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Seattle Mariners Wiretap

Avila Has Great Respect For Ichiro's Hitting Prowess

Ichiro Suzuki struggled for the first time in his Major League career in 2011, hitting under .300 for the first time ever (.272).

Still, Tigers catcher Alex Avila believes last season was an aberration rather than an indication for the 38-year-old right fielder.

"I thought it was funny last year, people thought he was done," Avila said.

"He's just a good hitter. He can hit anything, basically anywhere. A lot of pitches he hit [Wednesday] were good pitches and he just knows how to put the bat on the ball and place it where there's nobody around. He's been doing that forever."

Via MLB.com


Mariners GM 'Surprised' By Pineda's Injury

The Mariners insist they were surprised by Michael Pineda's season-ending shoulder injury.

Seattle sent Pineda to New York in exchange for hitting prospect Jesus Montero this offseason.

"Absolutely not," general manager Jack Zduriencik said when asked if he knew the right-hander was damaged goods. "None, whatsoever. Before the trade, he was going to be our No. 2 starter."

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman hasn't blamed the Mariners, saying he believes the team received a healthy player in the deal.

"I feel bad," Zduriencik said. "We love Michael Pineda. He's a great kid. This is very unfortunate. I hope it works out. I'm surprised."

Via Andrew Marchand/ESPN.com


Rangers Bail Out Yu Darvish

Yu Darvish had a feeling of calmness when he took the mound for his debut for the Rangers.

Once he settled down, and got past a rough start with some help from his offense, Darvish was a winner in an 11-5 victory over the Mariners on Monday night.

"Mentally, I was very calm, but my body felt like it wanted to go and go and go," Darvish said through his translator. "At the beginning of the game, my mind and my body kind of weren't on the same page."

Via ESPN.com


Mariners Apr 2012 Archive