1.   Because Ventura is a lefthanded bat with power who might be open to moving to first base.

2.   Dierker has considered giving Orlando Merced an occasional start at third base to take advantage of his lefthanded bat against righthanded pitchers.

3.   Here, finally, was the lefthanded bat they needed to complement their righthanded-hitting lineup.

4.   Reggie Jefferson appears set as the lefthanded bat, but there are righthanded candidates aplenty.

5.   The home-grown Hatteberg, meanwhile, is a lefthanded bat, a valued commodity behind the plate.

6.   The Mariners have enough starters that general manager Pat Gillick may trade one to acquire the lefthanded bat he desperately needs.

7.   The team of our choice is always that one big scorer, lefthanded bat, point guard, or tight end away from winning it all.