While we place much emphasis on the Mariners, we don't want to forget about the organization's minor league squads and some of the top prospects. Across the country, the minor league teams open their seasons. Above is the new scoreboard at Cheney Stadium, but unfortunately this spate of nice weather will go unused as the Rainiers open tonight in Fresno not Tacoma, as I joked with Rainiers manager Daren Brown the other day, they'll return right when the sleet and rain will be coming back.

In today's News Tribune, we ran our Rainiers preview and PCL capsules.

A few things from that, since I was the one who wrote it. I talked quite extensively with Daren Brown about the Rainiers, and a lot about Jeff Clement.

* Brown doesn't think that Clement will allow being set down to Triple A to affect him. While some might pout (see Jeremy Reed two years ago) and complain and let it bother them, Clement was disappointed upon initially hearing the news, but went back to focusing on the task at hand.

"He's not that type of kid," Brown said. "He's ready to go back to work. He was disappointed, but it's human nature to be disappointed. But at the same time, it's time to go back and work on things he needs to work on to get back there and hopefully this time he'll stay."

* Clement is going to see action at first base. When and how much remains to be seen as the story mentions. He's working out there, and trying to learn the position. Brown isn't going to play him there until, Clement deems himself comfortable.

"I think he'll be alright," Brown said. "I know how hard he's worked behind the plate and I know he'll work hard trying to get accustomed to playing first base. He's not there. It will be a continual thing with him."

People might scoff at the idea of learning to play first base. But its far more than just standing on the bag and catching throws. There's more to it. Good defensive first baseman might not get noticed much, but bad defensive first baseman (Ryan Howard) do.

* Clement's first priority is still catching and improving defensively there. Much has been made about his deficiencies behind the plate, but Brown said the improvement is still noticeable.

"Compared to where he was when I first saw him, it's no comparison," Brown said.

* Brown agreed that Clement's recent struggles might be a matter of pressing and trying to do too much.

"I know he's a kid that wants to do well, and I think he puts too much pressure on himself sometimes," Brown said. "I know the guy they saw in spring training and the guy they saw last year in the big leagues is not the same player we saw in Tacoma at the start of last year. Sometimes guys get caught up trying to show something on every pitch and every at-bat. Takes a little more time down below and they take off. Looking for him to get off to a good start and get that confidence back."

Mariners minor league info ...
If you want some added insight, check out Prospect Insider and Mariners Minors

Triple A -- Tacoma Rainiers
* PCL preview from my buddy and former co-worker Mason Kelley for Milb.com
* Rainiers roster
* Rainiers schedule
* Also go here if you want to listen to the venerable Mike Curto call Rainiers games.

Double A -- West Tenn Diamond Jaxx
* A solid team featuring SS Carlos Triunfel, C Adam Moore, OF Greg Halman and RHP Josh Fields.
* Southern League preview
* West Tenn roster

Class A -- High Desert Mavericks
* Hard-throwing pitcher Phillippe Aumont and Michael Pineda highlight the team
* California League preview
* High Desert roster

Class A -- Clinton Lumberkings
* league preview
* Clinton roster

Extremely sad news coming out of LA as talented young pitching prospect Nick Adenhart was one of three people killed in a hit-and-run accident just after pitching six scoreless innings for the Angels against the Oakland A's.

Adenhart was in a car that was slammed into by a mini-van that ran a red light and then fled the scene. The van was supposedly traveling close to 70 miles per hour when it slammed into the car. The car then slammed into the pole.

Here's the story from the Los Angeles Times. Here's the AP story. This story from of ESPN has some quotes from Torii Hunter in it.

There is some debate whether tonight's game should be cancelled. There should be no debate. Commissioner Bud Selig should step in immediately and postpone the game to a future date and if he doesn't then, well, then I don't know what business the guy has holding the highest position in baseball. A player died in shocking and stunning matter and expecting his teammates to play the next day is ridiculous.

Besides the tragic news of Adenhart's death, the Angels organization is also dealing with the news that one of their fans, who was involved in a fight on opening day in the stadium, has died due to injuries suffered in the altercation.

Time to Plan

Catcher Rob Johnson and pitcher Jarrod Washburn have had three days to do nothing but study Twins hitters and plan their approach today.

"Don (Wakamatsu) told us before the first game when I'd be catching, and who," Johnson said. "That let Jarrod and I sit on the bench for three games and talk about hitters and how to attack them."

Now, we'll see if planning helps.

Two Outs, Here They Come

The Mariners have been impressive with two outs in this series, and Adrian Beltre's two-out single scored Franklin Guttierrez in the first inning to give Washburn a lead.

In their three-plus games here, the Mariners scored 17 runs - nine of them with two outs.

Now that's a center fielder

The game has just started, and Franklin Guttierrez has dominated it. His double set up the only run, and his diving catch robbed Alexi Casilla of extra bases when the Twins were batting.

Washburn loves the 'dome

Coming in wih a 5-1 record and a 2.76 career ERA in the Metrodome, Washburn is pitching like a man who owns the building.

Through five innings, he's thrown 54 pitches and allowed two baserunners.

Yes, this is the $10 million No. 4 starter. So far, he's pitching as if he's a bargain.

Now, unless they expect him to throw a shutout, the Mariners need to score a few more runs for Washurn.

A couple of throwbacks

Good as Washbun as been, Minnesota's Glen Perkins has been right there with him, and this has become the kind of pitching duel the American League rarely sees.

Perkins got a standing ovation when he walked off the mound after the eighth inning, having allowed one run on 104 pitches.

Washburn? He got into trouble one out into the eighth inning, giving up a walk, then a single to the No. 9 hitters, Brendan Harris.

Rick Adair went to the mound, David Aardsma was warming in the bullpen, the top of the Twins order coming to bat.

Denard Span popped out for the second out on Washburn's 96th pitch.

Alexi Casilla grounded out. Inning over.

Now, to the ninth. Do you stick with Washurn, who's thrown 96 pitches? Do you bring in closer Brandon Morrow to protect a 1-0 lead?

Stay tuned.

OK, it's Morrow

The closer is in, and Wakamatsu has gone with his best infield defense - putting DH Adrian Beltre at third, Ronny Cedeno at second and moving Lopez from second to first base.

That means the Mariners lose the DH for the rest of the game.

Morrow's first two pitches were high, and catcher Johnson - who drove in the Mariners second run in the top of the ninth - trotted to the mound for a conference.

Michael Cuddyer walked on four pitches, meanin Morrow had walked the last four batters faced.

Justin Morneau was called out on strikes after chasing a couple of high fastballs.

Joe Crede took a called third strike, too - and either third strike could just as easily have been ruled a ball.

Pinch-hitter Jason Kubel flied out.

Final: Mariners 2, Twins 0.