Mariners notebook: McClendon ‘anxious’ to see Walker

By Shannon Drayer

PEORIA, Ariz. – Just a quick couple of notebook items and the lineup before I run out to watch Taijuan Walker throw.

I will have a report on that, of course, but should warn you this should not be too exciting. Scheduled to throw in this case means playing catch. It is not a bullpen, not a flat-ground session, just a nice, easy catch under the watch of trainers and manager Lloyd McClendon, who said that he was “interested and anxious” to see how it goes.

One pitcher McClendon is not anxious to see pitch is Fernando Rodney, who makes his spring debut in Thursday’s game against the White Sox. McClendon knows Rodney well from his days in Detroit and said that he has confidence the veteran knows what it takes to be ready. He joked that like most closers, Rodney found a way to get started late. No concern there.

Lineup!

Endy Chavez, 8
Stefen Romero, 7
Kyle Seager, 5
Corey Hart, DH
Jesus Montero, 3
Brad Miller, 6
Xavier Avery, 9
John Buck, 2
Willie Bloomquist, 4

Scot Baker

Most of the regulars are out as the team is traveling a full 15 minutes away to Glendale. Plenty to watch in the game that can be heard on Mariners.com only, however.

The battle is on at the shortstop position as Brad Miller and Nick Franklin are getting equal time in games. Defense will factor into the picture, but so far Miller is 2 for 10 with an .833 OPS in four starts and Franklin is 4 for 12 with a 1.000 OPS.

Note

• Single-game tickets go on sale Saturday, March 8 at 10 a.m. Tickets will be available without a service fee at the Safeco Field box office and Mariners team stores. They are also available at Mariners.com, Ticketmaster and by phone at 1-888-SEA-HITS.