The Ian Furness Show

Ian is live from the VMAC checking out OTA's. Today the public is allowed in, the place is packed, and the energy is high. It's what sports should be, unlike the baseball team which continues to get rocked night after night. The first five picks of the Mariners' 2019 Draft were all college pitchers, in a draft year where pitching is supposed to be weak. They just keep making odd decisions. What was the point of the opener last night? It accomplished nothing. The defense continues to be awful. It was supposed to be a rebuilding year, but so far it feels like they're going backward. Last week, Duane Brown claimed the Seahawks offensive line could be the best in the NFL. An exaggeration? Maybe, but if you look at all of the guys in the position group, there's definitely a massive improvement. Guys that were very clearly the best on the team two or three years ago might not even make the team this year. Running back Rashaad Penny joins Ian at the VMAC as he gets ready for his second season.

Due to our visit with Rashaad Penny, Something Good was pushed back today, but that's okay because it's worth the wait. Today, Ian announces the details of the Mayor of Maple Valley Open at Druid's Glen. We hear from Brian Schootenheimer who spoke earlier, in full Schotty Mode. Texts ask who would win in a Cliche Off, Schottenheimer or Russell Wilson? Softy and Dick are at Jimmy's on First.

It's become abundantly clear that Seattle doesn't have a number one starting pitcher. Marco got blown up yesterday, his sixth loss in a row. He's not that good, and he's still the best we've got. It would help of course if the defense could get the outs they're supposed to get, or if bats would come alive to prop up the pitching, but none of that is happening right now either. We've seen some bad teams over the years, but is this the worst it's ever been? Yes, it's a rebuild, but even the AAA level guys haven't been great, including a 24-4 loss on Saturday. Jay Bruce is now playing for the Phillies, and the M's covered the majority of the deal, and what did they get in return? A minor league infielder that isn't considered a high-level prospect. So was the deal worth it? We've spent enough time on negativity: It's time for Something God. Today, Kick Hunger Challenge has served millions of meals, and Angie Mentink is selected for the Moose Clausen Community Service Award.

Every Monday, Bill Krueger discusses the latest Mariners news courtesy of Venue Kings. Harnarayan Singh is the announcer for the Punjabi-language version of Hockey Night In Canada. He talks with Ian about his story, and the attempts to add diversity to the game of hockey in Canada and beyond. A texter asks why Ian slips into his Canadian accent every time he talks with another Canadian? Softy is at Henry's in South Lake Union before Stanley Cup Final Game 4.

Bill Krueger from ROOT Sports joins Ian Furness every Monday courtesy of Venue Kings. Check out VenueKings.com for your tickets to the best sports, concerts, and shows.

Ian is live on Jimmy's on First, because the sun is out, it's Friday, and the Mariners are at home, plus there will be fireworks at the game. So at least there's one reason to head to T-Mobile Park tonight. The major league team may not be too exciting to watch right now, but for once the Mariners farm system is well-stocked with prospects. Corey Brock was recently in Arkansas checking out the M's AA prospects playing for the Travelers. We get his thoughts on Kyle Lewis, Evan White, Jake Fraley and more. Modesto Nuts play-by-play voice Keaton Gillogly joins us to discuss Jarred Kelenic's first game in High A ball, plus other players to watch in Modesto. On Something Good, fans of Emilia Clarke help her SameYou charity, and Ian is enthralled by the spelling bee.