M's rivalry with Athletics as intense as ever

ELLIOTT SMITH, THE OLYMPIAN

Originally published Saturday, April 6, 2002

SEATTLE -- It may be early, but it doesn't mean that the intensity of the rivalry between the Oakland Athletics and the Seattle Mariners isn't already at mid-season level.

"When we go head-to-head, it's going to be a heckuva battle," Oakland manager Art Howe said.

The M's and A's are clearly the cream of the crop in the AL West, so even the first game of the season meant calendars were already marked.

"It's going to be a good series," Seattle shortstop Carlos Guillen said.

Over the last couple of seasons, the two teams have squared off during some memorable contests.

Last year, Seattle won the season series 10-9, but the A's were the only team to beat the Mariners more than five times.

In 2001, Oakland won the season series 9-4 and over the last five seasons the two teams are 34-34 against each other.

"We've always had competitive games," Howe said. "Lou (Piniella) and I go back to Cincinnati and Houston. Maybe it's more between us than it is the players."

- START TIME: Two new Mariners, catcher Ben Davis and infielder Desi Relaford, received their first starts Friday.

Davis, who had been bothered by an oblique injury that hampered his swing from the left side, was pronounced healthy enough by Piniella to see extended action. Davis served as a defensive replacement for Dan Wilson on opening day.

Relaford was used as a pinch runner that same game. The versatile Relaford started at shortstop in place of Guillen.

"We've got to get Relaford and Davis in there," Piniella said. "We have to get them a little playing time. Davis has been ready to go. He's been swinging lefty since opening day."

- STOCKS AND BONDS: Even Barry Bonds kept Piniella from his normal routine of watching the stock market.

During his pregame press conference, Piniella watched in rapt attention as Bonds clubbed his fifth homer in four games to give the Giants a 3-1 victory over San Diego and his former pitcher, Brett Tomko.

"Now that's the way to end a home opener, isn't it?" Piniella said.

The Olympian Copyright 2002

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