Mariners have ‘Moneyball’ budget but not winning season

Seattle Mariners shortstop Carlos Triunfel, left, reaches for an errant throw as Los Angeles Angels’ Maicer Izturis steals second base in the third inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Of course, if it’s not a winning season, you’re disappointed.

That’s how 710 ESPN reporter Bill Swartz feels about the season that comes to a close with a game at Safeco Field Wednesday night.

There has been plenty of buzz about the potential for a positive 2013 season as they move the fences in. But, with a 2012 season that may only boast eight more wins than the year previous, it’s been tough.

“They made no secrets when they started the season, ‘we’re going to have growing pains,'” said Swartz.

According to Swartz, if the Oakland A’s can do it – have a great season with 15 rookies – the Mariners should be able to it too.

But Dave Ross says it’s “Moneyball.”

“Get somebody a DVD of Moneyball, please! Show it to Jack Z. because every single year Oakland over-performs, and they do it with no budget,” says Luke.

Why don’t other teams just take the formula?

Swartz says it might be time to. The Mariners didn’t have the worst record, after all. Teams that spent almost twice as much on their roster as the Mariners, like the Angels, found themselves with far more losses than wins.

Luke thinks that could be the next great Mariners catch phrase: “We stink, but we didn’t overpay.”