"This town needs an enema!"
Scour through the vast expanses of timeless Jack Nicholson quotes and one imminently arrives at this gem from the 1989 film "Batman."
Simple but poignant. Powerful with a hint malaise. Tacky and yet unrefined.
Metaphors typically used to describe the five alarm hot wings at Hooters manage to also summarize the sentiments of Jack's portrayal of the Joker. His is a character that views the world in black and white. He does not settle for grey. And in order to sway the balance to whichever way he chooses, he is willing to do whatever it takes to ensure his visions ultimate success.
On the eve of the NFL draft we are beginning to see teams abide by this philosophy already. Kansas City traded away star defensive end Jared Allen to the Vikings for an additional draft picks. Word is they are in the hunt to add more before all is said and done.
Yes the team may suffer through growing pains, but the end results should justify the means. Even if only one player out of their entire draft becomes a future star, then the Allen deal can be viewed as a success.
Teams do this in every sport. They mortgage the present in preparation for the future. I would be lying to myself if I did not acknowledge that the knowledge that the Sonics have six first round draft choices in the next three years does not stimulate me in numerous ways that belie the social norm. Provided that the team does not relocate, I am geared up for contention come 2010.
This is the problem with the Seattle Mariners. For practically the entire expanse of my life, this team has toiled in the grey. Always on the cusp of contention, but one losing streak away from being an afterthought. Cursed as a team perpetually privy to being mathematically in the playoff hunt.
And while this theme has persisted for years, it makes little sense. Especially when jettisoning star players has been the centrifuge to some of Seattle's greatest successes.
Local legend Jay Buhner was acquired for the aging Ken Phelps. The Randy Johnson deal netted John Halama, Freddy Garcia, and Carlos Guillen. Mike Cameron and Brett Tomko landed in the Emerald City via Ken Griffey's departure.
Perhaps not a list of names that set the baseball prospectus ablaze, but all serviceable major leaguers who contributed to some fantastic runs for the club.
And while small market teams like the Twins and Athletics continue achieve comparable records, despite consistently jettisoning top flight talent growing fat in the farm ranks, the Mariners continue to flirt with the sentiments that they are a top flight contender each year. Just one player away from mojo magic.
Not going to happen. At least not anytime soon.
As proven already this year, this team is soft. When Putz went down with an injury no one answered the call to the pen. With Vidro and Ichiro struggling offensively, the rest of the team grows lackadaisical. Now that Beddard is faced with a lingering injury all season, watching this team try to compete for a pennant will be like seeing Miguel Cotto vie for a title belt one handed. By all means the talent and desire is their on paper, but I ain't betting on it.
These are three instances in which farm systems can save a ball club. The emgergence of Dustin Pedroia and Jacoby Ellsbury last season won the World Series for the Red Sox. Justin Upton's hitting has inspired the once punch less Diamondbacks. The Reds are riding a young Edison Volquez along with proven starter Aaron Harang.
Prospects changing the molds of teams when given an opportunity. Prospects gathered through knowing when to cut bait on deals with proven veterans and stars alike.
This team needs an enema. One year it needs to be blown up and rebuilt properly. Jose Lopez needs to be dealt to a contender. Ditto Raul Ibanez and Adrian Beltre. Garner the youth of others and watch their petals flourish as the old buds die.
But no, this will never happen. Instead we will invest the money from Richie Sexson's mammoth expiring contract into bottom rung starters for the rotation. Brad Wilkerson will start at first base over Jeff Clement. Raul Ibanez will entrench himself in an Edgar Martinez-esque role of being the old player stealing at bats from youngsters in commendation for past services.
Look, I hate the concept of prospects as much as anyone, but in baseball the risks are not as high as in other sports. Seeing how a player who has spent four years developing in the minor league system gives a much better impression than drafting a stud after his freshman year of college. In addition to this, prospects can always be used for future trade considerations (see Adam Jones.)
Unfortunately the Mariners do not have anyone of prominent enough value to attract a viable enough deal to yield instant results. The only player who could do that would be Ichiro. And any Seattle fan knows that the day Ichiro is traded will be the day the streets will run red with blood.
This team needs an enema.
A steady diet of baseball player equivalents of cream cheese hot dogs will do that.
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2 comments:
I've been saying this for years. The M's need to shit or get off the pot.
In 2004, after a third straight season of missing the play-offs and the veteran core, that propelled the team to 116 wins 3 years before, was showing it's age. A sports-writer asked if it was time to consider a team wide over-haul, Team President Chuck Armstrong said bluntly "We will not do a Cleveland style rebuild." He says this as if the idea of needing to rebuild your team is beneath him, like it was just poor management and bad business.
Now, 4 years later, The Indians finished the rebuilding process last season by winning their division and making the playoffs. While the M's continued in the mindset of "We're only one veteran away from being contenders" and still haven't played October Baseball since '01.
Ironically, after the reviled rebuild The Cleveland Indians are in a much better position to keep winning, not only this year but over the next five years than the M's. Using young, homegrown talent out of their farm system The Indians seem to have a plan for sustained winning as opposed to the "trade young talent for proven stars" method the M's adhere to.
If having to suffer through a rebuild means I can someday count on my team to be a consistently serious championship contender, then please sign me up. I'm tired of middling +-.500 ball and never seeing progress, damn it!
In keeping with the Cleveland theme, it is also worth noting that the Indians team that ousted the Mariners in their miracle 1995 season was built in the same vain as the current M's team that frustrate us so.
In storing up their load for one Peter North sized money shot, the Cleveland franchise was left limp and thus toiled in mediocrity until said rebuilding process was undertaken. Only the Red Sox and the Yankees can get away with this approach.
It goes without saying that sometimes it is best to take the Rocco Siffredi approach, by casting off the veterans and allowing the youngsters a chance to have the limelight.
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