities for player development. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses...
West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx. - April 15, 2008 Placed LHP Erik BedardErik BedardÉrik Joseph Bédard is a free agent Canadian professional baseball pitcher in Major League Baseball.Bédard previously pitched for the Baltimore Orioles and Seattle Mariners. With Baltimore, he was the staff ace, setting the franchise single-season strikeouts per nine innings record at 10.93 in...
on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 9, with inflammation in his left hip. - April 16, 2008 Recalled RHP Brandon MorrowBrandon MorrowBrandon John Morrow is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball....
from Double-AMinor league baseballMinor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in the Americas that compete at levels below Major League Baseball and provide opportunities for player development. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses...
West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx; Re-signed OF Charlton JimersonCharlton JimersonCharlton Maxwell Jimerson is a guest co-host for Life Beyond The League. He played college baseball at the University of Miami.-Early life:...
to a Minor League contract, he had been designated for assignment on April 10. - April 22, 2008 Activated RHP J. J. Putz from the 15-day disabled list; optioned RHP R.A. Dickey to Triple-A TacomaTacoma RainiersThe Tacoma Rainiers are a minor league baseball team that plays in the Pacific Coast League , and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners...
. - April 25, 2008 Signed C Kenji JohjimaKenji Johjimais a Japanese catcher who is currently playing for the Hanshin Tigers. He played in Major League Baseball for four years with the Seattle Mariners in the American League....
to a 3-year, $24 million contract extension through 2011. - April 26, 2008 Activated LHP Erik BedardErik BedardÉrik Joseph Bédard is a free agent Canadian professional baseball pitcher in Major League Baseball.Bédard previously pitched for the Baltimore Orioles and Seattle Mariners. With Baltimore, he was the staff ace, setting the franchise single-season strikeouts per nine innings record at 10.93 in...
from the 15-day disabled list; optioned RHP Roy CorcoranRoy CorcoranRoy Elliot Corcoran is an American professional baseball pitcher. He bats and throws right-handed.-Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals:Corcoran signed with the Montreal Expos on June 21, , as an amateur free agent...
to Triple-A TacomaTacoma RainiersThe Tacoma Rainiers are a minor league baseball team that plays in the Pacific Coast League , and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners...
. - April 30, 2008 Recalled C Jeff ClementJeff ClementJeffrey Burton Clement is a Major League Baseball first baseman who is currently in the Pittsburgh Pirates' organization. Clement was the Seattle Mariners' first round draft pick in the 2005 Major League Baseball Draft.-Amateur career:Clement was born and raised in Marshalltown, Iowa...
and OF Wladimir BalentienWladimir BalentienWladimir Ramon Balentien is a Nippon Professional Baseball outfielder with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows.-Seattle Mariners:Balentien was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Mariners in...
from Triple-A TacomaTacoma RainiersThe Tacoma Rainiers are a minor league baseball team that plays in the Pacific Coast League , and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners...
; Designated INF Greg Norton and OF Brad WilkersonBrad WilkersonStephen Bradley "Brad" Wilkerson is a former American college and professional baseball player who was an outfielder and first baseman in Major League Baseball for eight seasons in the 2000s. Wilkerson played college baseball for the University of Florida, and was selected by the Montreal Expos...
for assignment. - May 5, 2008 Traded Greg Norton to the Atlanta BravesAtlanta BravesThe Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
for a player to be named or cash considerations; Released nonroster OF Bronson SardinhaBronson SardinhaBronson Kiheimahanaomauiakeo Sardinha is a Major League Baseball outfielder.-Career:Sardinha was drafted directly out of Kamehameha High School in the 1st round of the 2001 Major League Baseball Draft...
. - May 7, 2008 Released OF Brad WilkersonBrad WilkersonStephen Bradley "Brad" Wilkerson is a former American college and professional baseball player who was an outfielder and first baseman in Major League Baseball for eight seasons in the 2000s. Wilkerson played college baseball for the University of Florida, and was selected by the Montreal Expos...
, he had been designated for assignment on April 30. - May 18, 2008 Optioned C Jeff Clement to Triple-A TacomaTacoma RainiersThe Tacoma Rainiers are a minor league baseball team that plays in the Pacific Coast League , and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners...
. - May 19, 2008 Recalled OF Jeremy ReedJeremy ReedJeremy Thomas Reed is an American professional baseball outfielder who is a free agent.Reed graduated from Bonita High School in 1999, and went on to play college baseball at Long Beach State University...
from Triple-A TacomaTacoma RainiersThe Tacoma Rainiers are a minor league baseball team that plays in the Pacific Coast League , and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners...
; claimed RHP Tracy ThorpeTracy ThorpeTracy Rashaad Thorpe is an American baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 11th round of the 2000 Major League Baseball Draft.-Toronto Blue Jays:...
off waivers from TorontoToronto Blue JaysThe Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....
. - May 21, 2008 Designated RHP Cha Seung BaekCha Seung BaekCha Seung Baek is a Pacific League pitcher who is currently a member of the Orix Buffaloes.Baek graduated from Busan High School, Busan, South Korea in 1998. He was signed by the Seattle Mariners as an amateur free agent on September 25, 1998....
for assignment. - May 22, 2008 Recalled RHP R.A. Dickey from Triple-A TacomaTacoma RainiersThe Tacoma Rainiers are a minor league baseball team that plays in the Pacific Coast League , and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners...
. - May 27, 2008 Acquired RHP Jared WellsJared WellsJared Linn Wells is a Major League Baseball pitcher currently with the Houston Astros organization.-San Diego Padres:...
from the San Diego PadresSan Diego PadresThe San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
for RHP Cha Seung BaekCha Seung BaekCha Seung Baek is a Pacific League pitcher who is currently a member of the Orix Buffaloes.Baek graduated from Busan High School, Busan, South Korea in 1998. He was signed by the Seattle Mariners as an amateur free agent on September 25, 1998....
. - May 28, 2008 Optioned RHP Jared WellsJared WellsJared Linn Wells is a Major League Baseball pitcher currently with the Houston Astros organization.-San Diego Padres:...
to Triple-A TacomaTacoma RainiersThe Tacoma Rainiers are a minor league baseball team that plays in the Pacific Coast League , and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners...
; Activated RHP Anderson GarciaAnderson GarcíaAnderson Garcia is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher who is currently a free agent....
from the 15-day disabled list and optioned him to Single-A High DesertHigh Desert MavericksThe High Desert Mavericks are a minor league baseball team in Adelanto, California, USA. Their Major League parent club is the Seattle Mariners. They are a Class A - Advanced team in the California League and had been a farm team of the Kansas City Royals since 2005 before the switch...
. - June 13, 2008 Placed RHP J.J. PutzJ.J. PutzJoseph Jason "J. J." Putz is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks.-High school:Born in Trenton, Michigan, Putz led Trenton High School to the 1994 Division 2 state championship. He graduated in 1995 and won the Mr...
on the 15-day disabled list with a hyper-extended right elbow; Recalled RHP Roy CorcoranRoy CorcoranRoy Elliot Corcoran is an American professional baseball pitcher. He bats and throws right-handed.-Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals:Corcoran signed with the Montreal Expos on June 21, , as an amateur free agent...
from Triple-A TacomaTacoma RainiersThe Tacoma Rainiers are a minor league baseball team that plays in the Pacific Coast League , and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners...
. - June 16, 2008 Recalled C Jeff ClementJeff ClementJeffrey Burton Clement is a Major League Baseball first baseman who is currently in the Pittsburgh Pirates' organization. Clement was the Seattle Mariners' first round draft pick in the 2005 Major League Baseball Draft.-Amateur career:Clement was born and raised in Marshalltown, Iowa...
from Triple-A TacomaTacoma RainiersThe Tacoma Rainiers are a minor league baseball team that plays in the Pacific Coast League , and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners...
; Optioned OF Wladimir BalentienWladimir BalentienWladimir Ramon Balentien is a Nippon Professional Baseball outfielder with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows.-Seattle Mariners:Balentien was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Mariners in...
to Triple-A TacomaTacoma RainiersThe Tacoma Rainiers are a minor league baseball team that plays in the Pacific Coast League , and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners...
. - June 24, 2008 Acquired LHP Nelson PayanoNelson PayanoNelson Rafael Payano is a professional baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. He played 2009 season for the Chunichi Dragons of Nippon Professional Baseball....
from the Atlanta BravesAtlanta BravesThe Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
to complete the May 5 trade. - July 1, 2008 Placed RHP Félix HernándezFélix HernándezFélix Abraham Hernández , nicknamed "King Félix", is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Seattle Mariners....
on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained left ankle retroactive to June 24; Recalled LHP Cesar JimenezCésar JiménezCésar Enrique Jiménez is a Venezuelan Major League Baseball pitcher for the Seattle Mariners. Jiménez bats and throws left-handed.-Seattle Mariners:...
from Triple-A TacomaTacoma RainiersThe Tacoma Rainiers are a minor league baseball team that plays in the Pacific Coast League , and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners...
. - July 7, 2008 Released RHP Anderson GarciaAnderson GarcíaAnderson Garcia is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher who is currently a free agent....
. - July 10, 2008 Recalled RHP Jared WellsJared WellsJared Linn Wells is a Major League Baseball pitcher currently with the Houston Astros organization.-San Diego Padres:...
from Triple-A TacomaTacoma RainiersThe Tacoma Rainiers are a minor league baseball team that plays in the Pacific Coast League , and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners...
; Selected the contract of INF Tug Hulett from Triple-A TacomaTacoma RainiersThe Tacoma Rainiers are a minor league baseball team that plays in the Pacific Coast League , and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners...
; Placed LHP Erik BedardErik BedardÉrik Joseph Bédard is a free agent Canadian professional baseball pitcher in Major League Baseball.Bédard previously pitched for the Baltimore Orioles and Seattle Mariners. With Baltimore, he was the staff ace, setting the franchise single-season strikeouts per nine innings record at 10.93 in...
on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to July 5, with stiffness in his left shoulder; Released INF Richie SexsonRichie SexsonRichmond Lockwood "Big Sexy" Sexson is a former Major League Baseball first baseman who played for five teams from 1997 to 2008...
. - July 11, 2008 Activated RHP Félix HernándezFélix HernándezFélix Abraham Hernández , nicknamed "King Félix", is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Seattle Mariners....
from the 15-day disabled list; Optioned RHP Jared WellsJared WellsJared Linn Wells is a Major League Baseball pitcher currently with the Houston Astros organization.-San Diego Padres:...
to Triple-A TacomaTacoma RainiersThe Tacoma Rainiers are a minor league baseball team that plays in the Pacific Coast League , and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners...
. - July 17, 2008 Optioned INF Tug Hulett to Triple-A TacomaTacoma RainiersThe Tacoma Rainiers are a minor league baseball team that plays in the Pacific Coast League , and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners...
; Signed OF Julio Morban and RHP Francisco Valdivia. - July 18, 2008 Recalled 1B Bryan LaHairBryan LaHairBryan Allan LaHair is an American professional baseball first baseman for the Chicago Cubs. He bats left-handed and throws right-handed.-Before the majors:...
from Triple-A TacomaTacoma RainiersThe Tacoma Rainiers are a minor league baseball team that plays in the Pacific Coast League , and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners...
. - July 20, 2008 Activated RHP J.J. PutzJ.J. PutzJoseph Jason "J. J." Putz is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks.-High school:Born in Trenton, Michigan, Putz led Trenton High School to the 1994 Division 2 state championship. He graduated in 1995 and won the Mr...
from the 15-day disabled list; Optioned LHP Ryan Rowland-SmithRyan Rowland-SmithRyan Benjamin Rowland-Smith , is an Australian Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. He is also an Australian Baseball League pitcher for the Sydney Blue Sox. Rowland-Smith pitched for Australia in the 2006 World Baseball Classic and in the 2004 Summer Olympics...
to Triple-A TacomaTacoma RainiersThe Tacoma Rainiers are a minor league baseball team that plays in the Pacific Coast League , and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners...
. - July 25, 2008 Signed RHP Jorge SosaJorge SosaJorge Bolivar Sosa is a Major League Baseball pitcher, who is currently a free agent. Sosa stands at 6'2" tall and reportedly weighs 218 pounds...
to a Minor League contract. - July 30, 2008 Claimed RHP Luis Munoz off waivers from PittsburghPittsburgh PiratesThe Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
and optioned him to Double-A West Tennessee. - July 31, 2008 Acquired RHP Gaby HernandezGaby HernandezGabriel "Gaby" Hernandez is a professional baseball starting pitcher who is currently a free agent. He attended Belen Jesuit High School prior to being drafted in the third round of the 2004 amateur draft by the New York Mets...
from the Florida MarlinsFlorida MarlinsThe Miami Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. Established in 1993 as an expansion franchise called the Florida Marlins, the Marlins are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Marlins played their home games at...
in exchange for LHP Arthur RhodesArthur RhodesArthur Lee Rhodes, Jr. is a Major League Baseball left-handed relief pitcher.-Career:Rhodes played high school baseball at La Vega High School in Waco, Texas. He was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 2nd round of the 1988 Major League Baseball Draft.Rhodes made his MLB debut with the Orioles...
. - August 13, 2008 Released DH/INF José VidroJosé VidroJosé Angel Vidro is a former Major League Baseball second baseman. Though he never officially retired, Vidro has not played since .-Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals:...
(Designated for assignmentDesignated for assignmentDesignated for assignment is a contractual term used in Major League Baseball. When a player is designated for assignment, he is immediately removed from the club's 40-man roster. This gives the club 10 days to decide what to do with the player while freeing up a roster spot for another...
on August 5)
Front office/coaching staff
- June 9, 2008 Dismissed hitting coach Jeff PentlandJeff PentlandJeffrey William Pentland is a Major League Baseball coach, who was most recently the hitting coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers.-Playing career:...
and named special assistant Lee EliaLee EliaLee Constantine Elia is a former professional baseball player and manager in Major League Baseball. He was a manager of the Chicago Cubs and the Philadelphia Phillies . Additionally, he has served as a coach for the Phillies, New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Baltimore...
as his replacement - June 16, 2008 Dismissed general managerGeneral manager (baseball)In Major League Baseball, the general manager of a team typically controls player transactions and bears the primary responsibility on behalf of the ballclub during contract discussions with players....
Bill BavasiBill BavasiWilliam J. Bavasi, born December 27, 1957 in Scarsdale, New York, is a former general manager and vice president of baseball operations for the Seattle Mariners, and currently works as a Special Assistant to the GM for the Cincinnati Reds, under Reds GM Walt Jocketty...
and named vice president/assistant GM Lee PelekoudasLee PelekoudasLee Pelekoudas is a former executive with the Seattle Mariners Major League Baseball club, most notable for serving as the club's interim general manager from June 16–October 21,...
as interim GM - June 19, 2008 Dismissed field managerManager (baseball)In baseball, the field manager is an individual who is responsible for matters of team strategy on the field and team leadership. Managers are typically assisted by between one and six assistant coaches, whose responsibilities are specialized...
John McLarenJohn McLaren (baseball)John Lowell McLaren is a former Major League Baseball coach and manager, best known for his brief tenure as manager of the Seattle Mariners, from July 1, to June 19,...
and named bench coach Jim RigglemanJim RigglemanJames David Riggleman is a former Major League Baseball manager and coach. Riggleman was an infielder and outfielder in the Los Angeles Dodgers and St. Louis Cardinals minor league systems from 1974–1981...
as interim manager. Elia promoted to bench coach and minor league hitting instructor Jose CastroJose Castro (baseball)José Castro is a former Minor League Baseball player and coach in Major League Baseball. He is currently the interim manager of the Tacoma Rainiers, the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners....
promoted to hitting coach.
Individual accomplishments
- May 18 OF Ichiro SuzukiIchiro Suzuki, usually known simply as is a Major League Baseball right fielder for the Seattle Mariners. Ichiro has established a number of batting records, including the sport's single-season record for hits with 262...
breaks the franchise stolen baseStolen baseIn baseball, a stolen base occurs when a baserunner successfully advances to the next base while the pitcher is delivering the ball to home plate...
record of 290 previously held by Julio Cruz in a game against the San Diego PadresSan Diego PadresThe San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times... - June 17 RHP Félix HernándezFélix HernándezFélix Abraham Hernández , nicknamed "King Félix", is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Seattle Mariners....
throws an immaculate inning (retiring all three batters via strikeout using the minimum nine pitches needed to do so) against the Florida MarlinsFlorida MarlinsThe Miami Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. Established in 1993 as an expansion franchise called the Florida Marlins, the Marlins are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Marlins played their home games at...
, becoming the thirteenth American LeagueAmerican LeagueThe American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
pitcher to do so - June 23 Félix Hernández hits a grand slamGrand slam (baseball)In the sport of baseball, a grand slam is a home run hit with all three bases occupied by baserunners , thereby scoring four runs—the most possible in one play. According to The Dickson Baseball Dictionary, the term originated in the card game of contract bridge, in which a grand slam involves...
off New York MetsNew York MetsThe New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
pitcherPitcherIn baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
(and fellow VenezuelaVenezuelaVenezuela , officially called the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela , is a tropical country on the northern coast of South America. It borders Colombia to the west, Guyana to the east, and Brazil to the south...
n) Johan SantanaJohan SantanaJohan Alexander Santana Araque is a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher who is currently playing for the New York Mets. He is a native of Venezuela....
, becoming the first pitcher in franchise history to hit a home run, as well as the first American LeagueAmerican LeagueThe American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
pitcher to hit a grand slam in modern Interleague playInterleague playInterleague play is the term used to describe regular season Major League Baseball games played between teams in different leagues, introduced in . Before the 1997 season, teams in the American League and National League did not meet during the regular season... - July 6 C Jamie BurkeJamie BurkeJames Eugene Burke is a Major League Baseball catcher, who is currently a free agent. He attended Oregon State University, where along with baseball he also played for the school's football team playing the position of kicker.-Minor League Journeyman, 1993 to 2003:Burke was originally drafted by...
pitched in the 15th inningExtra inningsExtra innings is the extension of a baseball or softball game in order to break a tie.Ordinarily, a baseball game consists of nine innings , each of which is divided into halves: the visiting team bats first, after which the home team takes its turn at bat...
of a game against the Detroit TigersDetroit TigersThe Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
after catching the previous six innings. Burke, who had made four reliefRelief pitcherA relief pitcher or reliever is a baseball or softball pitcher who enters the game after the starting pitcher is removed due to injury, ineffectiveness, fatigue, ejection, or for other strategic reasons, such as being substituted by a pinch hitter...
appearances in the minor leagues, was saddled with a loss and became the first position player to receive a decision as a pitcher since . - July 15 Ichiro Suzuki plays in his eighth consecutive Major League Baseball All-Star GameMajor League Baseball All-Star GameThe Major League Baseball All-Star Game, also known as the "Midsummer Classic", is an annual baseball game between players from the National League and the American League, currently selected by a combination of fans, players, coaches, and managers...
- July 29 Ichiro Suzuki records his 3,000th major-league hitHit (baseball)In baseball statistics, a hit , also called a base hit, is credited to a batter when the batter safely reaches first base after hitting the ball into fair territory, without the benefit of an error or a fielder's choice....
(1,278 in Nippon Professional Baseball and 1,722 in MLB) in a game against the Texas RangersTexas Rangers (baseball)The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have... - September 1 3B Adrian BeltreAdrián BeltréAdrián Beltré Pérez is a Major League Baseball third baseman for the Texas Rangers.The youngest player in the National League when he made his major league debut, he has also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers , the Seattle Mariners , the Boston Red Sox , and the Texas Rangers . He bats and...
hit for the cycleHitting for the cycleIn baseball, hitting for the cycle is the accomplishment of one batter hitting a single, a double, a triple, and a home run in the same game. Collecting the hits in that order is known as a "natural cycle". Cycles are uncommon in Major League Baseball , occurring 293 times since the first by Curry...
against the Texas RangersTexas Rangers (baseball)The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
, becoming the fourth Mariner to accomplish the feat. Beltre's cycle came hours after Arizona DiamondbacksArizona DiamondbacksThe Arizona Diamondbacks are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix. They play in the West Division of Major League Baseball's National League. From 1998 to the present, they have played in Chase Field...
shortstopShortstopShortstop, abbreviated SS, is the baseball fielding position between second and third base. Shortstop is often regarded as the most dynamic defensive position in baseball, because there are more right-handed hitters in baseball than left-handed hitters, and most hitters have a tendency to pull the...
Stephen DrewStephen DrewStephen Oris Drew is a shortstop in Major League Baseball who plays for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He is the younger brother of Boston Red Sox outfielder J.D. Drew and former major leaguer Tim Drew....
hit for the cycle in a game against the St. Louis CardinalsSt. Louis CardinalsThe St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
, marking the first time two players hit for the cycle in the same day since . - September 18 Ichiro Suzuki completes his 200th hit of the season, completing 8 straight seasons of accomplishing the feat, tying the record for number of 200+ hit consecutive seasons. Hall of FamerNational Baseball Hall of Fame and MuseumThe National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is an American history museum and hall of fame, located at 25 Main Street in Cooperstown, New York, operated by private interests serving as the central point for the study of the history of baseball in the United States and beyond, the display of...
Willie KeelerWillie KeelerWilliam Henry Keeler in Brooklyn, New York, nicknamed "Wee Willie", was a right fielder in professional baseball who played from 1892 to 1910, primarily for the Baltimore Orioles and Brooklyn Superbas in the National League, and the New York Highlanders in the American League.- Biography :Keeler's...
is the only other person to have achieved this milestone, from 1894 through 1901.
Game log
| 2008 Game Log | |
|---|---|
Batting
Note: G = Games played; AB = At Bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting Average; HR = Home Runs; RBI = Runs Batted In. Min. games 40., listed by average.| Player | G | AB | H | Avg. | HR | RBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ichiro Suzuki Ichiro Suzuki , usually known simply as is a Major League Baseball right fielder for the Seattle Mariners. Ichiro has established a number of batting records, including the sport's single-season record for hits with 262... |
162 | 686 | 213 | .310 | 6 | 42 |
| José López | 159 | 644 | 191 | .297 | 17 | 89 |
| Raúl Ibáñez Raúl Ibáñez Raúl Javier Ibáñez is an American Major League Baseball outfielder.Over his career, Ibáñez, who did not make 500 plate appearances until the age of thirty, has batted .280 with 377 doubles, 252 home runs and 1054 runs batted in over sixteen Major League seasons... |
162 | 635 | 186 | .293 | 23 | 110 |
| Yuniesky Betancourt Yuniesky Betancourt Yuniesky Betancourt is a Major League Baseball shortstop. He resides in Boca Raton, Florida.-Cuban leagues:... |
153 | 559 | 156 | .279 | 7 | 51 |
| Willie Bloomquist Willie Bloomquist William Paul Bloomquist is a Major League Baseball utility player. He has played every position, aside from either of the battery positions, during his MLB career.... |
71 | 165 | 46 | .279 | 0 | 9 |
| Jeremy Reed Jeremy Reed Jeremy Thomas Reed is an American professional baseball outfielder who is a free agent.Reed graduated from Bonita High School in 1999, and went on to play college baseball at Long Beach State University... |
97 | 286 | 77 | .269 | 2 | 31 |
| Adrián Beltré Adrián Beltré Adrián Beltré Pérez is a Major League Baseball third baseman for the Texas Rangers.The youngest player in the National League when he made his major league debut, he has also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers , the Seattle Mariners , the Boston Red Sox , and the Texas Rangers . He bats and... |
143 | 566 | 148 | .266 | 25 | 77 |
| Jamie Burke Jamie Burke James Eugene Burke is a Major League Baseball catcher, who is currently a free agent. He attended Oregon State University, where along with baseball he also played for the school's football team playing the position of kicker.-Minor League Journeyman, 1993 to 2003:Burke was originally drafted by... |
48 | 92 | 24 | .261 | 1 | 8 |
| Bryan LaHair Bryan LaHair Bryan Allan LaHair is an American professional baseball first baseman for the Chicago Cubs. He bats left-handed and throws right-handed.-Before the majors:... |
45 | 146 | 34 | .250 | 3 | 10 |
| Miguel Cairo Miguel Cairo Miguel Jesús Cairo is a Major League Baseball utility player who is currently with the Cincinnati Reds. He has mostly played second base during his career, but has played every position in baseball except catcher and pitcher. He currently plays mostly third base, in place of Scott Rolen during his... |
108 | 221 | 55 | .249 | 0 | 23 |
| José Vidro José Vidro José Angel Vidro is a former Major League Baseball second baseman. Though he never officially retired, Vidro has not played since .-Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals:... |
85 | 308 | 72 | .234 | 7 | 45 |
| Jeff Clement Jeff Clement Jeffrey Burton Clement is a Major League Baseball first baseman who is currently in the Pittsburgh Pirates' organization. Clement was the Seattle Mariners' first round draft pick in the 2005 Major League Baseball Draft.-Amateur career:Clement was born and raised in Marshalltown, Iowa... |
66 | 203 | 46 | .227 | 5 | 23 |
| Kenji Johjima Kenji Johjima is a Japanese catcher who is currently playing for the Hanshin Tigers. He played in Major League Baseball for four years with the Seattle Mariners in the American League.... |
112 | 379 | 86 | .227 | 7 | 39 |
| Wladimir Balentien Wladimir Balentien Wladimir Ramon Balentien is a Nippon Professional Baseball outfielder with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows.-Seattle Mariners:Balentien was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Mariners in... |
71 | 243 | 49 | .202 | 7 | 24 |
Starting pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts| Player | G | IP | W | L | SV | ERA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Félix Hernández Félix Hernández Félix Abraham Hernández , nicknamed "King Félix", is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Seattle Mariners.... |
7 | 50.1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3.04 | 44 |
| Carlos Silva | 7 | 45.0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 4.20 | 19 |
| Erik Bedard Erik Bedard Érik Joseph Bédard is a free agent Canadian professional baseball pitcher in Major League Baseball.Bédard previously pitched for the Baltimore Orioles and Seattle Mariners. With Baltimore, he was the staff ace, setting the franchise single-season strikeouts per nine innings record at 10.93 in... |
4 | 24.2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1.82 | 20 |
| Miguel Batista Miguel Batista Miguel Descartes Batista Jerez is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher. He has played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Florida Marlins, Chicago Cubs, Montreal Expos, Kansas City Royals, Arizona Diamondbacks, Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, Washington Nationals, St... |
7 (6 starts) | 32.2 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 4.41 | 24 |
| Jarrod Washburn Jarrod Washburn Jarrod Michael Washburn is a former Major League Baseball pitcher and currently resides in his hometown of Webster, Wisconsin.-High school / college:... |
6 | 33.1 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 4.86 | 22 |
Relief pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; SV = Saves; W = Wins; L = Losses; H = Holds; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts| Player | G | IP | W | L | H | SV | ERA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sean Green Sean Green (baseball) Sean William Green is an American professional baseball pitcher. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky.-Biography:Green grew up in east Louisville, Kentucky, in the Fincastle community.... |
16 | 15.1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1.76 | 8 |
| J. J. Putz | 5 | 5.0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 9.00 | 9 |
| Eric O'Flaherty Eric O'Flaherty Eric George O'Flaherty is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Atlanta Braves.O'Flaherty is the only pitcher in Seattle Mariners franchise history to begin his Major League career with seven consecutive wins.-Road to the Mariners:O'Flaherty was drafted out of high school by the Seattle... |
7 | 6.2 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 20.25 | 4 |
| Mark Lowe Mark Lowe Mark Christopher Lowe is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Texas Rangers. He made his Major League debut for the Seattle Mariners on July 7, in relief against the Detroit Tigers, loading the bases before striking out the side. He bats left-handed and throws right-handed. His fastball... |
13 | 10.0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4.50 | 7 |
| Roy Corcoran Roy Corcoran Roy Elliot Corcoran is an American professional baseball pitcher. He bats and throws right-handed.-Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals:Corcoran signed with the Montreal Expos on June 21, , as an amateur free agent... |
8 | 10.2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1.69 | 7 |
| Cha Seung Baek Cha Seung Baek Cha Seung Baek is a Pacific League pitcher who is currently a member of the Orix Buffaloes.Baek graduated from Busan High School, Busan, South Korea in 1998. He was signed by the Seattle Mariners as an amateur free agent on September 25, 1998.... |
5 (1 start) | 16.1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5.51 | 8 |
| Ryan Rowland-Smith Ryan Rowland-Smith Ryan Benjamin Rowland-Smith , is an Australian Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. He is also an Australian Baseball League pitcher for the Sydney Blue Sox. Rowland-Smith pitched for Australia in the 2006 World Baseball Classic and in the 2004 Summer Olympics... |
11 | 10.2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5.06 | 8 |
| R.A. Dickey | 2 (1 start) | 7.0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6.43 | 3 |
| Arthur Rhodes Arthur Rhodes Arthur Lee Rhodes, Jr. is a Major League Baseball left-handed relief pitcher.-Career:Rhodes played high school baseball at La Vega High School in Waco, Texas. He was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 2nd round of the 1988 Major League Baseball Draft.Rhodes made his MLB debut with the Orioles... |
9 | 6.1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4.26 | 8 |
| Brandon Morrow Brandon Morrow Brandon John Morrow is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball.... |
8 | 5.1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1.69 | 6 |