As I predicted (which wasn't that hard to do, admittedly), the Mariners were swept in their brief two-game series against the White Sox at the capable hands of Jose Contreras, who is now 16-2 since last year's All Star break.

But on the plus side: without Adrian Beltre being patient and receiving the third two-out walk given up by Contreras in the top of the sixth inning, the Mariners would've been shut-out! That is AB's fifth plate appearance so far in the young season with the bases loaded, and although he has yet to pick up a hit (obviously, runners are on base) he did pick up his third RBI in such situations. So hat's off, Adrian, for providing the only quasi-highlight of the afternoon.

Oh, and there is another highlight. It appears that manager Mike Hargrove has finally realized what every Mariner fan had been aware for quite some time: that Eddie Guardado is no longer a capable, effective closer. About freakin' time. The Mariners might be a .500 team if they had an effective closer this season. Good thing the AL West is shaping up to be an absolutely horrible divison this year.

Now that Eddie is demoted, perhaps Hargrove should make a similar move with AB? Have him ride the bench for a while, or hang out and watch videos of his spectacualr 2004 season, and maybe let Willie "Ute" Bloomquist man third. (Yes, I know Willie's nickname isn't "Ute." But it should be. Get it? Short for Utility? Clever, huh? Huh? Oh, never mind...)