And the beat goes on....

We've been dark here at Tatonka more often than not for the last few months. I think it's safe to say that Mariners' ownership, Bill Bavasi, John McLaren, and a cast of thousands have finally succeeded at something: driving we long-time fans to genuine despair.

Yesterday, while they thought we weren't paying attention, the M's signed Miguel Cairo. Um, 33 years old, can't really play solid defense anywhere? Check. Has never demonstrated the ability to hit, either? Check. 3/4 of a million bucks down the toilet for a player we don't really need? Check. A roster spot wasted? Check. (No, I'm not describing Willie Bloomquist.)

I suppose that it's good to know that there are some constants in the universe. It kind of sucks that the Mariners being led by fools is one of them, but hey: whaddya do?

Now, to be fair, signing Miguel Cairo is an insignificant blip on the radar screen of head-scratching personnel moves carried out by the current regime. We could cut him tomorrow, and all we'd be out is cash (and, at this point, I don't trust the M's to spend their resources wisely, so...meh).

It's just the umpteenth data point to indicate that the plan, such as it is, in Seattle is to have a crappy, veteran-laden, "grit and character" team.

Sigh.