Going Deep M’S Pitchers Exhibit Power In Batting Practice

After a few days of bunting drills, Mariners pitchers finally got the “hit” sign from coaches Tuesday and took two rounds each of full-swing batting practice.

Results were mixed - more than a dozen broken bats and home runs by Scott Sanders, Paul Menhart and back-to-back long balls from rookie Ken Cloude.

Reliever Norm Charlton actually switch-hit, batting from both sides of the plate and hitting line drives.

Medical update

Mike Blowers is doing everything he normally does in spring - hitting, running, taking ground balls - but he’s doing it with a brace on his surgically repaired left knee. Though the brace doesn’t hamper him, “It sticks out a little and my right knee keeps hitting it when I run.” He’s testing the brace during camp, and will probably wear it until the All-Star break.

On tap today

Manager Lou Piniella is scheduled to fly into Phoenix tonight, although the last time he was scheduled in he didn’t make it. Cleared to return to duty, Piniella, with his tender nether regions after rectal surgery, should make his first appearance Thursday.

Camp notes

Alex Rodriguez arrived, just ahead of his picture on the cover of this week’s Sports Illustrated, sharing that space with friend and Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter. It’s the second SI cover for Rodriguez, and only Ken Griffey Jr., with four covers, has more as a member of the Mariners. Rodriguez won’t take part in full workouts until Thursday, but he took some ground balls.