Let’s try closer by committee … of one

Closer J.J. Putz is down for an indefinite period with a sore rib, and Mariners manager John McLaren says he’ll “mix and match” his relievers at the end of games.

When I hear “mix and match” I think of shopping for clothes. “Do these striped pants go with this plaid shirt?” (Ichiro might say, “Go for it, as long as the shirt is pink.”)

I’m just as fond of “closer by committee.” It tells the relievers that they could be used at any time, any situation. Relievers may say they’ll be ready whenever they’re called, but the truth is they need to know their roles to pitch at their best. I’ve seen it fail too often to be comfortable with it.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

My guess — and this is purely a guess — is that McLaren will settle on one guy to close most of the games while Putz is out. He probably threw out the “mix and match” comment because he wants to keep other teams guessing which relievers are available and which aren’t for a particular game (even though it’s pretty easy to figure that out).

Mark Lowe is a natural for the job; he throws hard, he’s now healthy enough to pitch back-to-back games and he thrives on the late-innnig pressure. Seems to me he would match just about any situation McLaren would want to mix him with.

Speaking of hard-throwing relievers, Brandon Morrow pitched a perfect seventh inning Thursday night for the Class AA West Tennessee DiamondJaxx, striking out two. No report yet on his velocity, but that wasn’t Morrow’s problem when the Mariners sent him down. He was all over the place with his fastball during two minor league games at spring training as he came back from a bout of shoulder stiffness.

Once Morrow corrals the fastball and shows he can pitch back-to-back days with no ill effects, he’ll be back with the Mariners.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

AquaSox shortstop Colt Emerson takes a swing during Everett's 3-2 win against the Tri-City Dust Devils at Funko Field in Everett, Washington on June 14, 2025. (Shari Sommerfeld / Everett AquaSox)
Emerson walks off Tri-City to extend AquaSox win streak

The Mariners’ top prospect hits an RBI-single to seal 3-2 win; Batista has 2 RBI in return.

Everett AquaSox infielder Michael Arroyo receives high-fives in the dugout during Everett's 8-1 win against Tri-City at Funko Field in Everett, Washington on June 13, 2025. The 20-year-old Colombia native had two home runs and a career-high six RBI. (Shari Sommerfeld / Everett AquaSox)
Arroyo’s big night lifts AquaSox to 8-1 win over Tri-City

The 20-year-old smacks 2 homers and a career-high 6 RBI while extending hit streak to 10.

Everett Silvertips defenseman Landon DuPont was named CHL Rookie of the Year at the 2025 CHL Awards in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo courtesy of Josh Kim / Canadian Hockey League)
Tips’ Landon DuPont named CHL Rookie of the Year

The 16-year-old is the first defenseman in 30 years, and first Silvertip ever, to win the award.

Stanwood sophomore Addi Anderson in The Herald's 2025 All-Area Softball Pitcher of the Year. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2025 Softball Pitcher of the Year: Addi Anderson

The Stanwood sophomore had a 1.32 ERA to lead the Spartans to a district championship.

Michael Arroyo hit a 2-run home run for the Everett AquaSox in an 11-4 loss to the Tri-City Dust Devils at Funko Field on Thursday, June 12, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Shari Sommerfeld / Everett AquaSox)
AquaSox pitching goes cold in loss to Dust Devils

Although they held a first-inning lead, the Everett AquaSox fell… Continue reading

Jackson senior and UW commit Allie Thomsen is The Herald's 2025 All-Area Softball Hitter of the Year. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2025 Softball Hitter of the Year: Allie Thomsen

The Jackson senior had a .544 batting average and 1.600 OPS while striking out just once.

Seahawks defense end Leonard Williams (99) participates in a workout at minicamp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Edwin Hooper / Seattle Seahawks)
Seahawks bond over stories of their paths to football glory

Leonard Williams’ path to the NFL included stints of homelessness.

Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl (29) celebrates with teammates after scoring the game-winning goal in overtime against the Florida Panthers during Game 4 of the NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. (David Santiago / Tribune News Services)
Panthers blow lead, Oilers even Stanley Cup Final series

The game probably shouldn’t have gotten to this point.… Continue reading

Edmonds-Woodway senior Alex Plumis is The Herald’s 2025 Boys Soccer Offensive Player of the Year on Thursday, June 5, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2025 Boys Soccer Offensive Player of the Year: Alex Plumis

The Edmonds-Woodway senior scored 23 goals and dished nine assists.

Stanwood’s Rubi Lopez cheers after getting a base hit during the 3A District 1 championship game against Sedro-Woolley on Thursday, May 15, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Wesco all-league softball teams announced

Wesco has announced its all-league teams for boys soccer. WESCO 4A First… Continue reading

Taylor Dollard of the Everett AquaSox throws a pitch in a 5-2 victory over the Tri-City Dust Devils at Funko Field on Wednesday, June 12, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Shari Sommerfeld / Everett AquaSox)
Strong pitching anchors AquaSox, sinks Tri-City

Everett AquaSox pitching held Tri-City Dust Devils to just two… Continue reading

Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) hands off to running back Zach Charbonnet (26) during minicamp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Edwin Hooper, Seattle Seahawks)
Dave Boling: Sam Darnold’s first priority is the run game

For those Seattle Seahawks fans curious about the early… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.