Are the Mariners Bankrupt?

The Mariners' player payroll will top $100 million in 2007. $111 million, to be more precise, an $18 million increase over last year.

That's a lotta hot dogs. And, based on what this job applicant went through yesterday at Mariners HQ, the M's have instituted some severe cost-cutting measures. We pick up his story, reported on the Blue Moon's blog, after the receptionist handed him a job application.

"Can I borrow a pen?" I ask.

"No," she says. "This is the only pen I have." (Imagine her holding a pen.)

"You're serious?" I ask.

"Yes."

"You don't have any other pens here."

"No, I'm sorry."

"Well..." And I don't know what to say here. I'm in the offices of Safeco Field. Not only is it a major league ballpark, but it was built for the tidy sum of $517.6 million. It has a monsterous retractable roof. It seats 46,621 people for baseball games. Millions visit every year. And they only have one pen.

"I can't believe you only have one pen here."

"You should be more responsible when going to fill out a job application and bring your own pen."

At this point, I'm stupified. "What company gives you an application but won't give you a pen?"

Awesome. We can't wait to hear what happens when the hitters arrive at spring training and find out that there's only one bat.

Anyway, the receptionist finally did find a pen, and then told him...

"You can use that desk over there to fill it out."

"You mean I don't have to bring my own desk?" I'm sorry, but it's out of my mouth before I can shut it.

Stone cold stare from receptionist.

"I thought it was funny," I say.

"Well, I didn't," she replies.

Save the jokes for receptionists at Cardinals HQ, people. After three straight losing seasons, the M's are little testy.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@seattlest.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Seth in News on February 15, 2007 11:49 AM

Comments [rss]

Captain Obvious

Geesh people.... Ms fans have a reputation for being very thin skinned and obsessively protective homers but good lord... Obviously, the article was written for laughs.

Say what you will the author got one thing right. All the losing sure has people testy.

Mr. Employed

Who doesn't bring a pen to a job interview? Someone who gets unemployment checks each week, that's who.

This guy sounds like some sort of douchebag.

JR

What an idiot...bring a pen you moron, better yet, bring a resume.

The fact that that receptionist at that time had only one pen I would think is not necessarily indicative that the M's are cutting costs and nearly bankrupt to the point that they cannot afford pens.

Your an idiot and a smartass, I am going to take a wild guess that you did not get the job.

Matt

Who doesn't bring a pen to a job application/interview? Grow up, little boy.

dw

I used my season ticket e-mail line to drop them a line. Let's see how that goes....

Gomez

Vidro? Hell, he should have gone out and signed Jose Lima. "LIMATIME always makes an excellent reference!"

Steve

He should have made up for the error by signing Jose Vidro.

Just asking

But did he get the job?

Michael

To that applicant: nice work. Not only did you blow one of the most basic rules of job-hunting (bring a pen), but you then mocked the prospective employer for your mistake.

In short, you sound like M's material.