Jamie Moyer rips ex-Mariners teammate Alex Rodriguez

CLEARWATER, Fla. — Shortly after joining the Philadelphia Phillies in August 2006, pitcher Jamie Moyer reminisced about playing on a Mariners team with infielder Alex Rodriguez.

Moyer told of how his two oldest sons, Dillon and Hutton, had idolized Rodriguez. He mentioned how much they liked visiting with Rodriguez in the Seattle clubhouse after games.

Those were the days Rodriguez appeared to be on his way to the Hall of Fame.

Now?

"I don't see how he has a chance," Moyer said of the New York Yankees' third baseman. "Who in their right mind would vote for anyone who got caught taking that stuff?"

Rodriguez last week became the biggest name in baseball to confess to using steroids. He said he used them from 2001 to 2003, after he signed a 10-year, $252 million contract with the Texas Rangers. Rodriguez's confession came after Sports Illustrated reported he was one of 104 players to test positive for performance-enhancing drugs during what was supposed to be an anonymous survey test in 2003.

Moyer said he was disappointed in Rodriguez.

"It's about respecting the game," Moyer said. "I'd be disappointed in anybody in that situation. When people have had an impact on your life, you want to feel for them. But how can I feel for him? To me, if you're doing it, you know it's illegal. I commend him for coming out and saying it, but why didn't he say it seven years ago?"

Rodriguez, 33, has hit 553 home runs and won three most valuable player awards.

Tainted numbers?

"Of course they are," the 46-year-old Moyer said. "This changes everything — the way people look at him, the way people act toward him. It's a shame. What does he have to play for now?"

Moyer played in Seattle from 1996 to 2006. A-Rod was a teammate from 1996 to 2000. Rodriguez said he did not use steroids before going to Texas in 2001.

"Who's going to believe him?" Moyer said. "What credibility does he have now?"

Notes

• Pitcher Mike Hampton returned to Houston after being diagnosed with what team officials called a slight irregular heartbeat. Hampton, 36, is to be examined by team physician Jim Muntz before undergoing a procedure to correct the heartbeat with an electrical current. The Astros plan to have him back in camp in Kissimmee, Fla., on Thursday.

• Houston closer Jose Valverde, last year's NL saves leader, went to the hospital because of an inflamed right forearm that was diagnosed as an infection from an apparent insect bite. Valverde, 29, was given antibiotics and isn't expected to be sidelined by the injury.

• Ex-Mariner Brad Wilkerson got a chance with the Boston Red Sox when Mark Kotsay, a backup at first base and in the outfield, underwent back surgery. Wilkerson, 31, agreed to a minor-league contract with an invitation to Boston's major-league camp and could earn up to $2.5 million if added to the major-league roster.

• Left-hander Odalis Perez, 31, missed Washington's first official workout, reportedly because he isn't happy with a contract that would pay him $850,000 if he makes the major-league team.

• Ex-Mariners outfielder Jose Guillen showed up in Kansas City's camp about 20 pounds lighter than last year. "I didn't show up with a big stomach, like last year," said the 32-year-old Guillen, listed at 6 feet and 210 pounds.

• The upcoming World Baseball Classic lost one of the sport's superstars when St. Louis slugger Albert Pujols, 29, said he will not play for the Dominican Republic because of insurance issues.

• Boston designated hitter David Ortiz said he wants players who test positive for steroids to be suspended for a year instead of the existing 50-game penalty.