Lookout Landing: 2008 in a Nutshell - Lawn Dart

Proust had his madeleine. Van Gogh had his field of poppies. Mariners fans now have their YES/HD animated Raul Ibañez LawnDart.gif, endlessly looping. Be mesmerized.

If the Yankee Stadium field is 2008, then Raul Ibanez is the Mariners: talented but deeply flawed. And as the ball rolls towards his glove - signifying the opportunity to make a move presented when the Angels lost 40% of their rotation - Raul reaches down, seizes the opportunity, and instantly puts his flaws on display for the whole world to observe. It’s comical in its feebleness. The degree of ineptitude and the haste with which it reveals itself are mesmerizing. ... The Mariners entered the 2008 season ecstatic to have a chance and made it one day before crossing paths with the #### Parade. One day. Raul’s throw flew about two feet.

The final shred of symbolism? The one bit of nutshellitude that really puts this over the top? Not only is Lawn Dart a .gif, but it’s a .gif of an instant replay. 2008 wasn’t just a nightmare of a season; it was a nightmare of a season that we had to live over and over again with every passing day.