The Seattle Mariners just hired Oakland A's bench coach Don Wakamatsu as their manager. Wakamatsu becomes the first Asian-American big-league manager. Perhaps he owes a debt to Masanori Murakami, the first Asian to play in the majors.

So, George Steinbrenner finally relinquished his 35-year rule over the Yankees. He will be remembered, somewhat nostalgically, as a ruthless, all-American, win-at-all-costs owner. I say good riddance to someone who was suspended from baseball twice, basically for being a creep.

Mike Mussina retired immediately after a 20-win season. Only four other pitchers have done so.