Lookout Landing

John Trupin and Kate Preusser return to discuss the highs and lows of the past week and project what the Mariners may do in the next month with their roster. 13-3 win over the Astros! Losing four straight. Andrew Moore's debut! Edwin Díaz's struggles. Who do the Mariners best fit with as a trade partner for this year and next? What even do the Mariners have to buy or sell? Does a pitching machine with a smiley face taped to it count as a 4 starter? Some cathartic rehashing of a couple weeks that showed the best and worst of Mariners baseball.   Music: Kurt Vile - Wakin on a Pretty Day, Goldlink - Palm Trees.

Kate and John are reunited and bring on LL's minor league expert Ethan Novak to recap and discuss the signs of life shown by the Mariners in the last couple weeks (0:00) that brought some folks back from the brink of declaring the season over. After discussing Mike Zunino, DEFINITELY FIXED HITTER, the absolute absurdity of the AL standings, and the Jean Segura extension, they turn to the main focus of this week: the 2017 MLB Draft (13:10). Evan White is interesting but Ethan wanted several someone elses. Sam Carlson wasn't even supposed to be here. 5th round pick David Banuelos gets compared to everyone's favorite new Rays catcher. 8th round pick Billy Cooke zips his way up Kate's personal prospect rankings. What is up with honor picks? Are any of these guys even good? Why did so many people get picked from places with Olive in their name? Should you even care about rounds after the top-10? WHO IS KEVIN SANTA? After the break (1:01:50) Twitter questions are fielded on potential Hall of Fame players on the Mariners, types of bears, the rest of the division's drafts, and more. Intermittently, breaks are taken to remark on the M's 6-4 win over the Twins that was happening during the recording, since we have the attention span of toddlers. Alas. Please submit any of your future questions for the podcast to @LookoutLanding or leave them in the comments below. Also, please rate, review, and subscribe to the Lookout Landing podcast with your favorite purveyor of podcasts. Music: Cheap Trick - Want You To Want Me, Drake - Draft Day, Flamingosis - Football Head  

The Mariners' minor league speedster joins us for an insider's view of baseball

Mariners' speedy outfield prospect Ian Miller joins Kate and co-host Eric Sanford to talk about the joys and trials of life in the minor leagues. He offers a dugout-level view on spring training and what he thinks makes big leaguers stand apart, a discussion of the swing chanes that have led to him seeing a tremendous jump in his numbers this year, and explains the shift in organizational philosophies post-Dipoto-regime from a player's point of view. Other topics covered: imaginary girlfriends, the irresistible allure of Chick-Fil-A breakfasts, and "which guy are you in the fight?" Music: "Kashmir" by Led Zeppelin, "Space Oddity" by David Bowie (both Ian's choices); "Run On" by Moby

Kate Preusser and John Trupin are joined by musician, songwriter, and lifelong Mariners fan Ben Gibbard. After sprinting at full speed through the unpleasant of the Toronto series, Gibbard reveals the origins of his unfortunate lot in life vis-a-vis baseball fandom, including a chance childhood encounter with Alvin Davis on the Bainbridge Island ferry. We discuss the challenges of finding the balance between hope and realism, how Gibbard’s baseball talent stacks up against the current injury-laden roster, the incredible experience of watching Ichiro play and listening to Dave Niehaus, and what the hell is wrong with players and their taste in walkup/entrance music. Afterwards, we take Twitter questions and delve into Gibbard’s burgeoning passion for ultra-running and how he got embroiled in a run involving eating Dick’s cheeseburgers in the midst. We also look at potential musical renditions for the 2017 roster, why our Seager(s) is(are) the best Seager(s), whether Dipoto should blow it up or run it back, which opposing fan bases are the most miserable to interact with, and much more. Music: Minor Threat - Out of Step, Ben Gibbard - Ichiro’s Theme, Randy Houser - We Went

Kate and John are joined by staff writers Isabelle Minasian and Jake Mailhot to debate the fantastic production of the Mariners' outfield so far. Jake champions Ben Gamel, John claims Mitch Haniger, Isabelle campaigns for Guillermo Heredia, and Kate takes the task of defending The Field. They debate the season so far, the best moments of each player, and their future gifts. Kate is distracted by minor league push notifications. Afterwards, Twitter questions are taken on the outfield of the past, present, and future, as well as mountain climbing races, potential catcher replacements, and situational acrobatics. Other Topics Include: How Bad Was Casey Fien?, How to Keep a Mariner Safe, Parents Ruining Players, Danny Valencia Knowing a Guy, The Crimson Chin, and more. Music: TheSportReel - That's What Speed Do, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Riding (Day), The National - The System Only Dreams In Total Darkness  

Kate Preusser and John Trupin are joined by WFAA Texas Rangers beat writer and storyteller Levi Weaver to preview the upcoming series between the Rangers and the Mariners. Tales of bullpen heartache and Tom Wilhelmsen adoration are traded, and Levi discusses his unconventional pathway to a career in baseball writing. Kate and John do their best to avoid divine judgment while recording in the middle of a thunderstorm and Levi reveals himself to be the black sheep of a family of cowboy church preachers and the head of your new favorite Twitter account. Twitter questions are answered as always, including a Rangers' perspective on the delightful Félix-Beltré friendly rivalrly matchups, and A.J. Griffin's pacifism, and Jerry Dipoto as a dessert on the share table at lunch. Other Topics Include: Life Lessons Through Sheep Riding, Two Turtle Coaches, Joey Gallohmygod, The Island of Dr. Morneau, Camaraderie(?), and more. Music: Lyle Lovett - That's Right (You're Not From Texas), Rainbow Kitten Surprise - Devil Like Me

A slightly loopy Kate Preusser and John Trupin convene late at night after the Mariners series win over the Detroit Tigers to discuss how the M's can recuperate from their injuries and who has already stepped up. They look at the upcoming schedule, celebrate Leonys Martín's return, and debate if the team will be able to remain a contender while shorthanded. Later, they take Twitter questions, shame their history teachers yet again with poor geographical and mythological recall, and design the perfect bobblehead for Seattle's utility sensation Taylor Motter. Other Topics include: Sprockets, Rainy Springs and Hot Aprils, Lloyd McClendon in the Land of the Soviets, Obsessions with Boogs, Helsinki Syndrome, and more. Music: Farruko - Visionary, Oh Land - Voodoo, Shad - Wild.

Kate Preusser and John Trupin are joined by staff writer Jake Mailhot to discuss the surprising starting pitching (both good and bad), the Mariners' excellent homestand, and M(VP)itch Haniger. They also debate if an 8-man bullpen is necessary anymore, recount some favorite Ichiro memories, and Jake decides Yovani Gallardo is where he's going to make his stand. Afterwards, they take questions from Twitter on fun deliveries, Jean Segura's mischief, ice cream analogies, and more. Please submit any of your questions to @LookoutLanding Topics include: Ceilings, Floors, and Beating Down the Doors, CB Bucknor Up Buttercup, Sexy Rum Raisin, and more. Music: NxWorries (Anderson Paak) - Livvin, Kendrick Lamar ft. Zacari - LOVE., Bonnie McKee - Bombastic.

The Seattle Mariners have started the season out playing so-so baseball and getting so-sad results. Kate Preusser and John Trupin are joined by fellow LL editor Zach Sanders to discuss the curiosity of the 8-man bullpen, 1st base struggles, and realistic expectations for this season after the pit the team has fallen into in the standings. Afterwards we take questions from Twitter, as always, which you can submit to @LookoutLanding Topics include: Fire, Hellfire. Boozy Ice Cream. Burned Out Grasshoppers. Trader Jerry's Next Fix. Basic Math. Music: Novelists - Souvenirs, Cheldon McQueen - Big, Tegan and Sara - Walking With a Ghost

After a rough opening series, Kate Preusser and John Trupin discuss the Mariners' seemingly leaden bats and potential silver linings. Afterwards, they take questions from listeners, and debate Houston's lousiness and if the Mariners will ever have two consecutive hits with runners in scoring position. Other topics include: Cricket Flour, Dashing Smiles & Mischieveous Grins, Scots and Pirates, and more. Music: Run the Jewels - Talk To Me. Russian Futurists - Precious Metals. Rakim - It's Nothing.

After a leave of absence due to one of our hosts getting hired to work for the Mariners (Congrats José!!!!) we are back on our weekly schedule. Managing Editor Kate Preusser and Editor John Trupin convene to discuss what defines a successful season, the players they're excited for and worried about, and their expectations for the AL West. Keep an eye out for our call for questions for next week's episode - we record every Wednesday or Thursday. Music: Run the Jewels - Talk To Me, Redbone - The Witch Queen of New Orleans, Cousin Stizz - Big Fella 

This week, we're joined by LL's resident MiLB aficionado Ethan Novak, as well as site intern Ben Thoen. We discuss some of the major storylines heading into Spring Training: Felix, World Baseball Classic, and the youth movement on the 2017 roster.  Music: Thundercat - Friend Zone, DJ Premier Ft. Miguel - 2 Lovin U, Future Islands - Ran

In this episode, Kate and Jose are joined by biz savant, Zach Sanders, and LL intern, Luke Mounger. They break down the good and the bad of each AL West team, as well as which team could be a threat to Seattle's playoff chances. This week's music: (Intro) Talk to me - Run the Jewels, Sleep - City of Souls, Night's On Fire - David Nail, idyllwild - Mia Dawson, Pure Comedy - Father John Misty

In episode four of the Lookout Landing podcast, Kate and Jose are joined by fellow staff contributors, John Trupin and Grand Bronsdon. We discuss the awfulness of Mariners past, the cautious optimism of the present, and the somewhat unknown future.