Philip Humber will be the new Len Barker.  An average pitching career but had one shining moment.  If there’s any team you’re going to pitch pefection against, it’s the 2012 Mariners.  It wouldn’t surprise me if the team has a no-hitter thrown against them later this year.  They need to play with some fire. They could use a veteran who can keep things loose but also won’t hesitate to make players accountable.  I thought they had that with Junior but his own teammates went behind his back and told on him for dozing off in the clubhouse during a game.  (Never mind the fact that a lot of veterns occasionally do that.  Norm Charlton was legendary for it) It’s a long season.  IIRC, the players involved are still on the team.  But that’s the mindset for the club.  Do they play to win?

The experiment that is Chone Figgins at leadoff is failing.  And I think part of Ryan’s problem is that he’s so low in the batting order.  I imagine that the M’s are hoping Figgins will at least bat .275 so they can trade him.  Maybe package League with him in return for good hitter.  At some point the M’s are going to have to consider cuttting their losses with Figgins and return Ichiro to leadoff.  Maybe have Ryan behind him and consider putting Ackley in the three hole and Carp at #4 since Smoak isn’t really protecting the 3 spot like a #4 should.  But then again, I’m not sure Ryan deserves a promotion to #2 the way he’s hitting.  No one on the team does really.

I get why Jack Z. is building with youth.  They’re hungry and want to be in the majors.  Most veteran hitters balk at playing at Safeco Field and pitchers see how Felix Hernandez can pitch a gem and still lose.  Young players aren’t as jaded about playing for the Mariners as a veteran player would be.  But that youth has caught up with the club.