Major League Baseball
NL notes: Jarvis will likely land in Colorado

By Larry Stone
Seattle Times staff reporter

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The Mariners had seen enough of Kevin Jarvis, but at least one team appears willing to give him another look. Of course, they'll be able to sign him for the major-league minimum, with Seattle responsible for the remainder of his $4.75 million in contract obligations.

Once Jarvis clears waivers, the short-lived Mariners pitcher is likely to land with Colorado. The Rockies are in a perpetual search for a No. 4 and 5 starter, having watched Scott Elarton, Denny Stark and Jeff Fassero go a combined 0-7 in seven starts in those spots.

Jarvis, who struggled to an 8.31 earned-run average in Seattle and was designated for assignment last Monday, would likely go to Colorado Springs to build up his arm strength, then join the Rockies' rotation in mid-May. He pitched for them in 2000, going 3-4 with a 5.95 ERA and working at least five innings 14 times in 19 starts.

• Bob Melvin's old boss, Bob Brenly, is having his own rough spell in Arizona. After the Diamondbacks completed a 3-6 road trip, Arizona owner Jerry Colangelo met with Brenly to reiterate his commitment to the manager, rumored to be on the firing line.

"I'm in the foxhole with you," Colangelo said he told Brenly, according to the East Valley Tribune. "I want him to know that. I don't want him bothered by anything: circumstances, innuendo, rumors."

Brenly is in the final year of a four-year contract, and broadcaster Mark Grace has been mentioned as the heir apparent for the job. Brenly knows how that goes; he stepped out of the broadcast booth to replace Buck Showalter.

• Few players get more out of their ability than Florida outfielder Juan Pierre, who drew raves from his former manager, Colorado's Clint Hurdle: "It's the basic American dream. Small-town kid makes big. And why did he make big? Because of hard work, determination, all those values you try to incorporate into your children when you're bringing them up.

"The one great tool he has is speed. All the other ones he's had to work on, develop. Hopefully, kids can come to the park and look at him and say, 'See, I can play in the big leagues.' "

• Cubs manager Dusty Baker didn't even get a chance to appeal his one-game suspension by Bob Watson, Major League Baseball discipline czar, for confronting umpire C.B. Bucknor.

"Usually you at least get to state your case, see what the evidence is against you," Baker said. "But I guess when Judge Roy Bean makes the decision, it sticks."
 
Watson apparently nailed Baker for inciting the fans, who littered the outfield at Wrigley Field with garbage after his tirade.

"I really feel more a part of Chicago now," Baker said. "If I can (get suspended for inciting fans), then me and the people are one."

• Part of Roger Clemens' deal with Houston allows him to stay home from certain road trips when he's not scheduled to pitch. On Monday, while the Astros were in Pittsburgh, Clemens flew to Omaha, Neb., for a visit with 4,000 troops of the United States Strategic Command, including the 55th air wing at Offut Air Force Base.

• Tough luck for the Brewers' Chad Moeller, who on Tuesday hit for the cycle. In recent years, Milwaukee-based Harley-Davidson had a promotion offering a motorcycle to any Brewers player who hit for the cycle, but they pulled out this year.

Manager Ned Yost provided a consolation, giving Moeller a bicycle during his postgame interview.