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Colome could be in starting mix

By MIKE READLING

© St. Petersburg Times, published March 13, 2001

ST. PETERSBURG -- Throughout the spring, Jesus Colome has been considered a closer in the making, a Mariano Rivera type complete with the 100 mph fastball.

Monday against the Reds at Florida Power Park, Colome took his first step toward what Rays manager Larry Rothschild hinted could be a starter's role.

Colome, a starter in the minors, pitched two innings, allowed one hit and struck one out in his first outing this month longer than one inning.

"We need to build him up," Rothschild said. "I'm not discounting the fact that he could start."

Rothschild said the idea is to bring Colome around slowly. He just wanted to get the pitcher some innings.

"We've gone slow with him because he's a pitcher that didn't pitch winter ball and didn't throw much this winter," Rothschild said. "It's exactly the way we scripted it out early."

Colome, 21, made large strides since his last appearance, in which he gave up an eighth-inning grand slam in a 2-2 game against the Indians.

"For a young pitcher to recover like that after his last outing is a good sign," Rothschild said.

"I felt pretty good today," Colome said through interpreter and first base coach Jose Cardenal. "My slider was working good today."

ALVAREZ TO THROW: Wilson Alvarez was scheduled to face live batters for the first time in nearly a year today in batting practice. Alvarez, who had rotator cuff surgery last year, has been throwing simulated games this spring.

Juan Guzman, who pitched 12/3 innings last year before having rotator cuff surgery, was scheduled to pitch a simulated game Thursday. Guzman will continue to raise his pitch count to strengthen his arm before working in an exhibition game, which could happen next week.

Rothschild said White is "working on some stuff" and may throw in a game or build up to four or five innings in a simulated game.

MARTINEZ SCRATCHED: Shortstop Felix Martinex was scratched from the starting lineup Monday because of a slightly pulled left hamstring. Martinez said he felt the muscle pull Sunday as he chased a ground ball behind second base. He should be out a couple of days.

"I don't think he's hurt," Rothschild said. "I'm giving him an extra day or two just to make sure he's okay." BIRTHDAY WISHES: Rothschild celebrated his 47th birthday and was presented with a cake and a large bouquet of black and green balloons before the game. Rothschild said he had no big plans for the night. "Probably just spend some time with my kids," he said. "That's all I want, anyway."

METCALFE BACK: Cincinnati infielder Mike Metcalfe made his Florida Power Park debut, but it wasn't in the uniform he was expecting. The Rays signed Metcalfe during the winter but released him Feb. 22 after he was arrested for driving under the influence.

"I'm happy to be playing," Metcalfe said. "I'm very happy with the way the Rays treated me. I messed up, and I have to pay for that. Larry made it clear the first day of camp that he didn't want any off-field distractions. There's no reason for them to put up with hassles."

MONDAY'S ACTION: The Rays beat the Reds 7-0 as Randy Winn homered and Jose Guillen was 2-for-3 with three RBI. It was the first time in 209 games, including spring training last year, the Reds were shut out. Cincinnati has gone 163 regular-season games without a shutout.

Bryan Rekar pitched four innings, allowing two hits and striking out three. He has not given up a run in nine innings this spring.

COMING UP: The Rays play the Phillies at 1:05 at Jack Russell Stadium. Albie Lopez was scheduled to start, with Dan Wheeler, Ken Hill and Esteban Yan also scheduled to pitch.

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