One word sums up the Mariners' 2008 season: Unwatchable.
With the bar set so low, the 2009 edition of the M's only had to be mediocre, and the year would be considered a success.
Well, these guys have leapfrogged mediocre and are threatening to become good. In the past ten days, they've won series at Los Angeles AND Boston... oh yeah, did I mention those are the two best teams in baseball. They beat C. C. Sabathia in New York. Felix Hernandez is the best starter in the American League, and currently (this won't last) David Aardsma is the best closer in the league. Ichiro is on track to score another batting title.
This surprising Seattle club is turning heads without:
*a catcher, third baseman or shortstop of note
*three of its starters from April
*anything substantial, offensively, from its DH and bench.
The M's will finish above .500 unless injuries ravage the team further. They may fall just short of a playoff spot, but the future is bright. Imagine if GM Jack Zduriencik can find a couple more decent players to plug in at the trouble spots... they'll move from watchable to ready for prime time.
Some are born mediocre. Others have mediocrity thrust upon them!
ReplyDelete