KingFish
02-26-2002, 05:09 PM
The Mariners are a bit surprised that the ball doesn't jump off the bat of 6-foot-4 catcher Ben Davis, who is built like a rock. Davis, however, is winning fans with his work ethic. He arrives at the Seattle training complex in the darkness of 6:30 a.m. for early work. ... The M's will give Desi Relaford a look in the outfield this spring, which will enable them to keep only four true outfielders but would open a spot for Rule V draft pick Luis Ugueto, a 23-year-old shortstop plucked from the Florida Marlins. Rule V picks must remain in the majors all year or be offered back to their prior organization. "All we're looking for is potential," manager Lou Piniella said. "If we see enough, we could keep him around." Seattle GM Pat Gillick does not mind using a Rule V pick to take up roster space, even on a contending team. In 1985, his Blue Jays kept Manny Lee and Lou Thornton all season, giving them only 112 at-bats combined. Toronto, despite playing with a virtual 23-man roster, still made it to Game 7 of the ALCS. ...