Sound Politics: Mariners, Twilight Zone and the Shatner

March 31, 2008

Mariners, Twilight Zone and the Shatner

It is certainly good to be back home especially being here on time to watch Opening Day for the Mariners at Safeco Field. (Watching the game on TV).

With new pitchers Eric Bedard and Carlos Silva on board the starting pitching staff will undoubtedly be better. OK. Nobody can be worse than Horacio Ramirez and Jeff Weaver who kept trotting out to the mound. I still remember my reaction after hearing that Mariners GM Bill Bavasi shelled out $8 million for "Dream" Weaver. Instinctually collapsed to the ground clutching my knee crying "Why? Why? Why?" over and over again...

Since the team gave up so much talent to obtain Bedard in trade (Adam Jones, George Sherrill) the depth of the bullpen, hitting and outfield defense this season is a concern. A trade for Cincinatti Reds outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. might solve two of those problems.

At any rate. Good to be back home. Chicago (and travelling in general) is always a blast. As much as I love take-offs and landings though (really do) this fella can't always help but remember a certain "Twilight Zone" episode with my acting muse and hero William Shatner.

"There's... Something on the wing. Some... THING!"

Consider this piece an open thread about the Mariners or airline travel or how awesome William Shatner truly is.

Extra: Just for Michelle. Parts 1 and 3 of Nightmare at 20,000 feet.

Part 3 of 3

Posted by DonWard at March 31, 2008 03:22 PM | Email This

Comments

1. Last year of watching the M's dashed my hopes terribly. Not because of their playing, but because they didn't get rid of the dead weight on the team, Bavasi.
I believe he has pictures of somebody in ownership.

Posted by: PC on March 31, 2008 06:27 PM

2. Shatner? He was entertaining back when, but now he just plays a creepy character on Boston Legal.

Posted by: Michele on March 31, 2008 06:55 PM

3. Awww, no pay-off on this movie clip? We want to know what happened to the plane!

Posted by: Michele on March 31, 2008 07:03 PM

4. Michelle,

Clips 1 and 3 should be readilly available on the "related videos" part of YouTube. But you're right. I sure hope that gremlin doesn't bring down the airplane Shatner is on...

Posted by: Don Ward on March 31, 2008 07:21 PM

5. Mariners won! And, JJ's pitches are still nasty, but Bavasi had very little to do with him. His flops are numerous starting with Beltre, Sexon, and on and on, but I can't remember one example of Bavasi doing anything right.

Posted by: DopioLover on March 31, 2008 07:38 PM

6. Thanks Don!

Posted by: Michele on March 31, 2008 11:16 PM

7. Trading for Bedard was something Bavasi did right. He's going to be worth what they gave up, you'll see. And I would hardly call Beltre a flop. He's a Gold Glove third baseman, and his offensive numbers are not bad either.

Jose Guillen was also a good signing last year, and a good non-signing this year. All Vidro did was hit over .300 last year. Drafting Morrow and Clement are going to turn out to be good moves as well.

I'm by no means a Bavasi apologist, he's made alot of bad moves. He's lucky he didn't win the Zito sweepstakes last year too. But he also doesn't get credit for some good moves he's made.

Posted by: Palouse on April 1, 2008 07:37 AM

8. By the way Don, I love Chicago (in the summer). I spent quite a bit of time in Chicago for work, and I loved the ethnic food, especially the Mexican food there. The burritos at Maravillas are still my favorite. The stuffed pizza at Giordanos. The fried chicken at Harold's. And the cajun food at Heaven on Seven. Fantastic.

Posted by: Palouse on April 1, 2008 07:45 AM

9. Shat Happens!

One of my faves: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVMLivHTXac&feature=related

Posted by: Smoley on April 1, 2008 12:04 PM