Brant Brown may be new to the position of Seattle Mariners bench coach and offensive coordinator, but he is not new to the organization having spent five years coaching in the minors before joining the Dodgers and eventually Marlins as a hitting coach.
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Going back even further, he managed the Texas Rangers’ Double-A affiliate Frisco RoughRiders, where one of his travel partners was a young broadcaster by the name of Aaron Goldsmith.
“That was a key factor in me coming to Seattle,” Brown deadpanned Tuesday on Seattle Sports’ Mariners Hot Stove before reliving some Texas League travel stories with Goldsmith.
While it is good to have a relationship with a team’s broadcaster, it’s even better to have a connection with the manager. Brown and M’s skipper Scott Servais were Cubs teammates in the late 1990s.
“Scotty and I always talk. We have been friends for a long time,” said Brown. “It’s always worked back and forth. I think the personalities really blend well. When he asks me a question, he knows he’s going to get the truth from me.”
That trust is of vital importance in the bench coach role. In the role of offensive coordinator, Brown brings with him experience and success with two very different organizations.
He has hit the ground running, having talked with nearly all the Mariners hitters to get to know them as individuals while also doing his homework studying the analytics and tendencies. What he sees – and likes – is a group that is set up to tackle the full spectrum of what major league pitching throws at them each night.
“When you make up a lineup, you need a diverse group of guys that have certain superpowers because it really helps when you are facing different pitchers and different pitch characteristics each and every night,” he said. “If you have a good diverse group that are good at different things yet good together, it just puts you in better places throughout the game and gives you opportunity to win more ballgames.”
On the Hot Stove last week, general manager Justin Hollander stated a big part of Brown’s focus with the Mariners day-to-day will be on approach. That, of course, will vary with who they are facing, but Brown brings an overall message for the group.
“First and foremost, it’s not what the pitcher is trying to do, it’s what you are trying to do to the pitcher,” he said. “Second, is there a situation that needs to get done to help us win that changes what you are trying to do? And three, we don’t know which run in the game is going to win the game. We have to understand at the end of the day is you have to know where you are at in the count. You have to understand as you get into deficit counts, the slug goes down and the chase goes up. We have to modify our intent to where we are at in the at-bat, where we are at in the game and everything needs to be tapered towards a letter which is a ‘W,’ instead of a number.”
These are all things the Mariners have wanted to see from their hitters, but in a very different voice with different terminology. Not once in the 20-minute interview did Brown use the “Dominate The Zone” phrase the Mariners have embraced for several years now. It has been all about the numbers, the analytics and it will always be, but Brown provides an alternate focus with the letter, which is interesting and perhaps will resonate better with some hitters.
Another message he shared on the show? While the Mariners are looking to cut down on the swing and miss, there is room for error outside the strike zone.
“I don’t expect our hitters for every one of their swings to be in the box,” he said. “I do not. But what I do expect is for when they do chase a pitch out of the box, I want it to be in one area and that area should be to their strength. Those are creating conditions that one, it is very feasible and you can do it, two, if you swing outside of the box it is something you might be able to hit and three, you can’t practice perfection in a game or a task that is not going to be perfect, but you can handle doing it the way you want to do it, not the way they want you to do it.”
One hitter he is looking forward to working with is Julio Rodríguez and perhaps lessening some of the pressure on the young superstar.
“His drive this offseason has been impressive,” Brown said. “I’m super excited to get to know him better. I’m super excited hopefully to guide him in certain situations knowing that if we do things the right way, no one has to be a hero. You are going to hit for the hive, no one has to be a hero. Sometimes all hitters get themselves in trouble to because they think they have to do too much in those moments. He is a very feared hitter in this league, so he is going to get every pitch in the book. Sometimes the best thing he can do is take the walk and pass the baton and let the next guy do the job.”
This week’s Hot Stove Show also featured an interview with Cal Raleigh from his new home in Arizona, a chance to catch up with former Mariners reliever and new major league pitching strategist and assistant pitching coach Danny Farquhar, and the rundown on the international signees with director of international scouting Frankie Thon Jr.
You can hear the full show in the two podcasts below.
• Seattle Mariners Notebook: Arbitration deals, Farquhar return, new RHP
• Mariners Breakdown: GM Justin Hollander on latest trades, what’s next
•Drayer: Mariners ‘feel good’ about team after trades, and more could be coming
• Drayer: Mitch Garver feels ‘really valued’ with way Mariners see him
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This is an open thread.
SEATTLE – After waking up to a smattering of clouds this morning, skies gradually cleared through the afternoon as sunshine increased around Western Washington. Temperatures climbed into the low 60s for many communities, making for a pleasant and quiet start to the weekend.
What’s next:
Sunday will remain mild and dry with a little more warmth expected across the region. Winds will shift to a more northerly direction, helping temperatures inch upward compared to Saturday.
Sunny weather helps Seattle reach the low to mid 80s Tuesday during the warmest day of the week. (FOX 13 Seattle)
The warming trend will continue Monday as highs climb into the 70s under mostly sunny skies.
By Tuesday, a developing thermal trough along the Cascades will help usher in the warmest air of the week. Sunshine is expected throughout the day with temperatures soaring into the low to mid 80s for many communities.
Some of the traditionally warmer locations could climb even higher. The warmer, drier air will also raise fire danger across parts of the region.
This weather pattern helps Seattle experience sinking air, abundant sunshine, and significantly warmer temperatures. (FOX 13 Seattle)
If you’re planning to cool off at area lakes, rivers, creeks, or streams, remember that water temperatures remain dangerously cold despite the warmer air. Wearing a life vest is strongly encouraged.
Stay heat aware on Tuesday as Seattle weather warms quickly while rivers and lakes remain dangerously cold. (FOX 13 Seattle)
The heat will begin easing Wednesday as temperatures fall back into the low 70s. A cooler onshore flow pattern will continue Thursday and Friday, bringing highs back into the 60s. An isolated shower or two may develop Friday as a weak weather system approaches the Pacific Northwest.
Cooler weather returns to Seattle later in the week with highs back in the 60s and a slight shower chance Friday. (FOX 13 Seattle)
Take good care,
Meteorologist Abby Acone and the FOX 13 Weather Team
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(State ferry and cruise ship Celebrity Edge – Bob Burns photo from Friday)
Welcome to the weekend! Here are our highlighted happenings for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
RUN WITH WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: Meet up at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) by 8 am for today’s free group run.
FAMILY WANDERERS WALKING EVENT: Not a group walk, but a walking club has organized it – start between 9 and 11 am from their table at Riverview Playfield (7300 12th SW).
FREE MEDITATION: For a calming start to your Saturday, check out Heavily Meditated, 9 am free meditation at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska).
INTRODUCTORY WALK and WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 9:30 am, walk a mile before the 10 am well-being walk (or just show up for that one). Both start from 47th SW and Fontanelle.
DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: New season, new location! 10 am-2 pm, shop for produce, prepared food and beverages, artisan body care, more. (9th/Henderson)
GARDENING WITH LESS WATER AND LESS WORK: “Designing your own water-smart permaculture paradise with Jessi Bloom” class at West Seattle Nursery (5275 California SW; WSB sponsor), 10 am.
WALKING TOUR OF SCHMITZ PRESERVE PARK: 10 am; meet at 5463 SW Stevens for guided tour with Schmitz Park Restore.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The home of West Seattle’s history is open, with expanded Saturday hours 10 am-4 pm (61st SW and SW Stevens) last chance to visit before a month-long closure.
SSC GARDEN CENTER: 10 am-3 pm, open today! New plants in! North end of campus at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor)
MASTER GARDENERS AT DELRIDGE HOME DEPOT: Saturdays, 10 am-2 pm – take them your toughest garden questions and get free expert answers! (Delridge/Orchard)
SINGALONG BRUNCH: 10 am weekends at Admiral Pub, sing to classics – table reservation includes a brunch buffet! (2306 California SW)
GATEWOOD GATOR FAIR: Lots of all-ages fun at Gatewood Elementary (4320 SW Myrtle), with entertainment, food, a fire truck expected at 11 am, a science fair, and an Urban Survival Skills Fair with local prepaedness advocates – all happening 10:30 am-2:30 pm. All welcome!
MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am today – free, weekly, in-person, critique-free group – details including location are in our calendar listing.
MAKERS ART MARKET AT ALKI: 11 am-5 pm, next to the bathhouse, more than 30 local makers are selling their creations. (2701 Alki SW)
SPRAYPARK SEASON: Second week of the season begins at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm.
FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)
COLMAN POOL’S FOURTH WEEKEND: Noon-7 pm, fourth preseason weekend begins at the outdoor pool on the shore at Lincoln Park. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: Community visitors welcome noon-3 pm at the West Seattle Vietnamese Cultural Center (2236 SW Orchard).
MORBIDLY CURIOUS BOOK CLUB: 1 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW), discussing “Expert Witness” this month.
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open, with wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM, WINE BAR, STORE: Open 1-6 pm on north end of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus:
The Northwest Wine Academy Tasting Room and Wine Bar offers student-produced wines, tasting flights, and casual food pairings while supporting hands-on winemaking and hospitality education. Each tasting and purchase directly contributes to student production, education, and training opportunities.
‘A KID’S LIFE’ SCHOOL MUSICAL: 2 pm performance of The Bridge School Cooperative Elementary (WSB sponsor) production of “A Kid’s Life” at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW). Details in our calendar listing.
THE BEER JUNCTION’S MONTHLY BIKE RIDE: 2 pm departure from the lot behind The Beer Junction (4511 California SW), 21+, must have helmet to ride.
FREE MASSAGE: 3-5 pm walk-in at Nepenthe (9447 35th SW) for “short, specific sessions.”
‘YOUR VOICE, OUR FUTURE’: The 34th District Democrats‘ annual fundraiser, this year at the White Center HUB (8th SW/SW 108th), 5:30 pm cocktail hour, 6:30-8:30 pm event.
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 6-8 pm, Phil and Friends play at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
‘FEMININE RAGE’: A night of women-led live music plus axe-throwing, community support, flash tattooing, clothing donations, 6 pm-midnight at Axe Throwers Seattle (10849 1st Avenue S., Top Hat).
LISTENING PARTY AT EASY STREET: 7 pm, hear Modest Mouse‘s new music, at Easy Street Records, free, all ages (4559 California SW).
DRAG AT THE SKYLARK: 8 pm, “Hey Baby” drag show focusing on new performers, hosted by Kimme Kash. All ages, $15/door. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
REVELRY ROOM SPINNING: 9 pm, DJ Topspin spins. (4547 California SW)
SATURDAY NIGHT SKATING: 9 pm to midnight, skate at Southgate Roller Rink (9676 17th SW), with rotating DJs spinning old-school funk & hip-hop, $18 plus $5 skate rental.
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Close out your Saturday night with Rone at 10 pm at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)
If you’re planning a West Seattle event, and it’s open to the community, tell us about it; calendar listings are free of charge, always! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
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