Greg Halman News

Seattle Mariners' Mike Carp rounds the bases after he hit a solo home run against the Minnesota Twins in the second inning of a baseball game, Sunday, May 6, 2012, in Seattle.

Spoke to Prince Fielder in the Tigers clubhouse pre-game and asked him about the winter-long leadup to his signing with the Mariners, with all the drama over whether his agent, Scott Boras, would be able to land the $200-million deal he'd been seeking.

When the center fielder was traveling to Seattle to throw out the ceremonial first pitch for the home opener at Safeco Field, a thought crossed his mind.

The right-hander blanked the Seattle Mariners over seven innings as the A's began a seven-game trip with a 4-0 victory at Safeco Field, spoiling the Mariners' home opener before an announced sellout crowd of 46,026. He gave up just three hits, walked one and retired the final 10 batters he faced before handing things over to his bullpen.