Mariners Close Out Regular Season

Squad Prepares for Postseason

The Seattle Mariners struggled through the final two weeks of the regular season posting a 3-9 record against the Washington Nationals and Toronto Blue Jays. Local fans are questioning whether manager Carlton Fisk's strategy to rest regulars after clinching the Capitol Division will backfire, but Fisk, for one, seems unconcerned.

"The fact is, we have a lot of veterans that needed a break. Junior and JD, to name two, haven't played in weeks, and both are now ready for the postseason."

The Mariners team that takes the field at Safeco Field Tuesday against either the Senators or the Marlins will not look like any that have done so since July. Griffey is expected to start in center with newcomer Rondell White in left. White, released by the Braves in July, has played sparingly with Seattle, but ended the season well. Drew will probably get the nod in right, especially with Michael Cuddyer still out with injury.

Fisk faces fewer decisions in the infield. Rafael Furcal, the team catalyst with 73 stolen bases, narrowly missed the 20-20 club during his first full season in Seattle. Joe Randa, who spent a few weeks on the waiver wire before being reclaimed by the Mariners in July, will join Furcal on the left side of the infield, while Jorge Cantu and Paul Konerko will resume their regular positions on the right. Cantu surprisingly lead the team in runs batted in this season.

Fisk has named veteran Roger Clemens (13-9, 2.86) as the game one starter. Clemens posted a solid year despite a rocky beginning, although he has suffered from poor run support throughout the year. On the other side of that ledger, Jason Marquis (19-7, 4.19), the staff leader in wins, may throw from the pen in the postseason in favor of Ben Sheets (7-4, 3.41) and Rich Harden (12-4, 3.41). Rookie Felix Hernandez (9-1, 2.02) has already been named the game four starter.

Conspicuously absent from the mix is Josh Beckett (6-12, 5.47). Beckett may be left off the postseason roster just nine months after his World Series one-hit performance.

Giants Penalized for Overuse

Chris Duffy Ruled a Free Agent

The Molson Baseball League this week penalized the San Francisco Giants for their overuse of outfielder Chris Duffy, a player the Giants claimed on waivers after his release by Atlanta earlier this season. As specified by the League Charter, Duffy was removed from San Francisco's roster and the Giants will be penalized $353,246 against the 2007 salary cap. Duffy--who had been overused by over 10 percent--will be available in the 2007 draft.

"I do not believe Giants ownership intentionally mismanaged the situation, but do feel they could have prevented its occurrence," Commissioner Buchanan said from an undisclosed location. "The League has consistently offered to create automanagers for owners when notified in advance of a conflict, and that offer existed during the week of overuse. Fault lies with the owner, not the league."

The MBL Overuse Committee considered an appeal by San Francisco this week, but ultimately endorsed enforcing the penalty.

"There are other teams that will be penalized for 2006 overuse," Buchanan continued, "but the Giants penalty is the first announced because Duffy's overuse exceeded 10%, which by Charter results in release of the player. Overall, however, abuse certainly has not equalled 2005's historic levels."

Playoffs Take Shape

MBL 2006 Enters Its Final Week

With six games to play, many of the playoff races have been decided with the Gateway Division the lone holdout. The Dodgers are a near certainty to clinch early this week, however, needing only a win or a Cardinals loss to get it done. The Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees, and Cleveland Indians have already clinched their divisions.

In the National League, the Cardinals still have an outside shot at the wildcard, but it would require a near total collapse by the Marlins or Senators to get in. St. Louis trails those teams by five and four games, respectively, but concludes the season with a six-game set against the worst team in the league--the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Florida faces rebuilding Houston while the Senators conclude against their hometown rivals, the Nats. The Mariners--at home against Toronto--have already clinched home field advantage through the NLCS.

In the American League, the New York Yankees have clinched home field for the playoffs and can to some degree control their first round opponent because they face the Athletics at the Stadium this week. Oakland currently leads the New York Mets by five games for the final playoff spot and could overtake Boston--currently leading the Athletics by four games--for the top Wild Card. The Red Sox close hosting the Mets at Fenway Park. The Indians, with their fate assured, will probably rest up against the Padres this week in preparation for the playoff opener next week.