Closing in Seattle: Kazuhiro Sasaki's exotic pitch finishes off foes.(baseball player)

Mariners' relief ace recorded 37 saves en route to winning the American League Rookie of the Year Award

IT IS THE MARINERS' VERSION OF THE 100-meter finals--Kazu Sasaki and Jose Paniagua sprinting out of the Seattle bullpen, like fungo bats out of hell, trying to be first to the handshake line after a victory.

Of course, for 37 games, Sasaki had a significant head start. For in those games, Sasaki was the one recording the final out, stamping what was, quite simply, the best season by a closer in Mariner history.

No longer must Mariner fans dread the ninth inning, wondering what new species of horror awaits. Instead, the realization in 2000 had slowly taken hold that Sasaki, with his wondrous forkball holding hitters in abeyance, was close to automatic.

"He did an unbelievable job for us," right fielder Jay Buhner said. "He addressed the Achilles' heel that has been with this team, basically, since Norm Charlton left."

Sasaki's save total not only broke the team record of Mike Schooler and Jose Mesa (whom he replaced as closer last season), but established a record for a major league rookie.

After each, Sasaki flashed that 200-watt smile and proceeded down the receiving line, exchanging handshakes and bows, each one a personalized ritual between himself and the player.