Mike Hargrove Says Goodbye

If you have read this blog before, or if you take a look at the right sidebar, you are aware that Teresa is not exactly a fan of the Mariner’s currently manager, Mike Hargrove. This is a stance she has had for years, which I believe dates back to him trading Randy Johnson (apparently he turned out to be an okay pitcher). However, the Seattle bigwigs seemed to like him, and it didn’t appear he was going away soon. Especially with the M’s winning 10 of their last 11 games.

So it came as a bit of a shock today Hargrove announced his resignation in the team’s pregame meeting right before playing Toronto. “It’s a shock, I think everyone’s still in shock here,” Raul Ibanez said. “Nobody was prepared for it, or anything like this.”

Hargrove cited a decreased amount of passion for the game as his reason for leaving. The timing, however, is confusing, as the Mariner’s win today put their steak at 8, and the team is looking better than it has since 2001:

Jeff Weaver, whose first six games earned him a demotion to the minor leagues, has since returned and allowed 1 run in 17 innings in his past two starts. Jose Guillen and Ichiro Suzuki are hitting well enough to make me think they are on steroids. And JJ Putz, with a 0.92 ERA, is the best closer in the league.

The Mariner’s have not announced any replacements candidates, but whoever takes over will inherit a very hot ballclub. They initially offered me the job, but withdrew the offer when they learned that my dad is a Yankee’s fan.