Wak and FLOTUS Scapegoated on Same Day

This almost feels like the SATs. As in ‘blank is to blank, as blank is to blank.’ Work with me here, but Don Wakamatsu’s managing performance is to the Seattle Mariners’ struggles this year as Michelle Obama’s trip to Spain is to America’s economic and foreign policy struggles this year.

Wakamatsu was one of the hottest managers in Major League Baseball last season. Defying the odds, a rebuilding effort in Seattle turned into a team that won games consistently and made very few physical and mental errors. Unfortunately, it didn’t last and this year has been an abject failure of epic proportions. Worst team – ever. And Wakamatsu is a reasonable scapegoat. He’s someone to hammer on. He’s a great object of scorn on talk radio because it’s simple.

On the front that really matters, banks won’t lend, the war in Afghanistan is a mess, and, as the Wall Street Journal reported Monday, about 4.4 million Americans have been looking for jobs for at least a year. That doesn’t count the poor souls who have decided to give up (also not a small number). Thankfully, Michelle Obama took an extravagant trip to Spain. She’s a perfect scapegoat. She’s someone to hammer on. She’s a great object of scorn on talk radio because it’s simple.

Not to say Wakamatsu and The First Lady are blameless. Wakamatsu is ultimately responsible for a pathetic hitting, infuriatingly error-prone, lackluster team that appears more pathetic everyday. Somehow, on Sunday, the Mariners almost lost to the Royals (it’s a miracle they didn’t) because Casey Kotchman got picked off first base, a bizarre suicide-squeeze ended an inning (with the Mariners’ most productive hitter at the plate), and David Aardsma gave up another ninth inning run in between managing to get three outs. On the Mrs. Obama front, her excursion will cost taxpayers about a $1 million and it was a terribly stupid trip to take.

Ultimately though, is it Don Wakamatsu’s fault that Chone Figgins is hitting like garbage (until recently) and Jose Lopez sucks? No, not really. Similarly, is it The First Lady’s fault that Hamid Karzai is turning into a nightmare in Afghanistan and the private sector is reluctant to hire new employees? No, not really. It is easier for Americans and Mariners fans to think that, though.

The Mariners are Officially Sellers

On June 9, I wrote about the necessity for the Mariners to move their tradable assets because the playoffs were beyond their reach. After a horrid weekend against the worst team, statistically, in the American League, it appears the organization and Mariners fans are finally coming around.

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116 Wins: So What?

Safeco Field has afforded Mariners fans some important moments in its ten year history: Two playoff appearances, Ichiro’s single season hits record, Junior’s memorable weekend return as a member of the Cincinnati Reds and, most importantly, his return on opening day with the Mariners this season. Yet, on the 10th anniversary of the Mariners inaugural game at Safeco against the San Diego Padres on June 15, 1999, all moments or series of moments pales in comparison to the 116 wins in 2001. That season marked a historically impressive opening day through regular season finale. Crowds were raucous. Cash registers were moving in fast forward. Players and fans were smiling in unison. However, and most importantly, the 2001 season marked monumental disappointment.

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Felix Hernandez, Masterful

http://blogs.thenewstribune.com/mariners/

Felix must be THE centerpiece of GM Zduriencik’s rebuilding plan.  His performance last night was masterful (albeit against a weak line-up) and he is, without a doubt, one of the best starting pitchers in the American League and one of the best young phenoms in baseball, along with Zack Grienke of the Kansas City Royals and UW alum, Tim Lincecum.

Break up the Mariners

Usually, a title such as the one above suggests the team identified in it is an absolute juggernaut who will be difficult to stop. In this case, take it literally, as in, “Please, let’s be reasonable and break this team up, Mr. Zduriencik.” Now that management, the city and our beloved sports columnists (note: the sarcasm is dripping from my fingers) have realized this team will finish with another 80-90 losses, let’s get started and remake this team in the image of its GM.

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