I did. I've talked about jumping around and blasting music after big plays and big wins before, and those stories were always true, but tonight...I dunno, I can't recall many other nights like tonight. With one dramatic swing of the bat we went from facing a probable lost season to getting right back in the thick of things, and that instant switch of perspective manifested itself in a thirty second full-body frenzy that left little bits of broken and handprinty evidence littered all around my house. I can't remember the last time I lost it like that, and while it's only one game - a game that tomorrow could very well be erased - it was the sort of game that'll send you to sleep with a smile and power you through a Friday workday. We've played good games before, and the Mariners have sent us all to bed happy, but nothing this season compares to tonight. Gutierrez's home run is going to be running through my head like Boney M ran through Joe Simpson's.
These are the games that justify our fanhood. I don't even want to go to sleep. I just want to watch the replay over and over again until my finger breaks from clicking.
Franklin Gutierrez: you have arrived. Rob Johnson owes you a thank-you card.
- Felix's night tonight: 112 pitches, 74 strikes (66%), 16 swinging strikes (14%), and a bunch of balls on the ground. He didn't look his sharpest out of the gate, but he struck out seven of the last 19 batters he faced, including all three in the eighth. All four of his pitches were working. The King has turned into a legitimate stopper before our very eyes. Since that miserable Angels game on May 19th, Felix has gone 8, 6.2, 7, 7, 9, 7.1, 8, 7, and 8 innings in his starts. Lock this man up. Hell, lock him up tonight while he's still riding the high. He's always had the stuff to be one of the best starters in the world. Now he's pitching like it, and it's magnificent to witness.
- As of this writing, Franklin Gutierrez stands as the second-most valuable center fielder in baseball. I loved the trade at the time, but at no point did I expect to see him blossom this impressively this fast. The Seattle Mariners would not be close to where they are today were it not for Gutierrez. Got some disposable income? Buy a jersey. He's going to be here for a while.
- Parts of Mike Maddux have grayed faster than other parts.
- In the bottom of the second, Ryan Langerhans attempted maybe the worst bunt I've ever seen. In the bottom of the third, Ichiro dropped down maybe the best.
- Chris Woodward's barehand play on Andruw Jones in the seventh was spectacular, and seeing that he's capable of that sort of thing only makes me upset that he couldn't pull it off in the ninth inning yesterday afternoon. Also, Andruw Jones is slow.
- All this talk about Yuniesky Betancourt and a trade with the Pirates is getting me excited. Nothing's done yet, but there's an awful lot of smoke blowing around, and getting back either Jack Wilson or Freddy Sanchez (and possibly more) would really plug a gaping hole. What seemed pointless in the top of the eighth now seems like the sort of thing that could help put this team over the top. Stay tuned.
- WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Lalalalalalala
Nick S - July 10, 2009
Wait. Yuni might be traded soon?
Holy hell this has been one of the best days ever!
Goose - July 10, 2009
It's weird. This baseball.
We go from a horrible loss yesterday to an amazispectaculastical win today!
M'sin.. - July 10, 2009
I went to the Rainiers game last night, where Yuni was listed as the starter.
He was scratched minutes before the game, then he was high-fiving and shaking hands with teammates in the dug-out around the 5th. Something happened.
marc w - July 10, 2009
Free empanadas in the clubhouse?
waldo rojas - July 10, 2009
Maybe he took himself out of the game when he noticed that....
good call, hadn’t considered that.
marc w - July 10, 2009
That'd be worth celebrating...
Heck, I’ve been in that clubhouse. Taco Bell would be worth celebrating…
PositivePaul - July 10, 2009
Are you.....serious?
OlSalty - July 10, 2009
AHAHAHAHAHA
OlSalty - July 10, 2009
WOOOOOOOOOO!
marc w - July 10, 2009
I'll gladly take Wilson or Sanchez
Please, just throw Ronny Cedeno into any possible trade even if they don’t want him.
OceanBird - July 10, 2009
How about Sanchez AND Wilson?
Talk about jizz in my pants… A man can dream.
Sundevil78 - July 10, 2009
Maybe for Vargas, Wlad, Halman, Yuni, a young reliever +?
Probably not, but I’d be down.
SethGrandpa - July 10, 2009
That would be all kinds of silly
Aaron Campeau - July 10, 2009
Getting Sanchez for Betancourt seems to be too good to be true.
I can’t believe that. I would imagine the M’s must be including some sort of prospect with Betancourt to get Wilson or Sanchez. I know Z is awesome, but I think a trade like that is even above his head.
Fin - July 10, 2009
Yeah, that would truly be a ridiculous trade.
Fearless Frog - July 10, 2009
Awesome game
I think that was the first time I’ve seen Ichiro bunt for a base hit, either on TV or in person. I’ve probably heard it on the radio or something, but seeing him drop that ball right up the 3B base line with the perfect velocity was awesome.
He should do that more often.
Of course the HR was awesome! I think Fin missed about 5 people’s hands trying to high-five everyone. We were all jumping around like a bunch of fucking retards, but who wouldn’t, Jesus.
appleshampoo - July 10, 2009
Yea, I even threw my hat.
I was in such jubilation at that moment. But I think I got at least as many hands as I missed.
Fin - July 10, 2009
The boyfriend of that chick behind us whom you and I high-fived - he kind of freaked out, I think. He swiped at my shoulder - maybe it was an animal-style warning.
Decatur - July 10, 2009
I did not even notice that.
That girl wasn’t even that hot, he must’ve been pretty insecure.
Fin - July 10, 2009
So the reaction live was kinda weird on the homer.
It looked gone off the bat, so we started to go crazy. But then, Hamilton kinda settled next to the wall and the ball started to hang, so we momentarily thought it might be caught. Then the ball seemed to pick up a 2nd life in mid air and just kept going over the wall. So then we went crazy again.
So it was kinda like " WOOOOOOOYEAHHHHHooohhhwaitaminWOOOOWWEEEEEEEYEEEAHHHHHWOOOOO!!!
Goose - July 10, 2009
Truth.
BrettJMiller - July 10, 2009 via mobile
Truth.
BrettJMiller - July 10, 2009 via mobile
Who is gonna get the camera out and record Yuni's ass being shipped out to Pittsburgh.
That would the gif of the year.
russak - July 10, 2009
This is why, despite my frustration and occasional blowups and pretending I hate this team, I will not sleep tonight.
This is why I love baseball. This is why I love the Mariners. Thank you, Franklin, for reminding me.
Teej - July 10, 2009
.
lemonverbena - July 10, 2009
The play button won't work.
M'sin.. - July 10, 2009
If this isn't a joke. this is just a picture of Felix roaring.
If you WERE making a joke, boy do I feel dumb!
JamMasterJesus - July 10, 2009
Haha. It actually was a joke.
Not to make you feel dumb or anything.
M'sin.. - July 10, 2009
Where is the funny picture caption?
Fin - July 10, 2009
This is now the answer to any question
lemonverbena - July 10, 2009
Best hug ever?
Slow Country - July 10, 2009
If only this one had a gif
Big Jared - July 10, 2009
Rickey doesn't like you getting in his personal bubble.
Goose - July 10, 2009
Who are three people who have never been in my kitchen
lemonverbena - July 10, 2009
Felix loves to win
and I think he’s pretty into getting the Cy this year. He’s going to need all the wins he can get to beat out Greinke. We need to start sending Greinke photoshopped piics of Mike Maddux and Mrs Greinke to send him back over the edge. The King needs it.
Bearskin Rugburn - July 10, 2009
Great gif, but Guti's reaction makes me worry that Felix hurt his spine.
I hope Felix knows his own power. And Guti’s back is arched away before the grab, that’s a dangerous configuration.
I’m probably worrying like an old lady, but Guti’s bat has been awesome these past few weeks (his glove always), don’t want anything to mess it up.
Sam Regens - July 10, 2009
Yeah, the two-stage V is a huge predictor of injuries.
You’ve gotta have a quiet base for a safe hug. I really hope the M’s staff works with him on this, because he’s such a special talent. I know, I know – he’s successful with this kind of hug, and who knows what he’ll be doing it correctly? But still, he’s not going to be hugging anyone if his spine combusts, and that’s exactly what he’s risking with this stuff.
marc w - July 10, 2009
Have considered a position at Driveline Mechanics?
esoteric - July 10, 2009
Have *you
esoteric - July 10, 2009
No. Not a fan of tunnel vision.
Pitching is ONE thing pitchers do. Sure, they can get injured from poor mechanics, but injuries happen everywhere, and I think you don’t get the whole picture or risk profile simply by focusing in on delivery alone.
People loved Mark Prior’s throwing mechanics, but anyone who ever saw him shake hands knew what was coming.
marc w - July 10, 2009
I love how Gutz thinks it's going to be just the manly chest bump kinda hug, but Felix just keeps hanging on.
Awesome.
Phil Hatzenbuehler - July 10, 2009
It goes beyond that.
Guti’s eyes lead me to believe he may have gotten another surprise with that hug… like he found out the real reason Felix is called The King.
Either way it’s just such a great reaction. Felix wasn’t satisfied with just a little chest bump. No sir, he wanted the whole Gutierrez Enchelada.
The Typical Idiot Fan - July 10, 2009
Wow the sleeper hold hug
OlSalty - July 10, 2009
That looks like one hell of a cozy hug.
royalcurve - July 10, 2009
Watching the broadcast, I see that it was Felix that made Gutz go out for the curtain call.
Awesome awesome awesome.
Goose - July 10, 2009
I hear a lot about what Griffey and Sweeney have brought to this clubhouse.
But what about Felix as well? I know it doesn’t necessarily make the team better but watching him in the dugout with the team always makes me smile. He is amazing.
Hopefulmsfan - July 10, 2009
Would Jack Wilson really be that much of a upgrade?
He’s a slick fielder, sure, but he has a horrible bat. Isn’t he simply an older version of Oswaldo Navarro?
Coach Owens - July 10, 2009
He's been worth almost two wins so far this season.
He’s probably not going to make the team any less frustrating to watch, but he would probably make it a lot better.
For illustrative purposes, Wilson has been worth 1.8 wins while Yuni has been worth -0.8 wins. The difference between the two to this point in the season has been ~Russell Branyan.
Wilson isn’t especially sexy, but he’s definitely an upgrade.
(Also, holy crap I didn’t know WIlson was that good at SS.)
Aaron Campeau - July 10, 2009
He is a vacuum and I want him badly.
I want him and Sanchez both.
Sec 108 - July 10, 2009
How is his bat any worse than Yuni's or Cedeno's?
Mariner John - July 10, 2009
I would imagine Woodward gets the bump in this little scenario
Lopez at 2nd, Cedeno at 3rd, or vice-versa.
ZIPS projects Woodward for a .289 wOBA. Jack Wilson projects to .307 wOBA. Yes, it is an offensive upgrade, even if it’s not huge.
The defensive upgrade is huge, though. And we don’t have to deal with Chris motherfucking Woodward anymore.
Fuckmikereilly - July 10, 2009
It's not...actually it's much better...
At least according to Fangraphs’ Value Stats.
Player – Batting – Fielding – WAR
Wilson – (-3.8) – 10.5 – 1.8
Yuni – (-10.7) – (-8.3) – (-0.8)
:(edeno – (-13.1) – 1.0 – (-0.6)
SethGrandpa - July 10, 2009
A poster on Baker's blog says:
Yuni and a bullpen arm for Freddy Sanchez. Apparently Sanchez has an All-Star appearance tied into his contract, and he’s a reserve on the NL team, so we may not hear about it until Saturday at the earliest or after the break at the latest. I have no idea as to the validity of this, but if we get Sanchez for Yuni and a Lowe-like arm, I will blow the ceiling off my apartment in Will Smith-like orgasmic glee.
Bodhizefa - July 10, 2009
Yeah I don't buy it
But it’s nice to dream. Sean White would be even better. Sparkly ERA!
Fuckmikereilly - July 10, 2009
The worst thing about rosterbation is that awesome trades seem less awesome in comparison to imagination.
Aaron Campeau - July 10, 2009
Based on the rumors on what other teams would be giving up for Sanchez
I probably wouldn’t love if this deal if it went down.
Fuckmikereilly - July 10, 2009
I think we're getting Wilson if we're getting anything and I think we should be thrilled with that outcome if it goes down.
Aaron Campeau - July 10, 2009
Agreed.
Don’t get me wrong, as I’d love to get Jack Wilson on our team for cheap. Just thought I’d share that particular rumor.
Bodhizefa - July 10, 2009
Still, dreaming is fun to think about though.
For example, quote from Baker, emphasis mine:
Okay, be honest. GMZ smiling while trying to talk about a trade involving Yuni gets me a little giddy, like he is about to fleece someone. I can enjoy the dream while still appreciating the final trade even if it is not as fun as the dream.
CapSea - July 10, 2009
How awesome is it to not be petrified about a possible trade.
2009!
JAH - July 10, 2009
I can imagine when GMZ trades Yuni
Wakamatsu will react pretty much like Felix after the F-bomb. Huge bear hug and giddy hopping around. Then he will send Jack out for applause in front of the dugout after every half-difficult play at short.
Bearskin Rugburn - July 10, 2009
My wife thinks Mike Maddux looks like Frank Zappa now
pdb - July 10, 2009
Absolutely.
Phil Hatzenbuehler - July 10, 2009
Oh wow, it's him! Good call
Kermit. - July 10, 2009
LOOKS LIKE I PICKED THE WRONG WEEK TO STOP HUFFING GLUE
waldo rojas - July 10, 2009
Ian Snell
intrigues the S out of me.
TheTank123 - July 10, 2009
For real.
His FIP was 4.57 in 2008 and was 4.56 this year before he got sent down (BUH?) – he’s just getting hammered on ERA. His strikeouts are down this year, but so are his walks, and his batted ball profile is the same as ever. tRA isn’t quite as high on him, but he’s still been just under league average this year there as well. Dave Cameron wrote about this too.
Decatur - July 10, 2009
I'd get naked and run through the streets of Compton if that happens
abender20 - July 10, 2009
I would pick you up and record this
bluemax - July 10, 2009
You'd probably have to pick up several pieces of me
abender20 - July 10, 2009
How many SoCal LLers are ready to move?
Teej - July 10, 2009
I could see Yuni going back to Pittsburgh if we traded for two expensive players
Poochie - July 10, 2009
Agree.
Yuni and a pen arm for Snell and Sanchez/Wilson (especially Sanchez….) would be probably the greatest deal ever.
Woodinville_12thMan - July 10, 2009
I was far, far too excited to sleep last night
I love those moments where it takes a few seconds for the magnitude of what just happened to hit you. That was an unbelievable feeling. It has been really hard to muster legitimate hope again after the teams we’ve fielded these past few years, but seeing that we’ve got a legitimate young player good enough to help form the core of our future (which we all expected Adam Jones would be) is changing everything I thought about this team as it’s constructed now and our chances for a long period of sustained success in the future.
OlSalty - July 10, 2009
I have scars from the game
I was lying on the couch watching it, with my cat asleep on my belly. When Gutz hit that HR, I yelped and pumped my fists, which of course terrified the poor sleeping kitty, who then proceeded to use my midsection as a scratching post in a frantic attempt to get off the couch. And I don’t care, because it was awesome.
pdb - July 10, 2009
There is a LOLcatz joke here, but I'm terrified to even think what it might be.
Decatur - July 10, 2009
I can haz appendectomy?
Phil Hatzenbuehler - July 10, 2009
Ok, I'm slow this morning. Why does Rob Johnson owe Guti a thank-you card?
Simply because Frankie is now enough of an offensive force to distract from Rob’s anemic bat? Or is this an in-joke reference to something in the game last night?
Spoomeister - July 10, 2009
Johnson let a pitch get by him which allowed Texas' only run to score
OlSalty - July 10, 2009
Or in less words
OlSalty - July 10, 2009
Ah, gotcha. Thanks. Only got to see beginning, smidge of the 6th, and then postgame.
Yeah. Rob owes Guti beer. Or a purple nurple. Or something.
Spoomeister - July 10, 2009
Appletini
waldo rojas - July 10, 2009
HOW THE FUCK DOES IT NOT ATTEMPT TO BLOCK THAT BALL WITH A RUNNER ON 3RD
GOD I HATE ROB JOHNSON
d0nkey - July 10, 2009
Remember how people criticise Kenji for stabbing at the ball?
Jeff Sullivan - July 10, 2009
Yeah, but he's Japanese.
The M’s should sign an NHL goalie to be the backstop when Felix pitches.
hcoguy - July 10, 2009
With full pads.
hcoguy - July 10, 2009
Damn, work got busy and i never got to finish watching the game.
wadswerth - July 10, 2009
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Jeff Sullivan - July 10, 2009
Still!
lemonverbena - July 10, 2009
This is a similar situation to that amazing catch Mike Cameron made when he first got here.
It endeared fans to him that didn’t really know who he was. He quickly became a fan favorite. I hope this moment has a similar effect.
kentroyals5 - July 10, 2009
So how did lolcatz go?
EnglishMariner - July 10, 2009
Did everyone haz a good time, is the question
pdb - July 10, 2009
HOLY FUCKING SHIT THAT WAS AWESOME
Robert - July 10, 2009
NO SHIT BRO
Fin - July 10, 2009
That was fucking great.
BrettJMiller - July 10, 2009
Is this news or not?
Angels hurt?
hcoguy - July 10, 2009
This was a fucking amazing game.
I only listened to the Guti blast on the radio driving my car, but I was celebrating about as hard as you can in a car while not driving off the road. Screaming, banging my steering wheel. If I had a horn it would have honked for about 30 seconds straight. The moment was just that much better because it was Guti. I can’t wait to have his bobblehead and dawn his jersey as soon as I get paid.
This, my friends, is why we love baseball. And Jeff.
Zwakamatsu - July 10, 2009
I think you are probably right on both counts.
The reaction of both Felix and Jeff were perfect. This is the best game on the planet.
Sinking Away - July 10, 2009
You must Login with your SB Nation account and be a member of Lookout Landing to post a comment.