Mariners' Cal Raleigh apologizes for calling out team after season-ending loss - ESPN

SEATTLE — Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh apologized to his teammates and coaches Sunday for his strong comments about the team's commitment to winning after the Mariners were eliminated from postseason contention.

Raleigh spoke for about 90 seconds and did not take questions, a day after Seattle lost to Texas and was eliminated from postseason contention.

«Obviously yesterday was a really emotional day for everybody. I just want to apologize to my teammates, my coaches, fans. It wasn't a time to talk about what-ifs in that scenario,» Raleigh said. «That being said, I'm not going to apologize for wanting to win and wanting to bring a World Series to the city. They deserve it, the fans do and our organization does, and I'm committed to doing that.»

Raleigh expressed his frustration with Seattle falling short after Saturday's 6-1 loss to Texas. The Mariners snapped a 21-year playoff drought last season and entered this year with the expectation of making it two playoff appearances in a row.

«Anytime you can add, I mean look over in [Texas'] locker room right there, they've added more than anybody else and look where it got them,» Raleigh said after Saturday's season-ending loss. «There's more than one way to skin a cat, that's for sure. But going out and getting those big names, people who have done it, people who have been there, people who are leaders, people who have shown time and time again that they can be successful in this league is definitely what would help this clubhouse.»

Seattle remained near .500 through the first several months, and a big August pushed the Mariners into the playoff picture.

Raleigh seemed mostly concerned about making sure his comments weren't taken the wrong way by teammates.

«That being said,