I know from the majority of the posts on USS Mariner, and other sites, that I am not alone in my distaste for the recent signing of Carl Everett. I cannot fathom the thinking of the front office on this one! It really makes no sense, except to shout from the rooftops for all to hear, that our beloved Mariners simply don’t have a clue. I abhor everything about Carl Everett, and have vigorously rooted against every team for which he has ever played. Now frankly, that’s a little strong concerning my feelings for the 2006 Mariners, but they’ve severely damaged the goods. As long as he remains here, I will be more an observer than a fan, and I may boo him at Safeco. We’ll see about that! One of my biggest problems with this is that the stench may remain long after he is gone.

Where is everybody? How about your thoughts on who the Mariners should pick up as free agents?
How about their starting lineup??

C - the new Japanese catcher?
1B - Sexson, obviously
2B - Lopez or Bloomquist
SS - Betancourt
3B - Beltre
LF - Morse/Reed platoon?
CF - Ichiro?
RF - Free agent
DH - Ibanez

SP's - Felix, Pineiro, Moyer, and two free agents

I am really pissed off! What the hell was Mike Hargrove thinking, trotting out Matt Thornton in the 6th inning last night? Even a casual fan knows better than to put Thornton into a close game! We had a 4-2 lead at the time, and I still believe the game was winnable. If Thornton doesn’t enter the game and give up the three run dinger on his third pitch, a hanging slider, it’s still close. It’s time to initiate FireMikeHargrove.com
I have seen enough!

Well, we saw them. They were real, and they were spectacular! Conor and I attended the game Friday night. It was “Girls Night Out”, so of course I am referring to Rafael Palmeiro’s hits number 3000 and 3001. Barring the loss, it was a wonderful night at the ballpark!

The second half has begun, thankfully! I disagree with Hargrove and think even a three day All Star break is too long. Conor and I will catch the game tonight and tomorrow. We should witness a little history with another Rafael Palmeiro hit. He's been a shameless Mariner killer over the years! In his periods of free agency, I have loudly advocated for the M's to sign him, mostly so they don't have to pitch to him! We seem to have struggled excessively versus the Orioles in recent years.

A few assorted ramblings:

• Bret Boone looked strange in a Twins uniform last night. I know it's only one game so far, but 0-4 sure looked familiar.
• Gary Sheffield is an ass! Of course the World Cup (or whatever they call it) is "made up". So are the World Series, the game of baseball and nursery rhymes, but that doesn't diminish their appeal. If you're afraid to get injured, or you don't want to stay in shape during the offseason, just say so! What country won't he represent?
• Hey, the score pencils have the address of the Grand Salami blog, so we'd better provide some thought-provoking commentary.

I'm better now, though I'm not sure why. Maybe it was the two game winning streak... Not likely, though getting rid of Boone helped considerably! A few random thoughts on Boone:

• The Mariners graced the cover of their official magazine with Bret Boone in June, then DFA'ed him in July! Talk about being out of touch with reality.
• I am relieved not to have to watch Boone as a Mariner anymore. He has unquestionably the worst plate strategy, and some of the worst plate discipline I have ever witnessed from a Major Leaguer.
• This is the second year in a row in which the Mariners have jettisoned an overpaid "fan favorite". Maybe they will remember this before they write the next long term contract offer.
• Conor had it right when he said that any mention of "Boone" and "Hall of Fame" in the same sentence is laughable.