GT 8.19.26 M's #1 Prospect Suddenly Retires; can't show his face as Mariner

[TLO Idaho]

Gilbert not really helping himself. Throwing a lot of balls

[seth8734]

Gilbert not really helping himself. Throwing a lot of balls

Yep serves up a 2 run shot. Ughhhhh if we lose this game. DAN CANNOT HAVE A JOB ANYMORE.

Donno with a strong ab. Seems to be he is back and finally healthy.

[TLO Idaho]

Who is this Rich Waltz doing the play-by-play on the TV ?

[AT Fresno]

Nice double by Naylor highlights the second inning 3 run barrage. 7-0 sounds good so far.

[DanielVogelbach]

There is no such thing as a good farm system that you can't "utilize to win in the major leagues". That's the exact purpose of it.

So, the purpose was to make the playoffs twice? Got it. What a smashing success.

Michael K serving up straw man specials.

There is no such thing as a good farm system that you can't "utilize to win in the major leagues". You asked the question, "what's the point of a good farm system if you can't utilize it wo win in the major leagues?" This is like asking what is the use of $100 million dollars cold cash if you can't spend it on things. Of course you can utilize a strong farm system to win in the major leagues. It's a key piece. An obvious piece.

Young talent that you have 6 years of MLB control over. You can usually sign them to cost-effective extensions, because most young players want to go ahead and lock up some cash to avoid losing it from an injury. Plus, you can use the prospects as trade pieces to fill out your roster when you are in "go for it" mode.

There is no other way to compete unless you're out spending a bunch of money on free agents. And, the free agent route is risky anyway, because you might end up spending money on washed up bum. You might lose a bidding war. The farm system is CRITICAL to success.

Look at any lower tier payroll team that has EVER had success. They ALWAYS follow the same formula. You rebuild by selling off all your pieces of value and stocking up prospects. This is how EVERY small market team wins. Royals, Rays... it's the formula the Astros used to go from losing 100 games in 3 straight years to winning the World Series.

The FARM SYSTEM and PLAYER DEVELOPMENT are CRITICAL.

Plus, it has been a success for the Mariners by any measure. Not just two "playoff" appearances. (I call it the post season). But, it's been a WC series win in 2022, a divisional series win in 2025 that included being up 2-0 and 3-2 in the ALCS. That's a heckuva lot better than a lot of teams carrying much higher payrolls.

[DanielVogelbach]

Statistically most players peak at age 27.

Average age of a rookie is 25.

Teams get automatic 6 years of club control before the player can hit Free Agency.

Do the math.

[AT Fresno]

Who is this Rich Waltz doing the play-by-play on the TV ?

Rich Waltz (often misspelled or misheard as “Rick Walz”) is a veteran American play-by-play sports announcer currently filling in on Seattle Mariners broadcasts, including games against the Milwaukee Brewers.
He is best known as the longtime television voice of the Miami Marlins (2005–2017). A three-time Emmy winner, he now regularly works college football and basketball for CBS Sports, plus Major League Baseball for MLB Network, Apple TV’s Friday Night Baseball, and fill-in assignments for several MLB teams (including the Mariners, Angels, Diamondbacks, Giants, and others).

Background and career highlightsEarly life and playing career: Born in Martinez, California. He played college baseball as a starting infielder at Los Medanos College and then the University of California, Davis (graduating in 1986), helping the Aggies win conference titles.
Broadcasting start: After college he began in the minors (Spokane Indians, Wichita, Las Vegas) and also called hockey for the Spokane Chiefs. He did fill-in work and pregame hosting for the Seattle Mariners (on FSN Northwest) in the 1990s/early 2000s, called his first MLB game in 1994 (Mariners), and worked national games for ESPN, Fox, and others.
Marlins years (2005–2017): Primary TV play-by-play announcer. He called notable games including Aníbal Sánchez’s no-hitter (2006), Roy Halladay’s perfect game (2010), Henderson Alvarez’s no-hitter (2013), and other high-profile moments. His departure after an ownership change was widely criticized by fans and media.

Waltz is a familiar, well-regarded voice in baseball circles with deep Pacific Northwest ties from his earlier Mariners work and later fill-ins. He is not a full-time member of the current primary Mariners broadcast team (Aaron Goldsmith on TV, Rick Rizzs on radio in his final season), but serves as a frequent and popular substitute.

[seth8734]

Damnnn offense can only hit May. Welp hopefully pitching can hold.

[TLO Idaho]

Who are these imposters in Mariner uniforms?

By the way Rocky I liked your old Avatar

She caught a cold and is snuggled up in my bed at home recuperating.....don't tell my wife.
She'll be back.

M's have been choking so bad I remembered X-Man chocking Wes Matthews so used that to show my frustration.

I hope she starts feeling better and can come back and join us.

[rockycola]

By the way Rocky I liked your old Avatar

She caught a cold and is snuggled up in my bed at home recuperating.....don't tell my wife.
She'll be back.

M's have been choking so bad I remembered X-Man chocking Wes Matthews so used that to show my frustration.

I hope she starts feeling better and can come back and join us.

fyi - she's not exclusive