The Mariners cut Jose Vidro today, attempting to shed the $8.5 million in payroll as they "look toward 2009". As Dave Andriesen of the P-I puts it: "Vidro, 33, batted .234 in 85 games this season. He made $8.5 million this season, of which his last team, the Washington (N)ationals, paid $2.5 million. He has a vesting option for 2009 that activates at 600 plate appearances, which he will not reach, triggering a $500,000 buyout."......

Our Mariners begin the second half of the 2008 season hoping to avoid the history books. No team in history has lost 100 games in a season while fielding a team with a payroll over $100 million. (For that kind of cash, we could buy TWO hoops teams.) The highlight of the season thus far (as Seattlest David reminds us) is that no one has been run-over by a train outside the stadium. And when......

WFAN-AM in New York is reporting that former Mariner first baseman Richie Sexson has been signed by the New York Yankees. Since Sexson cleared waivers after his release last week, the Mariners will be responsible for the majority of his Yankee salary for the remainder of the year. So not only do the Mariners overpay their own underperforming players, they are now paying for guys to sit on the Yankees' bench. Makes sense to us.......

The Seattle Mariners have released well-paid but weak-hitting first baseman Richie Sexson. This season, Sexson hit only .218 and had 11 homers. With a 2008 salary of $15.5 million, that's a cool $1.4 million per dinger. Sexson's roster spot has been filled by Tacoma infielder (and new Seattlest favorite) Tug Hulett.......