O'Flaherty getting ready

Eric O'Flaherty (WI '04, '05) is at Spring Training and ready to go.

O'Flaherty, 23, had to force himself not to ask Sherrill about the art of working the later innings full time — since it hadn't yet come to that. It's clear the Mariners now consider the 6-foot-2 pitcher from Walla Walla, who is 10 pounds lighter this spring after a rigid offseason running regimen, as Sherrill's heir apparent.

Sorry, I couldn't help myself after that last post.

The Sherrill above is George Sherrill, who is now a member of the Baltimore Orioles. The story is really about O'Flaherty and Sherrill as friends and the competition. Here's a look at the competition. Recognize any names?

O'Flaherty is the front-runner to succeed Sherrill, though the team will also take a close look at Class AAA lefty Cesar Jimenez — who missed the 2007 season with elbow surgery — after he posted strong numbers against left-handed hitters while playing winter ball in Venezuela.

Ryan Rowland-Smith is another consideration, but a longshot, given how the team likes him in longer relief situations.

"We've got some candidates," said McLaren, adding he's more likely to go with two lefties in the bullpen this year than the three employed down the stretch in 2007. "We always like surprises. So, there might be someone surprising us. Last year ... almost a year to this day, Brandon Morrow wasn't even in our talks."

Also, this is in the story as well.

The only other real competition in camp is for backup infield or outfield jobs. McLaren already appeared to rule out Jeff Clement having a shot at the team in spring training, saying he'd have to unseat everyday catcher Kenji Johjima or designated hitter Jose Vidro.