Bosio Showing A Knack For Getting In The Way

In Chris Bosio’s several fine outings this season, he has shown aspects of a quality pitcher. Unfortunately, he has also turned in some plays more along the lines of an NHL goaltender.

After being drilled by batted balls in two of his last three outings, Bosio is catching a lot of heat from his teammates.

“They say I should wear catcher’s gear out there,” Bosio said.

Each of the times Bosio has been hit, the batter has still been nailed at first base.

“When the ball comes out there, you do anything you can to stop it,” Bosio said. “That’s an earned run out there.”

Bosio might want to take note of what happened to Orioles pitcher Kevin Brown last week and just get out of the way. Brown’s defensive reflex had him try to barehand a line drive which resulted in a dislocated finger and a month-long trip to the disabled list.

No progress with Cruz Jr.

Seattle went through nearly a year of negotiations with 1994 No. 1 pick Jason Varitek before finally signing him. So with contract talks with this year’s top pick, Jose Cruz Jr., going slowly, the Mariners aren’t worried quite yet.

Nearly all of the top picks are waiting for others to sign in order to weigh their worth in the market.

Notes

Don’t forget, it’s Bobby Ayala goatee night tonight. Fans with intimidating facial hair similar to Ayala’s will get into the Kingdome free. On last season’s Jay Buhner haircut night 500 fans got their heads shaved before heading to the right-field bleachers to honor their idol. Even two women opted for the Buhner Buzz. Odds are, there won’t be two women in all of Seattle sporting goatees tonight… . If the Kingdome were of the retractable roof variety that the Mariners would like to have, Monday would have been the 21st home game - out of 26 - that would have been played with the roof off under the magnificent Puget Sound skies… . Seattle has made just 10 errors in the past 21 games.