Green's spring impressive so far

03/12/2006
PEORIA, Ariz. -- Right-hander Sean Green has bounced around the Minor Leagues since he was taken by the Colorado Rockies in the 12th round of the 2000 First-Year Player Draft, but he might be closer to the Major Leagues than he's ever been.
Green, a 6-foot-6 26-year-old the Mariners obtained in a December 2004 trade with the Rockies, has been impressing the coaching staff with a fastball that touches 94-95 mph and a heavy sinker.
Green appeared in 21 games for Double-A San Antonio last year and did well, posting a 2.96 ERA and saving 14 games. The Mariners promoted him to Triple-A Tacoma, where he appeared in 33 games and struck out 44 batters in 49 1/3 innings.
He got the attention of pitching coach Rafael Chaves in winter ball in Puerto Rico and got a late invitation to big-league camp, where he's been lights-out. Expect to hear his name more as the spring -- and possibly summer -- progresses.
On the move: Veteran hitter Roberto Petagine might start the season in Triple-A, but he figures to be an enticing option for the Mariners if an injury or trade opens a spot for a potent left-handed bat. Petagine has been crushing Cactus League pitching, with a .538 batting average and three RBIs. He also hit the team's longest home run of the spring in an exhibition game against Japan's World Baseball Classic team.
On the pine: Right-hander Clint Nageotte (pulled left hamstring) threw a bullpen session Saturday and will throw another one Monday. ... Left-hander Bobby Livingston (stiff neck) continues to improve. ... Outfielder Wladimir Balentien (strained right hamstring) is still not available for games. ... Left-hander Cesar Jimenez (mild strain of left hamstring) threw a bullpen Wednesday.
Names in the game: Triple-A pitching coach Dwight Bernard, who is in his first year in that position, was pitching coach for San Antonio last year and Class A Inland Empire in 2004. He was drafted by the New York Mets in the second round in 1974 and would go on to pitch in the Major Leagues with the Mets (1978) and the Milwaukee Brewers (1981-1982). Bernard pitched in the postseason in both years with the Brewers.
They're No. 1: Five of the Mariners' No. 1 draft picks are still in camp. Last year's No. 1 selection, catcher Jeff Clement, will likely start the season at Class A or Double-A. Shortstop Matt Tuiasosopo finished last season at low Class A Wisconsin and has a shot at Double-A this year. Adam Jones, the team's 2003 pick out of high school, will start in center field at either Double-A or Triple-A. Reliever Matt Thornton (1998) will likely return to the Major League bullpen and Gil Meche (1996) is in the Mariners' starting rotation.
Class of '05: Clement is the only 2005 draft alumnus in Mariners' big-league camp.
What they're saying: "Everything he's done has been impressive. He's gone out and competed, he throws strikes and has a nasty sinker." -- Mariners manager Mike Hargrove on Green

Source: http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/