Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com says that the 36-year-old Mike Sweeney will retire if he is not on the Major League roster when the regular season begins. A coaching position or playing in the minor leagues “aren’t options for me,” Sweeney said Wednesday.

“Come Easter Sunday, my first option would be to be here as a Seattle Mariner,” he said. “My second option would be with another big league team, in a big league clubhouse.

“My third option – and it truly is my only other option, which would be wonderful – is being home in San Diego with my wife, Shara, and three kids, going to Mass on Easter Sunday.

Sweeney is primarily a designated hitter with the occasional play at first base. The DH position is occupied by Ken Griffey Jr. in addition to Milton Bradley. First base is being manned by Casey Kotchman and Ryan Garko, so Sweeney has a lot of competition.

If Sweeney can’t find work in Seattle, his preference would be another West Coast team.

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