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Matt: Don't worry about Pythag when discussing the 2009 Mariners. Their bullpen will allow them to repeat and build on the W-L success of 2009.
Sandy: Don't ignore the Pythag when discussing the Mariners' prospects for 2010. Any attempt to downplay its inexhorable force must include a good number of example teams that share the same characteristics offered as reason for doing so.
Have AT IT, boys! I'm with Sandy on this issue, but I sure hope Matt can be convince me otherwise. If Sandy's right, the M's likely still have a multi-year project on their hands to become true contenders in a division that looks very competitive going forward. If Matt is right, we could contend in 2010 or 2011.