Apes Set to Return

Kevin Appier is set to make one final run at a return to the big leagues. He accepted the Mariners' invitation for extended Spring Training after he partially tore his right calf muscle in mid-March, and they are about to give him the ball in Tacoma where he'll work in blocks of four or five innings. His desire to prove that he can still pitch is strong, and his 90 mph fastball may just help him do it. Yes, he's throwing 90 mph again.

Apes hasn't pitched at the big league level for two full years, but at 38, he's convinced he can still do it. And if you look at the Mariners' rotation, in which Jamie Moyer is the ace, you have to think that Apes has a shot. Nothing against Moyer. The guy knows how to pitch and he knows how to win. But that's the point. So does Appier. Now the question is, will his body cooperate? I sure hope so.