Josh Fields - Fratty Southerner joins Mariners
A few minutes ago, the Seattle Mariners drafted Josh Fields, RHP from the Univeristy of Georgia. The big surprise here is this: last year he was drafted in the second round by the hometown Braves, and chose to return to school. Why? He explains:
Well, after the draft last year I was planning on heading out and starting to play. As I worked some camps here in the summer and had a chance to talk to the coaches and the different people who was inluencing my decision, I really had a change of heart through the summer.
I prayed about it a lot and the Lord just led me back here for one more year - by the end of the summer there was nowhere else I wanted to be. Looking back now - I sure am thankful the Lord led me back here and allowed me to have the opportunities I had this year.
First impressions? I like him. He’s down with God. He’s sporting a first class frat shag with pastel striped blue Polo shirt and although he seemed subdued in the interview, I’m sure he’s roughed up a few GDIs in his day. Here’s his bio from the UGA athletics website. Greek affiliation: unknown.
From what they said on the telecast, he’s a closer who can reach 98 MPH with the fastball and has a pretty nasty yakker. He hinted that he’s hoping to stay in the closer role while he works through the minors. Philippe Aumont he ain’t, but more arms never hurt. Based on his college numbers and the interest from the Braves, I reckon he’s as close to a sure thing as they were gonna get. Your thoughts?
June 5th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
I like the pick. My assumption is that they wanted a college closer that they can get in soon to fill Morrow’s role when he comes a started next year. And maybe they feel like Lowe’s arm will never recover enough for him to be that guy. And, as Putz continues his fall into the “Mariner closers who are good for a few seasons and then go in the shitter” club*, we’ll need reinforcement.
*Current members include Norm Charlton, Kaz Sasaki, Eddie Guardado, Mike Schooler, Jose Mesa, Armando Benitez, and of course, Bobby Ayala
June 5th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Didn’t Sasaki’s steep fall and sudden retirement have to do with him roughing up some fine American tang? Oh, and Arthur Rhodes is crying that he didn’t make into your club.
Spending a first round pick on a right handed reliever? He’s good, but if we even have a position of strength anymore, that’s it.
June 5th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Was Bobby Ayala ever good? I figured he was just on the team because he was porking Lou Pinella’s daughter.
June 5th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Hose, peep big Bobby’s ‘94 campaign: 2.86 ERA, 18 saves (short season because of strike), 76/26 K/BB ratio. In his final year as a Bomb, his ERA was 7.29. Christ, he’s at least the Secretary of this club, if not the VP.
June 5th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
Ayala is by far the biggest name in this club. He’s the founding member - he tried to pull off the ole’ hide the double chin with a goatee look long before it was a socially acceptable thing to do. Mike Schooler is the Associate Vice President in Charge of Mustachery for this club. Benitez was clearly in charge of recruitment, as he was terrible on many, many clubs, spreading the gospel. Jose Mesa is the sergeant at arms, as he was wont to carry concealed weapons. Norman Charlton Wood III is the head of scholarly relations with his awesome full name and 3(!) degrees from Rice University. Sasaki is the Trevor Sparks Honorary Rush Chair because he really knew how to party (and philander).
June 6th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Maybe the M’s know something I don’t know, but as of the 28th round, they have drafted an ass-load of right handed pitchers (14, 11 of them taller than 6′3″), catchers (3) and second basemen (3). Last I checked, you can only have one of each in your lineup at a time.
Last I checked, they could use a little depth at the power positions (LF, RF, 1B, 3B) and maybe even a Left Handed Pitcher or 2. I guess they will probably address those needs through washed up free agents.
June 7th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
This article and the comments are why I read this blog. Fucking hilarious.
June 16th, 2008 at 6:11 am
His greek affiliation is none, in fact, he has always made fun of them. I can’t say anything about the hair, i don’t know what the deal is with that, but the clothes, its an athens ga thing. It is kind of like Savanah ga, lots of old rich people run the town and bright polos are required for anything and everything but work. frat boys down here wear fishing clothes. its really stupid, because i have owned the same fishing clothes for years, to fish in, and it all used to be cheap. now since the frat boys like it to go drink in, its expensive
June 16th, 2008 at 10:19 am
Consider my mind blown. Where can I find the nearest Bass Pro Shop?