Runs, Please

Cliff Lee came off the DL last Friday and threw seven shutout innings for the Mariners, a feat that would have been more celebrated had he received any run support: Seattle lost to the Rangers 2--0 in 12 innings. For all their off-season emphasis on defense, the Mariners (11--14 through Sunday) won't reach the postseason if they don't score more runs. Since 1995, only one AL playoff team, the 2005 White Sox, has scored less than 4.58 runs per game. The Mariners were averaging an AL-low 3.44 thanks to nine homers and a .330 slugging percentage, both league worsts. Perhaps it's time to find a bat rather than a memory box at DH? Ken Griffey Jr.(below), 40, is slugging .241 with no homers. A team that emphasizes defense at eight spots can't afford to play a nonhitter in the ninth.

PHOTO

ROD MAR (GRIFFEY)