Putz More than the M's Closer
He's the king of the ninth inning and the master of the postgame shaving-cream pie.
J.J. Putz's value to the Seattle Mariners goes well beyond his status as the American League's best closer and a practical joker who leaves teammates looking both ways before they sit down.
He's the glue that holds the relief pitching staff together, having become a mentor to a group of young pitchers who comprise one of the most important facets of the team.
Don't just call Putz a closer. To them, he's their leader.
"J.J. took me under his wing when I got called up," right-hander Mark Lowe said. "He gave me the dos and don'ts of this game and I've taken every single one of them and used them for myself. You see a guy with the success that he's had, you're stupid not to take something from it."
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