While the world struggles through Myanmar, the credit crunch, and seemingly ceaseless Democratic bickering, the sports section has provided a bastion of light for the dark days in which we find ourselves. Tales of unbridled generosity on the softball diamond, a Boston Dream Team for the ages, and a certain Webb awing audiences with his gems over the Sedona desert. Even when tragedy strikes, as with the felling of Eight Belles, the sports world marches on with the knowledge that an athlete (though not always human) gave its all for an oftentimes unattainable dream.
But for those who follow the Seattle Mariners, that light emanating out of the sports world has been hampered and beaten, bloodied by malaise and slowed by apathy. For the fans of the once-great M’s, the days are often darker within Safeco Field than the intentions of Eddie Cicotte or the future of Mr. Red.
When I realized I would have to skimp on my finances and avoid an MLB.tv package this season – who knew textbooks could cost so much? – my grief was second only to my desire to drop school and head straight for the Safe. For the first time in a long time, I wouldn’t get to watch my team mash during the first month of baseball. No ESPN outings, no TBS stops, not even a WGN break. The days were truly dark, for me at least.
My grief abated a tad when the Mariners came out of the gate a bit slower than expected. Splitting the two-game set with Texas precluded a four-game sweep at the hands of the lowly Baltimore Orioles. Half of the defeats to the O’s came from bullpen hiccups, each deploying from the arm of baby-faced Eric O’Flaherty (who was promptly relegated back to the minors). The Mariners rounded out the month with a 12-14 mark, but the sub-.500 record belied the teams’ potential: With a +15 run differential, Seattle seemed poised to breakout with a May schedule holding 19 opponents who were looking up at an even record. Granted, some of those challenges included the pitching-laden Indians and the team Sports Illustrated picked to knock off the Cubs for the World Series title, but the Mariners were looking at one of the (theoretically) easiest months they’ve had since their early-millennium heyday.
Article comments
1 - Douglas Mays
I'm not too worried yet. It is way too early in the season to project doom. On paper, it all looks good. They should get in a groove...
The one thing is the other day Safeco Field had it's lowest attendance ever for a Mariners game. Just a bit over 15,000. well, I guess that is better than that game against the A's down in Oakland in the 70s when 600 showed up.
I do like Richie Sexton storming the mound the other day.
It's OK,
DM
2 - Douglas Mays
hhhmmm...all this talk of Ken Griffey coming back to the Mariners to finish off his career.
Overall, could be a good idea. What position to play? DH,CF? He only needs 3 more HRs to reach 600.
I mean, he isn't keeping up with the younger players, but then, experience is a wiser player that gets the job done with less noise.
anyway, I don't see things so dark for the M's.
DM.