Game #70: Bucs @ Mariners

*I really don't understand how or why Jonah Bayliss is still on this team. There has to be SOMEONE available better than him. He's crap. He pitched about 1/3 of an inning yesterday and walked one, gave up a HR and nearly blew the game. Thank God that Kuwata and Chacon came in and bailed his ass out. I really only have faith in Chacon, Capps and Kuwata at this point out of the bullpen. Something has to be done.

*Anyone else notice how great Ichiro is? He is so underrated as a player. That's crazy to say because he's won an MVP and a ROY but he is. He gets out of the box faster than any player I've ever seen. Tonight I saw him literally start running to first WHILE he was still swinging the bat. It's truly incredible and must be the reason why he gets some many infield hits. He should be mentioned as one of the 3 best players of this era. He's in his 7th season in the US and he already has 1,500 hits. At 34 you have to figure he's got 3-5 really good years left. In that time he maintains his career average of 225 hits a season it's not unconceivable that he'll reach 3,000 but it is very likely he'll get to between 2,200-2,700. That's amazing figuring he didn't come here until he was 28. What's more amazing is that his game relies mostly on his speed. Usually players like that start fading off as the get into their 30's but he's getting better. He's Pete Rose...a hit machine and it's time he gets that credit. He's a free agent after this year and if I was a GM I wouldn't hesitate to give him $10-$15 mil a season.

*I saw a surprising stat during the game yesterday. It said that since May 15, Jose Bautista has lead MLB in runs scored. That's amazing really. Obviously he benefits from batting leadoff most of that time but still it proves that he's getting on base, making things happen and the guys behind him are getting him in. He's really proving his worth. I think he's got a really bright future with the club. I think we're seeing this upswing in Jose's progress this year because he was a Rule 5 player whom the Pirates lost. Most of those players tend to have their development hindered because they're moving to a whole new organization; sometimes only for one year as well then back to their original club. Very good for Jose. I hope he stays at third because defensively he's been brilliant.

*I am so tired of (insert whoever is playing CF) batting #2. Why doesn't Tracy wake up and realize that Sanchez has no power and no business batting #3?? Usually I snicker when fans think they're more intelligent than the manager, in that case, they're are.

*I think McLouth should get AB's over Duffy. I hate Duffy, thank God he's hurt.