Guardado’s return a bit fishy

Former Mariner Eddie Guardado is full of Cheez Whiz and vinegar again, which can only mean two things:

He’s healthy and eager to pitch. Anyone brave enough to joke around with him had better watch out.

Mariners closer J.J. Putz rediscovered that side of his old friend during spring training in Peoria, Ariz., when he smelled something fishy in his locker. Guardado, training with the Texas Rangers nearby in Surprise, had stopped by the Mariners’ clubhouse and, while Putz was away, left his calling card in some of Putz’s equipment.

Putz vowed revenge and, so far during the Rangers’ opening series at Safeco Field, it hasn’t happened. Of course, Guardado carefully checks his locker often.

“I’m waiting,” he said, using a long stick to push aside his clothing. “Better not be a snake. I can’t take snakes.”

Otherwise, Guardado’s return this week to Seattle, where he pitched for the Mariners in 2004 and 2005, has been nothing short of glorious.

Fans at Safeco Field gave Guardado the loudest ovation of anyone not in an M’s uniform when the teams were introduced before Monday’s opener.

“That really meant a lot,” he said. “I didn’t expect it, but it sent chills down my spine.

“When you hear that, it shows you really meant something to this town.”

Morse ready

Mike Morse, the right-handed-hitting part of the Mariners’ right-field platoon with Brad Wilkerson, will make his first start Friday night in Baltimore, where the Orioles are starting left-hander Adam Loewen. Morse won a roster spot with a .492 average at spring training.