PEORIA, AZ (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Day number two at Mariners Spring Training afforded me the opportunity to catch up with team broadcasters Dave Sims and Rick Rizzs.
The two legendary broadcasters have been to several training camps over the span of their careers. This one, though, is hitting different. Sims and Rizzs agree that the 2024 Mariners have a pitching staff that will give them a legit chance at the AL West title and a solid run at their first-ever World Series appearance.
It is no secret that the Mariners wanted to cut down on their over 1,500 strike-outs last season. They beefed up their batting order by bringing back Mitch Haniger from the San Francisco Giants, added a bonified DH in Mitch Garver from the world champion Texas Rangers and introduced second baseman Jorge Polanco to get the M’s hits on both sides of the plate.
Ty France showed up to camp looking lean and armed with knowledge from Driveline – the same people who got JP Crawford back on track at the plate last season.
“We are gonna get to a World Series and we are gonna get there real soon,” said Rizzs, who has the feeling that with the top-shelf pitching and a line-up that can make contact top to bottom, success is not far off.
“I like the additions. I love the pitching,” Sims said. “Easily top three in all of baseball. It depends on their health. They’re gonna have a good run.”
Sims has really taken a liking to the addition of Mitch Garver saying, “He played with Nelson Cruz in Minnesota; I like him a lot, he can make contact and put the ball in play.” Sims also says this is the most balanced line-up he has seen in recent years.
According to Sims, the stakes are higher this year. “Having missed the play-offs by one stinkin’ game, it adds to the importance of what you’re doing this spring and how well you play in April. This team’s window is wide open,” said Sims.
On a personal note, Rick Rizzs opened up about his near-death experience while riding an ATV during the off-season. “My son saved my life,” he explained. “I had a bad accident the day after the all-star game in the mountains on an ATV. If it wasn’t for my son, I wouldn’t be here.”

Rizzs says he just glad to be here at spring training and he’s very excited about where this Mariners team is going this year.