Another Hot Stove League Show is in the books and if you missed it, never fear, we have a podcast.
A programming note: Next week there will be no show as Monday is a holiday. But the following week we will return and return from sunny (I hope) Peoria. As we have in past years we will broadcast the show from the Salty Senorita. Please stop by if you are in the area.
As for tonight's show, Mariners hitting coach Chris Chambliss kicked things off and talked about what he has seen from Jesus Montero, how he plans to get the hitters ready for the early games in Japan and about his expectations for the young players to take the next step and cut down on the strikeouts.
Next up was Miguel Olivo, who told us that he was impressed with what he has seen from the pitchers in the early going. "They are all throwing gas and all look like they came in ready," he said. He also talked about his new "shadow" Montero, who apparently is following him everywhere. "People need to be patient with him and the catching. He is going to be OK. He is smart and doing everything we are telling him to do." As always, Olivo has been the first to get to the clubhouse each day, getting in as early as 5:30 a.m.
Casper Wells, otherwise known as @UpstateBaller on Twitter, closed out the first hour. He talked about why he takes the time to interact with the fans on Twitter and gamely took a follow suggestion from us. He also talked in depth about his equilibrium problems last year. Turns out when he tried to back out of the way of the pitch that hit him in the nose last season it threw his C2 joint, which deals directly with vision and the inner ear. The problem is behind him and he says that he is as healthy now as he has ever been.
In the second hour Aaron Heilman joined us and recounted his short first go-round with the Mariners. He gave us a quick impression of what he has seen from the camp and also talked about some puzzling numbers he had last year.
Jim Caple of ESPN.com then dropped by and joined us for a discussion of the movie "Moneyball." He also talked about a recent article of his about the "Wacky World of Baseball Cards" where he looked at some of the stranger baseball card pictures throughout the history of baseball.
Finally, Mariners VP of Marketing Kevin Martinez filled us in on what to expect in the Mariners' celebration of their 35th year. Every week the team is at home a former Mariner will be brought back. They will be at the ballpark, throw out the first pitch and some will be at lunches. It sounds like there will be a good opportunity for fan interaction with Kevin saying that they are looking forward to getting the players into town and having the the ability to connect and tell their stories. Should be interesting.
Again, we are off next week but will return the following week with a full slate of guests in person at the Salty Senorita.
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