Major League Baseball

Mariners watching RHP Pineda's development closely

Published Feb. 17, 2011 10:24 p.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

Michael Pineda's spot in the Seattle Mariners starting rotation awaits him. In spring training, the club wants to handle its prized pitching prospect with care and see how he responds to high expectations and hype.

Not a problem, Pineda says.

''I like it. I feel good,'' Pineda said. ''It's all up in the air right now.''

The 22-year-old rookie right-hander from the Dominican Republic, who was the Mariners' minor league pitcher of the year in 2010, has big-league stuff. Pineda is imposing on the mound at 6-foot-5, 245 pounds, and his minor league numbers have been impressive - 31-14 with a 2.49 career ERA in 86 games (71 starts) and 396 strikeouts in five seasons.

Pineda has displayed control, too, with 93 walks and only 14 wild pitches during those years. The Mariners have limited his innings in the minors in part out of precaution, and also because of two stints on the disabled list with elbow soreness.

''I like his athleticism on the mound, I like the way he presents the ball to home plate, I like the way his arm works,'' manager Eric Wedge said.

Wedge and his staff are watching Pineda closely in bullpen sessions. Pineda threw one Wednesday, with bullpen coach and former big-league pitcher Jaime Navarro and invited pitching instructor Nasusel Cabrera standing right behind Pineda on the mound.

''It's an important year for me and I'm working hard to stay up with the team,'' Pineda said. ''It's my first year and I'm on the (40-man) roster and I was invited to major league spring training. So I want to do the best I can to stay with the team.''

That also means listening to advice from veteran teammates like AL Cy Young Award winner Felix Hernandez.

''I've talked with Felix a lot,'' Pineda said. ''He's a good person and he's always trying to help us (younger guys). I ask him a question and he gives me an honest answer. He tells me what I need to know.''

Pineda's fastball pops the catcher's mitt with authority. His preferred offspeed pitch is a slider, and he hasn't let the attention get to him, at least on the surface. He listens intently to feedback from his coaches and catchers.

Pitching coach Carl Willis has noticed a controlled and calm Pineda in camp.

''There are expectations I think more so from media and fans right now,'' Willis said. ''We're trying to temper those expectations ... he's definitely come in here ready to go.''

Notes: Closer David Aardsma is still on crutches after surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left hip last month. ... Wedge said he's not going to rush ace Felix Hernandez, the 2010 AL Cy Young Award winner, to ''dial it up'' at this point early in spring training. ''We can hold off on that a little bit,'' Wedge said. ... OF Milton Bradley arrived at spring training Thursday.

share

Get more from Major League Baseball Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

Major League Baseball