M’S Skipper Experiences Leap Of Faith

Seattle Mariners manager Lou Piniella’s fiery image is verified in nearly every video clip of him as a player and manager. That’s why perhaps the biggest surprise in baseball this season is the news that Piniella has become a born-again Christian.

“It’s true,” says Piniella, who has been reluctant to speak about his new life. “I’m basically the same person, but there’s more humility, more meekness in me now.

“One of the reasons I’ve been hesitant to discuss any of this publicly is because I don’t want anyone to think I’ve lost any of my intensity when it comes to baseball. More than anything, I was concerned about a loss of intensity. That probably kept me from going in this direction before.

“I’m just as intense as ever. My baseball philosophy hasn’t changed. I want my teams to play hard and play dirty if they have to. I’m trying to be a better person, but I’m a manager, not a saint.”

Nelson bolsters bullpen

Pitching in Seattle’s often maligned bullpen, right-hander Jeff Nelson has provided some much needed stability for Piniella.

Nelson ranks among the league leaders in appearances, pitching in 20 of the Mariners 42 games thus far.

In his last 15 innings (spanning 12 appearances), Nelson has allowed just one run. Nelson is 3-0 with one save and a 1.50 earned-run average.

Miscellany

Seattle assigned right-handed pitcher Bill Risley to an injury rehabilitation assignment with Class AAA Tacoma of the Pacific Coast League… . Starting pitcher Chris Bosio’s ERA went from 2.58 to 4.05 Monday night in his second shortest stint in 215 career starts… . Third baseman Edgar Martinez hasn’t gone two consecutive games without a hit.