Pat Borders Back in Seattle
By Anthony James
On Sunday, Pat Borders, the former World Series MVP for the 1992 Toronto Blue Jays, made his return in a Seattle uniform. Borders went 1 for 3 with a walk in the Mariners 5-0 win over the San Diego Padres. The catcher started the season off at AAA Nashville of the Milwaukee system where he hit .245 with 3 home runs, 26 RBI in 14 games. Seattle's long time catcher, Dan Wilson, is out for the season with a torn knee ligament. Manager Mike Hargrove stated that a main reason why Borders was targeted was his knowledge of the nearly unchanged Seattle pitching staff of 2004.
Borders previously played in Seattle from 2001 to 2004. The 42-year-old is known for his strong work ethic, volunteering in the community and being a family man. In 1061 career games, Borders is hitting .255 with 68 home runs and 338 RBI.
It is safe to say that Borders will catch 30-40 games and hit .260 with a few home runs and 20 RBI. While these are not Hall of Fame statistics, the M's need a quality back up catcher for Miguel Olivo. Olivo is 27 and got his first Major League game only 2 years ago. Olivo can benefit from the tutelage of a World Series winning catcher. The former back up for the Mariners, Rene Rivera, was demoted to AA San Antonio. Wiki Gonzalez is on the DL with a pulled hamstring.
Although Borders' numbers may not scream "All Star," he will make a strong impression on the young Seattle staff.
