Foppert impresses in loss
Before the Mariners stumbled to another exhibition loss in Peoria, Ariz., that further frosted manager Mike Hargrove, pitcher Jesse Foppert delivered two innings of promise against San Diego.
The tall right-hander pitched two hitless innings, with one walk and two strikeouts, in his first exhibition outing Saturday.
After two days in which young pitchers have opened Hargrove’s eyes in a much more negative way, Foppert has been the Mariners’ most impressive pitcher not named Felix.
“I can’t really worry about trying to open someone’s eyes,” Foppert said. “I just want to keep progressing and working on the things (pitching coach Rafael Chaves) and I have been doing the last couple of weeks.”
He walked Mike Cameron with one out in the first inning, then retired the next five.
Foppert’s outing was one of the few things that pleased Hargrove in a 17-4 loss to the Padres.
Foppert, the San Francisco Giants’ second-round draft pick in 2001, climbed rapidly to the major leagues but suffered an elbow injury late in 2003 and underwent “Tommy John” surgery. He recovered quickly, pitching in the Giants’ season finale in 2004, then in winter league ball to build arm strength.
Foppert battled through an inconsistent 2005 season, going 10-9 at Triple-A Fresno, before the Mariners acquired him from the Giants in the Randy Winn trade last July 30. He made six starts for the Tacoma Rainiers, going 0-1 with a 2.57 ERA.
Foppert, 25, feels fine now and he’s pleased with his brief time with the Mariners.
Selig defends Classic
Baseball commissioner Bud Selig defended the World Baseball Classic, dismissing criticism that players put themselves at further risk of injury by participating.
New York owner George Steinbrenner has said he is worried star players might get injured, and some general managers have not been enthusiastic. At Legends Field in Tampa, Fla., the Yankees posted a sign apologizing to fans that some players were missing because they were at the WBC.
“You mean guys don’t get injured in spring training?” Selig said. “Guys get hurt walking down the street. All the managers, pitching coaches (are) very sensitive.
“Look, you can always pick at something, but there’s a broader picture, a grander picture.”
“South Korea beat China 10-1 in the World Baseball Classic and advanced to the second round of the 16-nation tournament.
Pitchers will go easy
No matter how good Jake Peavy is or how many batters Roger Clemens mows down for the U.S. team, their appearances in the WBC’s first round will be brief.
The rules insist on it.
No pitcher in round one can throw more than 65 pitches, unless it’s to complete the at-bat where he reaches No. 65. The number rises to 80 in the second round and 95 in the semifinals and finals. If a pitcher throws more than 50 pitches, he must have the next four days off, if he throws more than 30, he must have one day off. Relievers can pitch only two consecutive days without a day off.
Reese’s return uncertain
Florida Marlins second baseman Pokey Reese left spring training for personal reasons to return home, and it’s unclear whether he’ll return.
Reese, who grew up in Columbia, S.C., departed after Wednesday’s workout without telling the team. Officials worried about his safety until Reese had contact with his agent Friday.