Class Of ‘95 Holds Reunion In Kingdome

The Seattle Mariners had a little class reunion in the Kingdome on Tuesday, inviting back the Class of ‘95 - which included veteran Lee Guetterman and Bobby Ayala.

Guetterman, 37, was brought up from Tacoma to replace reliever Tim Davis, who broke his left leg in the game Sunday night.

“He’ll be used in the same role we used Davis,” manager Lou Piniella said. “Middle innings, when we need to get a few left-handed hitters out.”

As for Ayala, he’s not ready to pitch yet, but he was back in uniform during batting practice Tuesday for the first time since April 24, when he put his right hand through a Chicago hotel window and was badly cut.

“He threw on the side today, he’ll throw two or three more times and then we’ll put together a quick rehabilitation assignment for him,” Piniella said. “Best-case scenario, we’ll have him pitching again here in about 10 days.”

Griffey to DH? No way

Orioles manager Davey Johnson decided against moving Cal Ripken Jr. from shortstop to third base, a public brainstorm last week that had Baltimore in turmoil - and sportswriters pounding out stories about the imminent move. Turns out, not so imminent.

It reminded Piniella of the time he managed the Yankees and, desperate for a third baseman, he moved Don Mattingly from first base for a few days. “The writers looked at me strangely,” Piniella said.

Asked if someday, some manager might have to move an aging Ken Griffey Jr. from center field to another position, Piniella acknowledged it might happen - but not on his watch.

“I’ll be on a golf course by the time that happens,” he said. “Or watching on TV.”

Small talk

The Mariners are quietly saying neither Chris Bosio nor Greg Hibbard will ever throw a pitch in a Seattle uniform again.