M's Mailbag

Corey Brock has answers to questions in this week's M's Mailbag.

There are two items in the entry that concern ex-Rattlers:

Do you think Eric O'Flaherty will make the team as a reliever this season?--Derek L., Vancouver

That's a tough call at this point. O'Flaherty certainly accounted well for himself during a short stint with the team last season, posting a 4.09 ERA in 15 appearances after he was recalled from Triple-A Tacoma. A lot of what happens will depend on, I think, if Jake Woods -- who also is left-handed -- makes the starting rotation this spring. If he doesn't, then he'll go back to the bullpen, giving Seattle two left-handers there (George Sherrill is the other).

I don't really know how Hargrove feels about the prospect of carrying three left-handed relievers on the roster. O'Flaherty wouldn't be hurt by starting the season at Tacoma again. He'll be 22 on Opening Day, and he certainly has a bright future. But he could be in a situation where no matter how well he pitches during Spring Training, it might be the fate of others that determines where he begins the season.

And now...Christmas was either kinda late or very early for Corey Brock. There is nothing that a writer likes more than what he thinks is a dumb question.

Just like what the Boston Red Sox did, can't the Mariners just put J.J. Putz into the starting rotation? He's coming off his career year with a low ERA and a very high strikeout ratio. I was looking at the Mariners' starting rotation for this season -- it doesn't look too strong. Putz has some experience in starting from Triple-A Tacoma, I believe. Then the Mariners can look for some relief pitchers or possibly closers by looking at what's left in the market, or a possible trade.--Tom K., Portland, Ore.

While Putz had been a starter during his Minor League career, the notion of moving him out of the closer role -- especially after the monster season he had last year -- makes no sense at all for several reasons.

First, look at what Putz did last season. He had 36 saves even though he didn't assume the full-time closer role until May. His strikeout-to-walk ratio (104-to-13) was nothing short of amazing. And given that Seattle traded away its second-best reliever (Rafael Soriano) last month, taking Putz out of the closer role doesn't add up.

Teams struggle to find guys to get those last three outs of the game, and Putz proved his worth last season -- and, subsequently, he was rewarded last week by agreeing to a three-year, $13.1 million contract. It's takes a different kind of makeup to be a closer, and Putz fits the bill. Simply put, Putz's role is closer. He's as good at it as anyone in the American League.

Think there will be anymore e-mails to Corey Brock from Tom in Portland?