Manager Bob Melvin suggested pitcher Ron Villone might be the Mariners’ staff MVP this season – and then sent him to the bullpen.
“Ron wants to pitch, he’s old school, and if you give him the ball he’ll pitch until you go get him,” Melvin said. “Every role we’ve asked him to fill this season, he’s filled well.”
A starter for most of the last two months, Villone came out of the bullpen Sunday and got his fifth win in relief of Ryan Franklin, mostly because Seattle was out of fresh arms in the pen.
On Tuesday, Villone was told he’ll pitch in relief and Korean rookie right-hander Cha Seung Baek will slide into the starting rotation beginning Thursday in Toronto.
In the continuing audition of minor league talent, Baek will be the 11 pitcher this year to start for Seattle – and the fifth rookie.
“We want to take a look at Baek, and he’s the pitcher who has started most recently (in Tacoma),” Melvin said.
Bye-bye, Borders … for now: Seattle sent Tacoma catcher Pat Borders to the Minnesota Twins Tuesday in a deal that could land the veteran catcher in the postseason – and brought a Moses Lake prospect home.
In exchange for Borders, 41, the Mariners acquired B.J. Garbe, a 23-year-old outfielder taken fifth in the 1999 draft who has never lived up to his potential. Garbe, batting .201 for Class AA New Britain, was assigned to Class AA San Antonio. Borders has been in the Seattle system since 2001, mostly playing with the Rainiers, and when general manager Bill Bavasi talked to him before the trade the door was left open for a return to the M’s next year.
Larry LaRue, The News Tribune
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