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SEATTLE MARINERS

2005 finish: 69-93, 4^th place in AL West

Manager: Mike Hargrove (2^nd season)

Free agents: LHP Jamie Moyer, RHP Shigetoshi Hasegawa, IF Dave Hansen, IF Pokey Reese, RHP Jeff Nelson

On the block: RHP Joel Pineiro, RHP Ryan Franklin, IF/OF Mike Morse

Looking for: Starting pitching, left-handed bat, left fielder, catcher, relievers

Long gone: LHP Bobby Madritsch

What’s going on: The M’s exercised a $6.25-million option on closer Eddie Guardado, but with the possible exception of 43-year-old Jamie Moyer, the other free agents won’t be back. The big need for starting pitching could lead to Moyer returning at a lesser salary. They also figure to pursue the top free agents, led by A.J. Burnett and Matt Morris. Brian Giles is arguably the best outfield bat on the free-agent market, and will draw interest here as well, as they desperately need power in the outfield or at DH. The other option could be a trade, as they had interest in signing Carlos Delgado last winter, and are interested once again. Japanese free agent catcher Kenji Jojima is another target, as veteran Dan Wilson has announced his retirement, leaving Yorvit Torrealba and Rene Rivera as the club’s top two catchers. They didn’t exercise options on Shigetoshi Hasegawa and Pokey Reese, so neither will return. Injured lefty Bobby Madritsch was claimed on waivers by Kansas City. Front-office consultant and former GM Pat Gillick is the Phillies’ new general manager.

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Tony Gutierrez / AP

More heroics from Hamilton

Josh Hamilton fights off illness to hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the 13th inning, lifting the Texas Rangers to an 8-7 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays.

Angels win as Pujols HR streak up to 3 games

SEATTLE (AP) - Albert Pujols hit a home run in his third straight game and pinch hitter Alberto Callaspo came through with a grand slam in the sixth inning to give the Los Angeles Angels a 5-3 win over the Seattle Mariners on Saturday.

Headlines

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