It Was Still Fun
The last four days haven’t been much fun for anyone. Getting the doors blown off at home by teams that are trading players away is not how you want to end July. Beyond the losses, they’ve just been ugly – bad pitching, bad defense, and bad hitting, as usual. Just a total collapse that basically ends the 2009 season and pushes the M’s into looking towards the future.
But, in the midst of all the speculating about where Washburn will go or who will fix the SS hole, we have to stop for a second and realize that this is the most fun we’ve had watching the Mariners play in years.
During the Bavasi era, we got a reputation for being negative about everything. We were the blog to come to if you wanted to know what was wrong with the organization. We loved Felix and Beltre and lauded the greatness of J.J. Putz, but for the most part, there just weren’t many things to be excited about. The team was bad and old, and the guys in charge didn’t understand how to fix the problems. We lived in fear of every transaction, and the best we could hope for is that the talent in the farm system could charge through the minors so fast that they’d make it impossible for the team to trade them for some crappy overpaid veteran.
But 2009 has changed all of that. This season has been legitimately enjoyable. From the breakouts of guys like Gutierrez and Aardsma to the maturation of Felix Hernandez, the majestic home runs of Russ Branyan, the deportation of Yuniesky Betancourt, the arrival of pre-injury Shawn Kelley (I’d love to see that guy again before the season ended), and now the debut of Michael Saunders, there has been a lot of reasons to watch this team on a daily basis. Instead of fearing what the GM will do, I’d imagine most of us are legitimately excited about the potential of Zduriencik being able to get some value in return for Jarrod Washburn.
We were always fans, but the organization made it very hard to find things to root for from 2003 to 2008. This year won’t end in a playoff series, but it re-established our ability to enjoy Mariner baseball, and that might be the biggest accomplishment of all. A few weeks ago, we were actually referred to as a “homer blog”, which, given our response to the team the last five or six years, might be the most impressive accomplishment of all.
So, congratulations to Jack, Wak, and the rest of the crew on a successful 2009. You probably didn’t want it to end in July, but these were the best four months of baseball we’ve seen in years. We look forward to even better baseball in the days ahead.
hear, hear!
now lets go get something shiny to help next year be just like that, only a little more!
I went to the game yesterday. I agree that it was fun to see Saunders playing left field along side Guti and Ichiro.
Seeing Shelton play first base makes me wonder if they will trade Branyan and allow someone else (Shelton or others) to play first base. Trading Branyan for a third baseman or SS might make some sense.
Watching the game, I had some questions perhaps Dave could answer. Are more runs scored in Safeco when the temperature is above 75 degrees? Are fewer runs scored when the temperature is below 60 degrees? Is the reason Safeco is viewed as a pitchers park that it is frequently cool?
It’s so much easier to watch a team knowing that there are better years ahead.
Here’s hoping the next few days put a cap on the last few months; I’d love to go into August with a brand-new SS (please, let it be Brignac), Washburn pitching somewhere else, and a new starter or two. Keep Branyan and extend him, though.
leon0112: I can tell you this much, that the hotter it is, the better the ball carries.
It has been a joy to go, in less than one year, from being a fan of one of the worst run organizations in all of sports to possibly one of the best. Thanks to those responsible for the Mariners’ revolution and thanks to Dave and DMZ who have helped us navigate the tumultuous waters to get to this point.
Now, bring on the deals!
Well put. It’s a tremendous relief to feel some optimism again, isn’t it? Now let’s lock up Felix, find a shortstop and reserve seats for the World Series in 2012!
And let’s not forget: While there have been reasons for optimism for the future, the Mariners have actually been in the pennant race for most of the season. Four months of meaningful baseball, with cliffhanger games, exciting defensive play, and terrific finishes.
Thanks, Jack. We appreciate this summer’s fun. Now go make next year better!
Well said, and it has been fun to watch the M’s again.
Who knows? Even if Wash and others are dealt, Beltre and the new guys might still have a run in them.
It has been a great an exciting season this year, and I think my first year of reading USSM complimented the fun nearly as much as the sucess of the M’s. I’m excited to see waht we get for Washburn, then immeditely come here and read your guys review of the trade and prospects. Still rooting we get Ian Snell. Are we going to trade Branyan? With Carp/Clement and some other bats in AAA I think the 2010 1B/DH should be fine with or without Branyan, might as well cash in on Branyan’s sucess rather than pay more for him next year when the production won’t be as good.
AMEN!!
A ‘homer blog’? Really? Wow.
The last four games were a gift, of sorts, allowing virtually everyone to understand it’s time to turn the page toward next year. And to do that, here’s what I’d like to see happen during the rest of this year:
— Griffey and Sweeney relegated permanently to honorary coaches, or whatever, just to keep them out of the lineup;
— Clement and Shelton and perhaps others sharing their ABs;
— Whatever deal is necessary to bring in either Hardy or Brignac. If that means either Morrow or Branyan has to leave with Washburn, so be it;
— Meaningful playing time for Tui (assuming he’s healed) to help determine the wisdom of trying to resign Beltre;
— Saunders in left for the rest of the year;
— Every fifth day for RRS and Vargas;
— September arrivals for Hill and anyone else deemed ready to experience major league baseball.
And let me also extend thanks to both the front office and this site for their great work this year. There’s no way the rest of this season is going to be as exciting as what it’s been so far…but in a way, it could be far more interesting.
When I went to USSM/LL event back in Januray I came away totally convinced that the M’s were in good hands. Jack Z was not there but all of his top guys were, and they just exuded baseball intelligence and confidence that they knew what they were doing and they would make the M’s into a model franchise.
The past 6 months have proven that they really DO know what they are doing.
I can’t imagine the M’s having a better GM than Jack Z or a better manager than Wak.
What a difference a year makes.
Go M’s!!!!
The Mariners fan’s favorite time of year always seems to be “next year”.
You mean you actually pulled away from your Excel file in your mom’s basement long enough to watch games this season? Someone better tell Krueger!
Seriously, though, it HAS been an enjoyable season thus far, and I think Wak can pull the team together enough to keep the team above .500. Mediocre teams do this – they’ll win inexplicable games and nosedive to extremes. They’re mediocre – not good enough to play with the big boys, yet not terrible either. Mediocre means average. That’s not a bad thing, especially with the depths from which they’re having to climb out of last year.
It’s definitely a more exciting team, even with this collapse, than it has been in awhile. The hope seems a bit more tangible this year. There’s a fair amount to look forward to, even with the sad farewell tour for Griffey and possibly Beltre (leaving the M’s after this season).
“The Mariners fan’s favorite time of year always seems to be “next yearâ€.”
I definitely disagree… with Bavasi the only “next year” I looked forward to was when he was gone.
This year is different.
Ponies for everyone!
Dobbs – It’s different in that we have a vastly more trustworthy and competent ownership.
Not different in the sense that there seems to be a contingent of fans who are more interested in the process of building a team than in actually cheering for the team in front of them.
(Not that last year’s team was worth cheering for, obviously.)
I got into Mariner baseball after starting to read this blog early last season and I love it. It’s been great to watch the team develop out of who they were then to what they are now.
I’m getting season tickets next year.
Fantastic write-up Dave (even though you didn’t mention Ichiro).
The part that resonates with me is the fear of transactions. The fear of what lineup McLaren would run out there. My decision to ditch season tickets because I had zero confidence that there was a light at the end of the tunnel.
My hope is restored, and I think every single person in attendance at the upcoming event at Safeco should let the front office know that.
Thank you Jack, and Wak.
As weird as this feels to type – an enormous thank you to Chuck and Howard. I really didn’t think we’d be back to having fun under your command, but you proved a lot of us wrong and made the right hire.
I have to say this was a great season to watch. There are things that really excite me about this team and a few situations that need to be addressed for 2010.
2009 Excitement:
– Franklin Gutierrez in Center
– Felix finally starting to show his potential
– Griffey making his return to Seattle (even though he is terribly handicapping this team)
– A front office that actually is showing a positive result up and down the organization
2010 To-Do List:
– Do everything you can to trade Washburn by the deadline to get something in return. (Just heard about Yanks being interested. Any chance at Austin Jackson?)
– Re-Sign Russell Branyan: the guy produces when given significant playing time.
– Improve the starting rotation by solidifying the 4 and 5 spots while paying Felix whatever he wants for however long he wants.
This year has been fun. Countless nights of nail biting action. Exactly how many walk off wins have we had this year? Like today, the future is bright.
[ot]
The Mariners fan’s favorite time of year always seems to be “next year
Kind of like this year is the year the Seahawks win the Superbowl
AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ugh — deportation? Really?
I think that I’m expereiencing true dissapointment and sadness at this team not continuing a run for the division. That regret and sadness just emphasizes how much interest I’ve had in this team compared to so many recent years. Years where we started going downward and you just said, “Meh.” In 2007 it was “Meh.” In 2009 its wrenching heartbreak. Thank you Jack for helping me feel again.
[ot]
I’ve watched, listened to and game channeled more Mariner games this year then in the last 2 years combined. Thanks Z for helping me love baseball again. I grew up in Pittsburgh and I’ve lived in the NW since 95. I just didn’t have anyone left to cheer for in baseball if the Ms continued to stink because the Pirates aren’t getting fixed anytime soon. Great post Dave. Here’s to real hope of a World Series in Seattle in the near future!
Well said, Dave. I’ve been skeptical all along that the M’s could maintain a pennant run over a full season – just too damn many holes yet – but its been a fun ride so far. I just hope that the team can finish out the season above .500 and then continue building for the future.
I’ve watched, listened to and game channeled more Mariner games this year then in the last 2 years combined. Thanks Z for helping me love baseball again. I grew up in Pittsburgh and I’ve lived in the NW since 95. I just didn’t have anyone left to cheer for in baseball if the Ms continued to stink because the Pirates aren’t getting fixed anytime soon. Great post Dave. Here’s to real hope of a World Series in Seattle in the near future!
Ugh — deportation? Really?
It’s KC after all…
I just read GB’s blog and he thinks we should trade Felix..? Is he out out his mind?
Maybe. But in his defense, he IS payed to be creative and keep people reading. My guess is that’s exactly what that story is.
I don’t think anyone actually wants to see King Felix go anywhere.
I hope the team hasn’t thrown in the towel like you all have. The pitching and defense approach that was winning series before the All-Star Break against the likes of the Rangers and Red Sox can win enough games to make this a close race. Its 109 in Arlington in August and the Rangers ALWAYS fold. The Angels are too hot to continue. The torrid pace has to come back to center and with the line-up that was winning in Boston and against Texas, the Mariners CAN win this Division this year. Griffey should take the high road and retire now. Langerhans played first all year this year in AAA. His defense is impeccable. Or put Saunders at 3rd were he played his whole life. Put his bat in and let Branyan play third. Never Give Up.
No no no no no on Felix trade thing, we’re OTing those for a reason. Don’t crap on the thread.
IAWTC. This is not New York, where losing Game 7 of the World Series makes the entire season a catastrophic failure. There is still a lot of good baseball that could be played, and we still don’t know how much better we’re going to be than we were last year, or how much better we’re going to get for next year and beyond.
It not only was still fun, there’s no reason to think it won’t still be fun into September.
Don’t crap on the thread.
*duly chastised* Sorry Derek.
Well I’m probably one of *those* people, but I’ll watch the games even when we suck, as long as it feels like management is on the right track.
This blog is filled with great insight into building baseball teams, so I’m sure that’s a big reason why it feels like people are here more to discuss that instead of the details of each game.
Amen, Dave.
It is going to be interesting and fun to see how this front office moves forward. With more faith in their wisdom and judgement, there is hope of an upward curve. Certainly not all moves will pay off, but all in all this management group puts the Mariners in a position to improve. There are a lot of questions to resolve (even after the trading deadline) before the 2010 season begins.
[ot]
Last I checked, there were 2 whole months of baseball left to play.
“This year won’t end in a playoff series, but it re-established our ability to enjoy Mariner baseball, and that might be the biggest accomplishment of all.”
Continuing with my 1993 mantra, this still is fun for me. Yeah, I got caught up in the playoff chase too and I’m kinda disappointed we regressed to the mean quickly and brutually.
But I’m going to keep watching to see if we finish at .500 or, dare I say it?, (DARE! DARE!) 85 wins.
That would be either a 20 game or 24 game improvement over last year! 20 to 24 games! And unlike in 2007, there’s a brighter future ahead to boot!
In 1993, we improved 18 games over 1992 and had only our second winning season ever. And it laid the groundwork for our successes later in the decade.
Yes, it’s been fun and it will STILL be fun.
In the beginning of this year everyone (including meself) would be happy to have as many wins as loses. We got a taste of what Jack Z. can do. Once we unload some deadwood with large salaries, next year will be more exciting than this has been. This year has been great,next year will be “greater” Should be interesting to see how the team plays out this year, i’d like to see the young guys stay focused and productive with Jr. sitting and giving them good positive advice.
And Ichiro!
I’ve known that the thoughts of making the playoffs this year were well into pipe-dream territory, and yet there have been times it seemed close enough to grasp (and who knows, we could still go on a “Refuse to Loose” tear…weirder stuff has happened.)
That being said, I’m just glad that there have been more games that have been fun to watch than painful to watch. The ghost of Bobby Ayala seems to only occasionaly, rather than frequently, spring forth onto the bullpen. Yuni isn’t injuring his teammates here (OK, that wasn’t nice of me, but…) Things are better…not perfect, but better…and I can work with that trend. Z & Wak–just keep that trend-line heading that direction, and I think we can all live with it…
Thank goodness for Z, the front office and the Mariners’ “new day, new way” approach.
Z is easily one of the top 10 general managers in baseball today (albeit he’s still behind Theo, Cashman, Friedman, Kenny Williams, Beane and Ned Colletti).
And I would contend Wak will finish 2nd in the A.L. Manager of the Year voting this year behind Mike Scioscia in Anaheim.
It’s just a matter of finishing off the roster in the offseason (not counting the promotions of Carp, Moore, Fields and maybe “USSM Favorite” Nick Hill).
If this team can get a legitimate #2 and #3 starter (Washburn?) locked up before next year along with filling holes of power and defense at 3B (Beltre?), SS and 2B, this team could be VERY fun to watch NEXT YEAR.
This of course assumes Morrow will be here next year.
I almost forgot to mention Jeff Clement’s name too since he would get a place in the starting lineup if BOTH Branyan and Junior leave next year.