Game 59

So last year about this time, the Mariners were having the worst of luck against what were commonly called the “cellar teams,” those with losing records, or in last place in their respective divisions.

Our situation has not improved.

Also a fact from last year, in the second half, the Mariners flailed helplessly at pitches thrown by call-ups, rookies with no major league portfolios whatsoever.

Again, nothing has changed.

LisaLisa and I arrive after securing free parking and cheap hot dogs (and some tasty caffeinated beverages) to an empty stadium literally covered with dust. Official attendance was announced at over 34K, but I just didn’t see it.

I did see a great pitcher’s duel for 6 innings, until Bobby Madritsch left a few balls hanging , and then left a few more. By the time it was over (the 6th inning), the Mariners were down 4-0, with little hope in sight.

Of particular interest was a 3 run shot of the foul pole by Jose (we still love you, please come back) Cruz Jr., one of the four #1 Mariners draft picks participating in tonight’s game.

One of the others is Tino (we really love you) Martinez, who certainly is not showing his age as he rounds the basepaths. When Tino retires (this year or next), only Alex Rodriguez, Dan Wilson, and Randy Johnson will remain as active players from that Miracle 1995 team.

Sure, Darren Bragg, Jeff Fassero and Hamstrung Griffey Jr. pretend to play each season, but they are done like dinner. Wilson, and Johnson are likely to retire next year, after their current contracts expire.

And we all know about Edgar.

Tomorrow night, we induct Jay Buhner into the Mariners Hall of Fame (the only one to which he is likely to be admitted). “Bone” galvanized a team of misfits and veterans who, on August 24, 1995, were 13 games back in the AL west, with a record of 54-55.

Buhner’s teammates were thinking hard about the remote possibility of a wildcard berth. Maybe, just maybe the new format would mean a playoff appearance in this strike shortened season. Jay, of course, had a different viewpoint.

“What are you talking about? We can win still win it all!”

From that day on, the Mariners were an unstoppable machine, winning 9 of their next 12 series, for a final record of 79-66 , forcing a 1 game playoff with the then California Angels. The Halos, of course, were the team with the 13 game lead on August 24th.

M’s won. M’s won. The first, and finest of our post season appearances.

Injuries cut short Jay’s career, much like they have that of Edgar Martinez. Tomorrow night, we will honor him for leading us to the playoffs, a magical place we have not been to since he retired.

This post appears today because I’ll be too choked up to write much about his farewell tomorrow night. Also, because I really don’t want to talk about the COMPLETE AND UTTER FAILURE of the Mariners run machine tonight.

Shut out

Zip.

Bupkus.

Ichiro went 1-4, but to be fair, the D-rays got real, real lucky on two balls through the infield. Edgar Martinez hit a home run in the 3rd inning, but for some mystifying reason, it was ruled a double. The tricky outfield wall bounces back if it is not prepped right. Perhaps the grounds crew should spend more time maintaining the grounds, instead of practicing their dance routines.

On the night, Papi was 2-3 with a walk. Retirement seems to agree with him, as he puts on a hitting clinic for the American league. Too bad Cal Ripken and Tony Gwynn couldn’t do that o their farewell tours, but they were even more injured at the end of their careers than Gar. Gwynn needed the fluid drained from his knees every two weeks, and Ripken just broke down and rusted. Iron man, indeed.

Tonight, the 5 Mariners hits came from the first four men in the lineup. Only 2 other men reached base “for real”, (Bucky Jacobsen and Miguel Olivo each drew a walk), and two reached for no effect (Lopez on a FC, Willie Bloomquist on drooped ball).

I think (and this is just me) you’d kinda like your #5 hitter, whose $9 million option for next year vests in three or so days or, not to work a 3-1 count into a swinging K. Especially since the next two hacks he takes are at balls in the dirt.

With men in scoring position, with the game still within reach.

In 2002, a very big deal was made about Bret Boone taking over Jay Buhner’s leadership role in the clubhouse. They even filmed a commercial about it.

In 1995, Jay Buhner led the club in RBI with 121. He had 123 hits, and 40 home runs. Not so bad at all.

In his 15 year career, he never hit higher than .276, never won a batting championship, never won a world series. All but 32 of his 1,472 games were played in a Seattle uniform.

He hit in the 5 hole.

He is a champion, and a leader of men.

In 2004, Bret Boone leads the team in RBI with 62 (39 games remaining),and barely has more hits than strikeouts (111 to 102).

In a 10+ year career, he has played 1,653 games, 690 as a Mariner.

Looks like he dropped the torch in the offseason. Edgar picked it up, but he has to give it to someone in 39 days.

Mariners lose, 9-0. Again.