Opening Day here at last

ELLIOTT SMITH, THE OLYMPIAN

Originally published Monday, April 1, 2002

SEATTLE -- Finally, the business of baseball is at hand.

For the Seattle Mariners, getting out onto the field will be a relief. The M's won 116 games last season only to spend the offseason wondering what went wrong after they lost to the New York Yankees in the playoffs and answering a barrage of questions about whether they can get to the playoffs again.

The 2002 season begins at 2 p.m. today with a matchup against the Chicago White Sox, one of the favorites in the AL Central.

"We're ready to get the season rolling," Seattle center fielder Mike Cameron said. "It's good to be back."

Optimism abounds in the Seattle clubhouse, and why not? It's essentially the same team as last year's AL West-winning, record-setting club -- with key additions to the offense and defense.

That might explain why the Mariners are so eager to get things started.

"It's really good to pitch with a nice, lovable crowd," said pitcher James Baldwin, one of Seattle's new players. "They have fun, and they really understand the game. It makes a huge difference."

The Mariners know things won't be like last year, and they are comfortable with slightly lowered expectations.

"Fans need to know that 2002 is totally different from 2001," Cameron said. "The only thing about 2001 is that it's in the books. We're starting from scratch."

Still, this is a team with its sights set on one goal -- the World Series.

The season will likely be considered a failure if the Mariners don't get to baseball's premier event, so their focus is squarely centered on the Fall Classic.

"Everyone's anticipating the start," Cameron said. "I think once the grind starts, the notches are going to be turned up."

Today's game

- What: Seattle vs. Chicago White Sox at Safeco Field

- When: 2 p.m.

- On the air: TV, Fox Sports Net; radio, 1240-AM

Link to the Sunday Mariners special section.

On the Web:

- Mariners

- Mariners 2002 section

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