Bret Boone, expected to be Harold Reynolds’ replacement at second base on Opening Day, was optioned to Calgary of the Pacific Coast League late Wednesday as the Mariners made their final cuts. Seattle also optioned right-hander Jeff Nelson to Calgary, sent left-hander Dennis Powell outright to the Triple-A club and reassigned rookie right-hander Jim Converse, catcher Chris Howard and outfielder Dann Howitt to its minor-league camp. Boone, the son of former major-leaguer Bob Boone and grandson of ex-big leaguer Ray Boone, came up at the end of last season. In spring training, Boone hit just .206, struck out 14 times and committed six errors in 22 games. New manager Lou Piniella was critical of Boone’s swing. Rich Amaral, a 31-year-old formerly in the White Sox and Cub organizations, will be the starter at second base.
