Mariners relate each position's toughest plays: Seattle defenders discuss some of the most difficult fielding maneuvers in baseball.(In Their Own Words)

FIRST BASE

John Olerud: I would say it's probably a throw that is an in-between hop. It's not far away enough where you can read the hop and it's not close enough that you can smother it. You're kind of at the mercy of what kind of hop it's going to take. Some guys like to pick the ball forehand, but I like it backhand, so an in-between hop forehand isn't easy.

I just try to keep as much pocket showing as I can, so there's room for error. If it hits the edges, I still have a chance. That's why I like the backhand better, because it seems like I have, more pocket.

A lot of the tough plays at first are the read plays. You've got guys at first and third with one out, and you get a ground ball. Is it hit hard enough to turn two, or should you go home with it? Some of those read plays are tough.

SECOND BASE

Bret Boone: The toughest plays are anything around the bag. Double play with a guy coming into second is the toughest. If it's a slow-hit ball, with the hit-and-run on, the (runner) is already on you. He's on top of you. He's sliding before you even have the ball, and you have to get rid of it and get up into the air before he hits you.

Another tough play is the ball straight up the middle, over the bag. You have to time your throw, and all your weight's going away from (first base).