HeraldNet: Underachievers, overachievers and Griffey



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Mariners Blog

October 7, 2008

Underachievers, overachievers and Griffey

Posted at 3:15 pm by By Kirby Arnold

Some quick impressions now that the first round of the playoffs has ended:

Playing tight
The Cubs played like they were staring straight into the teeth of The Curse, the billygoat itself, or Steve Bartman. Could it be, as a good friend suggested, the Cubs were tight because of Lou Piniella? They played like they were afraid of something, and I've seen Lou have that effect.

Playing loose
The Devil Rays certainly didn't seem bothered by their first dip into the postseason. Not sure they can get through the ALCS, with the pitching the Red Sox are throwing at people now, but it should be a great series.

The Dodgers couldn't help but be loose with Manny Ramirez being Manny. With him, Joe Torre and a bunch of young talent, it wouldn't shock me at all to see the Dodgers reach the World Series.

Angels overrated?
That's the first thing that comes to mind after the Red Sox beat them in four games, but I'm not sure I agree with it. The Angels have a heck of a team in all aspects; their 100 victories were no fluke. But they ran into a Red Sox team that out-pitched them in a tight, tight series. Take away Jon Lester, and the Angels win that series.

Playing like his best days are done
Ken Griffey Jr. went 2-for-10 and struck out five times in the White Sox' loss to the Rays. More relevant to Mariners fans who yearn to see Junior hitting home runs at Safeco Field, his bat looked slow. That's what scouts said about Junior throughout the season, and that's how he looked in the ALDS.

Still, would you settle for that just to have Griffey back with the M's? Take the following poll and we'll see how the fans feel.

Should the Mariners sign Ken Griffey Jr. for 2009? ( polls)

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