Posted on Sun, Mar. 21, 2004

 

MARLINS | MICHAEL TEJERA

 

SOMETHING LEFT TO PROVE

 

Michael Tejera's primary job for Florida is to get left-handed hitters out, something he struggled with last year. But a new delivery should help.

 

By CLARK SPENCER

 

cspencer@herald.com

 

VIERA - A stiff wind was the main culprit in the home run he gave up Saturday, and the single was a broken-bat blooper just over the third baseman's head. His pitching line didn't look pretty -- two earned runs in one inning -- but Michael Tejera looked at the bright side.

 

''I got a left-handed hitter out, so that's something positive,'' Tejera said.

 

Tejera is a left-handed pitcher trying to secure a spot in a suspect Marlins bullpen. His primary task? Retire left-handed hitters. Last season, he did a poor job of that.

 

Lefties batted .392 against Tejera, making him the least effective southpaw in the majors in those matchups among pitchers who had as many chances.

 

Because of those struggles, Tejera has adopted a new throwing motion. He now throws sidearm when facing lefties, and the results have proved noteworthy. Left-handed hitters are no longer teeing off on him.

 

''It's been different than last year so far,'' said Tejera, who jeopardized his roster spot with a lousy start last spring. ``I had a tough start last year, but this time I'm going in the opposite direction.''

 

TIME TO STEP UP

 

Manager Jack McKeon's impatience is starting to show with a bullpen that hasn't taken definitive shape with opening day less than 2 ? weeks away. But he was pleased with Tejera when, in a split-squad game Thursday night against the Los Angeles Dodgers, he pitched three scoreless innings, allowing one hit.

 

''He's pitched fine the last few times out,'' McKeon said. ``If he throws strikes, he's fine. I thought his last time out he was outstanding, the best we've seen in a while. Let's hope he can repeat that.''

 

Tejera has been with the Marlins since 1995, when the team took him in the sixth round of the June draft. He made his major-league debut with them in 1999, and in 2002 went 8-8 while starting 18 games and relieving in 29.

 

But last year was difficult, in large part because of his inability to consistently retire lefties. Right-handed hitters enjoyed far less success against him than did their counterparts on the other side of the plate.

 

Toward the end of last season, catcher Ivan Rodriguez suggested that Tejera drop his arm angle, then passed it along to pitching coach Wayne Rosenthal. It couldn't hurt.

 

''He's a different pitcher,'' Rosenthal said.

 

ONE THAT GOT AWAY

 

Tejera would prefer to forget the bizarre pitch he delivered at Wrigley Field in Game 2 of the National League Championship Series. It flew sideways out of his hand, sailing over the Marlins dugout. It was a game Florida was losing 12-3, so it had no impact other than to lift the spirits of teammates.

 

''Everybody was laughing,'' Tejera said. ``I think that kind of helped because we were losing and it took everybody out of their sadness.''

 

Only three left-handed relievers remain in camp. In addition to Tejera, there's Tommy Phelps and Matt Perisho. McKeon said he'd prefer to keep two lefties, but the team could get by with one if necessary.

 

''I don't have any pressure,'' Tejera said. ``And I don't worry about anybody else. The only thing I can control is myself. So far, so good.

 

``I think my new delivery is working. At least it's been working so far.''

 

 

Article

I hope this delivery change includes not throwing the ball into the Marlins dugout. Just Kidding. He did pretty good Saturday except for the Homer he gave up it got caught in the wind, but was still hit well off of him. I still feel he's a good enough reliever.

It's true Tejera is doing better this spring. So far, in 9 innings pitched he has allowed 3 earned runs for an ERA of 3.00. Not bad. Let's see how the next 2 1/2 weeks go.

 

I bet he makes the team as Jack likes to go with experience.

A ham sandwich is a ham sandwich whether you put fancy mustard on it or not. Trade Tejera now while he's pitching well (maybe in a multi-player trade package with Banks and even a high prospect) for someone who really can pitch. It won't take MLB hitters long to figure out his new delivery.

 

We need at least one more dependable arm in the bullpen to compete night after night. Pull the trigger soon.