Accountable and Seattle Baseball

accountable -
intransitive verb1: to furnish a justifying analysis or explanation — used with for - couldn't account for the loss.

The word of the day is accountable. I will touch more on this word later but first, let's talk Seattle baseball.

The Seattle Mariners fired their hitting coach, Jeff Pentland, http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3433835, on Monday morning in the wake of another one-run defeat that cost the team another series. This one came against the defending World Series champion Boston Red Sox, whom the Mariners had taken 2 of 3 from about two weeks ago. The Mariners rank either last or second to last (thanks Royals) in nearly every major offensive category which prompted the firing of their hitting coach. Clearly some changes needed to be made to the ballclub as they have lost nearly 2 out every 3 games they've played over the first two months of the season. Not going to cut it and I understand that. But is it really the hitting coaches' fault?

The general manager, Bill Bavasi, supported the change saying that a "different voice" might help some of the hitters turn things around and begin to produce offensively. He went on to say, "It's all about results," Bavasi said. "That's probably the biggest thing. We felt that this crew had underperformed for a long period of time. This isn't new."
Bavasi also added, "Jeff has an excellent and proven track record, and those of us who have worked with him are well aware he knows hitting," Bavasi said. "Unfortunately, we have consistently, and for an extended period, underperformed at the plate and we are hopeful that a different voice might help the situation."

Exactly. Ever since he became the GM in 2004 nearly every Mariners hitter HE has acquired has underperformed which begs the question, at what point should the GM be held accountable? More blame should be placed on the individual that continues to sign players who don't perform at the level that they're capable of, they're expected to, and at a level that deems them worthy of the contract they've signed (Richie Sexson is making 15.5 million dollars this year.) Also if you knew this wasn't a 'new' problem and 'this crew had underperformed for a long period of time' why haven't there been any major personnel changes? The only moves that have been made to the offense are the release of Brad Wilkerson (don't get me started on you Brad) and the call-up of Wladimir Balentien (we'll leave out Clement because he's been sent back down). If this group has been so poor for so long why are so many of them still on the team? and worse still playing?

Raul Ibazez understands the situation. "This team hasn't been performing at the level that we're capable of performing," outfielder Raul Ibanez said. "I hold myself accountable for my share of that load. It means it's time for all of us to pick it up. It's been time."

Raul also used the word of the day (Hooray!!!), accountable. Raul has been around the game for some time, (unfortunately his legs and arm are evidence of that) and he knows the offense needs to improve. He's been on some bad teams before (the Royals) and know the players need to be held accountable for their performance however superb or poor it is. I'm not sure the GM shares similar feelings. This move seems more like an attempt to temporarily divert some of the pressure away from himself. Whether or not that pressure is permanently diverted remains to be seen. That depends on the response the new hitting coach, Lee Elia, receives from the M's lackluster lineup. If things don't drastically improve maybe the team needs a 'new voice' at GM.