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Youth Revolution
Hi friends,
I’m really sorry for the delay for my new blog, it’s just been tough lately, to get a good hour to sit and write something worth reading.
I know I keep saying this, but it is so awesome to get such great comments on my blog. Even when I suck, you guys are cool with me! I’m waiting for someone to get on here and let me have it for whatever reason!
I know it sucks that we haven’t done well this year. It’s been tough for everyone. Ignore the negativity you read! There are some great guys in this locker room and we’re gonna have a youth revolution and be strong next year!
As for how the starts have gone, I’m pretty happy with the way I have progressed, especially physically. Getting deep into games and staying under control without getting tired is the big thing I wanted to overcome. It has a lot to do with having a good routine.
Brent, to answer your question: During the season, the basic thing for most pro pitchers on a 5-day schedule is to run long the day after, 30-40 minutes just to get some cardio fitness and lift upper body.
Second day, lift lower body and cut the running down to maybe 3/4 poles. Third day, which is a bullpen day, run some good sprints or do some plyometrics. Fourth day, I like to just chill be lazy. Then, day five I’m pitching.
As far as work ethic goes, playing this game at this level will catch up to you if you don’t put in the work.
Offseason is when I get in the best shape. I love the offseason because I can work really hard and feel healthy. I feel like a lazy ass sometimes during the season if I can’t workout, but sometimes it’s good to chill out. That’s what I like about starting, cause you can get after it the days you know you’re not pitching.
As for throwing in the offseason, to answer Jason T’s question: Most guys, including myself, shut it down up until Christmas time, then slowly build it back up with long toss and are ready to throw off a mound probably a couple weeks before spring training starts.
One thing I like to do to build up arm strength is 2 sets of throwing — break up your throwing session into 2 sets, with about 5 minutes in between, it works great.
While I’m at it, here are answers to some other questions:
Big Al asked about pitching indoors (Metrodome): Well, it kinda feels strange but it’s good to be in air conditioning as opposed to being in really cold or really hot weather but I feel like baseball needs to be played outside!
Clint, a fellow Aussie, asked me about Yankee Stadium: That place is electric. You need to go watch a game there if you never have. (well for you Clint it might be the new Yankee Stadium) It feels like the fans are right on top of you and they live and die on every pitch. Safeco is an amazing place to play, but Yankee Stadium is so intense! Hopefully, next season we will be playing against them in the playoffs.
K Smith asked about the jerseys in the bullpen: That cracked me up when I was warming up and saw Morrow’s, Rhodes’ and my jersey hanging up. That was Mark Lowe’s doing. Kind of a joke, but I was stoked to see they missed me! Ha, all my brothers in the bullpen!
Jill asked about my favorite events in the Olympics: I like watching track. Especially the 100m sprint! Those guys are freaks. Also, I like watching beach volleyball. I think every event in the Olympics is cool and brings back some great memories of the best three weeks of my life in Athens in 2004.
Robin mentioned my mum watching the games back home: Yes, she loves watching the games. Then she loves to advise me and criticize me on pitch selection. She is very knowledgeable. I know she is reading this, but Mum you’re not the GM and pitching is harder than it looks! Just joking, it’s great to have her watch every pitch I throw.
Jake, are you saying I need a haircut? I’m trying to grow it back out since I had it shaved against my will with a mullet in spring! Rookie abuse — man I looked bad! But I might have to take you up on the offer, make me look pretty! Ha.
Ok, I have to give a couple shout outs to some people:
Nathan Clemens: Mate, your comment was really, really cool. It’s nice to have a young fan like yourself out there! Next time you’re at a game you better come say hi. Keep working hard brother!
DICKO, long time no talk, how are ya, mate? Good to hear from you. CH boys and NSWC boys always have each other’s back!
Hughes Dentist! Even though I couldn’t talk and sounded like an idiot, thanks for taking such great care of my teeth!
OK, I will write again soon. Keep writing awesome comments. It makes it easier to pitch knowing I have friends out there.
RRS
97 Comments
[...] Maureen James Doherty "Mo" wrote an interesting post today and shared it with the world.Here’s a quick excerpt [...]
Psssh, way to answer my question about the NFL, Ryan! Haha.
Congrats on your first victory as a starter! Great game. (:
attababe, hyphen! what an outing against the twinkies! thanks for giving us loyal fans something to enjoy these last few weeks of the season.
[...] Original post by Ryan Rowland-Smith [...]
You were so awesome last night. I can’t wait to see what you do here in the Lone Star state next week.
you made your remarkable start last night look easy. 7 amazing innings from smitty! yeeoow .
Ryan, You are truely the future of the Mariners. I was at the game you started against Tampa Bay and thought you looked pretty good. My stepdad is from Australia and it’s nice to see him get excited about baseball. You are a true class act and an example of what a baseball player should be. The next time I’m at a game I’ll bring the Boxing Kangaroo flag for you. Good on ya last night mate.
Amazing outing last night!!! I really enjoyed being at the ballpark and watching you do your “thing”. Keep up the good work and can’t wait till next year. YOUTH ALL THE WAY
Ryan, Great start! Loved to see you go out and get after those guys. Were you thinking at all about your last start against them or were you just focused on getting them out? How hard is it to shake off a tough outing?
BTW, I have a co-worker who is a huge Twins fan. He’s currently refusing to talk baseball with me. Gotta’ love it!
Keep up the great work. Can’t wait to see you in the rotation next year!
Enjoyed the game last night. Very impressed by the way you got through the seventh with just a one-run lead. Got squeezed there a time or two, didn’t you. O’Nora wasn’t calling any low strikes…except once for the Twins at a critical time.
I won’t ask you about umpires.
Forgot to mention: your positive outlook is very refreshing. Cynicism and grumbling are easy attitudes. To put in a great effort in the face of tough times takes character. Good work, and keep it up.
Great job last night against a good Twins team. The White Sox owe you one. That’s two good outings in a row. I like your presence out there on the mound and the emotion you show. You kind of look like Gagne with the glasses. I think the M’s will be a lot better with you and Morrow in the rotation next year. Watching games like last night gives me hope for the future. Keep up the good work.
Hey congrats on the big win, it’s nice to see you are getting deeper into games. You’re also throwing more strikes. Nice job man, it’s pretty cool that you are a highlight on a team who has struggled all season. Keep up the good work, and I hope to see you team up with Felix, Morrow, and Bedard next season. Should be fun to watch!
Hey Ryan, you’ve been a great starter ever since you’ve come back from Tacoma, especially your past two starts and I’ve really enjoyed watching you pitch this season.
Although I have to ask, you probably have been asked this before, but I didn’t see you answer it anywhere on here…..anyway, being from Australia, is there anything you like better about the USA than Australia?
Keep up the good work, I’m looking forward to your next start!
Help me out here. Your mom was criticizing you for pitch selection… but isn’t that the job of the catcher to call the pitches? Can you help this fan (but obviously a clueless one) understand the pitcher-catcher dynamic?
Thanks and keep up the good work on the field.
I know the crowd get irritated with pick offs - until one comes off,but how ’bout you show them your “real move” when the time’s right.
Andy needs to warch out.
Really cool, smart pitching last night. You belong
Hey Ryan,
I love reading your blog, thank you for writing.
I was just wondering when you pitch do you prefer one catch of another due to pitch selection, chemistry,or anything else?
Also I have a request that you would attend the Mariners Fan Fest this year so all your blog readers can meet you in person. As a left handed pitcher myself I try to follow your mechanics, you are my favorite player and it would be an honor to meet you in person.
Aloha Ryan, Mahalo for being kickass and providing deep Mariner fans in Hawai’i big rays of hope for the future. Keep slaying on, bradduh! Pacific baseball no ka oi!
Ryan it’s great to see you, the other Ryan, and in a week or so Brandon get a legitimate look for next year’s rotation. Along with Felix and a healthy Bedard all you need is a little offense boost and you can be contenders. The pitching (esecially from you young guys) has looked great lately. Keep it up.
Glad to see your optimism for next season, and I am very excited about this youth movement. I don’t think this team is far off from a contender, the team will just need to hire a good GM that will make the right moves this offseason. You make your case for the rotation with every start, and you make a otherwise pointless season exciting to watch. Keep up the good work.
Also, what music do you like to listen to? What do you like to listen to pump you up before each start?
This year spring training began and I chose who my annual players crush would be on. I chose Bedard. Sorry Erik, you’ve been replaced. It’s a joy to watch you work, RRS. I like to see an obviously good guy make it.
G’day mate! Nice to see back to back quality starts from ya. We all knew you could do it!! It just makes it harder to deny you a spot in 2009’s starting rotation. I am quite enjoying the youth revolution. For so long, Seattle was known for its “veterans” while Oakland was known for using youth. This change to youth makes the future exciting and promising.
You are all on the same team of course but is there a different comaraderie between the starting pitchers than the bullpen?
I bet the Twins perhaps wished they hadn’t Rule 5′d you back in 2005! Again, great job! They are a good (contending) team and you handled your start with poise. Can’t wait to see more of that from you!! For every bump in the road, you have starts like those to look back on.
You mentioned the intense atmosphere of Yankee Stadium. Where is your favorite offroad place to play? I know that it is SOOO different but is there any place in the U.S. that has resemblances of home?
I bet the guys in the bullpen do miss you. I bet that security guy (in the brown short-sleeved shirt) misses you…I noticed you chatted with him a lot
Last curiosity of the day, I know that baseball players can be very superstitious. Is there any routine/ritual you do or do you carry a good luck charm?
Have a great time in Texas. Your next home start I think will be during the Yankees series…hope to see you at the ballpark!! Hooroo.
~Kiri
Amazing job once again Ryan, very-very cool, again, just sick breaking stuff,…you had the twinkies shaking their head, and alot of twins fans saying who in the he#% is this guy??? Seems to me from afar that all you cats that came up through the minors together have a great relationship and I think you all are going to form an amazing core together…already the idea of you, Morrow, Felix, and Feirabend pitching, with Clement and maybe even Rob Johnson (no offense meant to Burke!) catching you all kind of soothes the pain from this season!!! Hey, I did have a question for you…I know that you grew up surfing, and I think you even have a sister?? that’s a pro…how bad do you miss it during the season??? I live out here in Oregon and surf nearly every day (YES, THE WATER IS FREEZING!!!) and I think i’d go crazy if I didn’t…and what’s your favorite place to paddle out in Oz?? Super-tubes???…anywhere down by Byron Bay?? Keep up the good work, and I’ll be watching you next start!
Ryan,
Just wanna say great game yesterday and that I’m going to be at the game on saturday with Felix Hernandez as the probable pitcher. I’ll be sitting just down the right field foul line just past the dugout.
But i was wondering what is the transition like from AAA to the majors? Like with Brandon Morrows outings in AAA, i realize they won’t necessarily(spelling?) but I wonder like how does the atmosphere of the major league games help or hurt you pitch compared to that in AAA?
Ryan,
I am a huge fan. HUGE. I feel that you have a long successful career ahead of you. Keep it up man.
Hoping to be able to come to a lot of your starts.
Jordan
By the way Ryan, I am looking forward to the youth movement you mentioned, and your role in that. You should stabilize a rotation spot for us next year.
Also, I will be coming to a game soon with some custom pictures of you. My buddy makes them and they look really cool. I want to get one signed, and if you want one for yourself, let me know, and I will get one developed for you to keep.
LMK
gossjordan@hotmail.com
Hey wat’s up Ryan WOW you did GREAT against the Twins, the Mariners are lucky to have a young promising player like you on the team. Anyway I always wanted to know if you talk to Ichiro often and what kind of person is he? Because I remember I met him a couple times in Japan (Im Japanese) he seems like a pretty confident cocky guy lol, but hes one of my favorite players. Anyway good luck in your next start! GO MARINERS!
Game the other night was great; it was nice to see you and Corky get the win and save, respectively.
It has been a rough season, but I’ve watched every game. I just got into the Mariners really this year. I went to quite a few games late last year, and decided that I really enjoyed the sport, and vowed that I would love the Mariners no matter what - this season has tested that, but I think I’ll come out sunny. This season has given me a lesson and some respect for what it really means to be a fan. I’m looking forward to my 2009 season tickets, and a renewed, healthier lineup. I gots faith, y0.
I actually have a question this time - do players from outside the US come over on an extended work visa, or are there other provisions made for the length of time y’all have to stay in the States to play/train? Are they difficult to renew, or is it easy once they know who you are and the process has been repeated several times? I know that musicians can get work visas for a few weeks/months for a tour or a handful of shows, but for months at a time, I’d think the paperwork might be a bit more excessive.
Oh, and for the love of GOD don’t leave us! haha!
Also, how is Mike Morse doing? The coverage of his recovery/rehab is basically nonexistent, and I’m really hoping he will come back and be with the team for next season, but haven’t heard a thing.
Cheers, and thanks for being one of the shiny bright spots in an otherwise overcast season.
Thanks for answering my question Ryan! I loved watching the track and field, too. The 100 meter was amazing.
Great start against the Twins. Even Gardenhire thought you had awesome stuff! I love watching you pitch and I can’t wait for your next start. All of you young players are so much fun to watch.
Also, I really love your blog. It’s great to get an insider’s view of how things go in the bigs.
Good luck in Cleveland! I’ll be watching.
It’s great that you’re giving advice to the young fans who are also players and eager to learn. You’re making this website fun to come back to on a regular basis. Keep it up. We’re all looking forward to your updates & feedback.
Here’s a great review of RRS v. Feierabend
http://www.lookoutlanding.com/2008/8/27/602771/and-now-i-feel-better-abou#comments
Thanks for posts Hyphen!!!
If your working on that pick off move look at some tape of John Halama he was one of the best
Ryan,
Waiting for someone to rip into you? I’m sure someone will do it someday. The internet is full of crazy folks who love tearing someone down for no reason. If you need any evidence of that, go read Geoff Baker’s blog. I don’t think you’ll find too many of us Mariner fans ripping into you. In fact, with your three starts since coming back from Tacoma, I don’t really have a genuine criticism. You’re doing fine and making a good impression on the masses. Mariner fans love a new kid in town but it takes a few tries to get warmed up to them. A few years back Bobby Madritsch had eveybody’s attention for his gutsy pitching and it was heartbreaking for everybody (especially him) that he went down with an injury.
Maybe I shouldn’t bring that up. I don’t want to jinx you.
But anyway, keep it up and listen to your mother.
Ugh.. FOUR starts since coming back from Tacoma. Sorry Ryan, it’s late here.
As a leftie and an Aussie-phile it is really great to have you on board here in Seattle! As a physical therapist I ask that you take care of that left elbow and left rotator cuff… we want to see more of you in the future with no time hangin on the DL. Congratulations on your place in the starting rotation and keep up the great work! Also love your positive attitude even when things are sort of bleak here… pro ball could use more guys like you, especially ones that listen to their mothers
You looked fantastic on Tuesday, Ryan. I took my two little nieces to the ballgame and told them to chant “Aussie Aussie Aussie.” I wonder if you heard it?
I noticed that you stayed on that plane you spoke of. Is part of the reason you seem to point your toes of your right foot for that very purpose?
I also saw you keep your weight back more than before. You rolled with the hits, got out of some jams, and generally looked really solid and confident on the mound!
Keep it up! Everybody is rooting for you!
Hey Ryan, I think it is very cool that you give us fans a chance to talk to you. I also just wanted to say great job. I have a couple questions… what’s your favorite position besides pitcher? And What pitches do you throw? If you have any pitching tips it would be much appreciated! Thanks and goodluck in the rotation!
Hey ryan!!! I saw your getting the start labor day at texas?!?!?! Awesome bud, i’ll be at that game dragging my friends along making them wear all my mariners garb. Im a fish out of water here in fort worth!!!! Good luck and light em up.
I just wanted to say your awesome and I’m looking forward to your next start!
Hey bud,
Great job today. You had all your stuff working (again) and it was fun to watch, keep it up!
Jordan
GREAT game, and good work today in Cleveland.
Hey: you’ve been “smokin” lately, great work.
Should get the media people to do your games in Australian time-zone slots. 3am is a bit early.(just kidding). Keep the blogs and those smart pitches coming.
Cleveland, you’ve been hyphenated!
Hey Ryan,
Well done in Cleveland, always fun to watch. Hope everyone is careful and cautious in Texas - watch out for Gustav!
NICE JOB RYAN!!! Noticed that you didn’t go with the bender until the 2nd and 3rd time through the line-up. Was that ’cause it was fighting you a little bit, game-calling, or ’cause of so many right-handed bats in Cleveland’s line-up??? Amazing job Ryan, thanks for continuing to prove all of us right.
Great Job again.
What exactly goes through your head while your out their. How does your stuff feel on different days.
G’day, mate!
As a Mariner fan, I’ve been following your progress with great interest this season and have become a big fan of yours. I just want to give you all the encouragement I can, and wish you the best of luck in your new career as a starting pitcher. I intend to keep up with your activities for as long as you are playing, no matter where that may be. Great job in Cleveland, by the way!
I’ve had a “soft spot” for Aussies ever since I lived in Alice Springs, NT from 1977 to 1981. I made many wonderful friends there, and have even had some come to visit me here on the Olympic Peninsula.
Question: when you and other players are shifted around from AAA to the bigs and back again, where do you all live? Do the teams have flats or hotels for you or are you on your own? Always wondered.
Thanks!
wonderful start on sunday! I love watching you pitch and it just get better and better .
Hi Ryan.
Really like the way you seem to have the ability to shut down really good batters either striking them out or with clever pitching especially the second time thay face you.Moneau, Sizemore recently for example.
That fastball when in full gear is awesome. Looking forward to watching you start in 09 on the roster from the beginning. You are obviously a “stayer”from your history in the minors and in relief this year also.
Very versatile and a pleasure to watch you work.
Way to go, Ryan! You shut it down out there on Sunday. I noticed you’ve been pitching (and well) to Kenji the past couple of starts. Do you feel more comfortable with him behind the plate or is it just a coincidence?
Keep it up and see ya back at the Safe!
Nice one mate. Last three starts have been great, and nice to get the last two as wins. Keep it up. Annoys the wife though - She asked what we were going to do next Saturday night and I said “go watch my fellow countryman pitch, why?” She is not overly amused, but she’ll cope.
Hell of a start vs. Cleveland, Ryan. Well done.
Left you some Toohey’s at the K&K as reward, and as a thank you for the blog and your abbreviated time in Tacoma.
Question: Has your pitch selection changed much/at all since you’ve moved into the rotation? Looks like a few less sliders and more change-ups this year; is that something the org’s telling you to do, or is that just you going with what’s working?
hey Ryan & other Ryan fans,
For those of you on facebook, I made a facebook group for fans of RRS! check it out!
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=24950863374
PS- Ryan - congrats on your great starts recently!
Smash ‘em up on Sat night against the Yankees BB!! Bring it! Will be watching you…while I’m watching P.School of course. You rock!
G’day Ryan. At the recent 60th Birthday celebration of the Toronto Tigers Baseball Club (that’s Toronto, Australia) I was extremely proud and lucky enough to be the highest bidder for your glove that you wore in the Athens Olympics. At least that’s what Obie told me, so he’d better not be lying. The money will be used by the Club for badly needed equipment, and boy do we need it. Obie also tells me you’ll be home later in the year to sign a ball for me. Can’t wait to meet you. My Under 14 team heads into the Grand Final this weekend (if it ever stops raining. Great bunch of kids and very talented, they’d love to meet you too. Go the Tigers!!! Great to hear of all your successes. You make every Aussie proud, so keep up your hard work and enjoy what heads your way. You are a terrific ambassador for Aussie baseball. Hope to meet you soon. Jon
Good luck tonight Ryan! Keep the Yankees out of the playoffs!!
Hey Ryan,
Congratulations to your mate Brandon on his electric start last night. Here’s to making it 2-2 when you take on the Yankees tonight. I’ll be sure to cheer you on as “Hyphen” while you warm-up in the bullpen tonight!
Another 6.1 innings tonight! Great job! Do you like being a starter better than a reliever? I imagine it’s a little more stressful on days you know your going to start??
I like the look of the rotation now especially now that you and Morrow are pitching well.
Good luck the rest of the season.
Great outing tonight Ryan!
Just three things:
1.Some lousy calls on close pitches.
2.When will they ever learn not to take you off when you can pitch the inning out and have proven as much. You are a strong finisher and can handle the pressure?
3.YOU ARE A MUST FOR THE ROTATION:all starts have been quality.
Another solid start. Great job Ryan!! Keep it up!
Ryan,
Great job over their dude, well done!! As an Aussie and fellow player I been following your path for a few years now to see where you’re up to. Ryan, do you think you might like to have a start in this years Claxton Shield for NSW it sure would pull a crowd, providing they publicise the game of which they’re not real good at over here, as you know. Also just thought I’d let you know that the bloody zipper on one of your old pair of baseball pants that my bro(BK) gave me has just thrown in the towel, so you can have them back haha, Im not real happy cause they were my favourite pair, fitted like a glove. Good Luck champ go hard!
Another quality start !!! yay champ
We love you and wouldn’t want you to sound like a idiot!!!! We enjoying your sense of humor.
another awesome start. surfing question—
how is the surfing at Bondi?
I just read that your dad was at the yankee game watching you, what does he think of you playing baseball in the U S? Your parents should be so proud of you and your amazing accomplishments.
Re five posts back: A man ought to think twice before writing the words, “bloody zipper”. Ow!
Good luck against the hungover Angels, Ryan.
Ryan,
just like to tell you I think you’re doing an excellent job in your current conversion to a starter in the big leagues. There’ll be times you get hammered as a starter at this level, and doubtless other people have told you the same things, but when it does happen, don’t worry about it.
This team is going to win, hopefully sooner than what the experts say…and you’ve got a real chance to be an integral piece of the puzzle.
Your approach reminds me a lot of David Wells, in terms of sneaky-fast velocity and a general hard-nosedness. You’re not QUITE as big of a guy as he was, but the understated athleticism is the same.
I do have a question for you, though…regarding youth baseball in Australia. A few years back, when he was first getting a taste of the bigs, I struck up an e-mail friendship with Chris Snelling…and he told me that in Australia, the only ones who got the real quality instruction in organized youth baseball were the ones who showed really good talent from the start (and he also told me “and to be honest with you, I was not one of those players”)…
I was wondering what youth baseball (if any) experiences you had to corroborate with what Chris said. What kind of player were you regarded as in those days?
Looking forward to your next start. To the brightness on the horizon!
You looked very annoyed and upset in the dugout after you were pulled on the 12th v the Angels. You should not have been. The Angels are a hard team to beat, with a batting lineup that would make it difficult for ANY pitcher. And you held them to two runs over 6 innings and change. Not too shabby, man. I know it probably sucks to be pulled, but you did a damn fine job, and you should be proud of yourself for it!
Ryan,
You have done it again man!
Love the work you put in today in LA.
Pitch count is not an issue to you. You can go and go!
Strong strong performance. Keep it coming for a couple more and then give that arm a rest ready for the rotation next year.
Watched the game on mlb.com. with the “obsessed one” today.
Great effort from the Newcastle boy.
Live the dream!Find somewhere in LA that sells Tooheys and have one on me.
You’ve proved you can start in the major leagues. Good for you! I really hope you’re still in Seattle next year, but I’m afraid that some other smart team looking for pitching will want you. Either way, I hope you get to play on a team that wins more often. It must be weird to be so proud of yourself for making a huge leap in your career, but be downcast about the team as a whole. It’s great watching a young pitcher come out of nowhere (not to knock Australia, I’m speaking baseball only), make a name as a reliever, get his first starts, and do a really nice job for a team that desperately needs it. Your future looks long and bright in the majors. Kudos!
You were amazing last night. You looked mad, don’t be. The Angels are one of the best in baseball right now, you should be proud of how you did and not be so hard on yourself. I wish I had been there but I was riding out a hurricane.
Hey Ryan! I was at the game to see you start against the Angels on Friday, and you had an amazing start! And I’m actually saying this as a huge Angels fan. I try to be objective: I knew a little bit about you before going into the game and noticed that you were doing really well that day.
Anyway, I only managed to get one terrible shot of you coming out from the bullpen (wow, you just kind of… zipped out there) but you should have it: http://images43.fotki.com/v1324/photos/9/990812/6422556/DSC00913-vi.jpg
There you go, a ridiculously long name that goes from shoulder to shoulder, just like Isringhausen or Duchscherer
Enjoy!
I hope you enjoyed your stay in Anaheim. How’re you liking traveling around the US with the Mariners? Hope you’re having some fun this season!
HI Angel. Call and check in, I’ve lost you number. You’d ever how big Ry. I’m working in preschool with deaf children and LOVING it. Hi to your family. d
I guess the hangovers didn’t effect the Angels much after all. Dang, I hate losing! I can’t imagine how much tougher it must be on you guys.
Keep up the good work. You did your job.
By the way, although I feel he has made a good decision, I hate to lose Beltre to surgery. I love watching him play third. Does he ever surprise you with some of the plays he makes? I know he puts in a phenomenal amount of work taking grounders.
Hey Ryan, just stumbled onto your blog. Great stuff. I’m a long-time M’s fan (I was at the first-ever M’s game as a 9-year old). I wonder if you can take a stab at what I see as a huge hole in the team: vocal leadership. Every winning team needs STRONG players who know how to win & provide verbal leadership: yelling, inspiring, firing guys up. From what I can see, the M’s best players are all quiet dudes (except JJ, who’s in the pen & been hurt). There’s no player getting in Yuni & Lopez’ faces to tell them it’s NOT OK to take a play off here & there. The manager can provide SOME of that vocal leadership, but the best teams all have players who do it. So, my question to you is: who of the young guys seems to have the potential to do this? They have to have the strengths as a player, the gift of the gab, and the respect of teammates to hold people accountable, and in other instances simply get guys FIRED UP? As I’m sure you know, you need that to win…
Often thought you would be a great inspiration to team, Ryan.You are funny, have some easy lines that inspire, good at dealing with people: taking direction and helping others..
Agree with McNuggit that the team needs geeing up. Difficult for a young player, but you know how to have a laugh and to commit to a task with fervour.
You’re awesome Ryan! I missed your last start against the Angels. I was out of town. Ironically I was in LA, but I was staying with Dodgers fans so I couldn’t watch you pitch. It sounds like you did great once again. I really hope the M’s realize that you can be a huge part of the staff in 2009. You are definitely an incredible asset. Keep it up in your last 2 or 3 starts. I’m sure you’ll finish the season strong!
GO CHAMP!!! another quality start. What an amazing yr for you ! you deserve it , you work extremely hard. te iubesc
Hey Mr Rowland-Smith,
I was able to catch some of the game last night. You had a pretty solid outing, too bad about what happen after you left the game. Keep up the good work as I be watching to see when I can see you pitch again. Maybe even live at one of the AL east ball parks.
6 QUALITY STARTS:You must be turning heads all through MLB. Pity the Mariners as so off this season as you would be so well known and appreciated.2009 is looking great for you.Mariners should buy some heavy duty hitters.
Your work ethic is truly admirable.Young players should follow your lead and show the tenacity to keep on track regardless of inappropriate setbacks due to management and money
Ryan, I am absolutely loving watching you play this season. Came out to spring training this year with my dad and a couple of girlfriends. We’ve been out to Safeco a couple times to see you and the other boys too. It’s nice to see players who are in it for the love of the game
I still have faith in my boys even after a tough season like this one. Good luck with the rest of the season! And keep up the blog, I love reading it 
Hey Ryan,
You know, I work nights and I always get up early when I know you are going to pitch. You can always be counted on to go long in the game. Keep up the excellent work! Maybe next season you can blog us from spring training all the way through the playoffs!
Ryan,
If you could influence the Mariner’s draft choice next years. Would you go with Grant Green or Stephen Strasburg.
go get them champ
Another nice outing tonight (it’s the 6th inning). No shame in giving up a hit to Vlad. Too bad the M’s can’t give you more run support.
8th inning now. You pitched a hell of a game tonight against a great Angels team. You should be getting a win instead of going out behind.
Excellent Outing today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You are awesome! Against Angels too.
Next blog please!
Another stellar start.
Good on ya, we were honored to be there.
Nice outing last night, Ryan. Would like to have seen Raul field that ball cleanly; even more, better production in the third. (Bases loaded, none out, 2-3-4 coming to the plate.) You did your job. It makes me feel better about next year.
One more start to go–keep your head in there!
Ryan –
Can you drop me an email re when you’re getting home? MLB Australia is fielding media inquiries.
Cheers.
Yo Rozza!
I am doing well thanks, plodding along you know, doing lots of travel and study, that is about it.
Man you are doing realy well with the M’s (been following on MLB.com), keep it going dude you will definitely be in the rotation next year the way you are going.
Peace out bro keep up the good sh*t.
Dicko
I’m going to be in Seattle Friday (I live out of state) and noticed that you’re scheduled to pitch on Saturday. I’m going to stay an extra night and take in the game. Can’t wait to see you pitch in person. Love your intensity and the quickness between pitches.
Hi Ryan,
Our family are big Mariner fans and we really enjoy watching you pitch. We would like to invite you to our home in January when our daughter and her boyfriend who live in Sydney come to visit. Our daughter’s boyfriend is Pete Mandish who also attended New Castle High, NSW.
Don’t stop blogging RRS.
Please.
Hey Ryan, I stumbled across this blog as a fellow Australian and big Angel fan. Having seen you pitched a few times against us this year I have been might impressed. You looked great against us in that start a couple of weeks ago and I still can’t believe you managed to get GA out for that save back in April! Will you be playing in the Claxton Shield this year? I’d love to see you come out an pitch here in Perth against our national champions! You’re doing an excellent job representing Australian baseball buddy, keep it up, only try not to when you’re playing the Angels next year!
All the best.
Well. I see your column was squelched. I have a two-part request.
Whatever went down, keep a clear head and go about your business tomorrow. You couldn’t make a stronger statement for next year than that.
Second, stay in touch. For you it’s good PR, and for Mariners fans it’s an insight into the thinking of a solid young player. We appreciate it.
Play well, Ryan.