Again, maybe the Mariners will find the next Theo Epstein or Andrew Friedman among the five candidates they have interviewed. But once they make their hire, M's fans will ask: "How is this person qualified to fix our sorry team?"

If the Mariners were hiring an experienced GM, they could provide a better answer.

It's amazing that the Dodgers twice lost Shane Victorino in the Rule 5 draft — and twice were offered him back.

The first time, prior to the 2003 season, the Dodgers took back Victorino from the Padres. The second time, prior to the '05 season, they told the Phillies, "No, you keep him."

At the time, the Phillies didn't want Victorino in the majors, either — he showed five tools in spring training, former GM Ed Wade recalls, but not all at the same time.

Wade says the Phillies liked Victorino enough to keep him in their system, but they had to persuade him to accept an assignment to Class AAA rather than exercise his right to become a free agent.

As Wade recalls, manager Charlie Manuel and his staff liked Victorino, treated him well and communicated with him directly. And during that 2005 season, Victorino broke out at Class AAA.

The Dodgers, under then-GM Paul DePodesta, loved Victorino's speed and defensive ability, but never imagined he would hit consistently — and drive the ball with authority.

Friends of Yankees right-hander Mike Mussina are still convinced he will retire. One possible reason: Mussina fears that the Yankees will not be good enough next season for him to sufficiently chip away at the 30 victories he needs for 300.