THE MELVIN ERA

Forget the past-Lou Piniella's picture is off the wall in the lobby of the Mariner's headquarters in Peoria. Gone are the snaps of Ken Griffey, Jr. and Randy Johnson. It's a new era in Seattle.

Do you hear it in the radio waves? Do you feel the chill in your bones? Do you smell something special brewing? It's subtle, supersitious things:

It's Cirillo coming to camp with a new number (lucky 7) on his uniform, looking relaxed and getting some hits. He is seeking redemption after last year.

It's Winn's name. It inspires conficence. Lou Piniella said the Mariner's finally got "his" left fielder.

It's Cameron being the first one to score in the first non-official Spring exhibition game against the Padres, getting hit in the hip pocket, but not hurt; getting some hits and NOT striking out.

It's the weather in Arizona being wet and cold-what better preparation for April and May in Seattle or Chicago.

It's Meche looking like he could "mesh" in the number five spot. He pitched for the M's before and is still young and promising.

It's Edgar getting the first hit (a double) in the first "official" cactus league game, then getting a homer and a single to start what could be his last season. It has to be a good one when he is this good already.

It's Ben Davis with a looser swing. He came to camp 30 pounds heavier but more flexible and is hitting the ball like he did at the end of last season.

It's the new bench-Bloomquist, Colbrunn and Maybry-hitting with confidence.

It's having so many good pitchers vying for a spot.

It's Melvin exuding the confidence and excitement of a young rookie manager.

All this doesn't guarantee a championship season. It does promise hope and excitement in this new beginning-the Melvin Era.

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