Lookout Landing

With the season suddenly on, the TMBM crew scrambles to gather their thoughts. We discuss the draft, now further in hindsight, an eye-popping showcase for next year's high school studs, and of course the Mariners prospects-heavy taxi squad schemes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Note: At around the midpoint (30 minutes in) John’s audio quality drops off for some reason. It’s only a mild difference but he does get quieter, apologies for the inconvenience. 0:00-14:00: So they’re gonna do this baseball thing. Matthew, Kate, and John share their trepidation for the logistics of the MLB season in the throes of a resurgence (did we ever halt the first surgence?) of COVID-19 nationwide, and somehow end up talking about cup stacking and waveboards for a while. 14:00-28:00: We dig into the temporary (or not) rule changes. Universal DHs, runners on second in extra innings, no spitting, altered ILs, and of course, the wet rag. Whose ass is going to be soaking wet for us, the viewer? 28:00-End: Questions! What is an ideal shortened Mariners season in our eyes? Is there any way MLB doesn’t royally screw this up and get a ton of people sick? How should the Mariners handle their prospects? Where is Yasiel Puig at anyways? How will a trade deadline (and trade market) work or develop, and will it imp

0:00-19:55: Ryan Rowland-Smith is here! The former Mariner pitcher and current Mariner analyst has his own podcast now, and he recently created an animation to go with it. What else has Ryan been up to during the lockdown? What does he miss the most about the rhythms of an MLB season? He mentions how unfortunate it is that many of the Mariners’ young pitchers’ development will be thrown off by this prolonged break. Find out which type of player Ryan thinks you should “never pick high up in drafts”. Of course, given that we are a serious baseball podcast, we also get into a conversation about the everyday hustles of Newcastle, Australia. 20:00-32:30: Ryan re-lives his first American experiences, which came in the lush meadows of Arizona. What would he do differently if he were a prospect today? This leads to some stories about how the Mariners ran their organization when Ryan was coming up through the ranks. Bill Bavasi, cover your ears. 32:35-47:25: It’s time to find out what was really happening in 2010. Wer

0:00-10:00: Dave Sims, the voice of the Mariners, joins Matthew to talk about life as a Black man in baseball and share some of his thoughts on the Black Lives Matter movement. How do we get more Black people – and people from other underrepresented groups – in the broadcast booth? What about getting more Black kids into baseball, and eventually into the majors? Enacting an entire culture shift is a daunting task, but it’s the only option for both baseball and society at large. 10:05-21:05: What’s it like for Dave to travel around the league and typically be the only Black person in the room? When he meets people from outside of the sports world, what is their reaction to finding out Dave works in baseball? Breaking news: BLACK PEOPLE LIKE BASEBALL TOO, and as Dave says, “We’re sick and tired of being sick and tired.” 21:10-26:35: The Mariners have the largest population of Black players in the league. What has Dave’s experience with that group been like? How do we make sure this doesn’t become a one-off situ

All three of John, Kate, and Joe link our podcast-creation-stones once more to cover a highly educated crop of Mariners draftees with minimal pizzazz on the surface. We came into this recording with dissatisfaction in our hearts, but worked our way to a better place. Have a listen! Music: “Sister Surround” by Soundtrack to Our Lives / “CHANCES” by KAYTRANADA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kate and Joe talk about the Mariners sixth-round pick Emerson Hancock as well as review the first day of the draft as a whole. They also discuss Day Two strategies and targets, and how the Mariners might address the gaps in their system. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to draft week, where the slots do matter and nobody knows what's going on. John, Kate, and Joe join forces all the same to offer our last thoughts before things go down this Wednesday and Thursday. The topics of conversation include... Why is Emerson Hancock sliding in so many projections? And do we still want him if he's there at No. 6? Nick Gonzales or Max Meyer? Which of the top names could possibly slip to Seattle? What compels someone to go from Roswell, GA, to Roswell, NM? How do teams value organizational fit in a draft with so much talent? Who would we like most for Seattle at No. 6 and No. 43? And much more. Check out lookoutlanding.com for all our draft coverage, including Joe's final mock draft, with a big 'ol surprise at No. 10. Music: "Kin II" by Midnight Survivor / "CHANCES" by KAYTRANADA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

0:00-11:45: A lovely reunion conversation is immediately interrupted by Kate updating us on her mobile, liquor-slurping neighbors. As per usual, this portends another conversation that has absolutely nothing to do with the intended purposes of this podcast. Before getting back on track, Matthew addresses the recent events in America and implores you to do what you can. 11:50-24:45: We get into MLB’s proposed plans for getting the season going. This includes some talk about timelines, player payment, and locations. All of this stumbles into open suggestions for how certain teams can recreate the environment of their home parks. This is the part where we’re contractually obligated to wonder if the Mariners could sneak into the playoffs and subsequently start an unbearable discussion about whether it counts. 24:50-49:55: Digging into listener questions! Thank you as always to those who submitted, we know it’s been a while since we spoke to you directly. Questions cover topics like how players will come out of th

Among many other things, this was a grim few weeks for baseball in the United States. The Mariners cut 44 minor leaguers, including several players with longer tenures in the organization than anyone not named Seager. John, Joe, and Kate talk through a number of players whose careers in Seattle's affiliation came to an end this week, with a focus on the implications for the minor leagues going forward, what the Arizona Fall League may look like, and how independent baseball will be increasingly worth everyone's time. At around the 35:00 minute mark, the discussion turns to the draft. Georgia RHP Emerson Hancock has been mocked to the Mariners a couple times now, representing a surprising shift for one of the premier arms in the pool. We go into what's precipitated that perceived slip and whether we'd be on board if he's still available at No. 6 (you can hear Kate screaming 'YES'!!!! without the headphones). Afterwards, we turn our focus beyond the first round and each talk through a few names at every pick -

0:00-28:10: Mourning a Memorial Day without baseball before welcoming Mariner legend Bucky Jacobsen to the show! Bucky breaks down the origins of his name and how he went from the smallest kid in his school to a hulking MLB slugger. Which earthly process does Bucky’s career most resemble, and how did it come out of eastern Oregon? He also shares a story about his athletic career in the aquatic world. 29:15-43:55: Let’s dig in to Bucky’s career, starting with the day he got called up in 2004. You might not remember which beloved Mariner got released to make room for big #33. You definitely don’t remember what happened in his first game, which was a disaster for the Mariners but memorable for Bucky, especially because of a pregame ritual that ticked off the second baseman. 44:00-55:55: What changes has Bucky noticed in baseball culture today compared to when he played? Which future Hall of Famer did Bucky describe as having a “dump truck ass” when they crossed paths in the Venezuelan winter ball? This leads to

Kate, Joe, and John tackle MLB's most recent proposals for how teams might handle the shortened season, and how minor league baseball and prospects may be impacted. With a taxi squad proposal involving 30 active players and 20 taxi squad "reserves", teams will be digging into their prospect pools for big league action this year if games take place. What might that roster look like for the Mariners? And are there players who might be better or worse suited for such an arrangement? We also discuss the news of the day, with the Oakland Athletics and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim laying off and/or furloughing much of their scouting and player development groups. After this podcast was recording, the Athletics informed their minor leaguers they would cease paying them, but would not release them from their contracts, beginning June 1. We discuss how these circumstances may have lengthy ramifications for some teams, the AL West in particular, and how that will likely bleed into the MLB Draft as well. Music: "Wrecki

0:00-12:25: Gabey Lucas, a writer and editor for UW Dawg Pound and local comedian, joins the show to chat about the Mariners and all that surrounds this team. What has she been watching to fill the sports void? Korean baseball? Cornhole? Who’s been the biggest winner of quarantine? After exchanging pleasantries, Matthew and Gabey talk about SB Nation’s Dorktown documentary about the Mariners. 12:30-29:55: What are some of the similarities between the Mariners and UW football, or Seattle sports at large? It certainly doesn’t seem like a coincidence that a lot of the city’s sports history mirrors its dreary sensibility. As Mariner fans, the losing obviously hovers over a lot of our collective experience, but how often do you really think about the sustained failure? We also wonder how much sucking creates apathy in the players, as well as how Seattle’s personality as a city could be a turnoff for southern players. 30:00-45:35: Some Braden Bishop UW x Mariners crossover content! When will the Mariners have their

It's mock draft day on TMBM, and we're so excited to bring you a heaping serving of 2020 prognostication. John, Kate, and Joe have divvied up all 30 teams and make their selections, serpentine style, to give a sense of who might go where, and who that might leave available for the Seattle Mariners at picks No. 6, 43, 64, and 78. We go in order from No. 1 thru No. 43 on air, as well as including our selections at No. 64 and No. 78, but the full draft, with explanations, can be found in the episode article on Lookout Landing dot com. Whether you're a Mariners fan or not, let us know if you'd be happy with how things shake out! Music: "Things Can Only Get Better" - Howard Jones / "You Got It (The Right Stuff)" - New Kids On The Block Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the grisliest work behind us, John, Kate, and Joe look into the cheerier tidings of more recent drafts, hoping to get a sense of what's gone wrong and right, and what we might expect from the Mariners in the 2020 Draft. We talk extensively about pitching development, and how Seattle's knack for it in recent years has been encouraging. Conversely, we address the way Seattle's drafts in recent years have directly led to the dearth of middle infield depth in the system, and how their preference for college talent in the top of the draft has become conspicuous. Kate claims the 2018 draft class is shaping up to be the defining one of Dipoto's tenure. We talk about 3B/2B Joe Rizzo, who has a magnifying glass on him for many of the reasons listed above. Plus, plenty of discussion on who Seattle might take with their options BEYOND the first pick. Colt Keith fans make some noise. Music: "Ken II" by Midnight Survivor / "CHANCES" by KAYTRANADA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

0:00-23:00: Emily Nemens, author of the recently-released book The Cactus League, graces the hallowed air waves of the Lookout Landing podcast. Emily grew up in Seattle as a Mariners fan, but also a fan of baseball in general, which led to the publication of this book! As book tours are illegal right now, we try to replicate that through the power of podcasting. Our conversation starts with a general conversation about the book and the characters involved before delving into some of the process behind it. She also shares a story of her real life experiences at Spring Training, featuring none other than George Steinbrenner. 23:05-34:35: Was there any moment in particular that made Emily want to write a baseball book? What sort of memory association will come with releasing a book during a global pandemic? What was the hardest part of writing The Cactus League? 34:40-56:50: Emily reads an excerpt from the book, which details an on-the-field moment between a pitcher and catcher. We end our conversation by talki

John, Kate, and Joe coalesce to discuss something far less appealing than the upcoming draft: Seattle Mariners drafts of the past. Specifically, looking at the waning years of the Jack Zduriencik regime, and what happened with the 2013, 2014, and 2015 drafts. Plenty went wrong, obviously, but many of the picks made sense at the time, and only with the benefit of hindsight can we piece together how truly awry things went. Together, we try to put ourselves in the mindset of those drafts, and draw connections between the decisions made then and what might lie ahead in the 2020 draft. A healthy discussion on player development, communication, and what we all want to see next from the Dipoto regime lies within. Music: "The Tune Up" - Stalley / "CHANCES" - KAYTRANADA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

0:00-7:25: Matthew drops a fire intro before teeing up his guest, Lookout Landing staffer Grant Bronsdon. The fellas are joined together, separately, to draft teams of Glue Guys. This is essentially the direct opposite of the last draft they did, in which they tried to create the best possible teams in Mariner history out of individual players’ seasons. For this one, the only players who are eligible are ones who were not very good. If you were worth 3.0 Wins Above Replacement, sorry, you’re disqualified. This draft was inspired by Matthew’s world-changing article from last week. 7:30-29:55: With the first pick, Matthew perhaps falls victim to recency bias. Grant responds by taking someone from the 2001 team, but probably not who you think! After Matthew makes his second pick, a quick Internet search reveals a hilarious story about him. After a defensive specialist and a superstar on the come up get picked, Grant grabs the first pitcher and Matthew takes a cartoonish slugger. 30:00-39:40: Grant responds with

Kate and Joe are joined by MLB.com's Jim Callis to talk the MLB draft and the current state of the Mariners farm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joe and John are thrilled to be joined by Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com and MLB Pipeline, who has covered prospects, the minor leagues, and the MLB Draft there since 1999. 0:00 - 14:00 - How does a prospects writer’s role change when suddenly the baseball has all disappeared? Mayo details how his work has changed (and how it hasn’t) during the COVID-19 shutdown. We also go into the ways that prospect coverage has changed since he began, dating back to the earliest drafts Mayo covered. Conference calls have given way to online drafts, and now a fully televised event that demands live coverage and analysis. Mayo also discusses how the growth of visibility for, and fan interest in, prospects has altered and impacted his work. 14:00 - 40:00 - The discussion turns to the Mariners in particular. What does the progression of prospects like Jarred Kelenic, Julio Rodriguez, Logan Gilbert, and Evan White look like for someone who has spent decades seeing top prospects come and go? Expanding on a series the MLB Pipeline team

Corey Brock, the Mariners’ beat writer for The Athletic, joins the podcast to talk about the team’s past, present, and future. 0:00-23:55: Before we start, Corey checks in with John to make sure he has stockpiled all of Cooperstown’s best beers while quarantined. Recently, Corey published a story on Mario Mendoza, leading us to wonder how many other pieces he’s got in the chamber. Another pertinent question: are the replays of old Mariner playoff games getting old? While we’re remembering great moments in Mariner history, Corey recalls the days when fans were given weapons upon entering the Kingdome. 24:00-40:00: Where was Corey on the day that baseball stopped? Has he talked to anyone in the organization about their thoughts on the situation, or their strategies for staying in shape? Who will be at the greatest disadvantage when baseball resumes? Will the Mariners ever get to unleash their swarm of quad-A utility guys? 41:00-46:50: Corey devoted many words to Mike Cameron this offseason. Cammy is also Matthe