Jose Lopez News

A Major League-best 24-game improvement last season provided a good start for the Mariners' new regime, but taking the next step could be just as challenging.

Since Kenji decided to head back to Japan, one of the things that Jack said to the media afterwards has gained a decent amount of attention, is that this creates a hole where they're probably going to have to bring in a veteran catcher this winter.

My guess is that by now, pretty much all of you have read Dave Camerona TMs 2010 offseason plan over at USS Mariner .

Trade Brandon Morrow to Milwaukee for J.J. Hardy. Trade Jose Lopez, Mark Lowe, and Jason Vargas to Chicago for John Danks.

The delightful, transformative 2009 Mariners walk off the field for good today. It's our last chance to see them whole, this motley collection of future Hall of Famers and waiver-wire refugees, of plucky overachievers and successful reclamation projects.

Signing Beltre brought defensive stability to third base that the Mariners sought for years.

Josh Wilson doubled to lead off the fifth inning and Jose Lopez -- needing plenty of RBI this weekend to reach 100 -- notched No.

Felix Hernandez pitched into the seventh inning and Franklin Gutierrez went 2-for-4 with two runs batted in, as Seattle topped Texas, 4-3, in the final game of the season for both teams.

How about trading Felix Hernandez and Jose Lopez for a bunch of J.J. Hardy, Ryan Langerhans type players to further improve the team defense.

In his final start of the year on Thursday, A's rookie left-hander Brett Anderson suffered his first loss since Aug.

A's right fielder Travis Buck picked a heck of a time to work his way back into the lineup.

A man needs goals, and when Jose Lopez and the Seattle Mariners play the first of their final six games of the 2009 season tonight, both he and the team will still have the chance to reach a few.

Yesterday, the Blue Jays had to deal with Felix Hernandez . Today, they return the favor, trotting Roy Halladay to the mound.

Roy Halladay was in vintage form on Friday night, leading the Blue Jays to a 5-0 victory over the Mariners at Rogers Centre.

Chris, good stat. on Jose's average being higher when he batted 5th. I just think hitting 3rd in the line-up is more demanding and more difficult to succeed and more pressure packed than any other number in the line-up. I just don't see the logic of trading one of your most productive hitters when your offense rates so low in the league.

Jose Lopez hit a tiebreaking home run in the eighth inning and the Seattle Mariners beat the Tampa Bay Rays 4-3 Tuesday night, eliminating the defending AL champions from the postseason.

The Tampa Bay Rays will not get the chance for a second straight championship season.

UPDATE 10 p.m.: It's official -- White Sox win 6-3 after falling behind 3-0 early.

Ken Griffey Jr. hits a three-run homer off Yankees starter Joba Chamberlain in the second inning as Mariners crush the Bombers, 7-1. SEATTLE A - Joba Chamberlain pitched only three innings against the Mariners Sunday, but it had nothing to do with any rules.

As the Mariners consider their options for next season, don't be surprised if Matt Tuiasosopo sees some duty at second base before this season ends.