Results tagged ‘ Michael Saunders ’
Michael Saunders Plays Reporter
Mariners outfielder Michael Saunders may have a career after his current career, as a broadcaster. This morning he interviewed Mariners radio announcer Rick Rizzs about the upcoming 2013 season. As you can see, Michael has quite the personality and is a joy to be around (and to watch on the field)!
Several Mariners Listed On World Baseball Classic Provisional Rosters
World Baseball Classic, Inc. today announced the provisional rosters submitted before the January 16th deadline by the 16 participating Baseball Federations in the 2013 World Baseball Classic. Provisional rosters allow up to 28 players to be listed.
Included were 9 players who currently play in the Seattle Mariners organization, including four Major Leaguers and five minor leaguers:
Venezuela – Felix Hernandez
Canada – Michael Saunders
Italy – Alex Liddi, Brian Sweeney
Mexico – Oliver Perez
Netherlands - Kalian Sams
Brazil – Luiz Gohara, Pedro Okuda, Thyago Vieira
Each Federation must submit its final 28-man roster, including a minimum of 13 pitchers and two catchers, by February 20th.
The 2013 World Baseball Classic will be held in early March, with Pool A (Fukuoka, Japan) and Pool B (Taichung, Taiwan) beginning March 2. For a full schedule, and to follow all the WBC action, visit www.WorldBaseballClassic.com or follow on twitter via @WBCBaseball.
Michael Saunders played for Team Canada in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and will be playing in his first World Baseball Classic in 2013.
Saunders & Kawasaki Relive Olympic Memories
With the 2012 London Olympics underway, we can’t help but notice that baseball is missing from the games for the first time since debuting as an exhibition sport in the 1984 Los Angeles games. Baseball was cut from the Olympic program following the 2008 Beijing games when South Korea won the gold medal, Cuba won silver and the United States won bronze.
Current Mariners players Michael Saunders (Canada) and Munenori Kawasaki (Japan) were both participants in the 2008 Olympics, while Hisashi Iwakuma (Japan) played in the 2004 Athens Olympics.
For Saunders, the experience in 2008 was one that he’ll never forget. As a 21-year-old he had the chance to walk in the Opening Ceremonies, take in the Olympic spectacle and feel the pride of representing his country.
“I’ve been lucky enough to be able to represent my country in baseball on a number of different levels from the Little League World Series to the Junior National Team, but playing in the Olympics for my country was the highlight,” said Saunders. “There is such pride in competing at that level and wearing your country’s flag on your hat. It is a tough experience to describe with words.”
Saunders had a pretty good tournament, batting .286 (8×28) with 2 home runs and 4 RBI while Team Canada finished tied for 5th with a 2-5 record.
“We played pretty well, but lost some close games against some really great players,” added Saunders. “In the end it was not the wins and losses, but the whole experience that I’ll remember forever. It was an honor to compete on the same stage as the greatest athletes in the world. I have a chest full of souvenirs and memorabilia from Beijing that I brought back with me.”
Michael Saunders played for Team Canada in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
And Michael got the chance to meet some of those premier athletes when he was in Bejing.
“I got my picture taken with tennis star Rafael Nadal because Spain was housed pretty close to us, and saw a lot of the top USA athletes like LeBron James, Dwight Howard, Michael Phelps and Jennie Finch.”
And he even got the chance to take in another sporting event when not competing on the baseball diamond.
“Each athlete was allowed to pick one sporting event they wanted to attend, and you could list your top three choices,” recalled Saunders. “I put down the 100-meter final in track and field all three times, because I really wanted to see it.”
Not only did Michael get great seats near the finish line, but he saw history as Jamaica’s Usain Bolt set a world record in the event at 9.69 seconds.
“It was an amazing event to see in person. There was so much build-up before Bolt ran, and it was so quick, and it was worth every second to see it in person.”
Saunders was on hand to watch Usain Bolt break the World Record in the 100m in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. (Getty Images)
While baseball will not be played at the London Games, the 2013 World Baseball Classic is just around the corner. Saunders did not get the chance to represent Canada in 2009, but is hopeful to put on the Team Canada uniform again.
“First and foremost my loyalty is to the Seattle Mariners and doing everything I can to help this organization win more baseball games,” said Saunders. “But, if all parties agreed, I would love the opportunity to play in the World Baseball Classic and once again represent my country.”
Kawasaki also played in the 2008 Beijing Olympics with Japan going 4-3 and losing in the bronze medal game to Team USA.
For Kawasaki, the experience in the Olympics was memorable, but was also different since the games were right in the middle of the his season in Japan.
“It was an honor to play for my country in the Olympics, much like playing in the World Baseball Classic,” said Kawasaki.
He did not get the chance to walk in the Opening Ceremonies, but did get a feel for the Olympic experience and got to see many famous athletes like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.
Munenori Kawasaki played for Japan in the 2008 Beijing Olympics (Getty Images)
- JE
Video Rewind – Felix and the Walk-Off
Last night was one of those memorable night’s at the ballpark that fans will remember for a long time. Whether it was the dominating performance by Felix Hernandez, in which he tied his career-high with 13 strikeouts, or the great catches by Casper Wells and Michael Saunders in the outfield, and of course the walk-off single by John Jaso to deliver a 1-0 victory over Boston.
Here are some video highlight’s of last night’s 1-0 victory over the Red Sox:
Felix Strikes Out 13 Red Sox:
Jaso’s Walk-Off Pinch-Hit Single:
Felix Hernandez pumps his fists after striking out a career-high-tying 13 batters in a 1-0 shuout win over the Red Sox. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Felix’s Career Double-Digits Strikeout Games:
| Date | Tm | Opp | Rslt | App,Dec | IP | H | R | ER | BB | SO | HR | Pit | Str | GSc |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012-06-28 | SEA | BOS | W 1-0 | SHO9 ,W | 9.0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 13 | 0 | 128 | 84 | 89 |
| 2011-05-22 | SEA | SDP | W 6-1 | GS-8 ,W | 8.0 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 13 | 0 | 114 | 75 | 79 |
| 2010-08-10 | SEA | OAK | W 2-0 | GS-8 ,W | 8.0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 13 | 0 | 110 | 75 | 84 |
| 2012-04-19 | SEA | CLE | L 1-2 | GS-8 | 8.0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 12 | 0 | 126 | 75 | 83 |
| 2011-08-07 | SEA | LAA | L 1-2 | CG 8 ,L | 8.0 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 12 | 1 | 98 | 70 | 78 |
| 2007-04-02 | SEA | OAK | W 4-0 | GS-8 ,W | 8.0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 12 | 0 | 111 | 77 | 86 |
| 2011-06-02 | SEA | TBR | W 8-2 | GS-7 ,W | 7.0 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 11 | 0 | 97 | 64 | 72 |
| 2010-08-20 | SEA | NYY | W 6-0 | GS-8 ,W | 8.0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 11 | 0 | 117 | 74 | 82 |
| 2010-06-30 | SEA | NYY | W 7-0 | SHO9 ,W | 9.0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 11 | 0 | 115 | 76 | 91 |
| 2009-09-24 | SEA | TOR | W 5-4 | GS-8 ,W | 8.0 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 11 | 1 | 108 | 77 | 63 |
| 2005-08-15 | SEA | KCR | W 11-3 | GS-8 ,W | 8.0 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 11 | 0 | 99 | 67 | 82 |
| 2012-06-23 | SEA | SDP | W 5-1 | GS-7 ,W | 7.0 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 10 | 0 | 94 | 64 | 70 |
| 2011-08-24 | SEA | CLE | W 9-2 | GS-6 ,W | 6.0 | 7 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 10 | 0 | 106 | 72 | 58 |
| 2011-07-05 | SEA | OAK | W 4-2 | GS-8 | 8.0 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 1 | 122 | 81 | 80 |
| 2011-06-24 | SEA | FLA | W 5-1 | GS-8 ,W | 8.0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 10 | 0 | 115 | 76 | 82 |
| 2011-05-01 | SEA | BOS | L 2-3 | GS-7 | 7.0 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 10 | 0 | 111 | 72 | 66 |
| 2009-08-12 | SEA | CHW | W 1-0 | GS-7 | 7.0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 10 | 0 | 105 | 67 | 71 |
| 2009-05-24 | SEA | SFG | W 5-4 | GS-8 ,W | 8.0 | 7 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 10 | 1 | 112 | 83 | 67 |
| 2008-04-27 | SEA | OAK | L 2-4 | GS-7 ,L | 7.0 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 10 | 0 | 115 | 75 | 55 |
Tweet of the Night:
Casper Wells says #NoDeal instagr.am/p/McjW91gSPU/
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) June 29, 2012
Mariners Magazine – Saunders Reinvented
There is just 6 games remaining in June, starting with tonight’s homestand opening game vs. the Oakland Athletics. That means you have 6 more days to get your June copy of Mariners Magazine (Volume 23, Issue 3) featuring this article on outfielder Michael Saunders and his reinvented swing (article written by Kieran O’Dwyer). You can pick up Mariners Magazine throughout Safeco Field and at any of the five Mariners Team Stores. You can also subscribe to Mariners Magazine and have it delivered to your home.
Mariners All-Access – Tricks of the Trade
The newest episode of Mariners All-Access debuts today on ROOT Sports NW at noon, and re-airs tonight at 6 p.m. following the Mariners-Padres Interleague finale. If you are not able to watch today, you can catch the show at 6 pm on June 29 or June 30.
This week’s episode is dedicated to the Tricks of the Trade feature.
- Switch hitters are rare and the Mariners have the rarest… one with power. Justin Smoak puts on a hitting clinic from both sides of the plate, from the most basic things like stance and swing, to contact points with the ball.
- Left-handed reliever Charlie Furbush earns a cameo, but his impact is big, just like his slider—he’ll teach you how he throws it. (Great at parties to strike out your friends).
- Catcher Jesus Montero recently switched things up, not his delivery or swing, but his equipment. Here is a hint, it is unknown how well Montero would fair out on the ice against Pavel Datsyuk, but he looks the part with his new mask.
- And finally, if the ball gets by an infielder, the guy is going to be standing on first, if it gets by the outfield chances are someone is touching home—that’s why they say, the infield will hurt you, the outfield will kill you. Outfielder Michael Saunders makes sure this won’t happen. He takes us out to the grass for a lesson on catching Major League fly balls.
Michael Saunders will be featured on today’s episode of Mariners All-Access showing the Tricks of the Trade behind catching fly balls. (Getty Images)
Check back to the blog for more previews of Mariners All-Access.
- JE
Saunders Autograph Session at Lynnwood Fred Meyer
Seattle Mariners outfielder Michael Saunders will be at the Lynnwood Fred Meyer store on Monday, May 7 from noon to 1pm to meet with fans and sign autographs.
The Fred Meyer is located at 4615 196th SW in Lynnwood.
Michael Saunders will sign autographs Monday at the Lynnwood Fred Meyer. (Getty Images)
- RH
Mariners Spring Training Update – Day 4
Day 4 / Wednesday, February 15, 2012 / 41 Days ‘til Opening Night in Tokyo / 57 Days ‘til Opening Night in Seattle
Weather: The weather was a little chilly again today but warmed up by the end of the workout. A high of 65-degrees is expected later today and it is supposed to be 70-degrees tomorrow.
Quote of the Day: “Guante. Guante! That’s my word for the day. Guante! Guante!” – Brendan Ryan, on his way off the practice field cradling his new glove in his arms. Guante is the Spanish word for glove.
The Day: While it might feel like groundhog day here during the early part of Spring Training, you can always find, see or hear something new and today was no exception. There was a lot of energy on Field 3 as the pitchers and some infielders (not all first baseman) worked on covering first base on a ball hit to the first baseman.
Munenori Kawasaki PFP
Infielder Munenori Kawasaki was very vocal on the field, shouting out commands in both English and Japanese to pitchers covering first base. He could also be seen patting a pitcher on the back for a job well done and generally providing energy for the team, much like Brendan Ryan does.
Kawasaki played on Team Japan in the 2009 World Baseball Classic tournament, and while there were several stars on that team that included Ichiro, Hisashi Iwakuma and Yu Darvish, people say that Kawasaki was the “heart and soul” of the team.
Out on Field 6, some outfielders including Carlos Peguero, Michael Saunders and Trayvon Robinson worked on tracking down fly balls while other position players prepared to hit in the cage.
Inside the clubhouse, there were plenty of laughs around Felix Hernandez‘s locker. Turns out the Mariners TV commercial scripts arrived today and Brendan Ryan was sitting at Felix’s locker, reading the script aloud as various players including Felix, Dustin Ackley and Brandon League couldn’t stop laughing.
The Mariners marketing crew will arrive in Peoria tomorrow and will begin preparations for all their commercial and in-game entertainment shoots.
- FA
Mariners on the Airwaves – January 26
Thursday was a busy media day for the Mariners, with the annual Pre-Spring Training Media Day at Safeco Field. The event features a number of guests, including several members of the Baseball Operations Department, Manager Eric Wedge, General Manager Jack Zduriencik, outfielders Michael Saunders and Mike Carp and catcher Jesus Montero. Here is a listing of Podcasts from various radio interviews from Thursday:
- Manager Eric Wedge and GM Jack Zduriencik with Brock & Salk on 710 ESPN Seattle
- Pitching Coach Carl Willis with Dave “Softy” Mahler on Sports Radio KJR
- Catcher Jesus Montero with Ian Furness and Jason Puckett on Sports Radio KJR
- Manager Eric Wedge with Ian Furness and Jason Puckett on Sports Radio KJR
- Outfielder Michael Saunders with Gas and Elise on Sports Radio KJR
- INF/OF Mike Carp was a guest on New Day Northwest
And here are a few links from interviews conducted on media row at the Seattle Sports Star of the Year event Wednesday:
- Eric Wedge joins Jim Moore and Mike Salk of 710 ESPN Seattle
- Jack Zduriencik and Jay Buhner join Jim Moore and Mike Salk of 710 ESPN Seattle
- Jesus Montero and Eric Wedge with Gas and Elise on Sports Radio KJR
- Jack Zduriencik and Seattle Storm President Karen Bryant with Gas and Elise on Sports Radio KJR
Live Blog: Mariners Media Day
You can follow today’s Pre-Spring Training Media Day via a live webcast at Mariners.com.
10:05 am — Mariners Senior Director of Baseball Information Tim Hevly welcomes the media to the 32nd Annual Pre-Spring Training Media Luncheon and a video is shown of Jack Zduriencik and Eric Wedge talking about “The Plan.”
A packed house for the Mariners annual Media Day at Safeco Field.
10:10 am — Mariners VP of Marketing Kevin Martinez unveils the 35th Anniversary Patch that will be worn on home and road uniforms this season. he also announced plans to bring back former players from throughout the organization’s history during home weekend series.
10:15 am — Senior VP of Communications Randy Adamack talks about the Mariners Opening Series vs. the A’s in Japan.
10:20 am — Head Athletic Trainer gives the off-season injury update. Says that Felix is doing great after getting hit by a line drive in his last start at Texas. Brendan Ryan should be full-steam ahead in spring training. Casper Wells was diagnosed with a “balance disorder” and is 100% and ready to go. Rick also says that Franklin Gutierrez is healthy and has put on about 15 pounds of muscle and looks as healthy as he ever has.
10:30 am — Director of Player Development Chris Gwynn takes the stage for his first introduction to the Seattle media. Gwynn says his basic philosophy is fundamentals, and whatever it takes to get those fundamentals down. Gwynn has been with the San Diego Padres in various scouting and player development roles. He played 10 seasons in the Major Leagues with the Dodgers, Royals and Padres.
10:40 am — Assistant GM Jeff Kingston and Special Assistant to the GM Tony Blengino talk about the players coming to spring training that have been added to the roster this off-season.
Edgar Martinez stopped by to say hi to the newest Mariner, Jesus Montero.
10:51 am — We are running a little ahead of schedule, which tends to happen with this event, so GM Jack Zduriencik is now on the stage. He begins by congratulating ESPN 710 Seattle’s Mike Salk on the addition to his family and Jerry Brewer on his Writer of the Year award.
JZ says that there is no question we will have a young team this year, but also have some young talent right behind them. Adds, it may be a challenging year at the Big League level, but we are up for the challenge. Sprinkled in some veterans as well that will provide clubhouse leadership. Now is is answering questions from the media.
11:00 am — Jack still has the stage and is answering questions from the media. Talks about the make-up of this year’s team and how they have grown together after last season. He says there will be some competition during spring training for some roster spots. Also mentioned having about 10 players up to Seattle in January for team bonding and to see how they have progressed physically. Said it was a good experience for the players to get on the same page before spring training.
1:10 am — Jack is deep in to talking about The Plan. Says that we are building this thing the right way and climbing the ladder. He is not satisfied, but there has been progress and is in the middle of the process. Lots of positives, lots of good young talent. Acknowledges patience is tough for fans, but says there are a lot of great things going on here and the future is bright.
11:15 am — Manager Eric Wedge takes the stage. In his opening statement says that he is more excited & more confident today than when he took the job. Talking about this year’s team with a lot of passion and energy.
11:30 am — Wedge has some interesting tidbits saying that he is leaning towards batting Ichiro 2nd or 3rd in the order. Also says that Chone Figgins will play all three outfield positions, in addition to shortstop, third base and second base. Said that he is going to get the opportunity to play all over the field.
11:35 am — Jesus Montero is introduced to the media, sporting his #63 jersey with Jack Zduriencik and Eric Wedge.
Jesus just met Edgar Martinez for the first time this morning. Montero once told his dad “I’m going to be like him, hitting ball to right field.”
Jesus Montero at Media Day.
11:45 am — Mike Carp and Michael Saunders are now on the podium. Both have been part of the caravan this week. Carp said he is hoping to build off his strong season last year and worked hard in the weight room during the off-season. Saunders said last year was a tough year and is using that as motivation for the upcoming season ahead.
Carp added “We are young and we want to win. We play hard. Hopefully some of the younger guys step up. With our pitching we should compete.”
Saunders said he has spent a lot of his off-season training working with video, and studying some of the best hitters in the game, and what they do right. His ultimate goal, and mindset, is to hit the ball hard and let the results take care of itself.
And that is a wrap from media day. We will post a photo gallery later this afternoon.
- JE
