An anonymous clubhouse insider told the Seattle Times that Mariners teammates were so annoyed with Ichiro Suzuki earlier this season that they considered beating him up.

“I just can’t believe the number of guys who really dislike him,” said the insider. “It got to a point early on when I thought they were going to get together and go after him.” The coaching staff and then-manager John McLaren intervened when one player was overheard talking about wanting to “knock him out.

The Mets face off against the Seattle Mariners in game two of their three game set tonight at Shea Stadium. The pitchers scheduled for tonight’s game are RA Dickey (1-3 5.77) for the Mariners and Ollie Perez (5-4 5.06) for the Mets.

Keys to the Game

Consistency is Key:The Mets looked to be getting it going after big offensive outputs in LA against the Angels and game one of the Rockies series, but the Mets have scored only six runs in their last three games, going 1-2 in that span. If the Mets want to go on a big winning streak than timely hitting will be crucial in achieving this goal.

Attack the Journeyman: No offense to R.A. Dickey, but he does have a 5.77 ERA. Something’s gotta give. The Mets should be licking their chops to be taking their swings against this guy tonight after being baffled by King Felix last night. He is a knuckleballer though, which could pose problems for a David Wrightless lineup.

Tatis, Make the Most of your time: Fernando Tatis will be in the lineup tonight in place of David Wright, batting 6th. Tatis had a few big hits when he first got recalled from AAA, but has recently not been able to get his swing going. Hopefully this start can get his bat going and he can be a big producer off the bench for the Mets down the stretch.

For a lineup, head to Yahoo!Sports.

As always, head to the The Hot Foot Bleachers to chat during the game.

LETS GO METS!

Since the Mets aren’t the only team with rumors and speculation following them around:

ESPN reports the Mariners have fired their GM, Bill Bavasi, with VP Lee Pelekoudas taking over. Seattle currently has the worst record in baseball. Bavasi was stuck with an aging team and a depleted farm system, which he was unable to turn around.

Hmm…aging roster, depleted farm system, looks like Omar has a pen pal.

The Rangers released Sidney Ponson, who was DFA’d back on the 6th. According to the AP, Ponson was cut for his poor attitude. He was 4-1 with a 3.88 ERA in 9 starts, much better than his performance last year with the Twins. Ponson had been signed to a minor league contract by Texas.

Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports that the Mariners and Orioles are moving closer to an agreement that will send LHP Erik Bedard out west. The Reds are also a candidate to land Bedard, but it appears the Mariners are willing to trade their top outfield prospect, Adam Jones, while the Reds will not part with their best minor-league outfielder, Jay Bruce.

The Mariners also are willing to include catcher Jeff Clement and third baseman Matt Tuiasosopo.

According to Ken Rosenthal over at Foxsports.com, The Mariners and Free Agent pitcher Carlos Silva are in “serious negotiations” about a possible 4 year deal that could reach to as much as 44 million.  Silva was 13-14 last year for a mediocre Twins team, posting a respectable 4.19 ERA.

I think Silva would be a nice 4 or 5 pitcher to add to the Mets staff, but 44 million for a 4th or 5th pitcher is a little too rich for my blood.

Gorden Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports that the Cubs are currently the team to beat in the race to sign OF Kosuke Fukudome. The White Sox, Padres, Mariners, Rangers and Giants have reportedly had serious interest in signing him.

The report also has a couple of trade rumors regarding the Cubs. As it stands right now, Mark Prior appears likely to land in his hometown of San Diego if dealt this offseason, though the Reds have also been linked to the 27-year old southpaw.

Also, Wittenmyer notes that the Toronto media have had reports out that suggest the Jays may pursue Cubs closer Ryan Dempster, who is prepping a return to the rotation next year.