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It is interesting how the difficulties in the clubhouse began with the abrupt and acrimonious departure of Griffey after he his playing time was reduced, the very circumstance agreed upon as a condition for his resigning last winter. Griffey and Sweeney, though similar in their ability to influence other players, could not be more dissimilar in their motivation.
My impression is that Griffey has never really been a team-first player (I remember his grousing years ago when Edgar had more fan support signs in the crowd than he did), while Sweeney is the quintessential team-first guy.
If Griffey had stepped down with grace and appreciation to the organization for giving him a last farewell opportunity even though his skill was gone, I don't think we would be having this problem. Lopez and Figgins are not mature enough to see Griffey's character, or lack thereof, but blame Wakamatsu.
The first order of business in any organization, be it business, family, or baseball club, is the authority structure that must be in place. No authority structure, no long term success. The one in charge must be in charge--with love, compassion, grace, concern--but very firmly in charge as the decision maker. Those who will not yield to that leadership must be kindly and with tears removed. It is time for the Mariner leaders to be in charge.