Mariners were magical last year, but it's time to move on

ELLIOTT SMITH

Originally published Tuesday, April 2, 2002

Can we move on? It's tough, yes, but it's necessary. The 2001 season is over. It's been done for six months. But you wouldn't know it from Monday's Mariners game.

Reminders of 2001 were everywhere. Awards, signs, banners -- they all reveled in the Mariners Magic of last season.

At best, it was a simple byproduct of the new season's first game. At worst, it could be the spectre that looms over the team all year.

As great as that year was, it will be critical for everyone -- players, fans, media -- to let it go.

It's hard. I know. We're all guilty. If the Mariners had won Monday's game after their dramatic rallies, how many "The Mariners used a little leftover magic from last year..." stories would you have seen?

It was on everyone's mind.

"It seemed like last year," Bret Boone said of Seattle's late-inning surge.

And so the questions began. This year vs. last year.

"Let's not start with that," Lou Piniella said.

Yes, let's not. In a game where the previous at-bat doesn't ensure future success, how in the world can a previous season be used as a gauge?

So many things can happen -- good and bad -- that could dramatically alter the course of this season that it seems almost silly to compare the campaigns. It's apples and oranges.

This team has the potential to reach its goals, but it will continue to be interesting to see how it handles pressure.

One day of questioning is OK, but what if the Mariners lose today like they did Monday and more questions about last year crop up?

How about having to answer the same queries about 2001 in Kansas City and Boston?

It could develop that what the Mariners did last year is as much a curse as it was a blessing.

A few days ago, Mike Cameron said that the only thing about 2001 was "that it's in the books. We're starting from scratch."

It's a nice sentiment, but unfortunately, it's not true. The Mariners have a heavy burden on their collective shoulders, but hopefully the 2002 Mariners will emerge from the shadows and everyone will let them stand on their own no matter what happens.

Leave it to the most philosophical Mariner to put it all in perspective. Sitting in front of a locker filled with awards from last season, Ichiro was almost dismissive when asked about his honors.

"This is already done," he said, sweeping his hands over all the hardware. "It is in the past."

Elliott Smith covers sports for The Olympian. He can be reached at 360-754-5473 or ejsmith1@olympia.gannett.com.

The Olympian Copyright 2002

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