Everybody felt it. From the bottom of their hearts, everybody felt it. This wasn't just any walk-off win. This was a walk-off win that hinted at the potential for more walk-off wins down the road, wins that come about thanks to a power-hitting young backstop with a swing that's just tailor-made for the ballpark. I don't care who you are, how cynical you might be about this organization, or how little faith you may have in Jeff Clement's ability - it was impossible for any Mariners fan to witness this ending and not come away feeling good about the future. All summer long we've been talking about the veterans, and staying in the race, and how we have to seize our opportunities in 2007. Now, on the last weekend of the season and for the first time all year, we get a taste of what it's like to have a little longer-term optimism. It feels nice.
Special thanks to Mike Wood for throwing another one of the Worst Pitches Of All Time. Even if all Clement can do right now is pound mistakes, that's more than you can say about a lot of other guys in the league/on the Mariners/playing second base. I'll temper my excitement some other day. Right now, it's all about the rookie.
Biggest Contribution: Jose Vidro, +32.2%
Biggest Suckfest: Jeff Weaver, -28.7%
Most Important AB: Clement funk blast, +39.0%
Most Important Pitch: Metcalf homer, -33.5%
Total Contribution by Pitcher(s): -15.2%
Total Contribution by Hitters: +65.2%
Total Contribution by Opposition: 0.0%