There isn't much else to do. Yelling isn't going to make guys hit better, especially guys that quite frankly aren't that good to start with. I understand everyone's frustrated, but it's like getting mad at a 3-year-old for not changing the tire on the car. Most of these guys are just very average to below-average hitters.
Going through today's lineup, there aren't very many places I see much room for improvement.

Ichiro - definitely can improve
Lopez - at full capacity
Ibanez - at full capacity
Beltre - at full capacity
Vidro/Sexson - at full capacity
Betancourt - at full capacity
Clement - will probably improve a little
Johjima - will improve
Balentien - at full capacity

Ichiro is critical to this offense, and hasn't been getting the criticism I think he deserves. With Ichiro hitting in the .320 range and stealing bases Seattle is a much better offense, just like the Tigers with Granderson.
Clement will add some pop once he gets over the first-time-through-the-league jitters, and Johjima has shown he's a much better hitter. His bat will add more RBIs at the bottom. By in large, however, I don't see too much room for improvement, which is why I don't see this team doing much to improve in the standings.

Davie Niehaus said Clement got jammed.

"He had Smuckers all over his hand."

We love Dave so much we'll let him get away with that. He's the only one, though.

Dave, not Davie. That was a typo.

I would be nice to have a break out game offensively today, but I am not planning on it. For the past two weeks I have had expectations that we would come back in the ninth during one of our one run deficits, Kenji would go 4-4 with 3 doubles and knock in 4, or Raul would get his stick going again. At this point I have no expectations today. I feel we have wasted almost every great outing by Silva lately and, like Felix yesterday, he is due for a non quality start sometime. I have just become very disappointed in the past two weeks, Losing games would be tough, but the way we are losing. Seriously fella's, we could easily by a couple games over .500. I am not losing the faith because I believe we do have the ability to right the ship. 7 of our next 10 games are against Texas and the other 3 are against Chicago.

Some have taken offense to me stating Balentin does not seem ready to play everyday at the major league level. If, indeed, we are throwing in the towel, play the kid. If that is the case, go get Lahair to play first base as well. I am simply stating Wlad's stats over the past 3 years, coupled with what many scouts have said about his swing, and watching the guy myself over the last couple of years, I do not think he is the answer this year. As one AL scout put it regarding Balentin, "The guy has talent. He can hit for power anytime. The problem I see is he has only hit for average one time, and it was not close to .300. Nor does the guy like to take a walk, which is needed from a guy who is likely to .230 - .250 with above average power.". I was, and still am, excited to see someone young play, but if we are to right the ship this year, I would rather have Griffey in right.

I love having Clement up. He looks great. He sees a ton of pitches, except for his first two ABs on Thursday, and looks confident. In a few ABs so far he has really fould off a lot of pitches and made the pitch work. We need someone who can take some pitches. Consistently, we are the worst team in regards to walking. Our average was about 25 points higher than Oakland last year, but they see pitches and had a high OBP. Also, does it not seem like we hit into at least 2-3 double plays per game! It is nice to see Clement come up and work it a bit.

In regards to everyone being up in arms about Ichiro, I get it. It is frustrating to see a guy look like he doesn't care. However, the takes a great approach to the game. He doesn't get too high or too low. It works for him, but I think others would like to see him get fired up. Do I think he is worth 20 million per year? No, but Japanese ownership wants to keep him, and obviously Johjima at all costs. Ichiro is still on his way to hitting .350 like last year. His average is higher than it was on May 6 last year (avg was .260). So, hopefully Ichiro will keep it up. He almost soley won Thursday's game for us.

Mac is frustrating. The main thing that I don't understand is how he is using the bullpen. No one knows their role it seems. In terms of batting, what can you do? You have to try and mix it up, and he is. I think the guy is in a bad spot. I will say I don't know if he has the pulse of the team. Something that worries me about this team is the comradre. When Sherrill came back with Jones, they both said how much mor friendly and fun Baltimore's clubhouse is. At first I threw that out saying Baltimore doesn't have to win this year, but I think there is something to it.

I have no expectations today fella's.

10:09 AM, May 04, 2008

JustinH-Balentien is the best outfield prospect in the system.
Wladimir has plus on base average ability to get on base, he has plus plus power, he can hit for average, above average speed, above average defense, plus arm. Please enlighten us on what you have seen that is a red flag in his "swing" that he isn't suitable for the big leagues. Also please quote what your alleged scouts stated is a problem with this prospect's swing.

Resin -

I like Wlad a great deal, make no mistake about it. I am glad he is up here. However, if we are going to try and get back into the thick of things, I think getting Griffey or Dye would be better. Wlad does have the hitch, some other guy just mentioned it, that scares me a bit. I really just don't want to make him press or put any pressure on him at all. Although, I do not think there is at this point. Totally agree he is our best OF prospect. I just don't know if it is the best situation for him to be in at this point. I hope he proves me wrong.

Justin H - Why put your inflated nonsensical post in twice? It is not like you have said anything new.

Maybe I need to yell at some of you guys,

The Reds have just moved Griffey to the number two hole in their lineup. He's hitting .248. People, he's not the answer! Putting a Mariner uniform on the guy isn't going to change what he is now. Age is quickly catching up with him.

Justin, you feel the same way about our right field siuation as I do. Keep Wlad there until we land Junior. I would disagree with Resin by saying Wlad really doesn't hit for avg. He does play good defense and can hit for power....your typical mistake hitter. Make a mistake and you will pay with him at times.

Something tells me this will be another classic Mariner game where we score a couple of runs and then completely disappear for the rest of the game while the other team comes back.
Yep ... looks like that's what's going to happen.

So, Lance, you read the paper this morning, good for you. .248 is about fifty points better than Turbo or Sexson, but that's not saying much.

I said before this road trip we were going to go 1-5 and be 7 games back. I hate being right.

Who said they felt like this looked like another typical Mariner's game, anoint that guy and give him a scepter, but then to predict Mariner futility is not hard to do. Gimme back that scepter.

game over.

Mike - dirty mouth, maybe you could use some of that gum. In today's game, Vidro has not yet shown himself to be the goat, we have plenty of others to manage that feat.

Time to forfeit and save the bullpen, its over for today.

Griffey was hitting .250-1-9 through May 1 last year. We need a left handed bat and I think Griffey has at least one more year left in him. We at least need him for the following reasons:

- Put fans in the seats
- Play OF and left-handed bat
- Leadership (I know he wasn't the best leader back in the day, but he is much older)
- Brings us national attention
- Shows we will do what it takes to win

Look, I understand the guy is 38 yrs old and we are 4 games under .500 now. I understand it all, but I think if the price is right, you go for it.

Damn, Milkey just crushed that ball.

I know Buzzie's Baby Boy signed all these GREAT free agents...but who scouted them?...Ray Charles...

I just want to know who's getting fired and who's getting hired.....this team is a mess.

I had Rasner and Silva today - went with Silva, thought he would break the slump, but no - he's getting shelled. This is the Carlos SIlva I remember - everyone hits him, he just has a decent percentage of getting out of jams. Not today - it's pay day. Leave it to the M's the wake the Yankees up - with Arod and Posada on the DL...

Brutal

Great - the Mariners finally jump out to an early lead and now Silva of all people falls apart. We need to knock down a few Yankee hitters, challenge them to a brawl, and then when they back down, which they will, let's see if this lights a fire under this team.

Mike - maybe its a dirty mind that you have, how about a frontal lobotomy to clean it up. But your sentiments concerning McLaren are not so extreme.

Well, I guess today it's the pitchers' turn to contribute in the "get a new manager" campaign.

This game is now lost, based on the fact that this team has not come back from a two run deficit yet this year.

Besides, that's way too much of a lead to come back from against the likes of Darrell Rasner.

Johnny Mac,

I just wanted to piss you off and hear you yell.

Rasner floats one right over the plate and Vidro whiffs.
Geez. They are so bad.
Half the guys in this lineup wouldn't be any better than AAA.

Justin - maybe we could all get McLaren in a room and yell at him for a while, or perhaps just make him listen to these posts.

Justin, who do you like as a replacement for Mac?

- Pee Wee

Ziasudra, you're not the only one I missed mentioning, but for what it's worth, you, Faceplant, John, downie, Lance, Tahoma, Missoula Mariner, and a lot of others I'm forgetting (sorry, people) are on that list, too. Thanks for your comments, Zia, and yours, Scott.

Someone mentioned they thought duckd, or at least his comments, was/were racist. I don't think so. Just ignorant. Could be wrong, though. Hope not.

Nice pitching Rasner, you must be an up and coming star, or have you just found a triple A offense to test yourself with?

This guy for the Yankees, what's his name, Gilda Radner, isn't even a strikeout pitcher and guys are whiffing against him! Looks like we're going to remain an all-time major league record 0-and-whatever when falling behind by at least two runs.

I think it's time to lead a campaign to fire Bavasi. Why put all the blame on the manager when Bavasi is one the responsible for assembling the personnel? When will Lincoln & Armstrong wake up? They had a chance to get Walt Jocketty and Tony LaRussa, but NO!

Bavasi has done such a great job of improving the win-loss record. HELLO! The team was pathetic when he took over. The only way was UP! Look at your payroll vs other teams with lower one and compare your winning percentage. Bavasi is a JOKE when it comes to GM in MLB!

"So, Lance, you read the paper this morning, good for you. .248 is about fifty points better than Turbo or Sexson, but that's not saying much." --- Johnny Mac

No, it's not, is it? Isn't that the point. And, yes, I read the paper this morning. Are you jealous that I can?

This is an absolute joke. This team is going nowhere fast.

What a stroke Jeeter has, talk about being snakebit, maybe there is some Karma at work, but the what have the M's every done?

If you're a Mariner's fan, you know that when they face a pitcher that they've never seen or one that no one has ever heard of, they make the guy look like a Cy Young candidate. That's been the case the last 2-3 seasons! If you've been watching their games, you should've known that they would struggle against this guy today.

Lance - Had not even thought reading was your strong suit, but then you seem to have a knack for analysis or something else that begins with the same for words.

Briley - For manager? Pat Borders. I am serious. The M's were very high on him as a future manager 3 years ago until we got Hargrove. He is a former catcher, aren't all managers nowadays? Players love him and he is a very fiery guy. Such a long-shot, but it's who I would want.

Forget about trading for Griffey! He isn't going to solve the problem, at least not this year. Forget about Bonds, no way will Lincoln want that type of PR.

We need to get a competent GM in place. I'm sick and tired of watching this crap!

Geoff- How are you able to cover this horse manure? Wouldn't you rather be on vacation? I've watched some lousy baseball, but this team offensively has got to be the worst I've seen in a while.

What Mac needs to do when the Mariners come up is walk out of the dugout, point at Radner, berate the team for not pummeling his sorry butt, then glare at Radner, pick up a bat, and walk toward the plate screaming at the ump to let him hit. Maybe THAT would light a fire under this team. Heck, I wouldn't put that past Sweet Lou lol.

Looks like the old Seattle Rainiers have shown up at Yankee Stadium today, oh but those guys might have a chance.

Five innings to crush these dudes. About time they got mad.

OK, OK, far, far PAST time...

Early is it, looks to me that the Ms have dug that hole about six feet deep.

Thomas - Last year Rasner had two starts against Seattle, he was 1 - 1 with a 2.53 ERA sounds like he is a Cy Young candidate in the wings, or is that just blowing in the winds.

Totally agree on the "Fire Bavasi" campaign. This guy has made mistake after mistake. Our payroll is 7th in the game and we are horrible. I cannot blame him for Sexson or Beltre signings. But the trading of Guillen for Santiago? Soriano for Horacio? Asdrubal Cabrera (Who had game winning hit on Thursday) for no one? The scout who signed Felix, we let him go to Dodgers. Picking Morrow over Linsecum two years ago? It has been a rough ride and needs to end.

David Gee, Thomas, I think you guys are on it. (rookie unknowns turning into Cy for a day, berating team/RaSner).

What a call on Borders, Justin! Sounds good to me... I loved the guy when he was here. Like I do Burke now. Got my backup catcher mancrushes goin' on...

Did I say 5? Surely I meant FOUR...

Justin H @ 11:44 AM, - you have hit the proverbial nail on the head, such a list of blunders. Time to fire Bavasi, McLarin and remake this team. Good call on Borders.

Justin H.

Blame for the Beltre signing? What's wrong with Beltre? He's near the top of the league in OPS, plays stellar defense, and is one of the premier 3B in the game. He was one of the few FA signings Bavasi made that -didn't- blow up.

Hey, anybody have any idea how RRS suddenly became the long man? What happened to Baek? I thought he didn't pitch yesterday... Wrong?

Yup! Just checked to box... two and a third, 37 pitches. OK, I get it.

Brian L - try rereading the Justin H post at 11:44 PM - he said he could not blame Bavasi for the Sexson and Beltre signings, hence he did not denigrate Beltre, the one decent signing from Bavasi.

Johnny Mac- It's not just Rasner. Just go through the list of no names that this lineup couldn't hit. It's pathetic. I don't know if it's due to coaching or the players themselves.

I don't think this team needs to be rebuilt, but minor tweaks here and there. I just don't want Bavasi to be the one in charge of making those moves.

When the team starting struggling at the end of last season, we all thought they should've given more playing time to the kids (Clement, Balentien, Jones, Morse, Reed, etc.). Morrow should've been sent down to develop into a starter. I think the blame should to go McLaren for that since he's the one that wanted to stick with the veterans. His loyalty to those guys might ultimately cost him his job.

We're only a month into the season, but there's nothing that I see on the field that leads me to believe that the offense is going to turn itself around.

Watching this game ought to be some kind of cruel and unusual punishment - perhaps a new type of torture is being born - with Rasner whiffing Mariner after Mariner - such a lack of offense, maybe we should yell some more at these guys.

I watch most games on MLB Extra innings an hear a lot of the opposition announcers. Today I think Bobby Mercer and Paul O'Neill said a lot when they said "this is not a good ball team right now" and "they are moping around". They suggested it will take strong management to get this team out of this funk. Geoff, are they moping around?
They also said that when you are hitting well, you do not foul off quality pitches, but put them in play.
What is our RISP avg?

Maybe this team should take a field trip to the local Softball field and find out what Testosterone is all about. Most mens teams are all about swagger and bravado. These, the M's lack.

...um, I mean, THREE...

Thomas - When did I ever say it was just Rasner? But he has twice before faced the Ms and held them to a 2.53 ERA, so he is not a new face for them to see today.

I know this is a Mariner board, but is it true that Adam Jones is going to be sent down to AAA by the Orioles? Denny Hocking said something about it on the radio this morning, and I couldn't believe it.

Is it as painful to watch as to listen to Geoff? Listening is a joke. We're getting killed because guys making millions per year underperform and then Dave (who is great guy) is selling us on buying tix to next homestand - Tix whose cost has gone up 100% in the last 8 or 9 years. And then to buy a beer for $8. All because e have guys making about $10 million batting around .200.

Just can't believe this is what BB was to become

Claify: I don't blame Bavasi for signing Sexson, Beltre, Wash, Silva, Yuni, or Batista. I would have done the same with those guys. But, Kenji 3 yr extention? Jeff Weaver at 9 million? Re-signing Horacio this off-season, then cutting him? Wilkerson?

Also, lets not forget the drafts have been bad. Jones was not drafted by Bavasi, as he was picked in the supplemental in 03. Clement is about the only guy in the first 12 picks of 05 who hasn't made a big contribution. I am satisfied with Clement as a pick though. Morrow over Lincecum is nuts. Local kid who throws 100 MPH is now Giants #1 starter and a total stud.

Release BILL!!!!!!!!

Adding insult to injury, while watching M's lose by 6 I have to listen to Dave Sims. I hate Sims!

With this probable loss we have the worst record in the AL...I just can't believe it, that we are that bad with our starters et al...UNBELIEVABLE...

"There is a hole on that right side all day," Yankee announcers after the recent hit. Now let me think, who is playing that right side at first base? Not that Sexson has anymore range.

Clement and Balentien are the only two hitters that have worked the count today. I see Johjima swinging at the first pitch in consecutive at bats, and outside of Beltre has produced runs.

So Geoff can say the rookies have done nothing to help, but neither has his favorite Jose Vidro or any veteran on this club going on 5 games now.

If this keeps up another few weeks it will be time to rebuild. And the Erik Bedard trade will go down as a huge mistake and we can replace the manager and GM. And hopefully maybe the CEO and Team President retire from baseball and leave it to the hands of real baseball people.

Morrow should be in Tacoma as a starter so he can replace Washburn next year. Maybe Feierabend who has a 1.74 ERA in Tacoma can replace a Batista next year.

Anyone for changing the name to "THE SEATTLE MILKTOASTS".

Milk toast and shaving creme pie - now that looks appetizing - the Ms main course is full but of what remains impolite to speak of. Remake this team but first fire Bavasi and McLaren.

Rasner threw just 76 pitches through six, what ever happened to that new Mariners patience at the plate?

A hit! Thank goodness for Jeff Clement.

Looks like Wlad was batting against a healthy JJ Putz, but that was just some dorf. Still I am happy to give some bats to Wlad and go with some youth instead of Bavasi' 3 million man in right.

Firery motivational speeches can be very effective coming from a respected manager that has a history of success. Desparation tatrums from a skipper fearfull of losing his only opportunity to manage in the majors is quite a different animal. This enviroment is not positive and the GM is getting exactly what he deserves with so many bad signings and knee jerk roster moves.

Resin,

Great point. We don't even have a walk all game long. Rasner averages a walk per 3 innings. It is really just absurd we cannot get one walk. People talk about how our team average is so bad, look at the OBP!!! Also, if you are going to continue to play Sexson it would have been nice to have him in the lineup today. He is 2-4 with a double and a walk off Rasner. Plus, we need to get him going.

Also, why not trade Batista and put Fier in there. I would actually love to trade Wash, but we could get some value for Batista. The Yankees would love to get a hold of Miguel. Ibanez and Batista for Milky Cabrera! I know the Yanks couldn't do that b/c they would have no one for center.

If we can't win 6 or 7 of the next 10 I would start considering trading Miguel, Ibanez, Sexson (Someone will take him even though people on this board will say no way. We may have to give cash), Washburn, Kenji, and Rhodes (Situational lefty is always coveted).

Justin, in order to receive value in a trade you have to offer value. No one wants the stiffs you suggest. As bad as it seems, Ichrio is the one who has to be put on the block to get what we need to change this team.

Geoff,

I am getting blasted for saying Wlad just doesn't look ready. He has only made solid contact one time, the HR. His other hit was a dink infield slow roller. I would like to get him some AB's, but the guy cannot hit a slider, and unless we are down 8-0 (When he hit the homer Wednesday), that is all he is going to see. Have you heard something in regards to what they are going to do with Wlad? Will they give him the AB's regardless, or if he doesn't produce to some degree is he back in Tacoma?

Thanks!!!

This team has the payroll to field a good team without having to resort to a prolonged "Cleveland-style rebuilding." Unfortunately, that payroll keeps getting shelled out on washed up 1B/DH/RF type players. If this team followed the Boston model of developing players and signing free agents, they could be successful as soon as 2009-2010.

There's a lot of money coming off the books after this season. If that money is spent wisely, then this team has a very good chance of being competitive within the next season or two. This requires, however, a smart GM and an ownership group willing to back that GM.

Best available candidate: Chris Antonetti of the Cleveland organization. Combine his player evaluation talent with the payroll the Mariners offer, and this team can be extremely successful in a very short amount of time.

"Betancourt throws out Matt Damon at first..."

Awesome announcing there Dave S. He sounds as excited to be there as I am watching the game.

c

I like Sims. I doesn't bother me half as much as Rizs does.

Scanman,

Teams are very interested in Ibanez. Batista is a 16 game winner and a good 4 or 5 guy for many teams. I was listing the players I would be willing to take offers on and who the Mariners maybe willing to deal. Don't even bring up Ichiro, because we will not move him. Even Washburn has been getting some attention. My brother lives in Atlanta and they are dying for a starter to replace Smoltz. Wash and Batista were both brought up. If we are out of it at the All-Star break I would expect Ibanez (FA at end of yr, good fit for contenders), Batista or Washburn, and Rhodes to be dealt. We could get some pretty good prospects for Ibanez, decent for Batista or Washburn, and obviously not much for Rhodes. Remember, injuries are going to happen and clubs who don't have a need now may very well soon.

I have one suggestion to cure the ills of our hitters:
1. Don't swing at balls;
2. Swing at strikes
(pass it on. . . .)

Why can't you software techs fix that stupid captcha - this is my 3rd submission, and I have never typed the captcha wrong. It can't read its own writing. We get enough frustration from the M's, we don't need this much from overpaid incompetents at the paper.

Justin H.................Right on! Was just thinking the same in terms of who I would trade. Love the Borders idea as well!

"Fire Bavasi"

Jus

I like it. I'd trade Washburn or Batista to Atlanta now. Give Fierabend a chance and save 8-9 this year and next year.

I'm really surprised Mac didn't use J.J. in the eighth to help him get sharp. He needs the work. Don't know what Mac was thinking on that.

"Hey, anybody have any idea how RRS suddenly became the long man? What happened to Baek? I thought he didn't pitch yesterday... Wrong?"

I'm convinced that Mac's started just pulling names out of a hat.

The M's are going to be the first ever sun .500 team to be buyers at the trade deadline. Any though of the M's being sellers are wrong. It may be the smart thing to do but it won't happen.

This team sucks and it will until everyone is fired.

Struggling or not Wlad should play the rest of the year at RF in the majors. You wanted to give every hitter until the middle of May Geoff, yet you're so quick to send the young guy back down based on 5 games.

At least Nicole Zaloumis can make my day better...

Justin, what I'm getting at is the Players we would be offered back for these guy's will not help us. I really feel that Ichrio-Washburn combination would be something that would generate some very outstanding offers. One problem is Bavasi, He probably be suckered into some over the hill has-beens. We need players on the rise, not over the hill.

justin h, would like to know who you would like to have as gm?

totally agree Wlad looks pretty bad right now dealing with offspeed. i would deal washburn or batista to atlanta. heard that rumor on espn radio yesterday. said either could fetch pretty good minor league talent.

Can someone tell SIlva to lay off the burritos, or at least get a uniform that fits for god sake. It's disgusting having to watch him "adjust" his tight uniform after every single pitch

BB Get Bonds on the phone. We need someone to scare the other team's pitchers just a little.

I am very upset with the posters who want to call this team the "Seattle Milk Toasts" . Its the "Seattle Milquetoasts" for Gawd's sake.

[Origin: 1935–40, Americanism; after Caspar Milquetoast, a character in The Timid Soul, comic strip by H. T. Webster (1885–1952), American cartoonist]

Anyway, I am so glad I didn't wast more than an hour watching the latest debacle. I cleaned the garage and mowed the loan rather than wasting another two hours of my life on this team. Geoff, I truly feel for you having to watch, but at least you get paid to do so. Those who watch voluntarily are the true unfortunates.

Utis - Forget about it, the Bonds business is not going to happen. Afterall he would just be another .220 hitter with waning power and no place to play. Bonds is washed up, over the hill, nobody with a good breaking ball is going to fear that monster. Look for someone who might make a difference and who might be free of life support technology.

BABBV - that "lawn" not loan, since you are into correcting others.

My Spelling stands corrected. Thank You. t's still a great nickname

FatSilva - can we lay off the fat remarks, are you any better than a racist or some other type of sociopath?

PS BABBV - if you do learn how to mow a "loan" I will be very interested as I have several that I would like to trim.

John,

To answer your question who I would like to have as GM, Larry Beinfest from Florida. He has done an unbelievable job down there with little funds. His trades have made sense, they draft well, and he has good relations with folks around MLB. I would pay him big bucks to come cross country to us. Look at what he has done with that payroll. Every major trade they still have a player or players to show for it. They have one of the best 3 players in the game today in Hanlet Ramirez, and he was aquired via the Josh Beckett deal.

ATTENTION!!!

I am going to start a website called FireBavasi.com. My buddy is working on getting everything up and running. Just decided it a few minutes ago. Need to take matters into our own hands. Please email me any bad moves, etc so we can make sure to get EVERYTHING down. Will also have a place for people to sign the petition. My email is ju006he@yahoo.com.

Thanks guys!!!

Justin H. -

Good work brother.

Free agent signings under Bavasi include Raúl Ibáñez, Richie Sexson, Adrian Beltre, Jarrod Washburn, Scott Spezio, Rich Aurilia, Carl Everett, Matt Lawton, and Jeff Weaver. Some of the notable trades that Bavasi has made during his tenure as Mariners GM include: Freddy Garcia for Miguel Olivo, Jeremy Reed, and Mike Morse; Carlos Guillen for Ramon Santiago; Asdrubal Cabrera for Eduardo Perez; Shin-Soo Choo for Ben Broussard; Randy Winn for Jesse Foppert, and Rafael Soriano for Horacio Ramírez. Some of these moves have been controversial moves and have upset the Mariners' fan base which led to Howard Lincoln (Mariners CEO), saying Bavasi was on the "hot seat" unless he produced a championship contender. Nonetheless, CEO Lincoln announced that Bavasi would be brought back in 2008 because he had produced a winning record in 2007.

Fire Bavasi!!! I love it!!!

Recalling these free agent signings and noting these trades, Bavasi must have a reputation around baseball as a guy you can fleece with minimum effort. Certainly we could add how he overpaid for Bedard to this list of blunders.

Hey guy's check out the Tacoma game. The other team has some studs on it including John Mayberry Jr. He is only hitting 500 and plays left field. Thats the type of player this team needs to target.

For the past few years now, this team has had no chemistry. It's time to blow it up. Cut Sexson, cut Vidro. They are not part of the long term future of the club, and there is no present. Bring up kids and see what they can do. Cut Lincoln, Bavasi, Armstrong and McLaren.

Instead of having a "stragegy" bench coach, which we don't need, bring in Bone (pay him whatever it takes to get him to do it) as the bench coach to create the necessary chemistry to move forward. We've wasted three seasons. Let's not waste any more.

M = p + u

Don't worry guys, its still early. Pay no attention to what your eyes are showing you. Last place doesn't mean anything yet, its early! Just remember, even if you see why a team is bad, its always to early! That is until it's to late.

Johnny Mac,

Great point. Bavasi has gotten fleeced on every deal he has ever made with us. I don't think we will know about the Bedard deal until next year at the earliest.

When Woody Woodward was GM he made a couple poor trades, but Darren Bragg for Moyer and Andy Benes for Marc Newfeld and Ron Villone. Those were fleecing's of his own.

Then there is Gillick. He only brought us to the ALCS twice and in 02 and 03 we won 93 games, but didn't make the playoffs. 93 games.

Bavasi has had more than enough opportunities. It doesn't take much to go out and sign free agents. Usually you know what you are going to get. Especially when you have the amount of money Bavasi has to work with. What you really need out of a GM is someone who has success in trades, good talent evaluation, and is efficient. Bill Bavasi has not been successful in any of those aspects. Furthermore, I feel as though he does just enough to keep his job. He realized the team needed to make a major move this off-season, so he got Bedard. Unfortunately, I believe Bavasi was going to pull the trigger at any cost to "show people he and the organization will do what it takes to win". Seems Baltimore knew that and demanded the entire farm. Obviously Jones and Sherril were main part of the deal. However, Tillman (Who is 2-0 with 2.91 ERA, .180 BAA, 21K's in 20 innings with AA) is rated in Top 50 prospects as he just turned 20. Mickolio, another piece is 0-0 with 2.81 ERA and 16 K's in 16 innings in AA. Finally, Tony Butler is 1-1 with 3.41 ERA in high A. Look, we won't know for some time if the Bedard trade will have been successful. However, it isn't looking fantastic yet. Bavasi has had 5 yrs now to try and turn this thing around. I have personally given him the benefit of the doubt long enough. I am done with his crap and all appeasing attitude.

Fire Bavasi!!!!

The Mariners are a nightmare. We need new ownership. One that will fire the management including Bavasi and McLaren. They are disgusting. No more Mariner games for me this season. No more $8 beer, $7 hotdogs, etc.

Geoff,
Let's you and I make a deal, OK? I don't mean to a be the grammar guy, but any time you're talking about things you can count, the word is FEWER, not LESS. The M's have scored two or fewer runs before the ninth in each of their past four games. Less would be like, there's less water in the cooler than there was before.
Sorry.
Former copy editor here, and it's just a pet peeve of mine. But you're doing a much better job than anyone in that clubhouse.

at least the mariners aren't waiting until the end of the season to choke, its beautiful in seattle during the summer, i'll being doing something besides going to mariner games

John, are you crazy. Balentein just got moved up. How can you say he won't improve, and we all saw what Ibanez can do a couple weeks ago.

Everyone seems off their game. Niehaus was so busy talking about unessential things that he missed injuries on the field, called pitches wide that were right over but in the dirt, ans just simply out of it. Yesterday Ichiro not only over ran a ball but even threw to the wrong base (something that no observer seemed to notice or care about.

It appears that most everyone has their mind elsewhere. The lack of attention on a mass scale is almost always indication of major internal problems. No amount of extra batting practice or pep talks will cure such a problem.

Someone has to step forward and no one seems willing to do it.