M's try to come to grips with attacks
"We are all one family," said Mariners outfielder Stan Javier, who is from the Dominican Republic but stands with America against this week's terrorist atrocities. "Every day I have to turn off the TV because I have tears in my eyes. You feel for those people. I've lived here 21 years (during baseball seasons). This is a great country and you hate to see this happen to such a great country."
The terrorist attacks on the East Coast brought sports events in the nation to a standstill. The Mariners finally returned to Seattle on Thursday evening after spending three days in Anaheim, sitting idle and watching, like the rest of us, the horrific events. The team had its first workout yesterday since Monday's game against Anaheim. The 1-hour, 50-minute session was businesslike with a backdrop of somberness.
Baseball games will not return until Monday out of respect for the thousands of victims. The Mariners have a scheduled off day Monday so their first game will be Tuesday against the Angels at Safeco Field.
"Right now everyone's thoughts are elsewhere. And rightfully so," Manager Lou Piniella said. "The commissioner (Bud Selig) made the wise choice of curtailing the schedule. By delaying the restart it'll give everyone the time to prepare mentally and refocus."
Piniella, who spent much of his playing and coaching career in New York, said he hasn't heard of anyone he knows involved in the World Trade Center buildings collapse, "but I'm sure I know people there.
"New York is the symbolic strength of this nation, as is the capital," he said. "Your hearts go out to those people who suffered the brunt of this tragedy."
Right-handed pitcher Paul Abbott said he can't wake up "without immediately grabbing a newspaper or watching TV for the latest updates. It makes the importance of baseball rather minuscule."
The Mariners, with 104 victories, are seeking both historic team and individual records down the stretch but designated hitter Edgar Martinez said "the season is kind of secondary right now. And it should be.
"Everyone is thinking about the people who died in New York and everywhere else. I know a lot of people in New York," said Martinez, who was born in New York but raised in Puerto Rico. "I feel for those people going through such a bad time."
Javier has a perspective unlike anyone else in the clubhouse. He was playing for Oakland in the World Series during the 1989 earthquake in San Francisco.
"It was pretty tough to focus. You're winning the pennant and it's meaningless," he said. "You keep thinking about those people who died. Now you think about what the country is going through.
"Right now we're emotionally drained, and it's hard to put some of these things behind you. But I think everyone is going to be the same way. There are still three weeks left. I hope we can come back and finish strong."
The Mariners will be getting additional roster help. Right-handed pitchers Brett Tomko and Dennis Stark from Class AAA Tacoma will join the team today along with outfielder Eugene Kingsale, who was picked up on waivers from Baltimore three months ago.
In addition, Tacoma Manager Dan Rohn will join the M's staff.
Notes
• Fans can expect stricter security Tuesday at Safeco Field.
Major League Baseball announced several additional security initiatives — including the banning of coolers, backpacks and large bags — that will be put in place when games resume.
"Fan safety and security is a paramount issue, and that's what we're dealing with," said Kevin Hallinan, baseball's senior vice president of security. "Security and safety is our highest priority."
Under the new plan, all bags will be inspected; there will be more uniformed police officers; stadiums will be inspected each day before gates open; parking will be restricted within 100 feet of any stadium; all ballpark deliveries will be inspected; and club personnel will undergo new training.
Team president Chuck Armstrong urges fans to be patient with delays.
"Some inconvenience may occur, but we feel these measures are necessary in order to ensure safety and security," Armstrong said.
He declined to elaborate on what additional measures will be taken.
• American flags will be sewn on the caps of all major-league players. Fans will receive flags, a moment of silence will be observed, representatives of the U.S. Marine Corps will present the colors, the national anthem will be sung after the players take the field and "God Bless America" likely will be sung at the seventh-inning stretch.
The Mariners Wives and representatives from the Red Cross will collect donations.