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The Seattle Mariners haven’t exactly been a model of consistency with their play so far in the 2007 Major League Baseball season.
But M’s backup catcher Jamie Burke, a Roseburg High School graduate and Oregon State University product, remains optimistic Seattle can be a factor in the AL West race.
“I think we’ll start picking things up,” Burke said following Seattle’s 13-12 loss to Tampa Bay Thursday in St. Petersburg, Fla. “We have some pitchers who have been hurt. If we start clicking we can beat anyone and be at the top fighting for the division title.”
The Mariners, currently on a 10-game road trip, have a 21-22 record heading into today’s game at Kansas City. Seattle sits in third place in the West, 4 1/2 games behind the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (28-20) and a half-game behind Oakland (23-23).
The 35-year-old Burke, who made a major league roster on opening day for the first time in his 15-year pro career, has performed well in limited playing time behind starter Kenji Johjima. He’s played in 11 games, batting .320 (8-for-25) with four doubles and one RBI.
Burke’s last start was Sunday before 38,844 at Safeco Field, when he caught Mariners ace Felix Hernandez for the first time against San Diego. Burke went 2-for-2 in the contest, won by the Padres 2-1. Hernandez (2-2, 2.77), who recently returned from the disabled list, threw 103 pitches, struck out nine and allowed two runs in five innings.
“The kid’s got great stuff ... electric,” Burke said of the 21-year-old right-hander from Venezuela. “I’d rate him as one of the top guys I’ve caught. His No. 1 pitch is the fastball, but he can go with any of his pitches at anytime. He’s going to be something special.”
Burke said his next start will likely come Sunday against Kansas City, with left-hander Jarrod Washburn (4-4, 315) taking the mound for Seattle. Left-hander Horacio Ramirez (4-2, 6.47) left Thursday’s game against the Devil Rays after two innings due to tightness in his shoulder.
“Our pitching staff has had its ups and downs, but it’s kept us in a lot of games,” Burke said. “The bullpen has been great.”
The Mariners need some offensive help from two of their regulars, first baseman Richie Sexson and third baseman Adrian Beltre. Sexson is hitting .172 with five home runs and 22 RBIs, while Beltre is hitting .236 with six homers and 21 RBIs.
They also could use a healthy Raul Ibanez (.273, one HR, 23 RBIs), the leftfielder who’s been out of action with back problems.
But M’s backup catcher Jamie Burke, a Roseburg High School graduate and Oregon State University product, remains optimistic Seattle can be a factor in the AL West race.
“I think we’ll start picking things up,” Burke said following Seattle’s 13-12 loss to Tampa Bay Thursday in St. Petersburg, Fla. “We have some pitchers who have been hurt. If we start clicking we can beat anyone and be at the top fighting for the division title.”
The Mariners, currently on a 10-game road trip, have a 21-22 record heading into today’s game at Kansas City. Seattle sits in third place in the West, 4 1/2 games behind the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (28-20) and a half-game behind Oakland (23-23).
The 35-year-old Burke, who made a major league roster on opening day for the first time in his 15-year pro career, has performed well in limited playing time behind starter Kenji Johjima. He’s played in 11 games, batting .320 (8-for-25) with four doubles and one RBI.
Burke’s last start was Sunday before 38,844 at Safeco Field, when he caught Mariners ace Felix Hernandez for the first time against San Diego. Burke went 2-for-2 in the contest, won by the Padres 2-1. Hernandez (2-2, 2.77), who recently returned from the disabled list, threw 103 pitches, struck out nine and allowed two runs in five innings.
“The kid’s got great stuff ... electric,” Burke said of the 21-year-old right-hander from Venezuela. “I’d rate him as one of the top guys I’ve caught. His No. 1 pitch is the fastball, but he can go with any of his pitches at anytime. He’s going to be something special.”
Burke said his next start will likely come Sunday against Kansas City, with left-hander Jarrod Washburn (4-4, 315) taking the mound for Seattle. Left-hander Horacio Ramirez (4-2, 6.47) left Thursday’s game against the Devil Rays after two innings due to tightness in his shoulder.
“Our pitching staff has had its ups and downs, but it’s kept us in a lot of games,” Burke said. “The bullpen has been great.”
The Mariners need some offensive help from two of their regulars, first baseman Richie Sexson and third baseman Adrian Beltre. Sexson is hitting .172 with five home runs and 22 RBIs, while Beltre is hitting .236 with six homers and 21 RBIs.
They also could use a healthy Raul Ibanez (.273, one HR, 23 RBIs), the leftfielder who’s been out of action with back problems.
