Oh the futility!  I’m beginning to get the feeling that the Mariners aren’t going to make the playoffs this year.  Hey, here’s a fun game to play.  We all know Ichiro is the team’s leading hitter in batting average, but who’s #2?  Well, if you remember this post, it might give you a hint, since the player in question hasn’t played for us since.  Oh, that’s right, Mike Sweeney!  .263!  So, how has Mr. Sweeney been doing since his trade to a contender?  Well, from the looks of things, he had a lot of playing time in August, though he wasn’t crushing the ball by any means.  10 for 44 with 1 double, 1 home run, and 6 RBI.  Though, approximately half his appearances were in Pinch Hit form, where he was 2 for 8.  In the month of September, his playing time has dropped off dramatically.  3 Pinch Hit at bats, 1 for 2 with an RBI.  But, you know what?  It’s hardly about playing time.  The man’s on a team that will likely win the AL East.  Or, at the very least, will hang on for a Wild Card spot unless they fall apart.  Considering the mediocrity that is the National League, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to imagine Mike Sweeney getting a World Series at bat before he retires.  If that ain’t magical as shit, I don’t know what is.