PEORIA, Ariz. -- His nickname is "Scrabble," which is easier to say than Marc Rzepczynski's last name. But the Mariners are mostly hoping their new left-hander helps spell relief for a bullpen that lacked a southpaw specialist last season.
Rzepczynski (pronounced zep-CHIN-ski) was general manager Jerry Dipoto's one free-agent splash this winter, agreeing to a two-year, $11 million deal with Seattle. The 31-year-old had a 2.64 ERA in 70 appearances last season with the A's and Nationals.
Once Charlie Furbush was sidelined by shoulder problems, the Mariners' only southpaws in the 'pen last year were converted starters Mike Montgomery and Vidal Nuno, neither of whom is a traditional lefty-on-lefty specialist.