Updated Jul 15, 2010 - 10:49 pm

Pitchers, Breaks and Japan's First

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As I said in my previous post the Mariners start the second half with some new faces in the bullpen. Or so we think in the bullpen. Wak is holding off naming a starter for Monday with the six man pen. It could be David Pauley or it could be Chris Seddon. It most likely depends on how the two are used in the next two days.

Jamey Wright is not a candidate to start. He was in camp with the Mariners in 2003 competing with Gil Meche for the fifth starter spot. In 2008 when he was with the Texas Rangers organization he converted to a reliever which is what he sees himself 100% as now.

"I didn't realize how good my arm bounces back." He told me on Beyond the Baselines. "It doesn't take me long to get ready. I wish I had known that when I was a starter, I wouldn't have wasted so many pitches getting ready. I just like to go out there and pitch and compete."

"I am out there to eat up innings, I've done just about every role there is. Whatever they need me to do I am here to do it."

That is exactly what Wak has been looking for in the pen. Too many arms that were more one inning guys, too many guys he had to stay away from on this day or that. Wak had Wright in Texas and understands the value of such an arm in a pen, especially one that has just six relievers.

"I know his makeup and character,'' Wakamatsu said. "We're definitely looking to protect Brandon League. He's had to take the brunt of the bullpen work. To have a veteran guy who can fill different roles is a necessity. He's a guy that can pitch just about anywhere and give us innings, which is what we're looking for.''

In addition to versatility Wright brings something else the pen has not had for the majority of this year. Veteran presence.

"I enjoy talking pitching, talking baseball, whatever those guys need I will be there. They can ask me anything, any situation, there is a pretty good chance I have been in. I guess when you stick around long enough that's what you bring to the table, being in every situation."

Moving on. Who is Ichiro greeting?

That is Masanori "Mashi" Murakami, the first Japanese player to play for a Major League team. Mr. Murakami pitched for the San Francisco Giants in 1964 and 1965. Brad Lefton (NHK, Seattle Times) tells me that in Japan he is not acknowledged so much for being the first as he did not come to the US on his own volition rather, he was sent by his team the Nankai Hawks as part of a cultural exchange then called back to Japan two years later due to contractual obligations. In Japan Hideo Nomo is more widely credited as being the first Japanese player to play in the majors. Mr Murakami was in town with his wife to watch the Ichiro/Matsui match up.

If you follow me on Twitter (@shannondrayer) then you probably know what some of your favorite Mariners were up to on the break. If not, here is a quick rundown.

Shawn Kelley shaved his head. Just because. Showed me a picture from a few years back with a more Eric Byrnes like locks. That looked much better in my opinion!

Brandon League took his family to Central Washington to experience the great outdoors a bit. He took the kids horseback riding.

David Pauley got married in Vegas. No, it was not a spur of moment thing. "Both families were there, we had a great time!" He told me.

Rick Adair headed to Leavenworth and loved it there.

Wak spent the break in Texas with his family. One day was devoted to fishing with his kids. For once there were no games to go to.

RRS attended the ESPY Awards with a group from ESPN Australia.

New dad David Aardsma got very little sleep!

Felix moved into his new home. "Way too many clothes to move!"

Jack Wilson took his family to Disneyland for two days. "We did the Princess Party for my little girl yesterday."

Good stuff...

News and notes...Russell Branyan was unavailable tonight and most likely will be out for another day or two after an early morning run in with a table in his hotel room. He knocked it over trying to close the curtains when the sun came in and suffered a cut and bad bruise...Shawn Kelley was scheduled for a throwing session today. He told me before the session that it would probably be a few days before he threw a bullpen...Erik Bedard threw today and once more felt discomfort in his shoulder. He was looked at by Anaheim team Doctor Yocum who did his surgery but no report was available before the game...Ichiro had hoped to get into Angel Stadium for a workout yesterday but was unable to do so as the Angels had the field. At the All Star Game he joked about possibly wearing his red All Star jersey and trying to sneak in. That did not happen and he worked out at his hotel instead...

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• wallywwu wrote...

  Jamey Wright

  Jamey Wright is what this bullpen needs? Just because a guy can throw more than 1 inning doesn't matter when he's sure to have an ERA of over 5. Luke French could do that just fine.

  July 16, 2010 12:00 pm

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• youmad wrote...

  wallywwu is a moron~!

  ya wallywwu, lets screw up luke french's development by having him EAT innings. Real smart move there.

  July 16, 2010 3:57 pm

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• Marinerman87 wrote...

  hahaha

  Luke French's development? He is AAAA filler at best. Wright may be mediocre but he is a veteran. Not that any of this matter since the season is shot to hell.

  July 16, 2010 4:29 pm

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• Ed Altizer wrote...

  Pitchers

  Well....we tried. We have been patient and hoping for the best and all we have to prove for it is "felt discomfort in his shoulder". Why not, he's getting paid pretty well and doesn't have to face MLB hitters. I think it's time we cut our losses and just get rid of Mr. Bedard. It's a shame it didn't work out, but it's time to move on.

  July 16, 2010 5:45 pm

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