MARINERS

If you want to know why Bill Bavasi is considered the worst general manager in baseball, you have to look no further than this column by Larry Stone of the Times.

The Mariners are dragging their heels on a contract extension for Ichiro.

Now, I'm not one who believes Ichiro is one of the five best players in the league – in other words I think he's overrated – but I also think he is the best thing the M's have going for them.

Even if he isn't coming back after next season, the M's should make him an offer commiserate with his talents and numbers right now. That way they can show they want him, his pride is satisfied and fans will know, if he decides to become a free agent a la Alex, it was his choice.

In other M's news, Mark Lowe seems to be progressing well from his surgery, and Felix Hernandez is in the best shape of his short career. Keeping with the pitcher theme, the P-I has a feature on closer J.J. Putz.

Only a couple more weeks until spring training begins.

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