The Mechanics came into 2009 with high hopes as usual, boasting an impressive quadruple GM roster along with their typical array of strong up and comers in IM Sam Shankland, FM Daniel Naroditsky, and NM Yian Liou.  Unfortunately, having so many strong professionals on their roster, San Francisco had to maneuver a bit to be able to field an appropriate lineup every week.  However, their results didn't demonstrate those difficulties, as the Mechanics showcased another very strong regular season, finishing in the Top Two of the Western Division for the fifth consecutive year.

     But as many troubles as they managed to overcome, their now apparent Draw Odds curse did not end up being one of them, falling to Miami in the Semifinals, the third time the Sharks have eliminated them under that circumstance in the Playoffs. 

     Despite having to endure another Playoff disappointment, the future still looks bright for the Mechanics, always having a nice collection of strong players and youth to obtain a well balanced roster which tends to generally make them one of the preseason favorites.  As usual though, the continued improvement of their youth players will require a bit of change in their roster structure, and it should be particularly interesting to see how 2009 All Star Liou, after a great first season, might fit into their 2010 roster.