MLBeat: Wilson tests free agency

ANAHEIM -- Dan Wilson is about to enter the free-agent market for the first time in his professional career and he has no idea where it will lead.

It might take him back to Seattle. Or possibly back home to the Midwest.

"I don't know what to expect because I never have been in this situation before," he said. "It would be hard to leave the Mariners, no doubt about it."

The 33-year-old Wilson ended his ninth -- and probably best -- season with the Mariners Sunday afternoon against the Angels. He went into the season finale with a .296 batting average, six home runs and 44 RBIs.

The fact he had another solid season behind the plate could make him an attractive free agent.

"I really haven't given (free agency) that much thought because we were involved in a pennant race until just a few days ago," Wilson said Sunday at Edison Field. "When the season ends, I'll talk it over with my family and agent (Ron Shapiro) and see what's forthcoming."

The Mariners' front office hasn't indicated whether or not they will try to re-sign Wilson, who made $4.3 million this season, which was the final year of a three-year, $12.9 million contract.

Switch-hitting Ben Davis has been groomed this season to replace Wilson, but the team might want the grooming to last another year or two.

Davis played in 79 games this season, batting .256 with six home runs and 40 RBIs.

The idea of finishing his career with the Mariners, whom he helped build into a perennial playoff contender, is enticing. But returning to his Midwest roots isn't a bad scenario either.

"My wife's family is from the Chicago area and Seattle is like a world away from everything, so it becomes temping to go back (to Midwest)," he said. "On the other hand, Seattle has become home and it would be hard to leave.

"Either way, you have to make the best of any situation, but I am entering some uncharted waters and it's going to be interesting."

Wilson is just one of four big free agent decisions facing the Mariners front office. Left-handed starting pitcher Jamie Moyer and first baseman John Olerud also become free agents at the end of the World Series.

The Mariners have a one-year option (for $10 million) on designated hitter Edgar Martinez. They can buy that out for $2 million and attempt to re-sign Martinez for much less than the $10 million.

Extra, Extra: The final two weeks of the season included six extra-inning games and the final 11 games consumed an average three hours and 36 minutes. For the season, the Mariners played 17 extra-inning games, posting an 11-6 record. Only Tampa Bay (19), Texas (18) and Kansas City (18) played more extra-inning games.

Coaching staff returns: Just in case you were wondering, manager Lou Piniella's entire coaching staff will return with him next season - - the final year of Sweet Lou's three-year contract. John McLaren (bench), Gerald Perry (hitting), Bryan Price (pitching), Dave Myers (third base), John Moses (first base) and Matt Sinatro (bullpen) all signed two-contract at the end of the 2001 season.

This date in history: On Sept. 29, 1988, left-hander Mark Langston extended his club-record scoreless inning streak to 34 1/3 innings before surrendering a run to the Rangers.

Fantasy Edge: Second baseman Bret Boone had a solid second half of the season, batting .344 (94-for-273), totally erasing a miserable first half, when he batted just .229 before the All-Star break.