Article: BELTRE HAPPY JUST BEING MAN IN MIDDLE.(Sports)

Byline: JOHN HICKEYP-I reporter

PEORIA, Ariz. -- If it were up to Adrian Beltre, he probably would hit fifth in the order.

The Mariners third baseman likes to bat behind another right-handed hitter so he can track what the pitcher is throwing from the on-deck circle. Beltre and fellow right-hander Richie Sexson are the two candidates for the No. 4 spot in the Mariners order, with left-handed hitting Raul Ibanez set to bat third.

Should Sexson bat fourth and Beltre fifth, Beltre would be very happy with that.

On the other hand

"It's what I prefer, but it's not something that I need," Beltre said Thursday before the Mariners played the San Diego Padres ...

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