KING

SEATTLE -- This hasn't been a happy season for the Seattle Mariners, who were picked by many baseball writers to win the American League West before settling for a last-place finish.

Things got so bad in the clubhouse that one player reportedly threatened to "knock out" outfielder Ichiro Suzuki, the team's highest profile player.

A "clubhouse insider" quoted in Thursday's edition of The Seattle Times said, "I just can't believe the number of guys who really dislike him. It got to a point early on when I thought they were going to get together and go after him."

The story went on to say that coaches and then-manager John McLaren, who was fired June 19th, intervened when one player was overheard talking about wanting to "knock him out." A meeting was called to clear the air.

Suzuki did not comment on the story, but pitcher J.J. Putz said he doesn't remember any such incident and said there was no meeting to talk about it.

But rumors persist that some players believe Ichiro is selfish and more interested in his hit totals than the team's success.