Bloomquist Out, Who’s Up?
by Jon Shields ~ August 10th, 2008
If you didn’t catch Saturday night’s game, Willie Bloomquist brutally pulled his hamstring beating out a potential double play late in the game. He had to be helped off the field, and manager Jim Riggleman didn’t sound optimistic after the game. This is looking like an automatic trip to the DL for Willie.
So.. who takes his spot?
My money is on Tug Hulett. He’s had a surprisingly good season offensively and while he’s not as versatile as Bloomquist, he can handle several positions. He’s played mostly shortstop and second base this season, but has played third base in his career as well. He doesn’t need to be able to play first base, since Miguel Cairo, Jeremy Reed, Jeff Clement and Raul Ibanez can all play there in a pinch. Hulett has next to no experience in the outfield, which isn’t a big deal either considering there has been a logjam out there as of late.
Expect Hulett to be called up right away. This could be an audition of sorts, as Bloomquist and Cairo’s contracts are expiring at season’s end and Hulett seems to be the best option to become Seattle’s next super-utility player.
7 Responses to Bloomquist Out, Who’s Up?
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1 August 10th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Tug has been impressive for Tacoma so I’m pretty excited to see what he can do on the major league level.
2 August 10th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Ouch. Lopez, you got catch that.
3 August 10th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Tug is in, let’s see what he can do here.
4 August 10th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Excellant at bat.
5 August 10th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Riggleman certainly has his shortcomings, but I love him for what he just did: Showing Lopez that it’s a two sided game. Goofs up some key plays last night, completely misses a dead-on throw by Clement that gives Clement an error and leads to a run today. Riggleman lifts him for Tug despite Lopez’s earlier home run.
I’m assuming that’s why, since Lopez was fuming in the dugout. It’s a two sided game, Jose! Good move.
6 August 10th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
I agree. Lopez needs to sit and think and focus. Maybe Riggleman will get that to sink in.
7 August 11th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
When it all boils down I still think that everybody who wants the Mariners to win the games they can, and at least get the most out of this season, would rather have Lopez in. If this is a “change your ways” type thing, I’m cool with it.