Seattle Times: Brewer: What’s left to follow in Mariners’ lost season?

I will follow Him, follow Him wherever He may go.

Certainly, the Mariners want to avoid becoming the first 100-loss team with a $100 million payroll. Beyond that, however, what’s the difference between 90 and 95 losses?

We’ve arrived at a central dilemma in lost seasons: What do you owe the fans who are spending too much money for too much heartache? The Mariners can’t fill the lineup with green major-leaguers and minor-league prospects and lose 80 percent of their remaining games. At the same time, however, they can’t carry on like they’re still in contention.

Most fans understand that. They’re watching now out of love for the team and the game. In the seven years since the Mariners last qualified for the playoffs, they’ve tested the public’s patience in every possible manner. Resilient bunch, these fans. They can survive 67 more games.

But the big picture will dominate the rest of the Mariners’ season. The search is on to find the meaning behind everything.