Mariners trade Mike Sweeney to Phillies

Mike Sweeney had one more stop to make before embarking on a final shot at a postseason berth.

Just an hour or so after being traded to the Philadelphia Phillies for cash or a player to be named later, Sweeney made a special trip out to Safeco Field to say goodbye to his Mariners teammates. Sweeney could have just had his belongings shipped to him, but came to gather them in person right before boarding a flight to Philadelphia.

"He picked up his stuff, touched as many people as he could and then went on his way," Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu, who was instrumental in bringing Sweeney to Seattle after they were together in Oakland in 2008, said before Wednesday night's game. He hugged everybody. Hugged my son. Spread a little love before he left."

Wakamatsu said there were certain things that made Sweeney stand out as a player.

"The passion," he said. "How much he cared about other people rather than himself. How much he played recklessly regardless of his body. He'd go in there and run over the catcher. He'd go in there hurt. He loved the game and he loved the fact that he always wanted to give something back. And he knew how fortunate he was to have the career that he's had. He just cares about other people and that's a special trait to have."

Sweeney, 36, appeared in only 30 games for the Mariners this season. He unexpectedly made the team out of spring training as a nonroster invitee, then spent most of April on the bench.

But when Ken Griffey Jr. bottomed-out as the regular designated hitter, Sweeney got more and more playing time and went on a three-week tear beginning in May. He'd soon clubbed a team-high six home runs before back spasms began to slow him down.

Sweeney's playing time was reduced in June and he went on the 15-day disabled list on June 27. At the time, he said his back was feeling better, but it was obvious he was getting squeezed for playing time at DH and first base.

The Mariners had just acquired Russell Branyan in a trade from Cleveland and were about to add Justin Smoak in a deal with Texas for Cliff Lee.

Sweeney went on a monthlong rehabilitation stint with Class AAA Tacoma that finally ended on Tuesday.

As per Major League Baseball rules, Sweeney had to be reactivated after 30 days and was claimed on waivers by the Phillies. The Mariners worked out a deal with Philadelphia soon after.

This marks the best chance Sweeney will have at making the postseason in his 15-year big league career. Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik said he was pleased Sweeney good get a chance to play for a contender.

"Mike is a true pro and was a contributor to our organization in many ways, both on and off the field," Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik said in a release. "This is a great opportunity for Mike and we are pulling for him to succeed in Philadelphia."

Geoff Baker: 206-464-8286 or gbaker@seattletimes.com