Mariners Spring Training Update – Day 13

Day 13 / Friday, February 24, 2012 / 33 Days ‘til Opening Night in Tokyo (March 28 vs. Oakland) / 49 Days ‘til Opening Night in Seattle (April 13 vs. Oakland)

Weather:
It is beginning to sound redundant, but the weather has been amazing. Not trying to rub it in, but it is pretty darn perfect down here right now. It was about 65° when the team started stretching at 10 a.m. and was 75° at first pitch during the Intrasquad game.

Charlie Furbush and Chance Ruffin playing pepper.

The Day:
Most of the players had their uniform sizes measured by Majestic. The guys didn’t get out to the field until 10 a.m. after having an extended team meeting to go over offensive and defensive signs, and pitchers and catchers signs. After the meetings and a light stretch, the team ran through a crisp infield-outfield. There was lots of energy, especially from shortstop Munenori Kawasaki. Kawasaki is quickly becoming a fan favorite down here in Peoria with his high energy on the field. The pitchers that were not scheduled to throw in the Intrasquad game all threw short bullpen sessions. After batting practice on Fields 1 & 2, the team broke for lunch, before starting the Intrasquad game at 12:45 p.m. on Field 1.

The Intrasquad game ended in a 3-3 tie after 8 innings. You can visit our Live Blog on the Intrasquad game, complete with a running play-by-play of highlights and a box score. Left-hander Jason Vargas looked solid in his start, striking out 4 and not allowing a hit in 2.1 innings (28 pitches/21 strikes).

King Felix getting loose in the bullpen.

Additional Tidbits:
Shortstop Brendan Ryan threw again before practice for about 10 minutes and was the DH during the Intrasquad game (hit a solo home run)…Ryan has been sidelined by a sore right shoulder…the Mariners will not hold a workout on Thursday, March 1 (only off day of the spring)…a couple of players from minor league mini-camp suited up for the Intrasquad game (INF Brad Miller, INF Jharmidy De Jesus, OF Jabari Blash OF Alfredo Morales and INF Gabriel Noriega).

Quotes of the Day:
“Three Outs!” From catcher Miguel Olivo, followed by shortstop Munenori Kawasaki, in the field when Jason Vargas stayed on the mound in the top of the second inning to record a four-out inning. You won’t hear that often.

“Dude, run the bases next time! It’s not going to happen often, you might as well enjoy it.” From Justin Smoak to Brendan Ryan after he hit a home run to left field, but did not round the bases.

Tweet of the Day:

Think the #Mariners young arms are taking this intrasquad seriously? All have headphones on & sporting game face four hours before 1st pitch

— Jesse Sanchez (@JesseSanchezMLB) February 24, 2012

Lights, Camera, Action:
The Mariners Marketing crew will complete shooting their award-winning commercials today. Felix Hernandez, Eric Wedge, Jason Vargas, Brandon League, Jesus Montero and Carl Willis were the stars of today’s commercial shoots. The crew will role out a total of five commercials this year, with 14 players, 3 coaches and Manager Eric Wedge featured. Look for the commercials to debut on Mariners.com in mid-March.

Camp Guests:
Representatives from Majestic Uniforms were in the clubhouse early this morning fitting players for their uniforms…Bat and Glove representatives from Rawlings were also in the clubhouse talking to players.

Cactus League Report:
It is a few days away, but wanted to let everyone know the first Cactus League Report is scheduled for Monday from 7-9 p.m. at Salty Senorita in Peoria. Scheduled guests include Tony Blengino, Robby Thompson, Forrest Snow, Danny Hultzen, Shawn Kelley, Kyle Seager and Larry Stone from the Seattle Times. We’ll post a link to the audio later this week so fans across the internet can tune in.

Alex Liddi takes a knee during his BP round.

Important Dates:
The second of four Intrasquad games will be held Sunday (2/26) at 12:45 p.m. on Field #1 of the Mariners complex in Peoria. Felix Hernandez and Kevin Millwood are scheduled to be the starting pitchers. The first Cactus League game is in seven days on March 2 at Oakland (Phoenix Municipal Stadium). Here is an updated listing of recent schedule changes:

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- JE