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Cuban defector brings hope to Mariners

Needing a flotation device to salvage their sinking hopes, the Mariners turned Thursday to a young man who escaped Cuba on a raft two years ago. When it comes to human-interest stories, Yuniesky Betancourt`s flight to freedom and subsequent landing in the Major Leagues figures to momentarily spice up the moribund Mariners. And the 23-year-old middle infielder just might have the best set of hands in the franchise, the sort of lightning-quick glove and transfer that catches your eye even in infield drills.

It didn`t hurt, either, when the youngster ripped the first big-league pitch he`d seen into the left-center field gap Thursday night for a triple, arriving at third base to a standing ovation from a Safeco Field crowd eager to lend its support to anyone bringing a boost. His family, including his parents and two younger half-brothers, were tuned in to a satellite television feed when Betancourt got his first shot with the M`s on Thursday night. Betancourt left that family behind when he boarded a small craft with a handful of other defectors and spent four days at sea in November of 2003, eventually landing in Mexico. He said Thursday he`d like to bring his family to the United States, but indicated that is impossible at this time.

The Mariners knew enough of Betancourt`s abilities - he hit .523 as the starting shortstop for Cuba`s 17-18 year old national team in the 2000 World Championships -- that they signed him to a four-year, $3.65 million contract last year.