A New Day

The start of baseball season, more than any other sport, signifies optimism. The "everybody's in first place" mantra couple with the blooming of spring can't help but make the populous feel all bubbly. I woke up today with that feeling of good times. Not only was it the start of Spring Term at the O but the first day of baseball season. It took only a couple of hours for that feeling to wear off.

We are about 15 minutes from the first pitch at Safeco Field four and a half hours up I-5 from my dorm room and my optimism is gone. There is no hope for this year's Mariner team, a realization that I had resigned myself to weeks ago. It wasn't until today, when the games started to actually matter, that this feeling really punched me in the face. The rotation is a mess. Outside of King Felix, we basically have 4 fourth starters (Jarred Washburn, Horacio Ramirez, Jeff Weaver, Miguel Batista). Seriously, who on that list is a legit #2 or, for that matter, a legit #3? Every fifth day when the King is unleashed could be a good day but, other than that, there is little hope.

The lineup is intriguing. Ichiro is gonna do his thang, as will Raul. There could be problems elsewhere. It's just a matter of time before Jose Guillen punches somebody. Jose Lopez has lost all semblance of power. Yuniesky Betancourt never had any. Beltre had a huge spring, which means he will have an equally futile summer. Richie Sexson will get his 35 homers and 100 RBI, but he will also strike out 200 times and hit .220. Johjima will be solid, but he has zero backup, meaning once, maybe twice a week the starting catcher can guarantee Mike Hargrove at least one collar in the lineup.

Sorry for the rush, but I've got to get back for first pitch, as if any of it matters. I may or may not get a title game preview up so let me just leave it at this: Florida is the better team. They have the swagger, the experience, and the horses to take this thing down, just like football. It should be an awesome game. If the M's win, maybe I will be in a good enough mood to enjoy it, though whether they win or not probably won't sway my decided pessimism regarding everything too much. Back with more later on tonight.