First impression: Mariners’ Felix Hernandez looks new and improved
Feb 19, 2017, 3:31 PM | Updated: 3:45 pm
PEORIA, Ariz. — Despite the rain Sunday, I was able to check in on what was No. 1 on the priority list to watch in spring training: Felix Hernandez.
Felix and the other members of pitching “Group 2” were able to throw their bullpen sessions. And aside from the usual great-to-hear-the-pop-of-the-glove good feelings about baseball, there was also a sense of security in seeing face after familiar face in general manager Jerry Dipoto’s “steady five” take the mound. With so much offseason talk about the question marks with this group, seeing them in person allowed me the possibility that what is known about them has been undervalued a bit in the non-baseball months.
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There was Hisashi Iwakuma’s quick and always perfectly repeated delivery on one mound; James Paxton’s now familiar arm angle and giant wingspan on another. Newcomers Yovani Gallardo and Drew Smyly looked like veterans getting ready for the season and Felix, well, he looked new and improved.
This is nothing more than a first impression. We won’t know what Felix is on the mound until we see him throw in regular-season games, but what I saw in front of me today said that he put action to his end-of-the-season words about making changes. We’ve seen the videos on Instagram about his workouts with Iron Glen, but I was still curious to see him in person. He looks as though he’s got a stronger base, something that was needed especially after losing time to a leg injury last year. Less cardio and more weight work appears to have given him that. Nelson Cruz, who also trains with Iron Glen, said that he sees a definite difference with Felix.
“I was joking with him yesterday: He looks like a real man,” Cruz said with a laugh. “He looks big, he’s got muscles; hopefully that can translate into wins. That’s what we are looking for for him. I’m very impressed because he definitely looks better.”
It will be interesting to watch Felix go about his business the next two weeks before he leaves for the World Baseball Classic. Is the routine different? Is the focus different? Is he just getting ready or is he actively going after something different? The process began late last season when he acknowledged the need for change, and it is clear that different work was put in during the offseason. The process continues now in Peoria, but what we are seeing in camp appears to be a good and encouraging start.
