Jarrod Washburn started the game with two scoreless innings and veteran reliever Randy Messenger came in for a one-out save as the Seattle Mariners beat the Chicago White Sox, 5-3.

For those scoring at home, the team is now 4-0-1 in the Cactus League, having scored 46 runs in five games.

The team now takes a day off before playiing an exhibition game Wednesday evening against the Australian World Baseball Classic team.

Here's the Mariners spring update for Monday.

If you wonder why the Mariners are collecting veteran left-handed hitters with pop on a team that’s big on aggressive base running, bunting and small ball, consider their game against Chicago.

Bunting, running the bases with aggression and mixing in the timely hit, Seattle built a 5-0 lead.

Ryan Rowland-Smith, following two scoreless innings from Jarrod Washburn, got a little wild, put two White Sox hitters aboard in the fourth inning and – boom – Jim Thome hit a three-run home run.

That, ladies and gentlemen, is why teams, in the American League especially, like veteran boppers. One timely swing and you’re back in the game. The Mariners worked hard for each of their runs.

Chicago got a single, a walk and a home run in the space of a minute, and the game is up for grabs again.

So the Mariners will continue to play small ball with players who seem to be made for it – Reegie Corona, Ronnie Cedeno and Callix Crabbe, for instance.

And when Ken Griffey Jr. and Branyan Russell and Mike Sweeney are ready, they’ll play them and hope for the timely boom.
To the bottom of the fifth: Seattle 5, Chicago 3.

A pair of minor league pitchers in camp early warmed up in the bullpen and then took the main practice field in camp – and took turns pitching to hitters they’d heard about but never seen up close.

Travis Mortimor, a lefty, and Jake Wild, a right-hander, faced Ken Griffey Jr., Mike Sweeney, Russell Branyan and Yuniesky Betancourt.

“All the way through spring training we’ll have quite of few of these sessions on the back fields,” manager Don Wakamatsu said. “We want these guys feeling real comfortable going into the season. Anybody we can rest on their off day and still get at-bats without having wear-and-tear on their body, we’ll try to do that.”

Of the four hitters, only Branyan had played in a spring game – the other three hadn’t face anyone other than coaches in batting practice.

“Mentally, you have to approach it like it’s a big-league ballgame,” Sweeney said. “You’re preparing to play big-league baseball physically and mentally, no matter who you’re facing.”

The guys got their hacks, took pitches, got a feel for live pitching again. It was another step to in the slow road the Mariners are asking veteran players to take. The object: to avoid injuries, build strength and have them ready for opening day.

Third base for the Seattle Mariners is now divided into two distinctly separate issues – life with Adrian Beltre, and life after him.
In the last year of his contract, Beltre is a two-time Gold Glove winner and a solid offensive player whose work ethic has made him a clubhouse leader. He plays hurt, he plays hard and yes, extremely well.

For as long as he’s under contract and able to stand, pencil Beltre in at third base. Just how long that will be remains to be seen. The Mariners say they’re open to talking contract extension, but nothing has happened yet.

And if, at the trading deadline in July, Beltre hasn’t extended that contract and contending teams come calling – as they certainly will – Jack Zduriencik will listen.

Then what?

Within the Seattle system, Matt Tuiasosopo is probably the closest young player, and he’s improving. How good he’ll be is an open question. Tuiasosopo has good hands, a strong arm and the ability to hit fastballs hard. Non fastballs? That’s an issue.

On the likely 25-man roster, Mike Morse has played third base and might be a more viable option. His bat has impressed coaches, and his versatility may win him a job out of camp.

Ronnie Cedeno can play anywhere, including third base. In the first two weeks of camp, he’s been as impressive an infielder as the team has, defensively.

What the Mariners do in July depends upon so many factors there’s no real projection except this one – other teams already think of Beltre as someone they’ll be looking for at the deadline.

If Beltre is dealt, life after AB may never quite be the same.