MARINERS: Daily news

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The big news for Mariners fans was Griffey's hitless debut with the team in yesterday's loss to Team Australia, Seattle's first loss of training camp.

And yes, his left knee held up. Hopefully that doesn't become the sidenote of every game. Griffey played; his knee is fine. Great.

Meanwhile the competition for the closer job has yet to really begin as none of the candidates have shown anything positive, according to the P-I's John Hickey.

To continue...

Mark Lowe has not looked good thus far and neither has Miguel Batista, the two so-called leading candidates. It should be noted, however, that Garrett Olson finally had a good outing, pitching two shutout innings.

While the current closing candidates fail to impress, Randy Messenger has pitched himself into the competition.

The L.A. Times has an article about the rise of Ichiro Suzuki from stoic loner to national hero due to his efforts in the first World Baseball Classic.

After the trouble that seemingly arose in Seattle over his perceived attitude, this may come as a shock to some M's fans. Hey, maybe he just needs a winning ball club to play for here in Seattle in order to show the same passion. That might help.

Reach Jeff Richards at nextseasonsports@gmail.com