BOSTON – The Seattle Mariners will have two players – Ichiro Suzuki and Felix Hernandez – in the 2009 All-Star game next week.
For Ichiro, the selection seemed automatic; he’s been an American League All-Star each of his nine seasons in the big leagues. For Hernandez, this is his first appearance – and he’s as excited as you’d expect a 23-year-old to be.
“It’s always been a goal, and I feel like it’s one step forward for me,” Hernandez said. “When Don (Wakamasu) told us, he said we ought to thank our teammates for their support. Well, I thanked everybody.”
Ichiro’s numbers couldn’t be ignored. Before Seattle’s 81st game Sunday, he led the major leagues in batting average (.365) and hits (116). Going to the All-Star Game has been an annual affair for the Mariners’ right fielder.
“There’s no way it could ever become routine,” he said.
And of Hernandez joining him for the first time?
“The more teammates that go with me,” Ichiro said, “the happier I am.”
Hernandez was selected after going 8-3 in 17 starts, with a 2.62 earned run average that’s third in the league.
Challenged by Wakamatsu in May to grow into the role of team ace, Hernandez is third in the league in innings (117) and ranks in the top 10 in winning percentage and wins.
Now, he’s an All-Star.
“My mom and dad will go with me,” he said. “I just heard before the game, so between innings I texted my wife. She texted back about three minutes later. She was so happy, too.
“This might be my favorite year so far in the big leagues. I love my teammates. I’d like to take them all with me.”
Ichiro was a little less forthcoming.
“I’m still thinking about the game we just played,” he said. “There is a media day before the All-Star game; I will answer questions there. I’ve had no time today to think about it.”
The Mariners had hoped two others players might be selected – closer David Aardsma and first baseman Russell Branyan. Both have solid numbers but are in positions where there are plenty of candidates.
Aardsma, for instance, has the best ERA among relievers (1.41), but because he didn’t start the year closing, his 17 saves rank seventh in the league. Similarly, Branyan’s numbers are solid – .295, 20 home runs, 45 RBI – but not spectacular.
Short hops
Chris Jakubauskas struggled as a starting pitcher, but in the bullpen he’s been a different pitcher – the one Seattle saw in spring training. As a reliever, Jakubauskas has appeared in 11 games and posted a 2.82 ERA over 22 innings. … Little ball: Seattle leads the AL with 38 sacrifice bunts, and Yuniesky Betancourt and Franklin Gutierrez each have eight of those. … The Mariners have four pitchers with at least one save this season: Aardsma, Brandon Morrow, Mark Lowe and Sean White. … Called into service in the third inning after starter Mike Sweeney had back spasms, Ken Griffey Jr. singled and walked twice as the designated hitter.
On tap
Seattle opens a homestand with a 7:10 p.m. game with Baltimore on FSN. Probable starting pitchers: Baltimore right-hander Brad Bergesen (5-2, 3.53 ERA) vs. Seattle left-hander Jarrod Washburn (4-6, 3.36).
larry.larue@thenewstribune.com
blogs.thenewstribune.com/mariners
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