MLB Training Camp

It’s probably because we have a chance to deal with James on a regular basis that prompts our bias towards what he can and can’t do when he’s on the Mound.

Co-host Chad Dey, camera man Justin Borges and myself had the opportunity to attend training camp last spring in Peoria and if you’re going to attend a camp, we can honestly say they treat you first class.

We attended camp so as to grab a few features for “The Locker Room” shown only on http://www.deltacable.com/ and offer the viewers an insight on what a pro camp is like. 

James had a great camp and a good start, well at least for as many pitches as he threw in the home opener when the Seahawks displayed the Superbowl Trophy.

Seattle Mariner’s (lefty) was as successful as any rookie starter in the clubs history with the Mariners organization and a huge part for this season place all hopes of him being healthy for the full season.

September of 2013 was his call-up and James went 9-3 in his first 15 starts with a 2.01 ERA before a late-season stumble in Toronto.

For James this ranks as the fifth-lowest ERA for 15 starts at the beginning of a career for any pitcher in the MLB since 1914.

No one has to remind James about his 3 1/2 months away from the mound with a strained lat muscle behind his left shoulder, which limited his 2014 season only 13 starts and 74 innings pitched.

He finished the season at 6-4 with a 3.04 ERA, and would have been 6-3 with a 2.14 ERA, baring a down turn late in the season against the Blue Jays.

Paxton faced 144 consecutive batters which is a club record without giving up an extra-base hit that date from Aug. 20 to Sept. 22.

This is the second-longest streak in the Majors last season behind the only reliever KC Royals Wade Davis.

Mariners Manager Lloyd McClendon is not only counting on, but hopeful that James can fill one of his rotation spots entering the 2015 Season

James learned a lot since being with the Mariners and now he has to prove he’s durable to stay there.

James told the media “It’s been great. I’ve been living in Kirkland, so I’m in here every day working out at Safeco.”

If you live on the West Coast and a supporter of the Mariners you should plan on attend at least one camp in Peoria – you won’t be disappointed.