1.   But Cleveland forced Seattle to play five games in the division series, and as a result, Piniella was unable to align his rotation the way he wanted.

2.   If Seattle is to stop the Yankees, the Mariners must overcome what appears to be an inherent disadvantage in how the pitching rotations are aligned.

3.   Torre and his coaching staff are in the process of aligning the rotation for last week of the regular season and for the playoffs, which begin next week.

4.   With the off day Monday, Russell could align his rotation to set up better against the Padres, and the playoffs, if the Dodgers advance.