Top > Sport > 2005 > August > 2005-08-15

Mariners show need, room for improvement

After watching another frustrating outing by the Mariners, after witnessing another game slip away, after wondering just why Scott Spiezio is in the lineup, it`s time for a little game. What exactly have we learned this year about the Mariners?

For starters, they`re not much better than last years team, on pace for a 68-94 record that would be just a five-game improvement on last year`s rock-bottom effort. And we`ve learned that Safeco Field is a nice-enough facility to continue drawing large crowds even when the Mariners struggle, which is comforting news indeed for ownership. The Marinerss passed the two-million mark in attendance in Sunday`s 7-6 loss to the Los Angeles Angels and are on pace to draw 2.77 million, fourth best in the American League.

The Mariners are still looking for a catcher. Either Wiki Gonzalez or Yorvit Torrealba could be the backup next year, but neither looks like a No. 1 solution. Top draft pick Jeff Clement is a couple years away. Why not bring up young Rene Rivera and find out if he`s as good as he looked in midseason?