Mike Hargrove continues to go to J.J. Putz early, and the Mariners are now ten games over .500. Last night he came into the game with the bases loaded, one out, and the score 5-2 in the top of the eighth. He did allow an infield single for a run, but he got Alex Rios to end the inning.

Putz's battle with Alex Rios to end the eighth was something to behold. Putz attacked with high heat, Rios swung, and Rios missed. After that, Rios took his bat and snapped it over his leg in frustration.

"I didn't see that," Putz said.

Most of the rest of the 41,862 on hand did, however. And more than a few will see replays. Putz can frustrate hitters, yes he can.

Putz is getting a lot of work for a closer. He ranks ninth in the AL in relief innings, the highest among regular closers. The only other closer in the top 20 is Chris Ray. I don't know if he's being over used at this point; he's on paced for about 81 innings. That's more than a lot of closers throw these days, but nothing drastic. I like this strategy of using the best pitcher in a real save situation, and I hope Hargrove keeps going to Putz in the eighth when the situation calls for the closer.