M's seek pitching, infield help

Seattle considers offseason moves to improve club

JANIE MCCAULEY, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Originally published October 25

SEATTLE -- For the Seattle Mariners to beat the mighty New York Yankees when it counts, it's going to take another quality starting pitcher.

It's going to take more offense.

And a little luck.

General manager Pat Gillick said Wednesday the Mariners' off-season priorities are second base, third base and left field. And to find another pitcher. He met Wednesday with manager Lou Piniella and other team officials.

Seattle's amazing season ended Monday night when the three-time defending World Series champion Yankees won the AL championship.

The Mariners won 116 games to tie the 1906 Chicago Cubs' regular-season record for victories. They also surpassed the Yankees' AL record of 114 regular-season wins, but New York took the AL championship series 4-1.

"I think Lou has probably expressed that you very aptly have to score runs against the Yankees' starting pitching," Gillick said. "And, like a lot of clubs, you have to get past their starting pitching. ... For the most part, we match up fairly well with them."

He spoke specifically about the 12-3 loss Monday being the only game that was "out of hand."

The Mariners will do all they can to bring back All-Star Bret Boone to play second. He is eligible for free agency at the conclusion of the World Series.

Boone is expected to ask for $8 million to $10 million a season after earning $3.25 million this year.

"I don't think that will be worked out quickly," Gillick said. "He's going to go out on the market and test the market. He has said he'll give us the last shot."

There's no guarantee that free agent David Bell will play third in Seattle next season.

Gillick said the Mariners might look outside the organization for a third baseman, and would search elsewhere for a left fielder. Stan Javier has retired and Jay Buhner might do the same.

Where pitcher Aaron Sele fits in is unknown, Gillick said. Sele won 15 games this year but struggled in the playoffs. His future in Seattle will depend on how much money the organization has left when it has made all the necessary moves, Gillick said.

Among Seattle's pitchers, Gillick is confident in the return of lefty Jamie Moyer and right-handers Freddy Garcia and Joel Pineiro, and others.

"Pitching-wise, we don't have as many question marks this winter as we did going into last winter," Gillick said. "I feel a little more comfortable with our pitching this off-season."

While the Mariners would like to solidify their roster as soon as possible, Gillick isn't sure that will happen.

"I don't think people are going to move as quickly this year," he said. "From a labor standpoint, I don't have any inside information, but I don't think the labor situation is completely settled."

The Mariners' budget this season was about $80 million, and Gillick said next season's should be 10 percent to 12 percent higher. Gillick prefers short-term player contracts, but did not rule out signing someone to a long-term deal.

Other Seattle free agents include outfielder Al Martin, infielder Ed Sprague, left-hander Norm Charlton and utility man Mark McLemore, who played six positions this season. The Mariners' nine free agents earned $23 million this season.

Gillick likes the depth in the organization and said some minor league players could be called up.

Regarding his own future, Gillick, 64, indicated he would stay in Seattle for at least another season. There has been speculation that he might be interested in the vacant GM job in Toronto, where he used to work and still has a home.

"I've enjoyed my two years here," he said. "I'm looking forward to '02. ... Through the playoffs, I haven't thought about anything but the Mariners."

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