IT'S NOT GOING TO BE EASY >>>
So far the Tacoma Rainiers have played exactly 60 games this season.
It's been easy to fall in love with Mike Carp.
As those who follow the team know, Carp caught FIRE for the Rainiers in early May and never cooled off - carrying a 20+ game hit streak and a homer every-other-day average through almost two months. It was Minor League Baseball domination at its finest.
In a move that came as a surprise to absolutely no one, Carp was finally called up to the Majors yesterday, and may make his 2011 Mariners debut today for the so far woefully inept offense. Hopefully he'll help.
That said, how can Tacoma fans not be sad to see Carp go? He's been the man so far this year. He's been unstoppable. How will we cope with the loss? Can we really expect Mike Wilson, who makes his return to the Rainiers after being called up in May, to fill the void?
And what the heck am I going to Tweet about if not my sick-ass #MikeCarpTattoo?
These are all questions that need answers. Here are a couple suggestions, and a video that's not actually as sentimental as the music fist suggests. (Note: It's also from 2009 - and Carp is even more awesome looking these days).
WAYS TO DEAL WITH MIKE CARP'S CALL-UP:
1. Sleeping - It's easy, it takes the pain away, and it's not hard to dose off when the Rainiers pitching staff is giving up double-digit run totals.
2. Drinking - It's easy, it takes the pain away, and it's not hard to tie one when the Rainiers pitching staff is giving up double -digit run totals.
3. Look at the bright side - Hey, maybe Carp will help the Mariners at the plate, become a star in Seattle, get a polar bear jacket, and then forget about little ol- T-Town when embarking on record release tours. It's happened before.
4. Keep perspective - Remember that last time Carp was in the Bigs he struggled, failing to bat .200 in 14 plate appearances and looking nothing like the dominant machine he's been so far in AAA Tacoma. Who knows? Carp may be back in T-Town before we know it.
5. Move on - Schedule an appointment with a laser clinic to get your sick-ass #MikeCarpTattoo removed.