Some Rattler Alumni Stuff

Did you know that Ryan Rowland-Smith ('02, '03) has a blog? Thanks to Lookout Landing, I do.

Here is the start of the post after his first start as a major leaguer.

I had my first Major League start Tuesday night against the Blue Jays, which was kind of fitting because they were the only team I was exposed to growing up in Australia, as I once borrowed video tapes of the ‘93 World Series between Toronto and Philadelphia.

This is from a few days ago, before Cesar Jimenez ('03) gave up the game winner in the bottom of the eleventh at Oakland.

Cesar Jimenez is eager to atone for 2006 performance

With each day of rehab, with each pitch of winter ball, with each day in the minors, Cesar Jimenez was thinking of this day.

After an ugly four-game stint with the Mariners in 2006, Jimenez fractured his left elbow — his pitching elbow — and missed much of the 2007 season. He could never be sure he would make it back to the majors.

"I've been working hard every day to come back," Jimenez said.

JJ Putz ('03) is getting ready to come back

Putz set to return after All-Star break

Seattle had the hottest closer in baseball last year in J.J. Putz -- 6-1, 1.38 ERA and 40 saves in 42 chances.

The Mariners have the hottest closer in baseball in recent weeks in Brandon Morrow -- 1-1, 0.65 and seven saves in seven opportunities.

Putz is on the disabled list, due to come back from elbow problems sometime within the first week or so after the All-Star break, which runs July 14-17.

When he does, he won't come back as the closer, not right away, because manager Jim Riggleman says he will want Putz to pitch midgame a couple of times to see how his stuff looks after two long stints on the DL.