phxterry's articles
Long-time M's fan. Not particularly sabre-knowledgeable.
Shoutbox
rick82: With all the subpar work from Saunders, Ackley, the pen, and our two aces, it's rather amazing how close we were to winning a couple of games. 8 runs for Iwakuma - that's usually worth a win. I sure am worried about Ackley. He looked like he was figuring it out, but May has been a horrible month for him. Heck, he hasn't had a decent month in a year.2 hours 17 min ago
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DaddyO: The mantra of winning series only works so long as you get more series sweeps in the ones you win and avoid sweeps in the ones you lose. Seattle REALLY needed one of those games. It just didn't work out. If they resume what they'd been doing prior to facing Cleveland, this will be forgotten. But it would sure be nice if they got mad and swept someone soon to make up for it.2 hours 39 min ago
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DaddyO: I'm REALLY disappointed that in this series the M's gave back much of what they had gained. Still plenty of time, but it is a tendency that is all too familiar over the last decade. The M's need to sustain a couple of months of good play in order to merit anything other than a vague hope. At least in my opinion. Until then, I'll join Dusty Springfield in singin', "Wishin', and Hopin', and Thinkin', and Prayin'..."2 hours 43 min ago
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DaddyO: Sorta goes back to Doc's post referring to Chance Gardner in "Being There."2 hours 46 min ago
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Gordon Gross: There's a lot of life in these Mariners, regardless of whether Wedge is suffocating some of their potential, and I'd rather talk about growth and life than focus on decay and death. Maybe a limb (or two) needs to be amputated from the tree, but that doesn't negate the tree. So let's also make sure to talk about all the aspects of the tree, since we don't have the option of performing or cajoling any limb amputation. :)3 hours 18 min ago
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Gordon Gross: I understand the occasional vent, or if Wedge goes full-Hargrove on us the consistent vent. But I don't want the conversation on the blog (admittedly not my blog, since I just co-author, but maybe Doc can jump in) to be relentless harping on one thing. I really enjoy the wide-ranging thoughts and discussions that are provoked via things like the shout box and I don't want Wedge's failures (or Ryan's, or anyone's) to be the only thing being planted via the medium. Because as a community we can get tangled around the axle of one idea or locus and I've seen it happen before.3 hours 18 min ago
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Gordon Gross: CO Mariner - I'd actually like to apologize to terry because that was a short shout on my way out the door, but I'm grateful that he took it in the spirit it was intended. I absolutely agree with his right to believe Wedge is incapable of leading this team to greatness, or even goodness. And to voice it. And to voice it here. I just don't want it to be the only topic we hear from him on because I really enjoy terry's posts and since Wedge is a frustrating button that can't be unpressed, I'd like not to push it every day, because talking about the Mariners should be, IMO, a wide-ranging and fruitful discussion and on this topic it's going to be hard to find fruit.3 hours 25 min ago
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SABR Matt: I just want to be clear...I'm not saying I heart Wedge..nor am I trying to run anyone down for their opinions...I just think some of the negativity is misdirected sometimes due to perceived sweeping biases that really apply to like...two players. Carp was in the doghouse in Seattle in part because he showed up with the attitude that he was too good not to get a spot...Wedge likes players who quietly earn the spot by working hard and performing. Halman got playing time over Carp before his untimely death, for example, because he just had a happy personality and was in great physical shape. Not that I necessarily agree with choosing Halman over Carp...nor did I at the time. But keep in mind...Carp and Wells and such weren't stonewalled for veterans...they were stonewalled for other kids (!) and Ichiro (franchise player on giant deal...not Wedge's fault).3 hours 49 min ago
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malcontent: I agree with Matt's and Spec's thoughts on Wedge's preferences. Personally, I have to agree with the idea of having every player on the team be as fit as reasonably possible, especially those that are struggling to produce. Not to slide towards that debate, but the concept that a professional athlete wouldn't be in the best possible shape while being paid a minimum $500,000 a year is offensive.4 hours 25 min ago
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SABR Matt: Ah...Robinson...he started in the OF for two months...that's more than most kids who fan 30% of the time get.4 hours 35 min ago
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Spectator: I assume CO-M meant Trayvon Robinson, not Peterson. But I agree with Matt. Except for Carp, none of those guys was particularly good, nor had a particularly decent shot at success. I think Wedge viewed Carp as insufficiently athletic to play in the OF, and that was the only place available for him to play. And he did get hurt out there, so he was kinda right. I think his biggest bias is against guys whom he perceives as not working hard enough on being as fit as possible, and Montero is at the top of his list. I think Thames, too. Carp was at first until he had a monster off-season workout year, but he still got hurt out in LF. Just my view.5 hours 34 min ago
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SABR Matt: I think what we have here is a problem telling the difference between Zduriencik's priorities and Wedge's. Liddi didn't spend much time on the big league roster...but when he was here, he played at least four nights a week on a crowded infield. Wedge was ORDERED to play Figgins...he didn't want to do that. I also think some folks should watch how other big league clubs break in their kids. Because if anything, the Mariners are giving MORE playing time to their young players than they'd get anywhere else in their rookie seasons. No doubt Wedge has some biases...he likes guys who put up a professional AB (by which he means, fight for every pitch, don't swing at sucker pitches too much) over guys who have talent but strike out a gazillion times. He likes guys who are "gamers" over guys who are feast or famine types. And he likes a good defensive catcher back there. But the bias is not for old guys over youth5 hours 59 min ago
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SABR Matt: Who is "Peterson"? I don't recall a Mariner with that name. Thames started nearly full time for three months, and failed. Wells has failed everywhere he's gone and still can't get regular playing time outside of Seattle. Carp would have been the full time starting LF in 2012 if his body hadn't been broken by astroturf in Japan...his starting status was delayed by ZDURIENCIK, not Wedge.6 hours 11 min ago
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phxterry: Everyone - I actually agree with Gordon on his request -- I don't like to read a stream of negative comments from someone, like me, who has decided that he doesn't like someone or some thing. I think Gordon's request was reasonable in terms of getting the most out of the blog in terms of rational discussion as opposed to emotional venting. So my agreement to comply with his request was done in good faith and understanding of Gordon's intentions, which I believe are positive.6 hours 26 min ago
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Colorado Mariner: Gross- it's a free country and a free webpage - your choice what you do and don't read. Why only PHX? Others had as many posts and some of us want to read everyone opinions.6 hours 30 min ago
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phxterry: Gordon - request granted - my negative thoughts on Wedgie will not pollute the shout box.6 hours 47 min ago
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Gordon Gross: You got it Spec - I'll hop on later and check it out! I'm sure you've got it well covered. ;)6 hours 49 min ago
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Gordon Gross: Terry - I accept that. He's crossed the line for you and there's no coming back. Not to be short or rude back, but can I please not read 15 shouts a day about it for every game the rest of the season then?6 hours 50 min ago
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