Mariners are just waiting for “next year” - again

MARINERS, MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

The year that was supposed to be “next year” (as in “we’ll win the title next year”) is over.

So what happened?

My quick opinion: The starting pitching isn’t good enough (the young guys just haven’t panned out – though I wouldn’t give up on Gil Meche yet), the big guns (Richie Sexson and Adrian Beltre) have yet to hit when the M’s are still in the race, the leadoff hitter won’t steal a base when he needs to, only when he’s sure he’ll be safe, and the manager isn’t assertive or aggressive enough.

But what do I know? I finished last – again – in my Roto league. That I blame on my job taking way too much time, not on bad decision-making. So what is the M’s excuse?