King Felix looked sharp

Felix Hernandez ('03) pitched a simulated game for the Mariners yesterday. Reports were good.

Felix Hernandez's slow drive into spring training is about to pick up some speed. After he pitched a two-inning simulated game Tuesday morning, part of the team's plan to limit the number of live-action game innings he pitches this spring, he pronounced himself ready for some real competition. He's likely to get it Sunday when he's slated to get his first start of the spring against the Rockies in Tucson.

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Hernandez threw 35 pitches, facing three Mariners minor-leaguers a total of nine times. All were outs other than a ball hit to the outfield that was misplayed. None of the others made it out of the infield and Hernandez struck out five. Afterward, both Hernandez and Wakamatsu proclaimed themselves happy with how it went.

"I thought he looked outstanding," Wakamatsu said. "It's really impressive to me to watch the difference in a year in the way he goes about his business. I think he is on track, even though we have held him back a little bit. Watching the action of his pitches, I couldn't be more pleased at this point."