So, the Mariners win, 10-8 over the Oakland Athletics. Jose Lopez winds up hitting two home runs, including one in that key five-run outburst in the fifth that decided the game and made a winner out of a shaky-looking Brandon Morrow.

Lopez said the best part of the whole thing is, he gets to play two more games to try to up his season total of 17 homers, 89 RBI. Got to hand it to him, he has not let up at all this year. He's played a complete season after fading badly the past two years.

"I think next year's really the big one,'' he said.

He still doesn't know what position he'll be pencilled in at. Clearly, he has power. But does he have enough for a corner infield spot?

Brandon Morrow had shakier command of his fastball today than his breaking stuff. Somewhat of a reverse from his previous time out. He said he was "flying open'' mechanics-wise on the mound all night.

"With spring trainings and stuff next year, I'll just be able to work,'' he said. "Bullpens and stuff are so crucial.''

This September stint was just a taste for him. His real development as a starter will begin next year. By the way, Ryan Feierabend has tenderness in his arm and won't work Sunday's finale. R.A. Dickey will start in his place.

Part IV of our Rebuilding the Mariners series hits the internet in about an hour. Here are some of the highlights:

-- Mariners minority owner Chris Larson dispells all rumors that he's been negotiating to buy a controlling interest in the team, or that he will do so shortly

-- Former Mariners GM Pat Gillick, currently the GM of the Phillies, will not be coming here to replace Chuck Armstrong as team president. Armstrong says he plans on keeping his post for some time to come, making it a personal challenge to help this team recover from this disastrous season

-- Armstrong has been chatting by phone with Gillick on a weekly basis. Gillick has offered Armstrong suggestions on Mariners GM candidates, but Armstrong insists this is just two friends talking on the phone and there are no plans for Gillick to come here.

-- Mariners CEO Howard Lincoln says there are no plans to alter the team's ownership structure moving forward and that he and Armstrong will pick the next GM of the club as a two-man selection committee

-- Lincoln and Armstrong say they are both well aware of increased fan hostility and resentment towards them and understand where it's coming from

That's what I'll tell you for now. Enjoy the read.