Exit 164: Mariners roster feels so good

M’s roster packed with human interest: May I propose a theme song for the 2010 Mariners roster?

I mean, seriously. You’ve got Michael Pineda, set to make his major league debut on Tuesday after winning the 5th starter spot as a 22-year-old, and Tom Wilhelmsen, who was out of baseball for five seasons, bartending and backpacking, before rising through the M’s farm system last year. Now he and his 98-mph-capable right arm have a spot in the M’s pen. And then there’s Josh Lueke, who…oh. “Feels So Good” takes on a little different meaning when applied to the ol’ Luek-ster, don’t it? Back to the drawing board?

Ready your “Rooney’s Loony” posters: The Sounders’ long-rumored friendly vs. Manchester United is official! The date: July 20. The time: 7 p.m. The tickets: Available only as part of a three-game package until the public sale date June 1.

Gutierrez will start season on DL: The M’s Gold Glove centerfielder hasn’t had enough playing time this spring, so the M’s are starting him on the 15-day disabled list. Gutierrez’ DL stint is back-dated, so he could be ready to play as early as game 6 on April 6th, but more likely we’ll see a, um, non-Gold-Glove platoon of Michael Saunders and Ryan Langerhans until at least opening day.

Top five least likely explanations for Franklin Gutierrez’ stomach pain…

1) Thought his Gold Glove award was chocolate-filled
2) Addicted to Ab Rocket Pro
3) Suffering evil spell cast by pro-Oakland nymphs
4) Still ill from watching “Two Girls, One Cup”
5) Pregnancy

What they’re saying…

“It is kind of remarkable, with the length of time he’s been off, to accomplish what he has accomplished.” — Jack Z on Tom Wilhelmsen

“When we came to Seattle to play Celtic some six years ago, the crowd was fantastic that day. There’s a market there to see top soccer, and I think we’ll provide that.” — Man U coach Sir Alex Ferguson

“I’ve had some good results, but most of the time when you come up against Man U you’re going to lose. That’s why they are at the top of the league every year.” — Kasey Keller, who once was in goal for a win at Old Trafford

In other news…

M’s closer David Aardsma threw at full strength yesterday, and could be back in April.

The Mariners beat Colorado 7-2. DH Jack Cust hit his fourth homer of the spring, and Doug Fister pitched four scoreless.

Husky G Isaiah Thomas was given an honorable mention on the AP All-America team, along with 45 other players. Jon Brockman was an honorable mention in ’09.

Coach Sark’s site has a list of the Huskies who’ll work out for scouts at Pro Day today.

Some photos of Keith Price and Nick Montana practicing yesterday.

Husky RB Johri Fogerson practiced with the team; he was thought to be suspended after his arrest on marijuana charges.

Former Mariner Mike Hampton retired. The M’s 6th round pick in 1990, Hampton pitched 13 games for us in 1993 before going to Houston in the Eric Anthony trade, one of the lesser-mentioned stupid trades in M’s history.

The only college hoops team left playing in the state is done. Washington State took a 75-44 shellacking from Wichita State (not actually a state) in the NIT Semis last night.

The Seattle Thunderbirds fired coach Rob Sumner, who had been with the organization for 15 years and the head coach the last seven.

Seven days closer to a championship…

Wednesday, March 30
Husky Pro Day, 11 a.m. (ESPN3.com)
Baseball: Mariners @ Dodgers, 7:10 p.m. (FSN)

Thursday, March 31
NADA

Friday, April 1
Baseball (for real!): Mariners @ Oakland, 7:07 p.m. (MLB Network, FSN)

Saturday, April 2
Baseball: Mariners @ Oakland, 6:07 p.m. (FSN)
Soccer: Sounders @ San Jose, 7:30 p.m. (KONG)

Sunday, April 3
Baseball: Mariners @ Oakland, 1:07 p.m. (FSN)

Monday, April 4
Baseball: Mariners @ Texas, 5:05 p.m. (FSN)

Tuesday, April 5
Baseball: Mariners @ Texas, 5:05 p.m. (FSN) Note: this is Pineda’s first start