Spring Training Underway
Hi All from Peoria.
Thanks for checkin in with me and my last blog. So spring training is underway and as some of you are aware, I turned down my chance to play in the WBC. Tough decision, but I feel great about being in camp everyday.
I’m going to be reminded of it constantly for the next couple of weeks as my Aussie peers are working out here in Peoria right next to me. Regardless, I made the right decision and have no regrets. Opening day is really the only thing I have on my mind now that I’ve made my decision. I figure, in four years time when I get another shot I’ll be either four years established in the big leagues or back home playing beer league softball somewhere, either way I will be available! I sure hope it’s the first scenario!
Ok, now that I’ve spent 10 minutes picturing myself in that beer league lets get on with it! scary stuff.
So, I had my first ’start’ on Wednesday, the big two innings of work with 30 odd pitches. Not the most efficient I’ve had but it was good to dig some holes for myself and get out of them, as strange as that sounds. Sometimes when you’re trying to get a feel for what you have early on it sucks to have quick innings because you drive home that afternoon and really question what you got out of it. It felt really good to get back out there and face hitters, compete and get the nerves going again.
So I guess you’re all pumped up that Griffey is back on the scene. Well so am I. I still haven’t thought of anything cool to spark up a conversation about with him. (probably wouldn’t be the first 26-year-old to say “I used to idolize you when I was a kid!”)
Just watching him hit batting practice is cool enough, but I’m sure you all can’t wait to see him get in the batters box in a few days? I can’t imagine Safeco field when he runs out for opening day! That will be a pretty cool sight! I’ll be paying full attention to that moment!
Well that’s all from me for now. Hope to see you in the desert in the next couple weeks. I will keep you posted as spring training goes along with some random RRS thoughts! Time to answer some questions.
RRS
Heather- No word on the #18 shirts in the team store! I might just make a bunch of knock off’s and hand them out outside of Safeco! I mean they put a pic of me up along the wall there, how hard is it to print off a couple shirts! haha
Rachel-well this is an answer after the fact that Griffey has already come back, but I really think he has a massive presence in our locker room already. So many of the young guys really look up to him. I can see guys following his example, which would be very positive.
Katrina- Hi Katrina, I had a great time at the Boys and Girls Club in Ballard. Great group of kids, and I will hopefully make it an annual thing. I got a lot out of it also. Make sure your cousin looks after that glove! I had some really good games with that one, hope it works for him!
Mark- Despite what you might have heard of my excellent dancing ability, I’m hardly the clubber, but i’m sure you can find what you’re looking for in Scottsdale, that always seems to be the hyped up place. My typical day: I’m at the Complex around 7:30 am and done once the game is over in the afternoon. Happy birthday and take it easy. Don’t go too hard on the clubbing scene!
Jim- I remember turning the tv on one night hearing some think Aussie accents and thinking what the….To be honest I had never watched the show until I was over here and have watched a couple episodes. I like it, i like it because it’s nice to hear the accents and see stuff from Aus that is cracking into the market over here. There have been some BAD Aussie flicks that have popped up over here ,and I’m thinking, man I hope my team mates aren’t watching this right now! Mcleod’s Daughters is a good show though. Not my favorite Aussie show but it’s good. Summer Heights High on HBO is what you have to see!
Cheryl-Ann – Yes I did see that article, very cool. I sent it to my folks and they thought it was great.
James- I can’t wait to get a chance to p;ay with Jr , I have wondered if he remembers facing me? probably not , but I might have to remind him. Hey, maybe that can spark of the convo! haha
K Smith- always wins the award for longest comment! Just working on making my slider better and having better command against lefties. For whatever reason I struggled with that last year. Also, thanks for the info on the 18 shirts! maybe you can pick up a knock off when I hand them out on the street! just kidding.
Craig- As for the quote you found in Yahoo, I think thats just my bashful Aussie humor. Trust me no one else wants baseball to have the profile it deserves back home more than me. Once we get some guys who are main stays in the big leagues we will work on that. Just such a smaller market back home, but it was great to see Balf get some serious recognition after pitching his ass off in the playoffs.
Clint- There are still some great pitchers in that staff. There is plenty of big league time amongst all those guys, and as important as it is for the Aussies to surprise people, it is just as important for those guys to show the world how much talent Australia breeds. It wont be long until you’re going to see a huge group of Australian’s in the big leagues on a regular basis.
Greg- Thanks for the great comments, it means a lot to hear that.
FF- The baseball community in Australia is very interested but not much beyond that, it really isnt on a main stream sports level yet. Hopefully it turns into the same magnitude as the World Cup of soccer. Seems that whether you’re a soccer fan or not people are interested.
Ethan- good to have you mate. I can’t wait to get an At bat. I’m hoping to sneak one in this spring training. Not sure how good I am with the bat since my 17-year old days of hitting. We’ll see! I’m sure I’ll make a big deal about it and brag on this if I make contact! Something tells me it aint as easy as it looks!
Tara- Really stoked to play with Griffey this year! Cool to say I played with a Hall of Famer
Rey- I heard about the games in Japan, not in to much detail. I am really looking forward to seeing how they look when we play them on March 4th!
(3 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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Glad you got your work in today, and that it was useful to you. Again, very impressed by your decision to skip the WBC and show the team what you’ve got – I’m not going to games as much this year due to $, but next Ms shirt I get is going to be #18. Even before I get #24. (I didn’t get into the Ms until right about when Jr. left, so I respect him but I’m not as sentimental about him as others.)
Curious: Hypothetically, how much would being in a 6-man rotation mess with your rhythm, schedule, endurance, best stuff, etc.? What about the same for other starters on the team?
Hey Ryan
Gday from Oz. Great to see you have a good outing today. You seem to be going about everything the right way and getting good results, I am sure you be right up there for a shot at the rotation on opening day.
You mentioned that you are seeing a lot of Aussies in camp….are you seeing much of the other big league guys like Balf and Pete Moylan? Or a lot of young blokes too?
Keep up the good work!
Ryan,
GO CHAMP
Hope you have a powerful and successful spring training. You DESERVE that spot in the rotation come April. The proof is in the pudding! You are consistant and that is something the Mariners need. You and Felix are the only two pitchers that were consistant last year. I am so excited to watch you during spring training and back on that mound at Safeco. And where are those RRS shirts?
[...] Dibujos y Camisetas de la A a la Seta created an interesting post today on Spring Training UnderwayHere’s a short outline…just kidding. Craig- As for the quote you found in Yahoo, I think thats just my bashful Aussie humor. Trust me no one else wants baseball to… [...]
I can’t wait to see you when you come here in mid May. I have a friend who is big with the Miracle League for special needs kids. Being a parent with a special needs child, who thinks you’re awesome by the way, we get to do things alot of other families don’t get to do. I’ll be wearing the t-shirt you autograped for me last July in Seattle with your number on it. Hope you’re pitching against the Rangers that series. We’ll be at all the games you guys are there. We love the M’s and like watching you pitch.
I thought you did an excellent job, digging holes or no. Everyone is probably a bit rusty, I’m sure by Opening Day everything will be fine.
My prediction for 4 years from now….
#18 is the winning pitcher for Australia in the WBC final….
And….
20-5 For The Mariners with a long Term contract too
Keep up the Great work Ryan.
FYI everyone: If you check upstairs in the Mariners team store at Safeco…they have Game used Jerseys from 2007 and 2008…thats where I got my #18 Jersey (I got one in Sept 2008)…there were a couple there…most people forget to check out the upstairs on the rack between the glass cases
Hi Ryan,
Gday from Sydney. Great to hear you had a great opener – always nice to start the season well. I know missing the WBC was a tough call but you made a long term decision and I am sure you made the right one. I have my Aussie baseball shirt but not my #18 shirt as yet – I have to be patient I guess, it will be worth the wait.
Hey ryan! I caught the charity game on wednesday and it was good to see you out on the mound. I’m sure you’ll be working hard to get that spot in the starting rotation for 09!
If I’m not working I’m definitely going to the game against australia! Any chance you’ll be pitching that game? That would be kind of funny
I’ve seen a lot about how wakamatsu is really turning the team around and I’m really excited for this season, as I’m sure everyone (including the team) is. That’s what I love about baseball–there’s always next season! I’m sure this is our year. Good luck out there!
Kellie
Good to see a change of photo.Ryan and Skippy.
I love the picture of you and the roo. Was that out in the wild or in a zoo?
Let us know if you make those # 18 shirts, my best friend and I will be first in line!
Good luck in Spring Training and I’ll see you Opening Day in Seattle!
Hey Ryan,
It was great to see you had a pretty successful opener (although I’m still waiting to see #18 taking a few swings at the plate!) Well once again I wish the best of luck to you for the rest of the season. Take the AL West this year!!!
Ryan, are you sure that thing isn’t a goat?
At least I can tell it isn’t a wombat or an echidna.
Hey mate.
Did you ring Luke for his birthday?
RRS,
Speaking of Aussie’s, do you know if Doyle (aka Chris Snelling) has signed on with a team yet? I really think it’d be worth it for the M’s to ink him to a minor league contract… If you get a chance to speak with Zduriencik sometime soon, try to put in a good word for your fellow Aussie!
Ryan. I wanted to take a minute to commend you on your choice to stay with the ball club through the WBC. We need you this year in the rotation, and personally I always pull for the young guy to get ahead of the Higher (over)Paid veterans who seem to think they can rest on their laurels. In this “what have you done for me lately” business it is good to see a young guy like yourself working to better himself and make a name. Sign me up for a #18 shirt.
Dear Ryan,
I can’t wait to see you pitching in seattle.
your fan ,Harrison
p.s. do you still ride your bicycle to the field like in seattle?
Ryan,
WOW!!! This is so awesome of you to take the time to talk to your fans!! It’s so good to have you back this year!! I hope you liked your photo album!! My husband said you would think it was weird… He plays softball for our church it’s crazy fun!! I never watched baseball til I met you!! I think you have a big HEART… now I record every game I can just to see you!! I must be honest with you… I am very sad that I might not see you in the bull pen anymore, but I have my fingers crossed that you get to start in the rotation… I dont know much about baseball but I know it’s most kids dream and you deserve to have yours come true!! Keep your head up and your dreams high… Always know God is on your side!! Good Luck!! We miss you!! See you soon!!
Love
Kaiya, Kalia and Salena
Its cool that i found this blog. I had wanted to keep in touch but the last number i had for you i lost. Its been like 5 years since I’ve talked to you. Well I’m glad to see that you’ve made it to the majors. I have seen a few of the games that you pitched in. I was shocked to see you wearing glasses. Well i hope that all is well and can’t wait for the season to start and watch you pitch. Well i hope to keep in touch. Talk to you later.
Aloha from Hawaii!
Sorry for always posting excruciatingly long comments…it must be annoying for everyone! My e-mails are like that too and I can even be that way in person (though I tried to be tame when I met you at DJ’s last fall).
I am thinking that you are with a Wallaby in your new picture. I have a similar pic on my myspace and facebook as that was one of my favorite things I did in Oz.
I have to admit, I was a little sad (for you) that you decided not to play with Australia in the WBC but if you have no regrets than that’s great. I was also very happy you decided to stay in camp everyday and prove that you will be a staple of the Mariner’s STARTING ROTATION. No beer leagues for you! It is good that you have been able to “dig some holes and get out of them”…that’s what spring training is for. It is good to show everyone that you have what it takes to get out of tough situations. Have you discovered any new kinks or changes this year or have you been able to basically continue from where you left off last September? Also, curious how the shuttle run went for you? I haven’t been able to see you in person at Peoria but i surely have been following the stats. Unfortunately most the season is going to be this way for me
As always, thanks for checking in with us. We love random RRS thoughts!
If you handed out knock-off t-shirts, I would probably go for one. I buy any scrap of memorabilia I can find at the store…there isn’t much. I kinda wish pitchers needed new gloves more often (or something!) cuz with batters you can at least get bats haha. I was VERY happy that they added you to the outside wall of Safeco.
I was pretty stoked that we landed Griffey. He seems he would be a good team leader which I have heard you guys are lacking. You’ll have to let me know (if it is appropriate) if that becomes true of him. And I heard Griffey got a standing O’ when he got into the game against Australia so that’s pretty cool.
I know you have mentioned who you admired as a kid (such as Griffey) but I was wondering if there was anyone you looked up to now or modeled yourself after a little bit? Or not so much since you play against all these guys at the same level in the majors?
Crikey, I was going to trim this comment down and this may have ended up being the longest…sorry again.
Time to go find some surf spots around here…
Good luck in your start tomorrow against the D-backs! Pretty cool you get to start when Griffey makes his official Cactus League debut!
~Kiri
You must be please with Australia’s performance We are really surprised at the hitting. They are staying in the game. Good young team. Such a shame that you could not be a part.
You surprised in Athens with that win over Japan and to get the Silver against Cuba.
Wouldnt it be great to see them do well with or without you? Maybe then Australia will know that they have a team in the WBC
Looks like Oz is laying the pine to the home team down in Mexico City. Who’s the best hitter in Australia, Ryan?
Ryan, I love reading your blog!
Go get ‘em!!!
We had to switch from half-season tickets to the 16 game plan this year (it’s the economy, don’cha know) but we’ll be there!
I’m rooting for you, and for the Mariners, too!
Hey Ryan, just another Australian baseball fan. Great job in your last start its good to see you getting your rythem back. Fantastic effort by the Aussie boys to smash Mexico, have you spoken with any of the guys? Do you think Snelling could get a shot with you back in a Seattle uniform? Keep up the great job!
Hey Ryan, I have no issue with your decision to stay in camp and miss the WBC. Its important that you set up your MLB career and in view of the management changes over the off season I think a wise move. Good luck for the next few weeks, I hope to see you in the starting rotation come opening day.
I really think that wil make the rotation on your own merit as would most of us, bar some of the press who think that it will be due to Morrow’s injury.You have the consistencey, numbers and guts to be objective on your own performances
Hi Ryan. Nice job on the radio show last night. When your baseball career is over, you should consider going into broadcasting! My daughter and I are really looking forward to coming down to Peoria in a couple of weeks to catch the end of Spring Training. And to get out of the snow here. Keep up the great work and we’ll see you soon!
Now you have established great batting stats now as well. Must have been a really fun day for you,all round.Awesome to listen on line.Very versatile character are you.Mariners have a good one.
Nice job slugger!! Starter/Bench bat maybe??
I see that Doyle signed with the Padres. Let him know that we’re rooting for him to stay healthy…and rake!
How many at-bats do you think you’re going to get at DH this year Ryan now that you’re batting 1.000 in spring training?
Gday mate, Good to see you doing so well, long way from the toronto tigers. Best of luck with the season!
Kenyon.
Great job at the dish the other day! The Aus WBC team really missed you, Balf and Pete Moylan at the end against Cuba. Was good to see so many of our guys get some exposure. Will be in seattle in April to see you play. The opportunity to see Aussie v Aussie when you host the Rays was impossible to resist.
Hey Ryan, do you get to be in any of the Mariners commercials this year?
Go to the Mariners home page and check them out.
Here’s a hint: think lederhosen.
Cool add Ryan. I am sure I have seen you in one of of those hats-just kidding!
Would have loved to see you pitching in it- braces,Bermuda shorts suit and mountain boots and walk sox as well.
Can you Yodle (can’t spell it). That’s cause I am not Austrian either.
In pitching:
Terminate like Arnie!
Enjoy as an Australian.
Thank the US people for being there.
Glad to see that MySQL glitch has been repaired. And now, Ryan, how about a little update? You’ve had an interesting spring. With Felix and Silva coming back to the team, the cheese begins to bind. There were some interesting comments elsewhere about the conflict between working on pitches in the spring and the need to establish a place on the squad. Any thoughts you have on that would be interesting.
Hope to see you start on the season-opening road trip–good luck!
Question: What Kind of Bear is Best?
Hey Ryan,
Just as always. Persistence pays off.You are strong and determined. Over the last 7 years you have proven yourself starting, in the bull pen as a closer, long relief and set up.Whatever has been asked of you you have delivered.You can even bat.
Now you will be part of a very talented rotation.
“No flash in the pan” stuff for you. Consistent and reliable “work horse”
Down to earth and objective about performance-no excuses-you just get the job done.
Congratulations on your tenacity.It is truly admirable.Great role model for kids not to give up on their goals
Ryan, have you gotten around to chatting with Griffey yet?
I was sitting right over the M’s dugout at the Kansas City game today on the 26th, and it looked like Corco was egging you on, but I didn’t see you saying anything to Jr. In any event, I hope you’re getting a good feel for your pitches, you looked pretty sharp to me in the Dodgers’ game on the 24th. (which was a pleasant surprise by the way, I thought Morrow was starting that game until I saw you stretching out down by the bullpen).
Good luck cracking that ‘09 rotation!
Root canal? Yeow!
Here’s wishing you a dentist with good hands.
Hi Ryan,
G’Day from sunny Sydney. The Aussies did a great job in the WBC thats for sure and I can’t wait for the real stuff to start. Exciting news – I finally got my official Rowland-Smith shirt today after 2 months. The bad news – there is no hyphen!!!!! Very unhappy with that but I will wear it with pride and hopefully by the time I get back to Seatte the official team store will have the shirts as well.
Quite a day, with Jeff-what a great guy, too bad!-going to Tacoma and Brandon announcing he’ll relieve. It will be astonishing if you don’t start from the get-go. So be healthy and give us more to cheer about. Stay tough!
Hey Ryan,
It was great to see you and the boys again. Loved the warm weather in Peoria. Looks like you are in the starting 5 as of today. See you back in Seattle in a couple weeks. Your Bullpen Mom, Kim
Can’t wait for your new blog, Ryan.
Want to hear it all from you.
You are in the rotation
Time to put all the speculation and comparisons to bed where they should always have been.
A new beginning for you.
AWESOME commitment and effort against all odds.
Congratulations!!!!
HQ
Hey, congrats on the starting gig! Me and Jenny (the girl with the “3 best things to come from Australia: 3. Meat Pies, 2. Tim Tams, 1. RRS, tee-shirt) will definately be at your first home start this year.
Speaking of Tim Tams, seriously dude, you need to go to Levenworth, WA. They have an “Ausralian” store in the town, and they sell a variety of tim tams among other things. Awesome stuff.
I did have kind of an strange question though, just because I’ve heard this asked of other players, and the response is usually hilarious. What is the best heckle you’ve gotten thrown your way, or you have otherwise overheard?
Hey RRS! Looking forward to (hopefully) having the pleasure of getting to watch you pitch every 5th day!
I have three questions for you!
1) What do you think of Zduriencik and Waka? Do you like the direction the organization is going?
2) What do you think about Morrow moving to the bullpen?
3) Have you ever posted (under an alias or anything) on a baseball blog/site other than your own?
Thanks, dude!
RRS, Good luck on your first 2008 start tomorrow in Oakland. I’m sure the improved defense will play well for you. I think you’re going to have lots of success this year. I’m a Mariners season ticket holder and I look forward to seeing many of your starts at Safeco. Go get ‘em!
Good luck tonight!! I’m going to try to watch…Damn Texas, I can’t find a listing for the game
Hi Ryan,
Good luck tonight on your first start of the season!
Eric
Seattle, WA
Hey Ryan,
Good luck in your start tonight! Go M’s!
Good Luck tonight Ryan…The game is on TV here in BC Canada..so I will be cheering you on…
SB
Hey RRS — go get ‘em tonight my man. My favorite pitcher — right when I gotta do all this studying at college here at Gonzaga. You’re awesome man…relax and have fun. You’ll do that anyways. It will be fun to see two lefties in a row for the M’s. Let’s make it 3-2. Go team!
Good luck tonight. Having a few mates coming over for a BBQ to watch the game. Should catch a game with you starting a few times this. You did well against the A’s last year – so hope this is a good one. Cheers
RRS–It looks like it was a rough night for you. You’re a tough man and you know this is a long season. You will come back. You got the first came out of the way. have no first hand knowledge about how stressful that might be. I know you will relax, come back and be the effective pitcher who earned his way to the starting rotation. Go 18!
Hey Ryan,
I was just curious (sorry this isn’t completely germane to baseball..) what are some good Australian films? The only one I’ve seen is Mad Max, so I was just wondering which Aussie movies you would recommend. I do love baseball, and I can’t wait to head to Safeco to watch your next outing!
Where’s Doyle, Ryan? Looks like he didn’t make the Opening Day roster with the Pads.
Triceps tendenitis? Yeowch! That can’t be fun. Didn’t JJ bounce back effectively from that problem a couple of years back? Anyway, here’s wishing you a speedy recovery. Plenty of time left to have a bangup season.
Sorry to hear about your injury! Can’t be any fun to sit out but keep your head up, take care of yourself and come back stronger than ever.
We’re all pulling for you!
All the best.
Hey Ryan,
Sorry to hear about the injury, best of luck in the rehab.
Can’t wait to see you back on that mound again making all of us back here in Aus proud.
Bummer about your injury. You’ve come back from this before.No question about it you will “guts” it out and come back with avengence and a stronger arm.
We all know that you have put the work in and have what it takes to go a long way. Just another a bump in the road.
Ryan. All your fans are behind you. Take care and see you soon.
Ryan, drop us a line, mate, let us know how you’re doing. Most of all, we want to know your spirits are up.
And, a suggestion from someone who has (being generous to myself) maybe 10% of the baseball knowledge you have. Hang out on the bench with Johjima when Bedard and Washburn are pitching. Discuss situations and strategy. You have an opportunity here that, we hope, you won’t have again. Make something positive out of it.
Wishing you the best.
Hey Ryan, was super bummed to hear about your injury. Don’t worry man, you’ll be back in the rotation before you know it. She’ll be right.
By the way, go M’s! Cinderella season!
Hey Ryan
I’ve come all the way to Seattle to watch your first home start to find you on the DL. Enjoyed the games so far though. Saw you in the dugout tonight against the Tigers. Make sure you get Balf into the first or second game in the series against the Rays for me because I can’t make the third due to flight home to Sydney. Really want to see an Aussie play in big leagues live rather than on tv or mlb gameday. Anyway, get back to full strength ASAP and lock down your spot in the rotation.
Tim
Hey Ryan!
I hope your arm is getting better! Just remember that things could always be worse. Keep your head up. You’ll be as good as new before you know it!
hang in there ryan!! wishing you a speedy recovery, we all can’t wait to see you back on the mound. take care!!
Hey Ryan, sorry to hear about about your injury, hopefully it clears up and you can get back out there ASAP. All the stairs, sand dunes and King Edward hills will come in handy (If you can survive those hills you can do anything!!) Thanks for the signed picture too mate, Bones loved it. Keep your chin up and good luck mate.
Hey Ryan, how’s the arm coming along? Can’t wait for you to get back on the mound. Let us know how you’re doing… still behind you all the way, mate.
[...] … say anything but very patiently he handed the people a pamphlet that he had autograped. …Spring Training Underway ProlebrityI'll be wearing the t-shirt you autograped for me last July in Seattle with your number on it. Hope [...]