absolute bunch of pathetic quitting men. i have not enough vitriol in my linguistic arsenal to describe the stench of this team.

Looking forward to hearing what Washburn has to say.

Man,
I'm loving this. The mantra of Mariners management has been to "keep the fans happy" via signing likable veterans, retaining good-chemistry guys, and fielding a competitive but not necessarily good team. The fans, for the most part, have taken it, and now, were TAKING IT. Ahem.

I'm glad someone out there - especially someone with a public profile and in some ways is the "voice" of the fans, is raking the team over for this. It's a dirty job but somebody's gotta do it.

Two words:
P.U.!

They stink
wow, do they stink!

Fire Bavasi
Fire Mac
Fire Lincoln
Fire Amstrong

Holy Crud they are so bad it is sickening.

Wait for Mac's post game cry, er, interview...
"behind the 8-ball"
"pitching let us down"
"There was that one play where we didn't totally suck, so that was a highlight"

Mac is a lousy manager, over his head from day one.

I am sure all these veteran coaches are dying inside!

DFA Washburn tomorrow. Trash, utter trash.

McLaren may be a nice guy and all, but he'd better be looking for a job this time next week. Fire Bavasi too. Bring in a GM who can clean house and get this organization back on track.

Can you imagine what someone like Billy Beane could do with $112M or so to spend?

Wow Geoff,

I'm disappointed. You said it yourself that we had some tough knocks and close losses early on. And now you're throwing in the towel? Catering to the regular 'cynic' blog posters, eh?

You've turned a complete 180 from last year where you seemed optimistic about the teams chances. Granted, we're 12 games below .500, but honestly, this game was not nearly as bad as you make it out to be. Washburn was not leaving pitches out over the plate. The Tigers were swinging at anything and everything (most of the pitches were balls) and ripping them. The Tigers are a team on a mission..and we ran into a buzz saw. That's all there is to it. This M's team holds the same promise we held at the beginning of the season.

All the fellas need is someone to step up in the clubhouse (Mac isn't the guy!) and we'll get on a roll. And it won't hurt if the fans show a little love as well...though that may be asking too much from this crew!

Go M's!!!

-TFT-

Heckuva job Vasi.

Fremont troll must have been watching a different game.

Either that or he thinks this is his kids' little league team and is defending them because "they tried".

TFT - I think you're dead wrong. The "Pitch F/X" data is pretty clear.

Geoff - how could it get worse? hehe. If Bedard and Felix went down at the same time - I guess that could be worse but our Offense is as bad as it will ever get and Wash/Batista are what we all thought they would be from day 1 really. In short - it really can't get any worse than it is right now.
As I said - if the FO cares, wants any hope of getting out of this terrible hole we are in - they will have to break the bank a few years. Up the payroll to 160mill or so and buy some good players.

EIScorcho....ditto...you said it all.

Washburn didn't throw the team into a hole. Washburn is the hole.

I live in Dallas and I've always felt sorry for Texas Ranger fans. Now I know how they feel.

They've tried different liine-ups, they've called up players from the minors. Unfortunately, you can't fire 25 players.

I like Mac, but it's time for him to go. Maybe a new Manager can change the direction of this team. At a minimum it'd be nice to see the team be competitive.

Is it finally time? time to actually blow the team up? trade away any and all for next year? Not hold onto some ridiculous hope that we could go on a 10 game winning streak while the angels go on a 10 game loser?

Cheers to a long overdue rebuild! I cant wait for the trade speculation.

This team is dead. They got nothing.

How much could the Ms get for Bedard right now? I'm not talking about Bavasi, because he would trade Bedard and Clement straight up for Isringhausen, but a new, competent GM.

What's Ichiro worth? Yeah, he's the face of the franchise, so what? He would probably prefer to play on a contender.

Ibanez could help some team in contention at DH - how much would they give up to get him?

You can go through every player on the roster and not find one that the Ms absolutely must have, just a bunch of bits, pieces and junk. For $115 mil, you get this? The Marlins are competitve with a team that makes about what Ichiro does for the season.

If Jose Vidro and Miguel Cairo are the answers, you're asking the wrong questions

Who is Washburn going to blame now?

TFT - are you "rollin'" dude? Wow - I know Fremont is Fremont, hung out at the Troll many times, but dude - you're clinging to some crazy drugs of you're spouting of words such as "promise" and "game was not as bad as you make it to be". Seriously bro, Washburn got lit up and he SUCKS! Bad. He is equal to Sexson in the overpriced FA signing department. That hose makes $9M per to serve up lollipops.

I can appreciate your optimism, but it seriously appears to be from witnessing something other than what we have seen the past two days.

Yeah, it's a miracle that they were able to turn around on that devastating 85 MPH straight fastball over the plate.

I'm sure it's Jojima's fault somehow, though.

According to my pitch FX info, Polanco, Ordonez, Cabrera, Guillen, Inge, Pudge (6 of the 9 hitters that Washburn faced in that awful 3rd) swung at balls out of the strike zone. And based on my take watching the game...they were all good at bats and darn good swings on decent pitches. This Tigers team is on the rise and the M's will still surprise!

Go M's!!

I hope we keep this up so that we lose more games than any team in history. That way we can have both records.

Go M's!!!

Did Burke or Johjima catch tonight? Johjima has got to be laughing! It's his fault that the starter suck? More like they suck no matter who is behind the plate! This team is a JOKE!

I'm not sure if you can put this on McLaren. He's not the one responsible for all the personnel moves.

Bavasi has got to GO! NOW! There's no point in waiting till after the season to assess the damage. This team SUCK! If they had one of the lowest payroll in baseball, I could understand the struggles. The fact that the payroll is at $118M means the person spending the money has to be held accountable!

"Guess what? It's only May 21. Hope you're all strapped in. This miserable ride is far from over and could get much worse."

Seriously Geoff?

Seriously?

Miserable ride? Wow. That's a bit harsh. This team doesn't make me sick to my stomach nearly as much as this negativism does!!

Boooo to the bandwagon fans/reporters!!

-TFT-

That's the spirit, Sparticus!!

Go for the record books, M's!!

-TFT-

Geoff,

if you could lose the shackles of political correctness that you must employ to maintain a working relationship with these guys, would you mind offering suggestions as to what changes you might make within the coming months to ready the troops for '09? (I realize this sounds sarcastic, it isn't meant to be, the losing is just killing me.)

Thats It.Im Done I am not buying another ticket until Bavasi is fired...Period, and that is the only way Armstrong and Lincoln will get the message, when WE the paying customer stop showing up..this team is pathetic besides bedard and Felix. BLow this puppy up, be real bad with young players for a couple of years and than build it back uo on a new foundation..But Ive had it and I am done, Hell I wont even watch them on the tube...Go Rays!!!!!!

I am up here in Calgary this week on a business trip. LIke an idiot I purchased the MLB Audio package so I could listen to ths Detroit series.

I guess I needed to suffer through a few more games than most people here to realize its time to thrown in the towel. I was hoping with our current schedule we could climb back into this thing, but its over now after these two embarassing losses against another terrible team.

First, fire Mac.
Second, Immediately after the season is over fire Bavasi. I agree with Geoff, you can't fire him this close to the draft.
Third immediately release, trade, DFA, etc the following:
Batista
Washburn
Burke
Cairo
Sexson
Bloomquist
Vidro
Baek (Is it too soon to give up on him)

I don't agree with trying to trade Ichiro, Bedard, or Silva.

Fourth, move Ibanez to 1st Base.
Fifth, bring Clement back to DH and backup Catcher
6th, Reed to Left Field
7th, Feirb and Dickey in the 4th & 5th Spot
8th, Bring Back Corcoran

I am not familar enough with the prospects in the system so I don't know who the other 4 spots should go to. Suggestions?

Todd,

As much of an optimist as I am, I applaud your blog. Not going to games and not watching this team on tv is the only way to make real changes in the organization. Hit them where it hurts and they'll get the message. If you're going to watch (or go to) the games...a little more upbeat-ness is warranted. That means you too, Geoff. You are, afterall, getting paid to watch (and write about) baseball games. Kind of a dream job if you ask me...

So, why all the doom and gloom?

-TFT-

Hey, the good news is Batista is pitching tomorrow.

Why cant you fire Bavasi this close to the draft, there are people in the position of Assistant G.M. or Scouting director that could handle the draft at this stage. Besides Bavasi will probably select a catcher to rot in the minors. Heck, they need everything, I could probably make the pick based on the fact that anybody could help.

Shannon Drayer is reporting that Baek is DFA and that Washburn's ERA is now 12.00+ Why isn't Washburn DFA? Where's Dickey?

This team is mentally/emotionally shriveled. They have no verbal leader w/o Jose Guillen...how can there not have been a players-only meeting to this point? Because they have no vocal leader to convene one. They have the talent, but not the confidence, swagger, poise, composure, fire, or savvy to execute.

It could and probably will get worse, Geoff. Hate to say this but hopefully it will get worse so the great firesale can begin. Let's restructure. Build a winning team once and for all. It's been too long since 01. OK, 02 was still decent.

The last thing we need now is a couple wins here and there to keep the powers that be hanging by the proverbial thread.

This is no sinking ship fellas. This is driftwood being washed ashore.

Well said, MC Nuggit.

What this team needs is a leader. Somebody's gotta step up. Maybe all of this negativism from the blog-base will get the fellas to rally around each other and win out.

Go M's!!

-TFT-

Washburn sucks again, but Baek is the one DFA'd? WHY??? THIS TEAM IS KILLING ME!!!

Words can't describe how disgusted I am with this team! Top to bottom, Bavasi to Washburn, this team has no clue what its doing.

Batista is pitching tomorrow?? Is Baek spending the night at Comerica ballpark so he can start warming up at about 2AM?

DFA Baek? DFA Washburn? They need to DFA Bavasi!

Fremont Troll-

Them's some damn good drugs you're smokin'.

BUMP! **shudder** Captain, what was that!!??

Oh, nothing, go back to listening to the Titanic orchestra.

While you're at it, can you re-arrange these deck chairs?

zDawg,

It's called a positive outlook on life. Try it.

-TFT-

Johjima put a japanese curse on Washedup I mean Washburn.

Washburn's post-game report sounded like Nero in Rome. Rome is burning all around him.....yet he was 'hitting his spots and making good pitches"

Stage5 - I think you would say in the grief process this is major denial!

Bavasi is an idiot - DFA Baek over Washbum? What's he thinking? Like someone said, this team is killing me. Well I suppose it will be someone else's gain - ala Norton? Campillo? etc. when Baek is picked up by another team. Atlanta are you watching the wire? Maybe Bavasi owns stock in Atlanta and he's just trying to built them a winner, but then he did a good job for Baltimore earlier.

Bavasi is disgusting!

Here's hoping to Baek getting a starting gig with another team and succeeding.

"And now... the end is near...
And so I face... the final curtain...
My friend... I'll say it clear...
I'll state my case... of which I'm certain...

I've lived... a life that's full....
I've traveled each... and ev'ry highway...
And more... much more than this...
I did it myyyyy waaaaaaay."

"Here's hoping to Baek getting a starting gig with another team and succeeding."

You mean like Jorge Campillo? At least through one start anyways.

I don't understand the confusion. Baek is god-awful. Am I missing something?

...someone set me straight. When has Baek proved his cajones?

-TFT-

Even Geoff never thought you'd be singing this early in the season Fat Lady.

Any sadomasochists who happen to be Mariner fans out there..?

Washburn stunk it up, of course, but the key at bat in this game was when Vidro came up with the bases loaded and lofted a lazy fly ball to RF. A walk or single there would have kept the inning alive with Sexson up next. A grand slam, instead of the the solo shot at the beginning of the next inning, would have spoken volumes that this team has a backbone and character to come back and compete.

TFT, I would love to share your optimism, but this team has shown no fire, no competitive resolve this season, not enough focus on Defense. Even the starters have been throwing in the towel in May.

This team is only worth watching right now for the soap opera effect. How long will McLaren last? Will Bavasi make it until the end of '08? Will Reed be given a legitimate shot in the outfield? Will they continue to stick with Washburn/Sexson/ Vidro/Cairo just because of their big salaries? Will Clement get another shot any time soon? Will rubber arm/ knuckle baller Dickey turn the franchise around and lead us to the World Series as both our fifth starter and long reliever?

(How's that last one for optimism, TFT?)

I don't respond much, but I read all the time. Geoff's tone has definitely changed as of late. I wish we were winning, but I appreciate that he is telling it how it is. I get sick of the announcers trying to sugar everything up. Geoff, can you ask some of those guys if it is hard to try and stay positive on TV when they are watching how poor this team is playing? That's always got me if they have to be reminded they can't slam the team like Bob Eucker in Major League.

"...someone set me straight. When has Baek proved his cajones?"

Let me ask this when has the $11million Washburn or the $8.5 million Batista shown to be an overwhelming better pitcher than Baek? The guys never really gotten a look and is definately a lot cheaper than Batista or Washburn. I mean your talking about the number 5 starter in the rotation, no way should the 5 spot ever be a player making millions and millions of dollars and sucking while doing it.

He's no HoRam or Weaver, and in no way am I saying he's a stud.

.263 winning percentage in the month of may...and we're far enough in for this to be a substantial sample. I "like" everyone on this team, but I can't stand what I'm seeing any more. I don't know if I can put myself through this any more. There just aren't words for this...man alive.

Do we have anyone to put in the rotation should they DFA Washburn? This is the final year of his contract right?

One more thought...does the club have options on guys like Sexson, Vidro, Joh, etc? Would the idea of sending them to Tacoma until/if they start producing again not an option? Demoting them would be better than cutting them...it would send a much more significant message. For that matter, send 'em to West Tennessee and let them ride the bus for a while. For crying out loud...sorry...just had to ask.

scottM,

Your post put a gigantic smile on my face. Optimism or not...that came from the heat. Well said and well posted.

In my humble opinion...this team just lacks leadership. Whether it comes from the ball players or the coaching staff...we need a leader to step up. If that happens, the sky's the limit.

Cha Seung Baek the only one designated for assignment?

Think there may be a few more that should join him: Washburned, Vidro, Cairo for starters.

In a couple more day's add McLaren or is it McNoClue.

Most of these clowns look like all they care about now is their guaranteed(?) paychecks.

How did pro sports ever allow such an abomination as guaranteed contracts. If I had my way it would be earn it first else hit the highway.

I caught a bit of the pregame radio show. Vidro was being interviewed and all that he talked about was how much fun he and a few of the boys had on their golf trip during their recent day off. He laughed, pocked fun at Felix sucking at golf and said they had a blast.

Look everyone, until losing begins to concern this team they will keep on performing this way. They are overpaid, under performing losers who bring shame to the city of Seattle.

We routinely get blown out of the water and our starters get crushed. On the rare occasion our starters are pitching their hearts out (Bedard, Felix), the game is a "pitchers battle" because or offense is busy trying to swing at every first pitch.

Fremont Troll -

No, it's called psylocybin mushrooms and beer. you have to stop consuming both and then go on this blog!

Seriously, this team is not just having down days, but is absolutely in free fall. There is no positive vibe from anyone who can spell baseball, be it a reporter or a fan. McLaren repeats the same mantra week after week. He is sounding like a man in a trance. He knows he is the fall guy in a couple of weeks, and has done everything he can think of to turn this team around. Nothing has worked.

Honestly, I like the guy, but to my chagrin, he is simply not cut out to be a major league manager, at least with this team.

And they cut Baek, who actually looked ok in his limited work. No good deed goes unpunished.

While a different professional sport, our NFL coach Mike Holmgren has a great saying:

"at the end of the day, your record determines how good a team you are, nothing else".

How apt and true this statement is for our hometown 9.

Optimism is a gallant trait, Fremont, but remember, when in a train tunnel, that light you see ahead is not always the end of the tunnel. It can also be an oncoming train.

I believe from your posts this evening, you don't understand that.

But you can always blame it on the mushrooms and beer.

People keep asking for a leader to step up. Well the rubberband backbone of this team has. Last week Ibanez said, "This is my team." Watching the bottom of the 3rd today reminded me of those classic moments while Piniella gaped incredulously at Raul's RF clown act in the Kingdome

To say we are out of it with 4 months to go just does not seem real.Just with the thought of if this team plays like it was supposed to we could get back into it.

Management just needs to make the desperate moves make chan because what we have now is not working.

Is it at all possible that we would hire a new manager rather then just replace Mclaren with Rigglemen?If we were to fire Mclaren which we should since all he does is lose and make questionable moves.

And why call up DIckey we should put Washed up Washburn in Long relief and put Rowland-Smith or Morrow in the rotation.

If they DFA'd Baek, who is going to bail them out when the starters meltdown?

This is all Burke's fault.

armstrong and lincoln are pathetic. They need to fire bavasi and then themselves. This is a very bad situation. i would like to say many things right now but if i do i will be banned from this forum.

I'll do a Bill Krueger type list.

Keys to Victory

-Aquire a power Bat
-2 new pitchers at the bottom of rotation
-A DH
-Replace FirstBase
-Fire John Mclaren

Baek being designated for assignment? That's about as stupid as the M's getting rid of Ryan Franklin, when all he did was pitch his heart out for the team and get absolutely no run support whatever. Baek's come in, "eaten innings", and tried his best to Mop Up things when the Starters can't do their job. I've had it with the logic of "well, we've got to use these players 'cos we're paying them so much"...send Washburn down...Baek, from what I've seen, is better than Washburn, which ain't saying much...of course, who then will fill the bill every time Batista implodes? This season is gettin' purty uggly.

The snot-nosed trolls/ The Troll/ The Fremont Troll.

It gets better as they go. The latter is named for the coolest landmark in Seattle, cooler than the Space Needle, cooler than the yachts showing up to Husky Stadium for a Jake Locker game, cooler than the Smith Tower, cooler than the Pike Place Market, cooler than videos of GEOFF's apartment at 5:00 a.m. when the chauffeur arrives, cooler than the bums loitering on the original Skid Row... oh wait those are actually this assemblage of Mariner stiffs on their way to play at Safeco Field. No need to give them your spare change.

Of course The Fremont Troll is optimistic. He hides under the Aurora Bridge rather than watch all those M's fans up on top in a line, waiting to jump off. TFT is probably collecting a suicide toll.

It doesn't matter who is productive or not. Who plays is based on their salary, period. The reason Baek got cut was that Washburn makes way more money. Other that a occational HR, Sexson is horrible, but he makes 15 million. Vidro, same thing. This is the way this organization works, this season is a wash and maybe they can start over next year when these overpriced players contracts expire.

Geoff,

This may have all ready been mentioned if so disreguard but what do you think about the next off day the team has in Seattle they could have a scrimmage. This would seem to be a great confidence boost on both sides of the ball since struggling teams seem to get it going against our pitchers and our hitters get stymied by the worst pitchers in the league. Of course it might just end up as a stale mate but it could be what the team needs to gain a little confidence. Our pitchers could really start believing in their stuff and our hitters can start "playing like the back of their baseball cards say they can."

The thought popped in my head if I am repeating someone else then sorry. I have been reading so much off this site I am not sure if any stone is left to be uncovered.

ScortM - confused by trolls? Maybe this blog is to dark for you, or in the case of The Fremont Troll, it is too bright, but then what is it for you with the snot nosed trolls?

"We can't fire Bavasi this close to the draft?" Isn't that an argument for pulling the trigger now?? Look at this man's draft pick history here...

http://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Bill_Bavasi

I think even I could make better picks and I'm just a fantasy geek who knows nothing about 'real' baseball.

"Honestly, I like the guy, but to my chagrin, he is simply not cut out to be a major league manager, at least with this team. "

zDawg, I like Mac too, and my guess (without any inside knowledge) is that he is farily handcuffed by the FO. Whether this conjecture is true or not, I give him some benefit of the doubt. I think he can coach in the major leagues...I just think he has a tough FO to work with. I mean, look at Bob Melvin. He was equally disparaged on M's blogs and message boards and even by the media and he is proving his mettle in Phoenix right now. I believe our FO is to blame. Not Mac. And I think that complaining on a blog is a piss-poor way of voicing displeasure with a team's FO. Turn off the TV. Go out and hike Mt. Rainier instead of attending a game at Safeco. Take money out of their pocketbooks and the FO will be sent packing...

I agree that this team does seem to be in an incredible and disappointing lull. But, I can't blame the players. They got paid by our FO. Our FO can be blamed. They can't. Are they capable of better? I think they are. They need a leader. Someone to snap at the guys that think it is 'ok' to simply collect their pay checks and 'go through the motions'. And more importantly, they need a manager who will BE ALLOWED to bench the guys that think it's ok to put in less than 100% effort night in and night out. Honestly...I think Mac would do this, but I imagine he's fairly handcuffed. Granted, this is quite a bit of speculation on my part. But then again, Bob Melvin is doing quite alright down in Phoenix....

As of now, I'd rather play a team full of Bloomquists who may not bring the highest talent level but who will certainly bring high intensity and effort night in and night out. I just don't think the FO will let Mac manage effectively. I agree that some changes are needed. But, I will always root for the M's. A positive (beer and psylocybin mushroom-free) attitude just happens to be my approach....like it or not, zDawg.

scottM, if fans are seriously jumping off my bridge because of the M's...they've got issues. But, I'm definitely not profiting off of it.

-TFT-

Go M's!!

fork in 'em? FORK YES!!!! House cleaning please. Top to bottom.

This roast is done, time to start carving it up. Several of these guys - e.g. Sexson, Vidro, Cairo, Washbum - remind me of Bavasi's previous busts. The man has a knack for selecting and signing the worse talent to the best paid contracts. When will the FO catch on, time to remove Bill and Mac. Leave 'em in some place you don't want to go - these guys can walk. Perhaps we could petition the Japanese management for some action cleaning out the FO. This squad has to be one of the great disappointments in baseball history, the way they are playing brings shame on Seattle and the Japanese owners who must be losing face for such a miserable product being sold under their corporate guise. Time to blow this mess up!

Follow the Yellow Brick Road. Follow the Yellow Brick Road.
Follow, follow, follow, follow,
Follow the Yellow Brick Road.
Follow the Yellow Brick, Follow the Yellow Brick,
Follow the Yellow Brick Road.

We're off to see the Wizard, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
You'll find he is a whiz of a Wiz! If ever a Wiz! there was.
If ever oh ever a Wiz! there was The Wizard of Oz is one because,
Because, because, because, because, because.
Because of the wonderful things he does.
We're off to see the Wizard. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz!

*********
In both novel and movie, it is the path which Dorothy is instructed to follow from Munchkin Country to the Emerald City in order to seek the aid of the Wizard of Oz.

see, Fremont, I can be positive, too!

Tomorrow, I'm going to invent a hydrogen car that runs off of tap water and gets 40 miles per gallon!

Then, after lunch, I'm going to grow enough food to feed the entire world and end hunger!

But try as I might, I just can't figure out a way for this team to win baseball games.

We're off to see the Wizard. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz!

Sadly, Baek is better rotation candidate than than either Washburn or Batista, and he costs a fraction of the money.

Nice.

Take solace, everybody. This team will turn it around as soon as they bring in somebody who knows how to manage 25 major league players. Enough talent is here. And, the Angels haven't shown that they're a whole better than we are. Not yet, anyway. That's why our division deficit is still single digits. And, we can still get back into things.

Of course, as long as the suits continue to hold onto the mistaken belief that Mac is going to pull us out of this abyss things will remain as is.

Jim Riggleman has more ability to be a big league skipper in his little pinky than Mac has in... Oh, you know the rest.

Glad I took the kids to see the second Narnia movie tonight (it was excellent, by the way).

Stick a fork in 'em indeed. Let's hope ownership acknowledges changes are in order.

Oh, and it makes me smile that Washburn got lit up. Who is he going to blame now?

You Mariners are mean. You're letting Tigers fans get all excited that the Tigers have turned the corner and are going to keep winning. Next they play the Twins and Angels. The Tigers will be lucky to get two wins total in those series. Good pitching easily shuts these Tigers down.

Geoff, during spring training and early in the season I envied you job. Now....at least I can turn off the TV. Hang in there.... hope you brought some pepto-bismol in the suitcase. ; )

Couple of thoughts:

KOMO's Drayer reported Baek to be DFA. I'm guessing R.A. will be called-up.

But why DFA Baek and not Washburn?

I'm starting to understand long-time fan's frustrations with the M's...although I don't think I'll be quite as pessimistic.

But we'll see...it's early.

Remembering that the team only has so many players with which to work, here's what I would do:

DFA Sexson for Clement:
This one was hard. I truly believe Big Rich is trying and he's shown some attitude by his mound charge. I liked that.

I though about Vidro to DFA. But at his best, Vidro's batting is better than Richie's best. The Veed gets one more chance.

C Clement/ Burke:
This allows Clement to learn focus and professionalism. His talent will appear gradually-without having to be as rushed or compete with a full-timer. Don't ruin him by having him listen to Joh.

1B Joh
Seriously, it can't be that hard...just stretch & catch. He's a fine athlete, but doesn't fit as a communicator.

2B Lopez
He's hitting better, D still sux.

SS Betancourt
Flaky...but what do you do?

Both these guys seem to be relying solely on their youth...altho I read that Lopez practiced hard during the offseason.

3B Beltre
His bat is better when he keeps his head still and doesn't overswing.

LF Ibanez
He's a pro whose bat outweighs his limited range in LF.

CF Ichiro
I think he should hit for both power and average, depending on the game situation. He has enough talent and latitude from the FO to perhaps make something happen. Plus he can explode at any time.

RF Balentein/Reed
I don't know much about Reed, but he would push the rookie. I wish Reed luck in this tough situation.

DH Vidro
Again...the last chance before Reed goes to RF/Raul to DH.

Also, why doesn't Mac have the bullpen warm up earlier in the game when he sees the starter struggling? He's done this more than once.

Maybe he doesn't want to tire the bullpen as the starters are currently weak.

I truly feel that Mac isn't to blame for most of this...although he needs to be more stern.

If someone like Stottlemyre makes a suggestion to Mac, he'd be wise to try it at this point as Mel did fantastic work while with the Evil Empire.

I'll start to lose interest when the M's stop competing or caring on a regular basis.

Maybe they already have. But I listen instead of watch, so I don't know for sure.

What a long post.

Go M's.

Is there a special epidemic of people on mushrooms and weed out there? Cause this talk of solace and optimism in the face of so many ugly loses is making me think that people have a serious drug problem or else they've be brainwashed listening to McLaren's spin. This team overachieved last year but now there failings are exposed and if they were good in some previous incarnation, they are toast now. Forget about it - blow this thing up starting with the front office and field manager.

Funny how Wash was engaging in some diatribe about having good stuff tonight, or hitting his spots, or some idiotic rambling.

Shades of cRyan Franklin!

Oh, and the reason why Washburn won't be DFA'd is because he has another year on his contract and is owed another 13 million or so.

He's not going anywhere unless he's traded.

Nice post, TFT. I didn't really think you were collecting a suicide toll, but people do wonder where you snagged that VW Bug with the cool chrome hubcaps.

Easy, The Troll. I know you want top billing, but The Fremont Troll, perched with such cement coolness under a major Seattle bridge, is just way cooler than a generic one.

"snot-nosed trolls" goes back a few weeks and alludes to the Aqualung-type fools who were frequenting the blog then...you know, Jethro Tull's character, snot running down his nose...

You know how to write an intelligent post, The Troll, so you definitely earn higher billing than them.

Troll ratings, FWIW. (To think that this is what the low lurking, bottom feeding M's have driven us to).

So who was the M's Troll-of-the-Day? Hint, some folks here call him "Fluffy".

Stop talking about firing the manager. A change in manager isn't the answer. The people calling for McLaren's head is probably the same bloggers who wanted Melvin fired. If we've learned anything, it's that Melvin wasn't a bad manager. He was given a bunch of garbage players by a GM that doesn't have a clue when it comes to building a baseball team.

Before you ask for a change in manager, look at what has transpired. Was Melvin a bad manager or was he a victim of Bavasi?

One other thing, don't mention the name Ken Griffey Jr. He isn't going to make or break this team. The team is already broken and so is Griffey Jr. He isn't the same player that left Seattle.

I'd just like to see a new GM in place. I think a GM with half a brain, that knows something about baseball can do a better job considering the resources given to him by the owner.

On a positive note, Ryan Rowland Smith pitched nicely in relief. Maybe he should be given a few starts given the current woes in our offense. It would be nice to see if he can be as productive given more innings.

The M's urgently need a senior player to show some leadership and bring this team back together. Otherwise they will find it hard to get out of this hole which is growing deeper with each loss.

Actually, I love mushrooms. Sauted in butter, especially.

But, how can you accuse me of being brainwashed by Mac after I said Mac should be gone? You're not reading/listening to anything I'm writing/saying, are you?

I guess I shouldn't be surprised, since my comments "border on ridiculous".

Curse of the "rally fries"

The "rally fries" work for the other team. If you want the Mariners to win, the "rally fries" AND mike blow-ers must go. If you wait to long to fire both, then the M's will have no chance to make the playoffs. If you act now, the curse will be lifted and the M's will have a chance. The choice is yours.

Lance - It was a generic comment, more rhetoric than substance, know this I was not trolling. Often I agree with you.

I still stand by my Troll-of-the-day....

Jose Lopez.

-TFT-

Trade Ichiro, Sexson, Cairo and Bavasi for Larry Bowa.

Then let Bowa straighten it out....

My troll-of-the-day is plural - co-winners: WASHBUM and VIDRO - They both need to go off and hide in some dank, dark place where they can surprise the likes of Bavasi, et al.

"The people calling for McLaren's head is probably the same bloggers who wanted Melvin fired." --- AD21

Hey, if you want to defend Mac, fine. But knock it off with the presumptions! I've stated on many occasions that firing Melvin, making him the heavy for the team's failures in 2004, Bavasi's #1 worst move as M's GM.

Blame for 2004 can be laid at the feet of an ownership who believed that Lou's crew had one more successful year in them, even without Lou, when it was obvious very early it did not.

So, say what you want to support McLaren. As misguided as it might be. But quit assuming facts not in evidence. That really ticks me off.

Now, my question is “Will Ms plan to lose 116 games?
Do the players have what it takes to be baseball players as a team at a professional level?
As some of you mention, I see no fire, passion, or pride in most of them as ball players.
I myself have a pride in my job though my job pays me substantially less money than what FO pays those players. Why don’t they call it quits if they have no pride in what they are doing for their lives? I always thought nothing comes on a sliver platter, but it seems like there is a different story when it comes to Sexson, Wash, and the rest of crybabies on the fields

So, is that Washburn being accountable? Saying "this game is a bust because they're hitting everything I throw at them, so leave me out there?" I guess, in a way, that is taking one for the team. The bullpen was shot, and the game was out of reach. We were going to get drilled no matter what.

But it is scary if that was his good stuff.

And DFAing Baek makes perfect sense. Y'all have been watching/listening to the same games I've been listening to. When Baek comes in, even if the ballgame was closer than 5 runs, it's over. The guy leaks runs.

Since this is Marinerland, how much do you wanna bet we face him and make him look like Cy Young? Because that's what happens to pitchers we get rid of...

And TFT, man, it's going to take one helluva miracle to turn this thing around. I admire your optimism, but let's be realistic here...

Trolls-of-the-Day:

Fluffy
JLo
Vidrool

Seriously, why keep Bavasi around for the draft if you're going to fire him before the year's done? Why would you want this man, who as someone pointed out earlier has a horrible draft record, make decisions that will effect a team he's not going to be a part of in the very near future? You would think that whoever they bring in is going to be currently working in baseball somewhere else, and therefore have a good idea of this draft class. Plus, as long as the scouting staff remains in place for now, wouldn't they be the ones giving the GM input on who to take?

While McLaren's not a good manager, Bavasi is obviously the larger problem. The sooner they can him and get somebody in here to start the rebuild, the better.

BTW - Clement hit another HR tonight.

And let me just say it - I loathe Jarrod Washburn. Not only does he suck at his job, he's a bad human being. I was able to hear the third inning on the radio, and was whooping and hollering and laughing the whole time. Couldn't have happened to a bigger jerk.

Too bad he's on our team for the next year and a half...

Lance- I'm sure you made all the right calls when it came to personnel moves. I'm surprise you're not working in a MLB front office instead of blogging on here.

The only person accountable for all the crap on the field is Bavasi. That's the only person I want fired. I'd still like to see what McLaren is capable of doing when given the right talent.

I love how being an optimist automatically implies that I can't always be a realist. Apprarently, being a realist and a pessimist goes hand and hand?!?

That's a bunch of baloney. Being an optimist OR a pessimist has NOTHING to do with what ACTUALLY happens (relalism). True. The M's likely won't go undefeated the rest of the season. But, being and optimist does NOT preclude me from being a realist.

-TFT-

About Baek. I missed the last few innings of the game, but it sounds like he pitched fairly well. Usually I groan when he comes in, because I know it's over. DFAing him makes some sense -- he's not a great long relief pitcher.

Nat -- thanks for the article from Drayer. Much appreciated.

The Yankees are moving Joba Chamberlain to the rotation mid-season, after being a setup man since late last season. Why can't we do the same with Morrow and RRS?

More random thoughts:

So if a player is under contract, they can't be DFA'd?

Baek must have a couple of chances remaining.

At least Franklin pitched well but never EVER got any run support.

I think Mac can do the job if the FO gets out of his way.

But that won't happen.

Morrow can't start. Not enough pitches.

Raul needs to be a more vocal leader.

And what happened to Norm Charlton? He needs to find his vitriol and splash it all over the team!

But I guess a hitter listening to a former pitcher is like a running back listening to a kicker.

Fremont -

Leadership only works when everyone takes responsibility for their own actions. A leader can remind the players what they should be doing, but a leader can't do their job for them.

This isn't jr. high baseball. These guys have been in the bigs for years, and are paid millions to do their job.

If they can't motivate themselves enough to be respectable, no "leader" will help them.

The only leader these guys need looks back at them every morning when they shave.

And for the record, I agree that the FO is a sick joke. How multimillionare owners can put up with 5 years of this crap (ok, 4 years, give them there 88 win season last year as a positive) is beyond me.

What happened to taking pride in your job? These M's have for the most part, completely forgotten this.

There has been talk that Morrow's arm isn't stretched enough to go 7+ innings as a starter. I say send him down now and get him ready for 09.

What hey need to focus on the rest of this year:

1. Can McLaren
2. Re-sign Beltre
3. Put Reed in LF, Raul to DH
4. DFA Vidro
5. Bring Clement back up, as him knocking around AAA pitchers won't do much for him.
6. Trade Washburn for a sack of potatoes, bring up Feierabend

Offseason:
1. Sign Griffey
2. Move Raul to first
3. Sign at least one big bat

THe good news is that they have four pitchers and three position players in Tacoma that should be ready for 09

So if a player is under contract, they can't be DFA'd?
NOT TRUE. Norton and Wilkerson were under contract and DFA'ed

Baek must have a couple of chances remaining.
NO. HE'S OUT OF OPTIONS AND WILL LIKELY BE PICKED UP.

At least Franklin pitched well but never EVER got any run support.
???

I think Mac can do the job if the FO gets out of his way.
MORE AND MORE DOUBTFUL WITH THE LOSING CULTURE BEING ENTRENCHED HERE.

But that won't happen.
THE BUZZARDS ARE CIRCLING

Morrow can't start. Not enough pitches.
HE PROBABLY ISN'T STRETCHED OUT, IF THAT'S WHAT YOU MEAN.

Raul needs to be a more vocal leader.
NOT HIS PERSONALITY OR STYLE. THIS TEAM MISSES JOSE GUILLEN FOR JUST THIS REASON.

And what happened to Norm Charlton? He needs to find his vitriol and splash it all over the team!
BOTTLE THAT VITRIOL FROM WHOMEVER AND I'M SURE MCLAREN WILL PAY A PRETTY PENNY FOR IT RIGHT NOW.

But I guess a hitter listening to a former pitcher is like a running back listening to a kicker.
YEAH, SOMETHING LIKE THAT.

Just curious to see who Washburn throws under the bus this time. He called for Burke, and you all remember his comments about Kenji. Could it be that Washburn just sucks, no matter who is catching the crap that he throws? And he's our highest paid pitcher! Ridiculous.

I was perhaps overly optimistic coming into the season. The projection systems failed with last years squad and there wasn't a lot of reason to think that they wouldn't this year. The reasons are obvious, and so on.

But you can't coach try. That has to come from within. Its team-wide. No one is less culpable than another. Two full on piss poor pitching performances from guys that are vets, unacceptable. Jarrod Washburn is an idiot to not realize that his previous almost mystifying success was due to a fastball with a couple of more ticks, ELEVATED in the zone. Not cocked. Its where the fly-ball and pop ups came from. If he gets the ball down, he gets pounded. Where are the local blog pitching coaches to point out this obvious fact?

“Washburn isn't having the best year. He's struggled at putting guys away. it was a terrible combination. Let's leave it at that.”

Yeah, sure, Geoff. I mean, unlike Felix, J-Wash came out and talked to you. And that’s what’s really important, right? The fact that he sucks, and that he, through very clumsily innuendo, blames his shortcomings on others is irrelevant. We need more guys like J-Wash. Vets. White Midwestern dudes with big corn-fed smiles, always ready to tell a few jokes. Guys who live up to the most important responsibility of all: talking to reporters. Throwing your catcher under the bus is no big deal and definitely in no way harms the all-important clubhouse ambiance; much more damaging is some super-talented 22-year old, really cheap and under club control for a few more years anyway who shows emotion and has the gall not to talk to a member of the press on occasion. And on-field performance is so overrated. Putting your team behind by 9 runs after 2+ innings is no big deal.

I’m glad after lambasting Hernandez with something like 4 or 5 highly detailed paragraphs, you choose to let Jarrod be. Because you’ve got it figured out, Geoff: the reason the team is playing poorly is because we’ve got a bad clubhouse here, as personified by snot-nosed kids who won’t answer questions from reporters. What happens on the field is, in reality, largely irrelevant.

I can't believe that some here have the gall to question how fair you are in covering this team and its individual players.

Go AquaSox!

Oh, yeah, and I also see that the Ms have suspended Triunfel. I can almost see Griffey back in the teal and blue. Ah, the process has begun...

We'll no doubt here afterwards that Triunfel was a bad apple, ala Rafael Soriano.

Go AquaSox!

I read on espn.com how Washburn said that he was making good pitches..yeah they were good alright, try right down the middle of the plate he guy gave up 5 straight roped singles and then the Salami to Thames, what a Joke!!!! Who cares if he's making 12 mill, they should option his ass and not to T-town but to freakin Everett!!!!!

Washburn won't be DFA'd this year because he's still owed about $10 million for next season. I doubt the M's would eat that much money just to have him off the roster, especially with how much they're catering to him right now with the "personal catcher."

I read your blog frequently, but have never commented before.
It's obvious that the team has no shot at being competitive this year. They are too far back and don't have the kind of team that can string together wins. My question is this: what on earth do you plan to write about for the rest of the season? Hours of blogging about how bad the team is seems like it'd be more depressing to write than it would be to read.
How long do you think it'll be before this team gets blown up? Not that there's a lot they can do. If they had a veteran or two who was playing well they could unload them before the trade deadline, but there's not really anyone who fits into that category. They're kind of stuck between a rock and a team full of players who can't hit.

I think it's time to start talking about what players should be available for other teams at the deadline. I'm thinking you could get a ton of prospects for Ibanez, a mid-level prospect for Sexson and another mid-level for a guy like Washburn who, even after tonight, a team will take a flyer on.

In any event, the season is undoubtedly over and it's time to move on. I think you should send Morrow down to AAA to get him ready to start next season. Start saving your dollars to go after Texeira for 1B and then look for Clement to be your DH. Find a LF who can hit (maybe Reed can prove himself).

The Johjima signing is terrible for this team as it will put Clement in no mans land if he won't be your DH. There seem to be more question marks on this team now than there were going into the season. Who woulda thunk?

The people in the bright yellow must be the haz mat team getting ready to clean up.

Hey Baker, don't feel so bad. At least you're getting paid to watch this train wreck.

Esteban, are you making some chicken-(hearted) attempt at calling Geoff a racist? Come on, tough guy, be a man and spell it out. You guys that come over from USSM and the like are unbelievable in your snotty-assed arrogance. I have read 3 or 4 posts in the last 2 days over there trying to pick some kind of fight here. Nice, mature, objective baseball analysis.

The authors over there that fight the good fight in their minions' eyes are a bit less than manly. They have the same goals that many of the regional and national writers that they routinely scorn. Yet, they hide behind their moderation queue like school girls. Why not just not read what Geoff writes if all you and MacDoubter are going to come up with are self-righteuos taunts that you can't back up. Let alone the collective ignorance regarding actual game-play in lieu of contradictory number crunching with no results.

Geoff -

Please explain to me the reason to DFA Baek - seems ridiculous to me. Why make him a scapegoat ?

He seems to be a CHEAP innings eating long reliever to me - and this team needs one or two such guys badly because the starters are not going to last > 4 innings, especially the Wasburns and Batistas.

So why DFA Baek of all the people ?????

Please respond !!
Thanks.

"I'm glad after lambasting Hernandez with something like 4 or 5 highly detailed paragraphs, you choose to let Jarrod be"

Esteban, you're a racist (they're the only people who constantly believe race is an issue) so there's no being logical with you. But for anyone else who might believe the nonsense you spew: the reason Hernandez is raked over the coals, largely, is because he's all attitude. The cocked-sideways cap, the strut around the mound, the gofer ball floated over the center of the plate. He reminds me so much of Freddy Garcia in that respect.

Washburn is no great talent. Frankly I have never seen him pitch a good game. But his story is less complex: he's just not that good, and probably never will be. Washburn giving up 9 runs is pathetic but not something that causes baseball analysts to bust out the slide rule. On the other hand we've been hearing about 'King Felix' forever and the guy is a complete waste.

Send the mourning Mariners and Sad Sonics to OK city.

Um, yes, that's a fork in 'em. They're toast.

Where can we find a chart to see if we're on pace for the most losses in history?

Jose Guillen for manager. Does the team need a shrink? A motivational speaker? A boot in the rear? I'll settle for new management from the top down. How 'bout a big bat and some pitching? The want list is l-o-n-g, like the season.

Go M's.

This team needs to light a fire under itself, and what they should do tomorrow is start knocking Tiger hitters down. When they finally decide to rumble, everyone wrestle around, but when things settle down someone yell "1-2-3..." and on 3 everyone drive the nearest Tiger player into the ground. Hey, it worked in Slap Shot.

DFA Washburn.

And get used to hearing "and now, the starting lineup for your 2008 seattle mariners, as announced by manager Jim Riggleman".

Sorry to see Baek go. I'm sure he'll get an opportunity to start somewhere, and I hope he'll be successful. I think he can be an adequate 4th or 5th starter in the Major Leagues.

It would be very hard for the M's to DFA Washburn due to his contractual situation. Although - the Pirates dumped Matt Morris and ate $10 million.

Anyway - they should throw Wash's ass in the pen and start R.A. Dickey. Or Ryan Feierabend who has been putting up tremendous numbers in AAA, (1.04 WHIP). My guess is that they'll bring up Dickey, and they may just leave Feierabend down there through September. He's only 22... So those of you who have hated on him for not doing well while with the M's last year - HE'S TWENTY TWO. And he's pretty much dominating the PCL right now. He could be a big part of the future.

Of course, this being the Mariners, they'll probably bring Dickey up, and make him the long reliever. And keep Wash in the rotation. On the bright side, at least Dickey will get lots of work every 5th day.

Forget pushing the panic button, can we just hit the abort button?

Last person leaving make sure you turn out the lights.

Geesh. I jumped off the cliff about 10 days ago. Losing 5/7 to the Rangers pretty much told me everything I needed to know.

And at least we don't have to wake up in Detroit after a nightmare like this! I'll be in beautiful Seattle when I arise tomorrow morning. You're definitely earning that paycheck this week Geoff. You should get a bonus for hazard pay.

Baek should have been traded in the offseason while he still had some value. I mean teams are taking a flyer on guys like Pineiro, seems like with the cost of pitching these days someone would have taken a shot at him... now he has little to no value in a trade... (Not that he was going to bring in some fantastic power hitter anyway, but...)

This team is totally unwatchable. I do still find myself listening on the radio while I'm doing stuff, though. Kind of like listening to a train wreck - you don't really want to, but still, it's kind of fascinating for a team to be so completely, utterly, abjectly horrible.

The freemont troll makes me laugh....ALL WE NEED IS A LEADER DAMMIT. Why not get some cheerleaders chanting some nifty pep routines to spark'em up. For the love of all that is holy what is wrong with some people. This team is TERRIBLE. The record AND stats prove it. People get old, if they didn't Griffey would still be belting out bombs left and right, Biggio would be an all-star, and Tony Gwynn would be battling to hit .400. PEOPLE DO GET WORSE WHEN THEY GET TO OLD. Thats what is happening.

AAUUUHHHHHGGGGGG!!!!!!!
FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!FU@K!!!AAUUUHHHHHGGGGGG!!!!!!!
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Yeah it will be hard to find another low 90's meat ball pitcher with a weak slider and change to replace Baek!

The M's definitely aren't going to recover from that huge mistake.

There are bigger fish to fry. This isn't even on the top 10 list of stupid things this club has done this month. This is a non factor. Every pitch Baek threw was wheel house, watch it go

He was weak sauce!

Don't get me wrong Wishbone could easily be replaced too. Or should be anyway.

Washburn is a joke now you all know why I call him FLUFFY

the only reason he's still around is because he was Bavassi's 1st round pick back in the day

FLUFFY is now 2-6 in 2008

FLUFFY is 20-35 as a Mariner

and another thing...I really doubt Jose Guillen would make one damn bit of a difference

Currently, the roster moves that need to be made are designating useless also-rans such as Cha Seung Baek -- who's already been given his pink slip -- Arthur Rhodes, Jamie Burke, Richie Sexson, Willie Bloomquist, Miguel Cairo, and Jose Vidro for assignment.

Consequently, Sean White, Eric O'Flaherty, Rob Johnson, Bryan LaHair, Yung Chi Chen, and Jeff Clement should be recalled -- while Victor Diaz has his contract purchased -- from the Tacoma Rainiers.

Next, Miguel Batista and Jarrod Washburn -- who are set to earn $9,000,000 and $10,350,000 in salary next season, respectively -- must be placed on the trade market in an attempt to find them new homes.

Since starting pitching is almost always at a premium, some franchise will most likely take a chance on Batista and Washburn. Upon dealing both of them elsewhere, R.A. Dickey and Ryan Feierabend should be recalled from the Tacoma Rainiers.

Additionally, Kenji Johjima -- despite his recently signed three-year, $24,000,000 contract extension, which is a total joke -- must be shipped off to make room behind the plate for Clement—regardless of owner Hiroshi Yamauchi's allegedly ethnocentric infatuation with Japanese players.

Because the San Diego Padres have suffered from injuries and mediocre production at catcher -- with Michael Barrett and Josh Bard having not met expectations thus far this season -- Kevin Towers might be interested in Johjima at a fair price—especially since the team is in a rebuilding mode.

In return for Johjima and a garden-variety prospect (e.g., Joe Woerman), the Seattle Mariners ought to acquire Brian Giles; he's an aging, albeit still productive outfielder. While Giles would be a short-term stopgap in left field, he'd allow the defensively inept Raul Ibanez to shift over to designated hitter.

Lastly, Ken Griffey, Jr. isn't an option this season—unless Ibanez is dealt to a contending team. With Ibanez joining another ballclub, that'd make room for Junior -- who'd come at the cost of Brandon Morrow and $16,500,000 in additional salary next season -- on the retooling M's at designated hitter.

I was just reading a story about the Padres, a team that seems to running strangely parallel to the M’s this year (as has been noted). Apparently, Kevin Towers called his team “bad” and “threatened wholesale changes.” Contrast this with Bavasi, who, as far as I know, hasn’t spoken out publicly in weeks.
Isn’t this, on some level, the most infuriating thing about this organization? Not the bad personnel decisions, the terrible managerial hires, the dancing groundskeepers or eighteen dollar garlic fries. For me, the worst thing about the Mariners, an organization I used to deeply love, is their inability to admit that they made mistakes; their absolute deficit of accountability. To anybody. But especially to the fans.
Why is Richie Sexson still on the team? The guy could hit a hundred home runs this year and it doesn’t matter. He was done in Seattle two years ago. The man has a brain like a raccoon, the poise of a teenage girl. You know who should have been designated for assignment today? JARROD WASHBURN! Stick Baek in the rotation. The man deserves a chance. And what does Jose Vidro provide? Maybe he has value as a hitting instructor. But he is not a major league baseball player! What does Miguel Cairo do for the team? Where’s Greg Norton? And Matt Clement? And Ben Broussard? And Asdrubal Cabrera? And George Sherill? Who’s our eighth-inning shutdown set-up guy this year? Is it Morrow or Green? Or Lowe? And why oh why is Raul Ibanez still playing left field?
I know all of the above has been repeated ad nauseaum on this site already. But for me it’s not even the baseball stuff; it’s the character stuff. General managers make mistakes. They even sometimes construct wholly bad teams, like this one. But at least have the decency, the respect for all of the people who pay these absurd ticket prices to go to the ballpark, the people who tune in every night on television and radio, who write blog posts and argue and dissect and debate, to own up to your failure. Give us that much at least.

No one left to clean up Batista's mess? Morrow, Lowe, Green and Rhodes are all fresh. M's should DFA Washburn...or Vidro, Sexson.

Its comical now. I remember when the M's won the 'on paper World Series' in March and everyone tossed out every mathematical formula from Baseball Prospectus that agreed. Unfortunately there is no formula for players with no heart that have just given up.

Wake me up when training camp starts.

I’ve been an M’s fan since the day we got them. I’ve followed them through thick and thin. I’ve gone to an average of 10-20 games a year, even after I moved away from Seattle.

But I can’t take this any more. This team has problems with clueless players, clueless coaches, a clueless manager, a clueless general manager, a clueless front office, and clueless ownership.

This team can’t hit, can’t field, and can’t pitch. I thought pitching was supposed to be improved this year. This pitching staff is like the late 80’s and early 90’s M’s who’d lose games 10-9 in the Kingdome. The biggest difference is that those M’s could at least hit.

This bunch is pathetic. They look for ways to lose instead of ways to win. They’ve given up.

So I have a stupid idea.

Since this ENTIRE TEAM has apparently given up, why not send the ENTIRE TEAM, coaches and all, down to AAA for the month of June? Bring up the Rainiers - all of ‘em - and let them play in the bigs for the month. This season is over, so why not? It would at least be mildly entertaining, which is something this current bunch of losers isn’t.

If this had happened against the KC Royals or Washington Nationals I'd be more upset about it...Detroit is still going to win the Central, so I'm not suprised. I'm pulling for a winning record and a 2nd place finish this year.

The team is pretty awful, might as well put Morrow in the rotation, why not? can't be worse than Batista, move Washburn and JoBat out to the BP, call up Ry-Fei and Send Morrow to the rotation and at least we're being proactive...

Either way, go M's, I'll be watching all year.

This team has been managed so poorly between Bavasi and McLaren...I don't even know where to start. It is just so maddeningly frustrating. And to DFA Baek? There are several other men available in the bullpen that could be used in long relief if needed so I just don't buy that assertion - it certainly isn't worth losing Baek from the organization. It just doesn't make any logical sense. Then there's the personal catcher situation, sending Clement back to Tacoma, keeping Cairo on the team, an insane belief by the mgr that defense is the team's strength when statistics clearly disagree, Raul playing LF, Turbo is our DH, we released Norton earlier in the year, pay way too much for Silva, trading our best outfield prospect and the AL save leader (this year) to Baltimore for a great starting pitcher - a move that gave up too much while providing too little (Bedard can't pitch everyday even when he's healthy) etc., etc., and THIS IS ALL SINCE MCLAREN BECAME THE MANAGER. It's embarrassing and inconceivable that a roster could be so poorly constructed and managed so horribly. I just don't know what else to say.

Washburn: 2-6 6.99 I think the wrong guy was DFA'd. I'm understanding that Baek was DFA'd because the bullpen was overworked?? I commend Washburn for offering to stay out there and absorb the rest of the punishment. My question is why didn't they let him?? Baek ( who actually pitched well last night) might still be here.

Did anyone see the Baseball Tonight piece on the three last place teams in the AL?. The only one they buried was the Mariners. That about says it all.

Why is Jamie Burke catching two of our starters on a long-term basis, now? We've heard about the problems and know they brought in the catching specialist to resolve the conflicts with Jojima.

Oh, and one more comment to our pal Jarrod Wshburn. His ERA with Joh is 5.54, with Burke it's 34.71. Quit bitching about you r catcher. You suck!!

I forgot to wrap up my main point - if it was one single thing that McLaren or Bavasi botched, or even two or three, that would be ok. But clearly there are so many questionable moves this season that one has to conclude that McLaren, as nice as he is, is incapable of managing and that Bavasi is incapable of constructing a winning roster.

If Dickey becomes the long man, he'll get plenty of work, especially when Washburn and Batista start. Good thing he's a knuckleballer and won't blow him arm out from overuse.

Jarrod Wshburn: 10 million ( 2-6 6.99)

Carlos Silva : 12 million ( 3-3 4.91)

Richie Sexson: 14 million ( .206 8 HR, 19 RBI)

Hoping McLaren and Bavasi are gone soon: priceless!!

Two more thing and I'm done...

1. It's easy to forgot (as I did) that we gave up more than Jones and Sherrill (several prospects) for Bedard. I'm not knocking Bedard, but like I said earlier - he can't pitch every day.

2. Now that I've had a little time to reflect on the situation, I'm actually very happy for Baek and I think he will be, too, once he has some time to reflect on it and he is picked up by a team that is run competently.

In my previous submittals on this blog I mentioned that Washburn was bad. And he has a propensity to give up runs in bunches at the most inopportune time. Well I believe last night has proved it without a doubt. But what do the Mariners do send Baek out? Why! Baek is not even close to being a problem. In fact he has done an exemplary job as a long relief "Mop-up" man. It is like verything else on this team pick out a scape goat and pour out all the blame on him. Baek, Bloomquist, and Burke are not the problem. They have done their jobs well. Coming off the bench and trying to help. What more can you expect? Even Cairo is not the problem. Although, Cairo is not needed on this team because others can fill his role. So the problem is Bad management of course and a few players who should be sent out or moved to other positions. They are as everyone on this blog knows: Sexson & Washburn DFA. Bring in Dickey for Washburn rather than send Baek out. If Baek is sent out he will undoubtedly show up as a star on another team. Replace Sexson with anybody. Norton would have been good. But he is gone helping some one else win. Light a fire under Lopez, Beltre and Betancourt. They need motivation. Mac is not doing it. Morrow sent down to be prepared to be a starter and brought back as soon as possible. Ibanez moved to DH and replaced at least for the moment by Reed, Vidro benched as a pinch hitter. Finally this is the most problematic. But Johjima should be traded to a team like the Red Sox (Dice-K) that has a Japanese pitcher or two and help them win. Bring back Clement. These things could be done today. And the Mariners would improve. But they won't so kiss this season Good Bye.

If possible Geoff, can you take on the idea of moving Washburn and Batista to the BP and starting Morrow and Ryen Feierebend from here on out? Seems like a smart move to get our youth up and working.

Another homer for Richie!

byebye

I agree Seymore.

Fire Bavasi first and replace him with someone who we can trust to make decent trades. Then, start trading the veterans we can (Ichiro, Ibanez,...even Bedard at this point) and start over with younger talent from those trades. So many issues, but we all know that if we leave this team the same, we will continue to have the same results night after night. Time to gut it and start over...but not with Bavasi.

I admire Washburn for meeting with sports reporters after his miserable pitching performance. There is poor chemistry on this team. When are they going to start trading players to get a more positive chemistry. When is Bavasi going to get fired. It is long overdue.

Tom R. - if you think chemistry is the problem then you are no better than Bavasi and McLaren. Lack of talent is this team's problem.

Although I want to see this team completely overhauled, it isn't going to happen as long as the Howard Lincoln model of making money first before fielding a good team remains in place.

Hey... look at the lineup today.

Reed in LF and Ibanez at DH!

Probably just lip service... somehow I doubt we'll get enough games to see this simple fix really work.

On the other hand we've been hearing about 'King Felix' forever and the guy is a complete waste.

Uhm, you don't know WTF you're talking about.

the reason Hernandez is raked over the coals, largely, is because he's all attitude. The cocked-sideways cap, the strut around the mound, the gofer ball floated over the center of the plate. He reminds me so much of Freddy Garcia in that respect.

I remember these exact same things said about Griffey when he'd wear his cap backwards and laugh and smile all the time. You're just bitter. Get over yourself. Do you sit around going, 'Lookit those young bastards! Enjoying themselves! Why, back in my day all the ball players were mean! And mad!'? Why don't you call out Jarrod for throwing a team mate under the bus? Felix was out in front of that fight when Richie charged the mound against Texas.

Esteban, are you making some chicken-(hearted) attempt at calling Geoff a racist? Come on, tough guy, be a man and spell it out.

BS. No one is calling anyone a racist. Esteban's complaint was that Geoff jumped Felix's s*** and then dismisses Jarrod's miserable performance. Now, I don't for a second believe it but one could deduct from Geoff's writing that the veterans get a free pass, but the kids get a swift kick in the nuts.

My call...if the Mariners lose today, then Mac gets the ax on Monday. It should happen sooner, but it would be too undignified for BB to serve him papers and a rebooked flight itinerary at the same time.

IT'S TIME!!!!!!. I have been patiently waiting for some corner to be turned and that clearly is not going to happen. Geoff has been very clear and accurately expressing my thoughts about this team and now is the time for some action to be taken. I believe that both Bavasi and McLaren need to be held accountable for this debacle. The personnel decisions must be made with some consultation with McLaren and many of them don't make any sense. Why would we sign Jo for three years when we have the "catcher of future" supposedly moments away from the show? And if the Japanese ownership mandated this, why has Clement not begun the process of moving to first base? Why do we need two no hit pinch runners (Bloomquist and Cairo) on the bench and decide not to keep a tailor made pinch hitter (Norton)? Was Wilkerson really the best off season option for right field? Jose Guillen wanted to stay here and He provided a much needed clubhouse presence. Granted he his only hitting .235 but he’s got 31 RBI and, I believe, he will improve as the season progresses. The team is playing without any sense of urgency, heart or concentration. This falls on the manager. (You have all heard the old adage “you can’t fire the team, so you fire the manager”).
I make these points to support my position that both McLaren and Bavasi need to be shown the door. Clearly the Mariners will be sellers come trading time and I don’t want these nincompoops making any more player decisions. I don’t have any idea who would be better, but I believe there is nowhere to go but up.
Geoff, keep up the good work. You are a welcome addition to the NW baseball chatter.

I'm afraid the M's are going to win today.

Geoff - The M's designated the wrong pitcher for assignment, Washburn becuase of his potential salary dump, should have been the one, if you want to keep your 12 best!

Is it 1992?

Where's Jeff Smulyan?

AK1984 I agree with everything you stated, as it is similar to what I typed earlier but more detailed. The one thing I don't agree with is thinking that we should give up Morrow for Griffey. This season is already in the crapper, why bring him in now when we can get him in the offseason?

Morrow for Griffey???? Pfffff....please. How Mariner of you.

Jason you need to read Estebans post more carefully then tell me that I was just flying off the handle at him. It doesn't take a detective to discern exactly what he was implying. Far too many pot-shots taken at Geoff from folks , its not necessary and your not qualified.

Blow it up and start over. Whtever the thinking is in scouting, acquiring and signing players for this team, that has to change.

Enough of the nice quiet guys, let's get some gritty, nasty players. More Jose Guillen types and less Raul Ibanez types.

We called Melvin an idiot and he's looking pretty brilliant now. A manager can only do so much.

'It's the players, stupid.'

I have an idea that Jaime Burke has been reading the Prince. It was he who planted the seed is dissention and I now deem him Machavelli. Jaime 'Machavelli" Burke-who has unseated the squating king, to take his turn on the throne.

It is all Burke's fault.

Seriously though, if you hit all your spots and they still score 9 runs doesn't that mean there is

sorry, cut me off

There is something wrong with someone's decision making process of what is 'the spots"?

Seizure Borge

this "team" quit a month ago.

why are lincoln, armstrong, bavasi and mclaren still around?

Think this is bad? We haven't gotten to the annual August swoon yet.