MATT'S MUSINGS

The 2023 season had its ups and downs, and it came to an end in true Mariners fashion.

Seattle had a three-game lead for the AL West crown at the beginning of September after winning the most games in a month in franchise history in August.

Fan optimism and interest was at its peak when it's normally the time most Seattle fans turn their attention to the Seahawks. Copy editor Kirk Ericson became a big Mariners fan and we even watched some of a game in August at a bar, a loss against Baltimore. He was inviting reporter Gordon Weeks to his house to watch games.

Then September came, and much like...