A future battery?

Two stories. One about an ex-Rattler catcher. One about an ex-Rattler pitcher.

First up, Jeff Clement ('05):

Jeff Clement's defense could be key to starting for M's

Everyone needs to start someplace and for Jeff Clement, that meant throwing out just about anybody on the basepaths.

That's sort of what happened late last week when the Mariners catcher nabbed Chicago Cubs outfield hopeful Sam Fuld at second on a "strike 'em out, throw 'em out" situation. Fuld will never be confused with Rickey Henderson, having stolen 10 bases in the minor leagues last year while also being caught 10 times.

But no one has mistaken Clement for Ivan Rodriguez in his heyday either, given how all 18 major-league runners who challenged his arm last year managed to safely advance 90 feet. With the Mariners looking for a catcher to step up and grab the No. 1 job, the ability of Clement to keep runners honest could play a large role in his future behind the plate.

"There were definitely situations last year where I could have thrown guys out," Clement said. "Being a catcher, there are a lot of times when you don't have a chance, whether the pitcher is too slow to the plate or you don't have a pitch you can throw on. So, there are a lot of different variables that play into it, but I definitely could have thrown out three, four or five guys and didn't get it done — for whatever reason.

"So, obviously that's something that I want to improve upon."

Next, Ryan Rowland-Smith ('02, '03) and his hitting exploits from the other day.

Mariners' Rowland-Smith more than just a pretty arm

After watching his pitcher, Ryan Rowland-Smith, get two hits against the Colorado Rockies, Seattle catcher Jeff Clement couldn't help but laugh.

"Don't ever led anyone tell you hitting is tough after watching that display," Clement said.

Clement could afford to laugh. For one thing, he had a hit and a walk and looked comfortable at the plate in a 10-5 Seattle victory that wasn't that close. For another, Rowland-Smith was using Clement's bat.

"Maybe I'll have him sign it," Clement laughed.

As for Rowland-Smith, he threw four innings, gave up five hits, two runs and didn't walk anyone. It was a solid performance, but all anyone wanted to talk about was his two hits -- all the more so because he hadn't batted in a game in the better part of a decade.

"I can't believe I'm standing here talking about hitting," Rowland-Smith said. "Especially after batting practice this morning."