Here is the main question dealing with an ex-Rattler in the entry:
Why don't the Mariners try to get a better backup catcher than Rene Rivera?-- Scott M., Shoreline, Wash.
That's actually a timely question as Bavasi and manager Mike Hargrove said separately last week that they want more offense out of their backup catcher this season -- whether that's Rivera or someone else. Rivera hit just .152 in 99 at-bats, essentially giving Seattle nothing with his bat. That's far too many at-bats to give away. I wouldn't be surprised if the Mariners add a veteran backup if they think Rivera is unable to handle the job. We'll have to see how Rivera swings the bat in camp. He reported to camp in the best shape of his short career but that doesn't nessasarily mean anything offensively. Just in case you're wondering, catcher Jeff Clement -- the Mariners' No. 1 draft pick in 2005 -- wouldn't be in the mix for this spot because he still needs some Minor League seasoning. If we were talking about this, say, next season, it might be a different story for Clement.
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