HoRam in '08

Many fans and writers left the final game of the 2007 season certain they would never see Horacio Ramirez in a Mariner uniform again. His performance as one of the worst pitchers in all of baseball was the reasoning, and a change of scenery would probably benefit both parties.

Of course we know there is a lot of politics involved with Ramirez. You gave up one of the best set-up man in baseball for him so the club is going to be reluctant to jettison him. But surely, fans reasoned, the ultimate question is still "can he get hitters out." The answer based on 2007 was pretty clear- no.

But we know the Mariners are a flawed team. The first step in recovery from any malady is first recognizing/admitting there is a problem. The process and people that made the trade for Ramirez is the problem and we have seen no evidence any significant changes have occurred since.

Basically the Mariners screwed up when the traded for Ramirez, and we have no reason to believe they are any different a year later.

Don't we have to assume Ramirez is back next year until we hear otherwise?