Soaring Soriano

It began in spring training in the ’98 season when the rookie-league pitching coach decided to try to convert an 18-year old, failing outfielder to a pitcher. Four years later, Rafael Soriano is pitching in place of the rehabbing Paul Abbott in the fifth spot in the Mariner rotation.

The Natural

It was obvious that Soriano was a natural when he started tossing the ball around 88 mph when he was throwing easy. He learned the basics quickly his first year and went up to the Aqua Sox in ’99 where he pitched 75 innings with 83 strikeouts.

He honed his skills further at Class A Appleton, Class A San Bernardino and Class AA San Antonio the next two years.

His ERA was 2.63 at San Antonio this year when the Mariners called him up to pitch in Nelson’s spot in the bullpen. In his first major league debut on May 11 he pitched three scoreless innings of relief.

Power and Location

Soriano arrived so late for spring training because of visa problems in his native Dominican Republic, the Mariners weren’t able to see him pitch in a game. They knew, however, he could throw the ball in the 96-mph range.

Even when batters know his fastball is coming, they often miss it or pop it up.

But the sleek 22-year-old has more going for him than power. He can also locate the ball and use off-speed pitches. He struggled a lot as a hitter, batting only .167 when he was an outfielder and that helped him see pitching from a hitter’s perspective. He has a good approach to getting people out.

A Starter

In his first three games as a starting pitcher, he lost one and did not record any wins, though he pitched well and compiled a 2.74 ERA in 23 innings. He didn’t get much run support from the team.

More important than his numbers right now, though, is the way he handles himself on the mound. He exhibits composure and confidence—mental strengths that are as important for a pitcher as arm strength.

Even in those days when he was in danger of being released from the rookie team unless he could pitch, he knew he could make it in the majors, and he thinks he can make it with the Mariners.

If he keeps soaring the way he has the last four years, he has a good chance.

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Reference: The Herald, "Conversion Complete", Kirby Arnold, 5/12/02

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