Mariners Start Monday, But See Them Free Saturday (Maybe)

The Mariners roster is almost set. Jose Lopez won the second base job, as expected. Longshot bench aspirant Roberto Petagine made the team with a hot spring.

The only competition left is for two remaining spots in the bullpen. Journeyman Jeff Harris and former Angel Jake Woods are expected to win these.

Jamie Moyer will start Opening Day, followed by Joel Piniero, Jarrod Washburn, Gil Meche, and phenom Felix Hernandez on Friday against the A's.

The M's final exhibition game is scheduled for Saturday at 1pm at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma. It's sold out. However, rain is forecast for Saturday. If the game can't be played in Tacoma, it will be moved under the Safeco roof for a 3 or 4 pm start. In that case, it will be free. Fans will be able to enter the home plate gate at no charge. As our roommate says, sarcastically, "it's a chance to watch our backups play our AAA team." But as our co-worker points out, "it's still baseball."