[bedir than average]

As a Mariner fan I have been having this converstaion with a few people lately.

We are all wondering why Gil seems to be the good Gil that we would only get to see every third or fourth start. What has he done to turn it around?

I know it is still early, but at this rate MrMeche will earn this year's contract.

My argument has been that the lesser pressure of playing in a smaller market with lower expectations than the Mariners might have freed Meche from forcing himself to be something that he's not (an Ace) and instead has allowed him the freedom to just pitch, not nibble.

Others have argued that what has turned him around is that he is now comfortable knowing that he has a long term deal, something that he never had with the Mariners.

So what has changed about Gil Meche?