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.