Tears of a Clown

Mariners second baseman Bret Boone wept publicly on Sunday after the team released him. After we explained to our sister that Boone will continue to receive his $8 million dollar salary, she asked, "Why is he crying?"

Possibly because Boone's outsized ego, which always prevented us from enjoying his play, simply evaporated after he hit only .231 this season. Bret Boone without an ego is like Nick Lachey without a famous wife--sad.

The Mariners have won two straight since Boone was released. Jose Lopez, who logged time at shortstop last year, will likely play second base for the remainder of the season.