Exit 164: Mariner hitters could use Pete Carroll’s pyramid

Texas 3, Mariners 2: Impotent offense and another outfield misplay kept a dominating Michael Pineda from recording a win in his first MLB start. Pineda spotted his fastball at 94-96 mph, and his slider showed promise. Watching him is must-see TV the rest of the season. You can read my impressions recorded from the Comet Tavern or read John’s story as he was actually at the game. Mariners 2-3, T2nd, 3 GB. Next game today, 11:05 a.m. @ Texas. Felix pitches.

Franklin Gutierrez may play baseball this weekend: The M’s centerfielder, mentioned as a dark-horse MVP candidate last season, continues to recover from his mysterious stomach ailment. He may play in some minor league games this weekend.

Pete Carroll’s Pyramid of Success unveiled: Check out this grainy photo of Pete Carroll’s Pyramid of Success. Was it based on John Wooden’s or Ron Swanson’s?

Top 5 Mariner Pitcher MLB Debuts
1) Ken Cloude, no-hitter through six innings, 8/6/1997
2) Pat Rice, 5.2 shutout innings at Yankee Stadium, 5/18/1991
3) Mark Langston, 7 IP, 2 ER and a win, 4/7/1984
4) Enrique Romo, at age 30, 9 Ks in loss to Nolan Ryan and Angels, 4/7/1977
5) Michael Pineda, six strong innings vs. MLB’s hottest hitting team, 4/5/2011

What they’re saying…

“He pitched a great ball game. He was poised out there, aggressive and used all of his pitches.” — Eric Wedge

“If Pineda was the least bit nervous, it didn’t show. As a matter of fact, the first inning was his best, and I don’t think there’s even any question.” — Jeff Sullivan, Lookout Landing

“I think the potential of the Washington program is really unbelievable. We can have success at the national level.” — New UW women’s hoops coach Kevin McGuff

Tonight’s target: C.J. Wilson…

After five seasons as a reliever in Texas, Wilson became a starter last year and responded with a 15-8 record and a 3.35 ERA. He goes after hitters with a variety of pitches thrown at different arm angles, similar to a late-career David Cone. He throws about 70% fastballs, but that includes a cutter, a sinking fastball, and something called “The Cork.” Wilson likes attention. He has his own website, recently appeared in a Funny or Die video, and tweets under the name str8edgeracer. Yup, he’s straight edge, and claims never to have had a beer. I almost feel sorry for the guy, but…TEETOTALERS HAVE NO PLACE IN BASEBALL! DESTROY HIM, MARINERS!!!

In other news…

I hired an artist to make these Larry Bernandez tees. Selling them at cost, in honor of my new favorite Mariner. Enjoy!

There is likely to be a Pac-12 television network next year, according to this must-read piece by the San Jose Mercury News’ Jon Wilner.

The Tacoma Rainiers set their opening day roster.

USS Mariner’s minor league expert Jay Yencich previews the M’s minor league teams at low-A Midwest League Clinton and fast-A Cal League High Desert.

This Mariner beer vendor will take orders via Tweet. Done–if in my drunken state I can manage to key out my section and row.

The Huskies were 23rd in the final USA Today coaches poll.

New Husky women’s coach Kevin McCuff met the media yesterday, and said he plans to play aggressive defense and run, similar to Romar’s men’s team. Hoorah!

Ryan Mallett would be a bad choice for the Seahawks, writes Doug.

Former Seattle P-I writer Dan Raley wrote a book on the Seattle Rainiers, David has a review.

Sigi Schmid is going to have a season-long problem figuring out who to play in midfield, writes Stanley.

Seven days closer to a championship…

Today, April 6
Mariners @ Texas, 11:05 a.m. (FSN now ROOT)

Thursday, April 7
NADA

Friday, April 8
M’s Opening Night vs. Cleveland @ Safeco, 7:10 p.m. Magnetic Schedules! (FSN now ROOT)

Saturday, April 9
Sounders vs. Chicago @ Qwest, 1 p.m. (KING-5)
Mariners vs. Cleveland @ Safeco, 6:10 p.m. Felix Bobblehead! (FSN now ROOT)

Sunday, April 10
Mariners vs. Cleveland @ Safeco, 1:10 p.m. Ichiro T-shirt! (FSN now ROOT)

Monday, April 11
Mariners vs. Toronto @ Safeco, 7:10 p.m. Half-price family night! (FSN now ROOT)

Tuesday, April 12
Mariners vs. Toronto @ Safeco, 7:10 p.m. (FSN now ROOT)

Check out my Seattle sports calendar, currently listing all M’s, Sounders, Storm and Husky football games. I use it in conjunction with my Google calendar to make sure I don’t schedule my afternoon tea during a big game.