February is almost upon us. The Superbowl's a-nearing. Those two events mean one thing. Baseball's a-comin'.

Pitchers and catchers report sometime later in the month, and by March, everything is in full swing. And as a Mariners fan, I have reason for hope, with the acquisition of former Angels ace Jarrod Washburn and a team with the better parts left mostly intact. Sure they've sucked the last couple years (last year, I believe, the departure of Edgar Martinez was a major factor; Ichiro Suzuki's BA dropped to an almost mortal .303), but I have every reason to believe this year will be different.

I'm hoping the M's management invites Mike Holmgren, coach of the AFC champion Seahwaks, to throw out the season's first pitch. While I think the M's have reason to go the distance regardless, a little championship mojo wouldn't hurt.