Piniella will go back to Sele for Game 1

  • Kirby Arnold / Herald Writer
  • Monday, October 15, 2001 9:00pm
  • Sports

By Kirby Arnold

Herald Writer

SEATTLE – Aaron Sele, who was battered in Game 3 of the American League Division Series against Cleveland, will start the first game of the AL Championship Series on Wednesday against the New York Yankees.

Sele assured himself of that assignment with two ineffective innings in Cleveland that consumed only 35 pitches.

“I’ve got all the confidence in the world in Aaron,” manager Lou Piniella said. “The other day in Cleveland he wasn’t throwing the ball well. As it turns out, it was the best thing for us. Now we’ve got a fresh pitcher for Wednesday.”

Piniella, who will use a four-man rotation against the Yankees, hasn’t decided who will pitch Game 2 on Thursday.

The likely pitcher would be right-hander Paul Abbott, who was used out of the bullpen in the division series after pulling off a career-high 17-4 record in the regular season.

The Game 3 starter will be either Jamie Moyer, who won two games against the Indians, or Freddy Garcia, who lost the opener but beat Cleveland in Game 4 to extend the series.

That schedule would leave Sele available for a possible Game 5 on Monday in New York.

“We’ll see how we arrange it,” Piniella said without being specific.

Piniella said he will increase the staff to 11 pitchers, and probably add either Joel Piniero or Ryan Franklin to the roster.

The increase to an 11-man staff will force the Mariners to use just 14 position players, one less than they had in the first round.

And there might be one interesting addition. Shortstop Carlos Guillen, diagnosed last month with tuberculosis, will be examined today and could be put on the roster.

“We might get fortunate,” Piniella said. “We might have Carlos back. We’ll know (today).”

Guillen, who was hospitalized for a week, has been working out daily at Safeco Field to build his strength. Piniella wasn’t sure whether Guillen’s lack of stamina would prevent him from starting.

If Guillen can return as a starter, it would allow Piniella to better use Mark McLemore’s versatility. McLemore, a switch-hitter, can play all three outfield positions, plus third, short and second on the infield.

The Mariners and Yankees will work out this afternoon at Safeco Field. The session is not open to the public.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin puts three fingers in the air after making a three point shot during the game against Glacier Peak on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 in Arlington, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep basketball roundup for Saturday, Feb. 15

Martin’s triple-double leads Arlington to district win

Monroe's Halle Keller drives past Meadowdale's Payton Fleishman during a Feb. 14, 2025 3A District 1 playoff game at Meadowdale High School. (Qasim Ali / The Herald)
Last-second layup powers Monroe past Mavs

The Bearcats staged a 50-49 road upset in a district playoff clash.

Shorecrest’s Cassie Chesnut leaps in the air to block a shot by Shorewood’s Bridget Cox during the 3A district playoff game on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Shoreline, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Shorecrest girls win rubber match against Shorewood

Cassie Chesnut’s 28 points, 18 rebounds pushes the Scots to District 1 3A semifinals with 53-38 win.

Freshman leads Jackson to 4A district swim title

Syunta Lee sets two meet records as Timberwolves edge Lake Stevens.

Shorecrest wins 3A district swim title

Snohomish’s Torsten Hokanson sets two meet records and leads two winning relays.

Snohomish’s Kendall Hammer yells in celebration with teammate Snohomish’s Sienna Capelli after she makes a shot and is fouled during the game on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep basketball roundup for Friday, Feb. 14

Snohomish, Stanwood girls cruise into district semis.

Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for Feb. 2-8

The Athlete of the Week nominees for Feb. 2-8. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Mountlake Terrace’s Svayjeet Singh leaps in the air after the basketball during the 3A district loser-out playoff game against Snohomish on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish upsets Mountlake Terrace for first playoff win in 11 years

Bryson Wheat scored 25 in Panthers’ 49-43 win to advance to the District 1 Boys 3A quarterfinals

Julio Rodríguez (left) and manager Dan Wilson (right) of the Seattle Mariners react after the game against the Oakland Athletics at T-Mobile Park on Sept. 27, 2024, in Seattle, Washington. (Steph Chambers / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Dan Wilson begins first spring training as M’s manager

An anxious eagerness to get through the first of… Continue reading

Marysville Getchell junior Bubba Palocol reverses directions while dribbling against Arlington during a playoff matchup at Arlington High School on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, in Arlington, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Prep basketball roundup for Thursday, Feb. 13

Marysville Getchell, Lakewood boys each earn district wins

Kenneth Walker III runs with against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Dec. 1, 2024. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks)
Seahawks hire run game coach

Justin Outten added to staff as Mike Macdonald continues attempts to bolster rushing attack.

Balanced scoring attack leads Gonzaga

Zags take over second place in WCC with 88-77 win over USF.

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.