PEORIA, Ariz. -- Like most veteran pitchers, Marc Rzepczynski will normally tell you that Cactus League games in the dry air of Arizona aren't much about results. This is the time to get your work in, build up arm strength and fine-tune the delivery in preparation for contests that count.
But even at 32, the oldest pitcher on the Mariners' staff, Rzepczynski figures it's never too late to change. So the lefty specialist, coming off a rough September last season, came to camp this spring intent on reworking his delivery.
And when the new approach paid off with a 1-2-3 inning with two strikeouts -- and more importantly an easy feeling and added life on his fastball for a first time out -- Rzepczynski emerged from Tuesday's game against the Padres with a smile and a sigh of relief.