Heraldnet.com
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2009 10:22 am
LocalNorthwestNation & WorldPoliticsSpecial ReportsPhotosColumnistsMultimedia 
RECENT POSTS:
Who's on third? Let's look at the far-fetched possibilities  December 9

Beltre declines arbitration  December 7

No announcement this weekend, but AP says Figgins deal is done  December 4

Figgins all but signed? Not today  December 4

Catcher Zaun to Brewers; Figgins-M's reports heating up  December 4

Archives:
RELATED ARTICLES:
Baseball Notebook: Teams appear to be waiting for free agent bargains  December 11
Feliz agrees to $4.5M, 1-year contract with Astros  December 10
Crosby and Pirates agree to 1-year contract  December 10
AP Source: Braves near deal to send ex-Mariner Soriano to Rays  December 10
Red Sox discuss sending Lowell to Texas  December 10
Twins trade Bonser to Red Sox  December 10
Rangers — not M’s — sign Harden  December 10
Has third baseman Beltre priced himself out of market?  December 10
Granderson to Yanks in 3-team trade  December 9
Pettitte, Yankees agree to $11.75 million, 1-year deal  December 9
 

ADVERTISEMENT

Mariners Blog


 
ADVERTISEMENT

 

This is a big road trip, but it's not the biggest


Posted at 1:44 pm by By Kirby Arnold

Let me be the one-millionth person -- is there a prize for that? -- to write about the importance of the Mariners' nine-game road trip to play the Dodgers, Yankees and Red Sox.

If you believe some, the season will either be saved or lost on this trip. If you believe others, a rough trip would mean nothing because there's still half a season to play. If you believe me, it's somewhere in between.

Yes, this is a trip that will show how the Mariners measure up against the best team in the NL and two of the best in the AL. But, as Mariners closer David Aardsma said, it's not the number of wins and losses on this trip that will determine whether the Mariners are legitimate contenders for the postseason. It's how the Mariners compete.

“It’s not even about winning," Aardsma said. " It’s about playing tough and being with them every step of the way.

"In all honesty, it is just nine games. It’s the middle of the season and it’s still June. The big trip is going to be our second-to-last road trip when we’ve got all three teams in our division."

He's right. Unless the Mariners fold big-time (I don't see it happening as long as the pitching stays healthy) or the Angels or Rangers make a huge run (don't see that happening, either), we'll be talking about a 10-game stretch on the road in September that'll make the current nine-game trip seem trivial.

From Sept. 3-13, they play four games at Oakland, three at the Angels and three at Texas. I'd be surprised if the division isn't won or lost then.

"That's going to be the biggie," Aarsma said. "But if we can play on this trip like we have been playing, we can play with anybody.”

So enjoy this nine-game trip. Just don't get too wrapped up in it.
READER COMMENTS
Be the first to comment.
You must be a registered user and verify your e-mail address to post comments to blogs or articles on HeraldNet.

To register, click here. To read other terms and conditions, click here.
Click here to see all Mariners Blog comments
Log in or register to post new commentLog out
  Return to Mariners Blog

Holiday Specials
up to 25% off!

$95 Dryer Vent Cleaning!
$99 Whole House Duct Cleaning!

20% Off Dinner
Up to $75 Value!

Special Rebate Offers!
Plus Additional 30% OFF!

Buy 1 Get 1 FREE
Lube Oil Filter

Oil - Snohomish County
Low Prices - Fill Now!

Buy 1 Dinner Entree
Get 2nd 50% Off

Nutcracker
Family Packs Available

$2.99 Chili Dog
$3.99 Fish Burger

Over 1 Million Lights
Lights of Christmas

20% Off Re-Upholstery
or Custom Furniture!

Free Gift w/ Purchase of
$100 in Gift Cards

25% off Bath & Groom
New Customers

FREE 6 lb. Pad w/
40yd Carpet Purchase

$5 Off
Stylecut

15% Off
All Repairs!

$2 OFF
at Box Office

75% OFF
Many Items. Hurry!

Holiday Getaway
$99 dbl Occupancy

Always Free
Transmission Diagnostic
TODAY'S TOP JOBS
 View All Top Jobs 
Top Cars
Top Homes

ADVERTISEMENT