Big Michael Pineda makes pitch for Mariners rotation spot

PEORIA, Ariz. — Wednesday night's game between the Seattle Mariners and Milwaukee Brewers at the Peoria Sports Complex presented a special treat: The chance to watch Mariners rookie Michael Pineda start a game as he continued his quest to become the team's fifth starter this season. With Nate Robertson on the mend after recent elbow surgery, the spot is now thought to be Pineda's to lose. He's a big 22-year-old right-hander out of the Dominican Republic — he officially stands 6-foot-7 and weighs 260 pounds — and he was just ranked the second-best prospect in Seattle's organization by Baseball America,  just behind infielder Dustin Ackley. Pineda's fastball clocks in the mid-90s and scouts are high on the potential of his slider. Manager Eric Wedge says he really likes Pineda's secondary pitches. So how did he do? Well, let's just say that I won't be telling my grandkids about a beautiful desert night and seeing Michael Pineda blow away batters th...