Moyer in 2012? If he says he can pitch again, he probably will

Published 6:23 pm Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Looking ahead to the 2012 season, can you imagine a Mariners starting rotation of Felix Hernandez, Michael Pineda, Jason Vargas, Mauricio Robles and Jamie Moyer?

Preposterous, you say? OK, I’ll admit it may be a stretch for some people to think Vargas will remain as effective two years from now as he was in 2010.

Wait, it’s Moyer you’re doubting? Never doubt Jamie Moyer.

The former Mariner, now 48 years old, had “Tommy John” ligament surgery today in New York and, in a development as surprising as sunrise, plans to pitch again. According to a news release from the Moyer Foundation, he’s determined to push himself through rehab and reach the major leagues again.

“Thanks to the advances in surgery many pitchers have made successful returns to the mound after undergoing surgery similar to mine,” Moyer said in the Moyer Foundation release. “I look forward to the challenge of making a comeback for the 2012 season. I love this game and I still believe I can be a successful pitcher in the big leagues. Prior to the injury I was feeling great and throwing well. I want to thank everyone for the kind words and good wishes.”

Should the Mariners be interested? A lot needs to happen as Moyer rehabs over the next year, but why shouldn’t they be?

While a lot of people already have scoffed at the notion of Moyer coming back from an injury that first occurred this summer with the Phillies and happened again during winter ball in the Dominican Republic, Moyer has made fools of many throughout his career.

His fastball may barely top 80 mph as he approaches 50 years old, but as long as he’s still got the changeup and precise control of his pitches, Moyer could be a fifth starter on my team at any age.