AMERICAN LEAGUE: AROUND THE HORN AL: ALL SUZUKI, ALL THE TIME.

Byline: Joe Haakenson Staff Writer

SEATTLE - Seattle Mariners right fielder Ichiro Suzuki has taken baseball by storm, leading the league in batting average, runs, hits and stolen bases. But apparently he's more than a slap hitter lacking power.

At least, that's what Angels reliever Shigetoshi Hasegawa says. Hasegawa and Suzuki were teammates with the Orix Blue Wave in Japan for four seasons, and Hasegawa said the league shouldn't discount Suzuki's power potential.

``He's starting to pull the ball more,'' Hasegawa said. ``I want to tell him to be more of a power hitter, but I don't think I should because he's already so good. If he does more lifting (weights), he can be like that. He has such good mechanics, I think he can hit more home runs.''

Suzuki has only three home runs so far this season but Hasegawa said he can see Suzuki hitting about 20 home runs a year.

``People say he's a slap-shot hitter, but I know he can pull the ball too,'' he said. ``How many hitters can do that? If he starts hitting home runs, then we (pitchers) have no chance. He can be more like Bernie Williams. If he gets more power, I might say `Just walk him.' ''

--Mariners fever: Mariners fans could be accused of stuffing the All- Star ballot boxes, but it's difficult to argue with them considering the way the team's playing.

Seattle is represented atop the voting at four positions, and ex-Mariner Alex Rodriguez is tops among shortstops.

In the latest polling, the American League team would feature Mariners starting at first base (John Olerud), second base (Bret Boone), outfield (Suzuki) and designated hitter (Edgar Martinez).

The Mariners also have a pitcher, Aaron Sele, who should be considered to start the game.

The All-Star Game on July 10 definitely will have the feel of a Mariners home game, especially considering it will be played at Seattle's Safeco Field.

--Bad boy: In acquiring reliever John Rocker from the Atlanta Braves, the Cleveland Indians now essentially have two closers, one right-handed and one left-handed. Rocker, a lefty, saved 19 in 23 chances for the Braves.

But that doesn't mean he'll get all the save opportunities. Right-hander Bob Wickman has done a good job this season, saving 15 in 16 chances.

``To me, I've got a left-handed closer and a right-handed closer,'' Indians manager Charlie Manuel told the Cleveland Plain Dealer. ``I think we're going to win enough games so they'll both get plenty of work.''

With Rocker's history, there's always the question of how he'll fit in with his new teammates.

``I think that's old news,'' outfielder Ellis Burks said. ``That's in the past. People need to learn to let things go. There's been plenty of people to say things that they don't really mean or that they regret at that particular time. I think that's one of those deals.''

--Bad boy II: An AL scout said Pedro Martinez planned to hit Suzuki with a pitch when Boston played the Mariners earlier this season. But before he faced Suzuki, Martinez accidentally (apparently) hit Edgar Martinez in the head with a curveball. Pedro Martinez was warned by the umpires, meaning he would face ejection if he hit anybody else.

--This week's poll: Suzuki is a no-brainer when it comes to the AL Rookie of the Year voting. That is, unless one believes someone who played nine years in Japan, winning seven batting titles there, should not be eligible. Suzuki, 27, would be just like his Mariners teammate, Kazuhiro Sasaki, who won last year's rookie award at age 32.

Should players who play professionally in other parts of the world be eligible for the Rookie of the Year award? Send response to Joe.Haakenson(at)sgvn.com.

--Last week's poll: If Major League Baseball goes forward with a proposed plan of contraction, which team(s) should be eliminated? Results: Expos - 67 percent; Devil Rays - 33 percent.