There's still a lot to be excited about with the M's. Wish they had gotten another impact/solid player/hitter or two, but they played it cheap that way. They had the money to do it no matter what they said.
But they've got a great starting staff, a real good bullpen, especially if Brash starts burning bright, and some consistency running throughout the organization. If they don't get bit by the injury bug, no reason to think they can't return to the playoffs, maybe even give the Astros a divisional scare.
There's reason for hope.