Raul Ibanez hasn’t had much help in the lineup but it hasn’t really affected him this season. Ibanez has played in 33 games so far this season and he is 40 for 130 (.308 avg, .850 OPS) with 17 runs scored, 5 homers and 23 RBIs. Look for Ibanez’ numbers to really jump when Ichiro starts hitting and he gets protection behind him in the lineup.

The Mariners have traded DH/OF Greg Norton to the Braves for either a player to be named later or cash. Norton didn’t deserve to get designated for assignment by the Mariners as he played well for them this season. Norton played in 6 games for the Mariners this season and he was 7 for 16 (.438 avg, 1.063 OPS) with 2 runs scored and 4 RBIs. The Mariners should have kept Norton around as a backup outfielder.

The Mariners have decided to designate both OF Brad Wilkerson and DH Greg Norton for assignment and they’ve called up C/DH Jeff Clement and OF Wladimir Balentien from the minors. Wilkerson played in 19 games for the Mariners this season and he was 13 for 56 (.232 avg, .652 OPS) with 1 run scored, 5 RBIs and 1 stolen base. Wilkerson will be replaced as the starting right fielder by 24 year old righty swinging Wladimir Balentien. Balentien played in last night’s game for the Mariners and he was 2 for 4 with 1 run scored, a homer and 3 RBIs. Balentien played in 17 games in AAA ball this season and he was 16 for 63 (.254 avg, .948 OPS) with 11 runs scored, 6 homers and 20 RBIs. Greg Norton played in 6 games for the Mariners this season and he was 7 for 16 (.438 avg, 1.063 OPS) with 2 runs scored and 4 RBIs. Jeff Clement will likely take a ton of playing time away from starting DH Jose Vidro. Clement got a single in his only at bat last night. Clement played in 23 games in AAA this season and he was 31 for 78 (.397 avg, 1.227 OPS) with 21 runs scored, 5 homers and 20 RBIs. The 24-year old lefty swinging Jeff Clement will likely provide a boost to the offense as well as Balentien.