Meche is the Man


The Mariners drafted Gilbert Allen Meche out of Arcadania High School in Louisiana in the first round (22nd overall) in June of 1996, and projected him as a No. 1 or No. 2 starter. Though he is only the No. 5 starter right now, he pitched like a No. 1 in April.

In his five starts, the 24-year old has pitched 32 innings and gone 3-1 with a 2.53 era; striking out 29 batters. That leads the Mariner staff.

Gil's first outing against the Yankees this year was probably the best of his career (and we just got through saying that about his last start in Cleveland). He went in and shut down the team with the best record so far in baseball, limiting them to only three hits in the first seven innings, striking out four, walking two and allowing no runs. That extends his scoreless streak to 16 1/3 innings.

He also beat a couple of highly tooted superstars. He held Hideki Matsui hitless and outpitched Hall of Famer Roger Clemens, who was 4-0 going into the game.

Three years ago, his first start in New York against Clemens did not go as well-he only lasted 3 1/3 innings and allowed six earned runs. "I wanted to show them that I could pitch here," Meche said. "I couldn't wait to get here tonight."

Getting back to New York was a long road. In 2000, after 30 starts with the Mariners, a mysterious shoulder pain put his career on hold.

Finally he had surgery, but missed all of the 2001 season. When he started throwing again in September of that year, something was still wrong. The team orthopedic surgeon operated in October, shaving an impingement in his shoulder.

Still not 100% in spring training, he spent the 2002 season in Double-A San Antonio, where he went 4-6, 6.51 in 25 games, showing much improvement in the last 10 games. He also did well in winter ball in Venezuela, going 3.54 in five starts.

He came to 2003 spring training and impressed everyone with his consistency. In his latest outing he was throwing three pitches for strikes, and throwing his changeups down and away. "He's got the stuff to stop anybody." Boone commented.

It looks like the guy who was supposed to be an ace and a big part of the Mariner's future is back. If he keeps it up, he won't stay No. 5.

References: "Meche helps M's shut out Yanks", Jim Street

The copyright of the article Meche is the Man in Seattle Mariners is owned by C. A. Wright. Permission to republish Meche is the Man in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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