In this morning's Seattle Times, Mariners beat writer Geoff Baker talked to Carlos Silva about clubhouse accountability. As I have expected, no one in the clubhouse feels accountable or at fault for this losing season. And face it, if people don't feel bad about their play as well as their team's, nothing will ever be fixed. This team needs a leader. I don't see anyone on this team that can fill that role. The one player that could change things is J.J. Putz. He is somewhat of a leader in the locker room, but is seen as more as a prankster than a leader. Without someone in the locker room to light a fire under the players (McLaren sure can't do it), this team will never be able to succeed.
On another note, Mariners President Chuck Armstrong told MLB.com that both John McLaren's and Bill Bavasi's jobs are safe. I cannot say I understand this. This team was supposed to win 90+ games, and will not even win close to that at this rate. Someone is the leadership role needs to become accountable for this. The only way this will probably happen is if Armstrong himself is fired, which he needs to be. But we all know this will never come to fruition with the ownership sitting on their asses in Japan. As long as the team turns a profit, ownership will not do anything to change that.
Next year, the team needs to retool. Do NOT resign Sexson unless he agrees to, at a maximum, half of this years salary. A team needs to be in one of two categories to be successful - Rebuilding, or Contending. At this point, the Mariners are not in either category. Unless they can acquire a better 1B and a left handed power bat to go along with Ibanez, they will continue to stay in limbo, and frustrate fans everywhere
Also, for all you other writers out there, I just claimed my blog and now have my:
It helps you gain exposure online. DO IT!
Keywords: Bill Bavasi, Carlos Silva, Chuck Armstrong, Geoff Baker, J.J. Putz, John McLaren, Raul Ibanez, Richie Sexson, Seattle Mariners
