My trip this past week to the Mariners spring training home in Peoria, Arizona was quite beneficial in many respects. The Mariners have an 18-9 record this spring and some of it can be attributed to the play of members of the 2012 Generals. With that said, here are 10 things I learned this week.

1. 2012 Generals Brandon Maurer and Brad Miller are the talk of Mariners camp. The 2012 Southern League Pitcher of the Year, Brandon Maurer has a legit shot at one of the two open spots in Seattle’s rotation. Maurer out-dueled Giants’ lefty Barry Zito Tuesday night and is 2-1 with a 1.20 ERA in five spring outings, with 15 strikeouts in 15 innings. Infielder Brad Miller has two triples a home run and five RBI this spring. Miller had a big game Tuesday against the defending World Champion Giants and has played short stop, third base and even some second base. The 2012 Generals Minor League Heart and Soul Award winner is making a name for himself. Miller still could start the year in Jackson, but his time here could be short lived.
2. There is so much pitching depth in the organization and it’s not just the big names like Paxton, Hultzen, Walker and Maurer. The Generals rotation this season could feature guys with major league experience like Hector Noesi and Chance Ruffin just because there is so much depth. Those guys plus prospects Taijuan Walker and James Paxton could end up in Jackson.
3. Catching is just as deep as pitching. Catchers Mike Zunino, Ronny Paulino, Jesus Sucre and Brandon Bantz should be in Triple-A. But there just is not enough spots. Highly touted prospect John Hicks out of Virginia is expected to start for Jackson, but could that be put on hold, maybe.
4. ­The potential Jackson outfield would be a good 4×400 meter relay team. There are seven guys fighting for those four or five spots, but they all can fly. Former LSU star Leon Landry leads the pack. He was a track and football star in high school and had he of wanted to play running back at LSU, he could’ve made a huge impact there. James James, Abe Almonte, Denny Almonte, Julio Morban, Daniel Carroll and newly turned centerfielder Francisco Martinez are top candidates.
5. Mariners brass have a lot of tough decisions to make. Friday while taking in the big league clubs batting practice. Mariners’ GM Jack Zduriencik told me in passing “I’ve got to pay close attention right now, it’s so close with some of these guys”. Cuts have been postponed time and time again this spring because of the amount of depth at several positions all throughout the system.
6. The big league club has a middle of the order now. Last year the Mariners were last in the AL in home runs. But, this spring with the additions of power hitters Michael Morse and Kendrys Morales that has changed. Those two have combined for 11 of the 48 team home runs this spring.
7. It still amazes me watching games on the back fields. The six backfields of a spring training complex are like glorified high school fields. Chain link fences with metal bleachers, but perfectly manicured diamonds. Watching some of the best players in the world in that setting is pretty cool.
8. Speaking of the complex, construction to begin when spring training ends. The Mariners share the Peoria Sports Complex with the San Diego Padres and on April 6, they will demolish the current clubhouses. The 10 month project will give both teams new state of the art weight rooms, training rooms, clubhouse facilities and office space.
9. Former Generals will be seen and heard from this season in Jackson. I spent three hours Thursday collecting video and audio from former Generals like Dustin Ackley, Kyle Seager, Stephen Pryor, Tom Wilhelmsen, Brandon Maurer and Danny Hultzen. Even Mariners stars that didn’t play in Jackson such as Brendon Ryan, Michael Morse and Justin Smoak recorded radio promos you will hear all season long.
10. It’s all still Felix’s world. Not only is Felix Hernandez a tremendous pitcher, he is a doubly better human being. You can just see it in the way he treats everyone from the clubhouse crew to parking lot attendants. The former Cy Young award winner fed over 200 minor league staffers and players last week Famous Dave’s barbecue. With this new contract he can more than afford it, but he didn’t have to do it. He is the only player in the Mariners clubhouse that uses two lockers. But, if anyone has earned it, Felix has.

Good evening from Peoria!

Today is the final day in paradise before heading back to Jackson (the real world) tomorrow morning. The flight departs at 6:25 a.m. this morning. I’m expecting to see a little snow one the ground when we land in Nashville.

Today was spent mostly shooting promos that will appear on the Generals’ video board during the season. Also I collected radio promos and liners from Mariners players. Ended up walking over to the backfields to watch some minor league games as too.

With it being the first day of the NCAA tournament, most of the attention in the Mariners complex was focused on the madness. If you didn’t see it on the Mariners official blog the other day, there is a huge bracket in the Mariners clubhouse. There is a Mariners staffer or player assigned to each team.

It was hard to focus on working from 12-2 p.m. while my Memphis Tigers were playing. (By the way Dustin Ackley has them in the pool) But, while recording promos with players Brendon Ryan kept me posted on the score every time I stepped back inside.

On the minor league side
The AAA and AA clubs were on the road in Surprise at the Rangers and the A- and A+ clubs were at home against the Rangers.

In the AAA game Tacoma lost to Round 3-1.
Tacoma had to face potential Rangers opening day starter Matt Harrison Thursday, who was getting some work in on the back fields. In 6.0 IP he allowed just 3 hits and struck out 9.

For Tacoma, Chance Ruffin (90-92) gave up single runs in the 2nd and 4th on a SAC fly and 2-out RBI. Stephen Kohlscheen tossed 2.0 shutout innings after Ruffin. Yoervis Medina (94-95) worked a scoreless inning and Jonathan Arias (92-95) allowed a run in 2.0 innings.

James Jones was 1-for-3 and Vinnie Catricala was 1-for-2.

Jackson beat Frisco 6-4 and it looked like Jack Marder and Ji-Man Choi and nice games, but I don’t have their stats.

On that back fields in Peoria, Oliver Perez, Lucas Luetge and Carter Capps got some work in for the High Desert squad. Tyler Pike, the 19-year-old 3rd round pick last season pitched at the end.
Perez 2 1/3 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K – 34 pitches (89-93)
Luetge 1 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K – 16 pitches (89-91)
Capps 1 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K – 13 pitches (93-97)
Pike 3 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K – 37 pitches (86-91)

Roster Moves
Thursday night the Mariners optioned OF Carlos Peguero to Tacoma and re-assigned P Carson Smith and INF Nick Franklin to minor league camp. That leaves the Mariners major league roster at 34 players. Many, many tough decisions still to come.

Lots of Audio and Video Production
It was great catching up with several former Generals and getting them to read promos for our video board and radio. Guys that participated included Dustin Ackley, Kyle Seager, Tom Wilhelmsen, Brandon Maurer, Danny Hultzen and Stephen Pryor. Guys such as Justin Smoak, Brendon Ryan, Michael Morse, Blake Beaven and even voice of the Mariners Rick Rizzs cut some promos. After being around Rizzs for the last few days, I am just blown away with how good he is at what he does. Plus he has a voice from God.

Budweiser Clydesdales
Growing up a St. Louis Cardinals fan, seeing the Clydesdales was always a thrill. They were at the Peoria Sports Complex tonight.

I think this Clydesdale above is hearing these lyrics in his head…I took my love and I took it down  I climbed a mountain and I turned around  And I saw my reflection in the snow covered hills  ‘Till the landslide brought me down…No horse, I’m not your long lost trainer…

Yo C.J.
Jackson home clubhouse manager C.J. Fedewa is part of the clubhouse crew here in Arizona. He works 16 hour days and stopped for a second to pose for a picture.

Quote of the Day
While recording a promo about upcoming promotions at the ballpark Brandon Maurer was struggling a bit. He said “Dang it, I’m better than this” That’s the only thing Maurer has struggled with this spring. There will definitely be an outtakes reel from today’s recording session. Our video whiz kid back in Jackson Bradley Field will have a blast with it.

Shout Out
With this being my final dayin Arizona I want to publicly thank the Mariners for their gracious hospitality. Everyone in the organization has been fantastic. We are truly fortunate to be a part of such a great organization.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Qh6NTbD3d4

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Interview with Taijuan Walker from Tuesday after his outing in an intrasquad game. He talks about how he feels this spring and his reaction to being sent down to minor league camp.

Good evening from Peoria!

Today was an off day for the major league club so most of the attention was on the minor league back fields. Jeremy Bonderman pitched for the AAA Tacoma club against the Royals AAA affiliate, Omaha.

When a big league pitcher makes a start on the minor league side, a big league catcher comes along with him. Today it was Kelly Shoppach.

AAA Game Recap
Tacoma defeated Omaha 6-3 in what ended up being a 9 ½ inning game. These minor league games are run with no scoreboard and really no format. Some innings can go five or six outs. Or, Kansas City has a rule that no pitcher can throw more than 20 pitches in a single inning.

Bonderman
Bonderman, according to my scorecard pitched 6.2 innings and threw 76 pitches. He allowed one run on five hits and struck out 4. He also hit a batter. He finished his outing allowing three straight hits, but reached his pitch limit. He had an 80 pitch limit in the outing. He really dominated until those last three hitters.

Shoppach
Kelly Shopach made the most of his time on the back fields blasting a 2-run home run and hitting a 2-run double. Shoppach also provided one of the quotes of the day below.

Other Pitching
Of note, Bobby LaFromboise and Moises Hernandez each allowed a hit, but pitched scoreless innings. Brian Sweeney entered the game following Bonderman and allowed two runs in his first inning of work.

At the Dish
Their honestly was not a lot of offense outside of Shopach in the AAA game. The Royals pitching was impressive against anyone other than Shoppach. Their starter 6 foot 5 Will Smith (not that Will Smith) struck out seven in five innings of work. Lefty Chris Dwyer was filthy later in the game and struck out three in 2.0 innings. He featured a 12 to 6 curve ball that had some pretty incredible bite.

Rich Poythress entered the game in the 6th inning and belted a ground rule double down the right field line. Rich is in great shape and seems to be swinging the bat really well.

James Jones continues to impress offensively and defensively. The former 4th round pick in 2009 beat out a routine ground ball to short and also stole 2nd base easily. He also has two outfield assists the last three days.

Hey Adam!
Adam Moore played for the Royals AAA group on Wednesday. The former Jackson and Mariners catcher went 1-for-4 with a double against Bonderman and also scored a run. I caught up with Adam after the game and he said he felt like he would start the year in AAA Omaha.

SPEEEEEED
Minor League Operations Assistant Casey Brett said the potential four-man outfield Jackson could have is being called around camp the 4×400 meter relay guys. (Jones, Leon Landry, Daniel Carroll and Abe Almonte) At one point in the AAA game, Julio Morban, Jones and Landry were in the outfield. Those guys can cover some ground.

Notes from the AA game
The AA Mariners took on the Royals AA guys on another backfield Wednesday. I don’t know the final score, but 2012 Generals opening day starter Andrew Carraway pitched 4.0 scoreless innings and allowed just one hit. Also in the game, catcher Steve Baron blasted a 3-run home run.

Training Table on the go
The Kansas City Royals had a training table with them on their short trip from Surprise. It was very unique to see guys getting worked on underneath a shade tree in the middle of the back fields.

An abundance of catchers
If there is a position on the field you would like to have too much of, it’s catching…Okay, maybe you can argue pitching, but right now the Mariners have an abundance. Right now it seems this is the pecking order of catchers in the organization.
1. Jesus Montero
2. Kelly Shoppach
3. Jesus Sucre
4. Mike Zunino
5. Ronny Paulino
6. John Hicks
7. Steve Baron
8. Carlton Tanabe

From Sucre on down, those guys should be in AAA or AA, but there just isn’t enough spots. It provides as many tough decisions as pitching does.

Sent Down
OF Eric Thames, C Mike Zunino and RHP Logan Bowcom were re-assigned to minor league camp Wednesday. None of which were involved in the minor league games. Those moves bring the number of players in major league camp to 37.

Injury Update
Joe Dunigan and Stefen Romero are both suffering from oblique injuries. Both have a chance of beginning the season on the DL.

New digs for Peoria Sports Complex
Once spring training ends officially, they will begin dismantling the current clubhouse/offices on both the Padres and Mariners side. The facility is 20 years old and upgrades are necessary. The project is scheduled to take 10 months and be ready for the opening of camp in 2014.

Generals taking over camp
Not only are the Generals taking over on the field here in Peoria. I’ve been joined by Generals’ owners Reese Smith and David Freeman, as well as General Manager Jason Compton. Jackson home clubhouse manager C.J. Fedewa has been here since Friday working in the clubhouse.

Taste of the Show
During last night’s Giants/Mariners game I was fortunate enough to join Mariners broadcaster Rick Rizzs on the Mariners radio network while Aaron Goldsmith did some TV. It was quite special that 2012 Generals Brandon Maurer, Brad Miller and Nick Franklin had big nights.

Quote of the Day
Today I have two quotes. One comes from catcher Kelly Shopach. After Mariners pitching coach Carl Willis kept an inning going past 5 outs, when the 6th out was made Shopach yelled sarcastically “Now can we come off”. Jackson Manager Jim Pankovits is managing the AAA club and after the game I congratulated him on the win. He replied, “Yep, I think I am 8-0 this spring, but I’m not really sure.”

What’s on tap
Tomorrow the AAA and AA squads make a road trip to play the Rangers in Surprise while the A- and A+ teams will stay at home to play the Rangers. I will probably check out the lower level guys for a while then make my way over to the big league side. Tomorrow we will be cutting some promos and liners from former Jackson players that will be seen on the Jackson ballpark video board and audio heard on 96.5 ESPN during the season. Tomorrow night at 7, the Mariners host the Chicago Cubs at the Peoria Sports Complex with Jon Garland scheduled to start. Erasmo Ramirez is scheduled to pitch after Garland. Starting for the Cubs is Jeff Samardzija. It’s expected to be another capacity crowd.

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Good afternoon from Peoria!

This morning at 10am the Mariners minor leaguers had two intrasquad games on the back fields. A- took on A+ and AA took on AAA.

Below in the picture gallery you can see both lineups and who participated.

Notes from the game
There was a bigger crowd than usual for a minor league game and it was partly because of the big league team playing at night and Joe Saunders pitched for AA and Jesus Montero caught for AA. Taijuan Walker started opposite Saunders for the AAA side. Jackson won the game 4-2.

Amongst those in attendance were GM Jack Zduriencik, Manager Eric Wedge, Amateur Scouting Director Tom McNamara, broadcasters Rick Rizzs and Shannon Drayer.

Saunders pitched in the minor league game in order to stay on normal rest. He threw 78 pitches in 6 innings, allowing 2 runs on 8 hits, with 2 walks and 8 strikeouts.

Pitching

Taijuan Walker started for the AAA club and was solid. He allowed 1 run on 1 hit in 3.0 IP, walking none and striking out 5. He faced Jesus Montero twice and got him to ground out and strike out looking. The only run he allowed was a solo home run to young speedster Jabari Blash.

After the outing Walker said:

“I feel really good this spring. I was a little disappointed coming down from major league camp, but I am trying to make the most of the opportunity…I felt good today, I made the one mistake on the home run, but everything seemed to be working.”

Taijuan mixed his pitches well and was 92-96 with his fastball. His curveball has great bite and struck out 3 hitters.

James Paxton came in for the next 3 innings and struggled a bit. In 3.0 IP he allowed 1 run on 4 hits, walking none and striking out 3. He did throw 3 wild pitches and plunked a batter.

Paxton has struggled with command this spring leading some to believe he might be hurt, but he says he is okay.

Brian Moran pitched a scoreless inning for the Tacoma club and struck out 1. He continues to pitch well.

Tyler Burgoon pitched 3 innings for the AA group and while I didn’t see his line, he seemed to pitch really well.

At the plate
Denny Almonte had an RBI triple against Joe Saunders in the 2nd inning and picked up where he left off the day before. Almonte blasted a homer Monday against the Padres AAA.

John Hicks had the highlight of the day in the 8th inning with an inside the park home run to center. Francisco Martinez got burned on the line drive and stumbled a bit. Hicks showed his great speed and circled the bases for a 2-run inside the park homer for the AA crew.

Julio Morban after lighting the world on fire came back to earth a bit Tuesday, striking out 3 times against Joe Saunders.

James Jones had a single in the 4th and stole second easily against Montero. Jones also threw out Blash tagging from third base from RF late in the game. Has a really nice arm. (I really like Jones)

Scott Savastano quietly had a couple of singles in the game.

Alex Liddi legged out a triple in the third inning against Saunders

Young 21-year-old  prospect Ji-Man Choi, injured himself on a ground out running over the first base bag. It appeared like he twisted his ankle. Hopefully he is okay. The kid has a world of potential.

Felix’s Fiesta
After the intrasquad games today, Felix Hernandez bought a huge spread of food for the minor league side. It was quickly named Felix’s Fiesta. He catered Famous Dave’s BBQ and spent who knows how much on it. But, hey with that new contract, he can afford it.

Walk Thru
In the afternoon I took a chance to walk through the big league clubhouse and catch up with some former Jackson guys. Pretty crazy walking into a major league clubhouse and recognizing so many faces. I’ll be putting together some promos with former players that will run on Generals’ radio broadcasts and on the video board this season.

Quote of the Day
Tacoma News Tribune Mariners beat writer Ryan Divish was asked by the Mariners nutritionist if she was in the right place when she walked into the media room. His response: “You can be in here, but I’m pretty sure there hasn’t been a nutritionist come into this room in a long time”

What’s on tap
This afternoon I’m hoping to catch big league batting practice and then settle in for the game tonight. It will be a lot of fun seeing Brandon Maurer face off against Barry Zito under the lights. Maurer by the way has this goatee thing going right now. Just a heads up if you watch the game tonight.

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Hello from the valley of the sun. The high today was 88 and my face is burning. Sorry, just had to rub it in a bit.

I flew into Phoenix Sunday night from Nashville and since I took the cheap flight on Southwest, I arrived around midnight. After sleeping in a bit Monday morning, I headed over to pick up my credentials and say hello to everyone in the Mariners administrative office.

After a quick walk through the complex it was off to the backfields to watch the AAA team (which I named TaJackson or Jackoma because it is a mix of players that will open the season in either Jackson or Tacoma) took on the Padres AAA team.

One of the many cool things about spring training is the backfields and how there are four games going on at the same time. You sit on metal bleachers and watch some of the best players in the world play on a field with chain link fences. Pretty amazing.

Highlights from the game
The Mariners bunch won the game 6-3 in a 9-inning game.

Hultzen shines
Danny Hultzen started and was terrific. Hultzen has battled a hip injury this spring, but he showed no signs of discomfort. He tossed 3 scoreless innings, allowing one hit, walking none and striking out 4. One interesting note was that he faced Carlos Quentin in every inning which was his only hit, a single in the third. He was rehabbing a knee injury. Quentin had at-bats in each of the first 5 innings and was 2-for-5 with a homer.

James Paxton and Taijuan Walker charted pitches and said he was constantly 90-94 with the fastball. His curveball had plenty of bite and he used it to fan 2 of his 4 K’s on the day.

Pitching Lines
Hultzen: 3.0IP, 1H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 4K
Gillheeney: 2.0IP, 3H, 2R, 2ER, 0BB, 1K
Medina: 1.0IP, 1H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 0K
Snow: 1.0IP, 2H, 1R, 1ER, 0BB, 1K
Kohlscheen: 1.0IP, 1H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 1K
Hensley: 1.0IP, 0H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 1K

The amazing pitching stat of the day was no walks. That makes every pitching coach smile.

Offensively
Francisco Martinez led off and was 3-for-3 with a triple and RBI. Martinez has picked up right where he left off in big league camp. His triple was in the right-center gap.

Denny Almonte and Carlton Tanabe homered in the game. Almonte’s HR was from the right side of the plate. Tanabe, a 21 year old kid backed up Brandon Bantz and gunned out a runner at 2b and had the homer in the 8th inning. You can really tell everyone pulls for the kid and his a clubhouse favorite. He seems like an outstanding young man.

The Padres committed 3 errors in the third and poor Jose DePaula had to of thrown 50 pitches as the M’s AAA batted around and scored 5 of their 6 runs.

Speed
Leon Landry and James Jones. Enough said. Landry beat out a routine ground ball to second base for an infield single. Jones subbed late and didn’t have a hit but watching them fly around the outfield is something to behold. Could very well be outfield partners in Jackson.

Bat/Ball Boys
In spring training its always interesting to see what assignments are given for non-players. Usually you have guys that shag fly balls and are bat boys. Today, Taylor Stanton was the bat boy and Brian Moran was the ball boy. Stanton made sure to tell me which one was which.

Cactus League Show
It’s not often I get to sit back and watch a live radio show, so we took the opportunity to catch some former Jackson guys being interviewed by Rick Rizzs, Shannon Drayer and Aaron Goldsmith. The show was live at the Salty Senorita which is right beside the complex. Former Jackson guys, Dustin Ackley, Kyle Seager, Nick Franklin and Brad Miller.

Miller was probably the most talked about player hitter today when I was asked about Jackson guys. He had a triple today in the big league game against Oakland and is becoming hard to keep off the field.

Quote of the Day
Once the AAA game ended I walked over to the AA field to check out the final inning. As I walked up there was a 3-run home run hit. I asked one of the pitchers charting who that was, he replied: “I don’t know, some Latin guy” So you know it’s not only fans and media confused on who that 3rd number 12 is on your 146 player roster. After some research it was Abraham Almonte. Mystery solved.

What’s on tap
Tomorrow the minor league side have what is called a camp day. Low-A will intrasquad High-A while AAA will intersquad AA. Taijuan Walker and James Paxton are expected to throw tomorrow back-to-back for the AAA squad.

The big league club will play their first night game of the spring schedule taking on the Giants at the stadium. 2013 Southern League Pitcher of the Year Brandon Maurer will start for the Mariners opposite Barry Zito for San Francisco. Maurer has been nothing short of phenomenal this spring posting a 2-1 record and a 0.90 ERA in 4 games.

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By: Chris Harris

The Jackson Generals, reigning Southern League North Champs are proud to announce 96.5 FM ESPN Radio as the new flagship station for Generals game broadcasts for the 2013 season. “The Sports Voice of West Tennessee” will broadcast 137 of the 140 regular season games, plus any necessary playoff games. Chris Harris will return for his fifth season as the radio play-by-play voice of the Seattle Mariners Double-A affiliate.

“We are thrilled to partner with The Sports Voice of West Tennessee,” said General Manager Jason Compton. “We are West Tennessee’s Professional Baseball team and this partnership allows us to engage more people from the area than ever before.”

96.5 ESPN is a 24-hour sports station and has solidified itself as the top sports option in Jackson and West Tennessee. The station covers 16 counties and includes a 50-mile radius of Jackson. 96.5 ESPN broadcasts popular programs like Mike and Mike in the Morning, The Herd with Colin Cowherd, SVP and Russillo as well as the Bowl Championship Series, World Series and NBA Playoffs.

96.5 ESPN is the home of the TSSAA football and basketball championships, University of Tennessee football, Memphis Grizzlies and numerous local talk shows.

“We are really excited about the partnership with the Generals,” added 96.5 ESPN Owner Don Enochs. “It fits extremely well with our format of all sports all the time. The Generals are a huge part of the West Tennessee community and we are just happy to be a part of it. We will enjoy promoting the Generals on both 96.5 and our sister station 99.3 WZLT.” Enochs continued.

In addition to games being heard on 96.5 ESPN, fans will be able to listen to all games online at jacksongeneralsbaseball.com and Generals mobile app on your smart phone. All Generals broadcasts will include a 15 minute pre-game show and a 10-15 minute post game show. Joining Harris on the broadcast this season will be Shelbyville, TN, native and Union University student and baseball broadcaster Andrew Key.

The first broadcast on 96.5 ESPN will be the season opener on April 4^th as the Generals take on the Jacksonville Suns (Marlins) in Jacksonville, FL.

Be sure to check out the Generals on Facebook at facebook.com/jacksongenerals, and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/jacksongenerals. Also, download the Generals’ iPhone or Android app for free to keep the Generals at your fingertips at all times.

 

Mariners MiLB Free Agents:

Re-Signed with Mariners:
INF Leury Bonilla
C Jesus Sucre

Signed Elsewhere:
OF Johermyn Chavez – signed with Cubs
OF Chih-Hsien Chiang – signed with Rangers
OF Darren Ford – signed with Pirates
LHP Steve Garrison – signed with Diamondbacks
LHP Cesar Jimenez – signed with Phillies
LHP Jose Jimenez – signed with Royals
INF Luis Jimenez – signed with Blue Jays
INF Luis Rodriguez – signed with Angels

Current Free Agents:
RHP Moises Herandez
OF Kuo-Hui Lo
LHP David Pauley
INF Carlos Ramirez
RHP Brian Sweeney
OF Mike Wilson

Free Agent Additions:
INF Mike Jacobs – Dbacks signed with Mariners

Now, for my (way too early) Generals roster prediction. Just like Joe Lunardi’s Bracketology, I have the right to update this many times between now and April. This is an educated guess at what Jackson’s opening day roster could look like. This is totally my opinion and I referenced no one in advance of this. Also, check out my potential opening day starting lineup.

Starting Rotation:
LHP Anthony Fernandez (27/27, 6-8, 3.51 w/HD, JXN)
LHP James Gillheeney (28/28, 8-5, 5.09 w/HD, JXN)
RHP Taylor Stanton (32/19, 9-7, 5.24 w/HD, JXN)
LHP Roenis Elias (26/26, 11-6, 3.76 w/HD)
RHP Taijuan Walker (25/25, 7-10, 4.69 w/JXN)

First Four Out:
RHP Forrest Snow (32/20, 5-9, 6.35 w/TAC, JXN)
RHP Trevor Miller (27/22, 8-9, 3.23 w/CLI, HD)
LHP Jordan Shipers (23/23, 4-5, 3.89 w/CLI)
RHP Brandon Maurer (24/24, 9-2, 3.20 w/JXN)

Relivers:
RHP Jonathan Arias (46, 5-7, 4.21, 7 SV w/HD, JXN)
RHP Tyler Burgoon (53, 8-2, 3.25, 3 SV, w/HD)
RHP Stephen Kohlscheen (42, 4-3, 3.47, 3 SV w/CLI, HD, JXN)
RHP Carson Smith (49, 5-1, 2.90, 15 SV, w/HD)
RHP Logan Bawcom (51, 6-4, 2.00, 26 SV w/RC, CHA, JXN)
RHP Jandy Sena (38, 4-2, 3.62, 1 SV w/HD, JXN, TAC)
RHP Andrew Kittredge (25, 3-1, 4.07, 1 SV w/CLI, HD, JXN)
RHP George Mieses (12, 1-3, 4.93 w/AZL, HD, JXN)

First Four Out:
RHP Stephen Shackleford (28, 6-2, 1.47, 11 SV w/CLI)
LHP Kyle Hunter (39, 4-5, 2.98, 3 SV w/CLI)
RHP Yoervis Medina (46, 5-5, 3.25, 5 SV, w/JXN)
RHP Moises Hernandez (32, 5-2, 6.66 w/JXN)
Next Four Out:
LHP Cameron Hobson (27/27, 10-10, 5.27 w/CLI, HD)
RHP Austin Hudson (22, 2-3, 6.32, 2 SV w/HD)
RHP Tyler Blandford (16, 1-0, 6.05 w/HD)
RHP Angel Raga (31, 4-4, 6.00 w/HD)

Outfield:
Leon Landry (.341/13/76, 27 SB w/RC, HD)
Denny Almonte (.249/12/53, 24 SB w/JXN)
James Jones (.306/14/76, 26 SB w/HD)
Mickey Wiswall (.280/21/98, 8 SB w/HD)

Infield:
Brad Miller (.334/15/68, 23 SB w/HD, JXN)
Francisco Martinez (.227/2/23, 27 w/JXN)
Rich Poythress (.304/6/45, 4 SB w/JXN)
Steven Proscia (.314/28/103, 12 SB w/HD, JXN)
Jack Marder (.360/10/56, 16 SB w/HD)
Joe Dunigan (.254/25/72, 15 SB w/JXN

Catchers:
John Hicks (.312/15/79, 22 SB w/HD)
Jesus Sucre (.271/1/30, 1 SB w/HD)

First Four Out:
UTIL Nate Tenbrink (.283/8/23, 5 SB w/JXN)
OF Daniel Carroll (.224/1/5, 7 SB w/JXN)
INF Gabriel Noriega (.227/0/31, 3 SB w/HD, JXN)
INF Leury Bonilla (.261/2/29, 4 SB w/JXN, TAC)
Next Four Out:
INF Mario Martinez (.283/21/80, 3 SB w/HD)
INF Dennis Raben (.271/9/44, 3 SB w/HD)
OF Mike McGee (.276/17/58, 11 SB w/HD)
OF Julio Morban (.313/17/52, 5 SB w/HD)

The winter meetings are in Nashville this year and held at the Opryland Resort. This is my second winter meetings and to be honest, the allure and grandeur of this place is amazing. Through the maze of rivers, shopping areas, eateries and ball rooms are many executives, media members, and even job seekers packing the hallways. It is quite easy to get lost at Opryland and thus there are interactive maps all around.

As has been pointed out, the meetings are as much to socialize and network as they are to get things done. Yes, there are meetings and business happens, but most of all it is an opportunity to renew acquaintances and build new relationships with people in your industry. And yes, even fans can attend and walk around.

Now to what you care about. What have I learned this week?

Mariners News

1. The Mariners are extremely active this week. But, don’t be disappointed if nothing gets done this week. The Mariners brand holds much more equity that it has in recent years. Good things and some bigger names (a bat) will make their way to the Emerald City.
2. What has gone on in the minor leagues with Seattle is known widespread around baseball. A prominent baseball media member noticed my name badge had Jackson Generals on it and immediately began talking to me about the team we had in Jackson this season. He believed that the young talent might be used this week to acquire a bat.
3. The Marines have hired a new video/scouting/stats person that will be working with the scouting department. It honestly reminded of the kid Jonah Hill played in Moneyball. Don’t exactly expect the off the wall things that Billy Beane did, but the concept of using statistics and video is huge. Andrew is a graduate of Vanderbilt and had worked some with the Milwaukee Brewers. He will be working hand-in-hand a lot with Tom McNamara.

Jackson Generals News

1. Nine of the ten members of the updated Baseball America, Mariners top prospects list, played in Jackson during the 2012 season. You could feasibly see four of those returning to Jackson. Maybe five.
2. Jackson’s coaching staff could be announced as early as today. I heard differentiating remarks concerning minor league staffs and that it could be Friday or even Monday. But, expect to know the minor league staffs very soon. I am expecting Jim Pankovits to return as Jackson manager and Cory Snyder to return as hitting coach. Also, I am expecting Lance Painter not to return and join the staff at High Desert or stay in Peoria to be closer to home.
3. We learned today that the Generals website traffic this season ranked 3rd in the Southern League and 47th out of 158 minor league clubs. That is quite significant considering Jackson is one of the smallest markets in all of the minors. Thanks fans!

Tonight was the annual Mariners affiliates reception. This event brings together pretty much everyone that plays a big part of the organization with representatives from each minor league club. This was my second straight year to attend and it is something that is quite special. Hide Sueyoshi hosts the event with a monologue of bad jokes, but everyone has a great time. It was great to be able to talk about our season in Jackson with Eric Wedge, Tom McNamara and Jack Zduriencic. They shared a table with me for part of the night and something like that makes you truly appreciate what you do.

One of the most interesting pictures was the Mariners “war room”. I think many of use would enjoy being a fly on the wall in that room while Jack Z met with Scott Boras or Josh Hamilton, or name that free agent. Below is the room which many executives are seen. (Mariners Media)

The most interesting media setup has to be from ESPN. Check out the ESPN set located in the river that runs through the Opryland resort below.

The rest of these are shot taken from in and around the Opryland Hotel.

And yes there is even a Best Buy vending machine. It indeed was real.

So that is it for my first winter meetings blog. Will come back at the end of the week and update you on the final two days from Nashville. Feel free to contact me on twitter @CHarris731 with any questions you might have!

-CH-

SLCS Game 4: Jackson Generals (SEA) (79-61, 1-2) vs. Mobile BayBears (ARI) (69-71, 2-1)
Site: Hank Aaron Stadium – Mobile, Alabama
Series: Mobile leads 2-1
Time: 7:05 p.m.
Pitching Match-up: LHP Anthony Fernandez (1-0, 3.18) vs. RHP Mike Bolsinger (1-0, 6.35)
Radio: WEB ONLY /  GAMEDAY AUDIO and TuneIn Radio App. is available
Live Stats: Live pitch-by-pitch coverage will be available on MILB GAMEDAY
Archived Generals Interviews: Generals YouTube
Game Information:  | Game Notes 9-14 at Mobile
Generals Blog: Inside the Jackson Generals

Generals Roster | 2012 Regular Season Statistics | SL Standings | SL Leaders | Generals Promotions |  MLB Game Notes | Mariners Roster | MLB Standings

TODAY’S GAME:  The Generals are foced into a must win tonight in game 4 of the Southern League Championship Series with Mobile leading 2 games to 1. This is the Jackson franchise’s first appearance in the Championship Series since 2005 and 4th overall appearance. Jackson won 6 of 10 meetings with Mobile during the regular season. Mobile is looking for their 2nd straight Southern League title and 4th since joining the league in 19997.

GENERALS RECAP: After taking an early lead, the Generals couldn’t hold it as Mobile came-from-behind to defeat Jackson 4-2 in 10 innings on Thursday night. With the loss the Generals now trail Mobile 1-2 in the best-of-five Southern League Championship series. Jackson jumped out to a 2-0 lead gettingsingle runs in the fourth and fifth innings. LF Chih-Hsien Chiang reached on an error in the 4th that scored 3B Nate Tenbrink. In the 5th, CF Francisco Martinez brought in C Jesus Sucre with an RBI single to left. Mobile was held scoreless until the bottom of the 8th inning. With 2 runners on and 2 outs, Alfredo Marte reached on an error by SS Brad Miller. Chris Owings and Matt Davidson scored on the error that took an awkward hop. In the 10th, Jonathan Arias (1.0,1,2,2,1,1,HR) walked Matt Mangini and then on the 10th pitch of the at-bat, Matt Davidson belted a tape measure 2-run walk-off homer. Starter Taijuan Walker (5.1,5,0,0,0,9) allowed 5 hits and stuck out 9 in 5.1 scoreless innings before leaving with a blister. Relievers Mauricio Robles (1.0,0,0,0,2,1) tossed 1.0 scoreless inning while Yoervis Medina (1.2,3,2,0,1,2) allowed 2 unearned runs in 1.2 innings. DH Mike Zunino (2×4) and CF Francisco Martinez (2×3, RBI) each led the Generals with 2 hits.

POSTSEASON HIGHLIGHTS: During the first 7 games of the postseason Jackson is batting .275 (65×236) with 30 runs scored, 12 doubles, 1 triple, 5 home runs and 29 RBI. The pitching staff is 4-2 with a 2.18 ERA (15 ER, 62.0 IP), while walking 22 and striking out 62 in the first 7 games. C Mike Zunino currently leads the team in runs scored (6), home runs (3) and RBI (8). Overall he is batting .400 (10×25) with 6 runs scored, 2 doubles, 1 triple, 3 home runs and 8 RBI in 7 games. SS Brad Miller has hit safely in 6 of 7 games during the post-season, batting 355 (11×31) with 5 runs scored, 2 doubles and 2 RBI. INF Stefen Romero is currently batting .345 (10×29) with 3 runs scored, 2 doubles, 4 RBI and 1 walk. RH Logan Bawcom (4.0,2,0,0,2,4) has tossed a scoreless inning in each of the 4 games he has appeared. LH James Paxton (13.1,7,1,0,3,19) has allowed 7 hits and struck out 19 in 13.1 innings with out an earned run to go 2-0 in his 2 postseason starts. RH Taijuan Walker is 0-1 with a 0.71 ERA (1 ER, 12.2 IP) in 2 starts during the postseaon.

MARINERS RENEW PDC WITH JACKSON: Seattle Mariners Executive Vice President & General Manager Jack Zduriencik announced on Sept. 13 the extension of the Player Development Contract with the Jackson Generals as the Double-A affiliate. The contract will go thru the 2014 season. Jackson became a M’s affiliate in 2007.

GENERALS IN THE POSTSEASON: The Jackson franchise is making its 7th appearance in the postseason in 2012. Overall the Generals are 21-23 in Southern League postseason games. The last time Jackson was in the playoffs was in 2010, falling to Tennessee in the North Division Series 3-1. Jackson is appearing in the Championship Series for the 4th time, last in 2005. (1999, 2000, 2005, 2012). This is the first time that Jackson has won a North Division title as an affiliate of the Mariners. The only Jackson SL title came in 2000 over Jacksonville.

TOPS IN THE SOUTHERN LEAGUE: The Generals lead the league in wins (79), pitching staff led the league in ERA (3.37). The Generals position players also lead the league in total bases (1878), slugging percentage (.404) and home runs (118), while tying first in average (.261).

3RD-BEST SEASON IN FRANCHISE HISTORY: The Generals 79 wins during the regular season was the 3rd-most in franchise history and most since 2005. The 2005 Diamond Jaxx won 83 games and the 1999 Diamond Jaxx won a record 84 games. Last season the Generals won just 68 games and the most won since becoming a M’s affiliate in 06.

ERRORLESS SEASON FOR SUCRE: C Jesus Sucre was the only qualifying catcher in the league to not have an error this season. He led allow SL catcher with a 1.000 fielding percentage (0 ER, 769 TC). He also finished 2nd in the league with a .444 (40 SB, 32 CS) caught stealing percentage.

HISTORIC SEASON FOR MARINERS MINORS: The Mariners 9 minor league affiliates wrapped up the 2012 season putting together one of the best seasons in club history, combining for a 496-406 (.550) record…the organization currently leads all Major League farm systems in wins (496) and winning percentage (.550)…the Mariners 496 organizational wins set a new record for more wins in a single sesaon by any Major League farm system…six of the Mariners 9 affiliates qualified for the postseason in 2012.

MAURER NAMED SL PITCHER OF THE YEAR: RH Brandon Maurer Monday was named the league’s most outstanding pitcher. He ranked 5th in the Southern League with a 3.20 ERA. He led the Generals in wins (9), strikeouts (117) and innings pitched (137.1). Since June 1 he is 7-1 with a 2.50 ERA (24 ER, 86.1 IP) with 10 qualitiy starts in 14 starts. During this stretch has lowered his season ERA from 4.38 to 3.20. In 8 starts since returning from DL on July 3,

ALL STARS AMONG US: The Jackson Generals had 3 representatives on the team SL Postseason All-Star Team. Righthanded reliever Carter Capps was named the league’s best relief pitcher, RH Brandon Maurer was named the league’s top right-handed starting pitcher and Jesus Sucre was named the top catcher in the league.

“KISS IT GOODBYE”: Over the course of the last 48 games of the season, the Generals hit 50 home runs, including 15 multi-homer games. The Generals lead the league with 118 homers this season. Jacksonville is 2nd in the league with 107 home runs.

ALL ABOUT THE HITS: SS Brad Miller ranked 2nd amongst all Minor Leaguers this year with 186 hits. Only Reno’s Adam Eaton (197) recorded more hits than Miller this season. Miller is batted .334 (186×557) with 110 runs scored, 40 doubles, 7 triples, 15 home runs and 68 RBI in 136 games combined between High Desert and Jackson. His 110 runs scored currently ranks 4th in the Minor Leagues, while his 40 doubles are T10th overall.

FIRST ROUND FRENZY:The Generals have had 4 Mariners 1st round picks on the roster this season. INF Nick Franklin (‘09, #27, now in AAA Tacoma), RHP Taijuan Walker (‘10, #43), LHP Danny Hultzen (‘11, #2, now in AAA Tacoma) and C Mike Zunino (‘12, #3)