A Few Good Pitchers

Starting pitchers aren't going to be hot all the time. Sometimes they can't throw a strike. Sometimes, like Paul Abbott, they can't throw a changeup. No need for the Mariners to panic if a starter struggles, they have extra arms-Halama, Pineiro and Franklin-with experience.

John Halama is back on target this year. In 2001, his third season with the M's as a starter, he struggled early, was demoted to AAA Tacoma, but finished the season strong working from the bullpen. The Mariners are using him as a starter again and in long relief this year.

Halama is not a power pitcher. He has to mix his speeds and throw breaking pitches, sinkers, and changeups. He has to keep the ball low and stay ahead in the count so he isn't forced to throw fastballs. He depends more on groundouts than strikeouts to end an inning. There isn't much room for error, but if he is locating, he is tough. So far this year he is locating.

Last year Joel Pineiro was promoted from Class AAA Tacoma on July 5 to work in the bullpen and then started in the fifth spot in the rotation, replacing Halama. His record in 2001 in 11 starts and six relief appearances with the M's was 6-2 with a 2.03 ERA. Best of all he retired the first 51 right-handers he faced and held righties to .150 off him all season.

There is a reason for Pineiro's success at only 23-he is confident and he throws a flaming fastball. He throws a two-seamer as well as a four-seamer. He also keeps hitters off balance with a good changeup, curve and slider.

The Mariners originally planned to use him as their fifth starter this year, but decided they needed Joel more in the bullpen to replace the power of Paniagua. This could change.

Ryan Franklin spent eight years as a starting pitcher in the minor leagues, except for a brief 6-game stint with the Mariners as a reliever in '99 and was ready to play in Japan if he didn't make the major league roster last year. Then Paul Abbott went on the disabled list and cleared a spot for Franklin on the team as a reliever. In 38 relief appearances in 2001 he went 5-1 with a 3.58 ERA.

In his first major league start on April 23 this year Ryan allowed 3 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, and struck out two in 68 pitches over 5 2/3 innings. It was enough to get the win.

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