Appier Bothered by Claims of Cheating

The Angels’ rivalry with the Seattle Mariners simmered Thursday. As the Angels took exception to the Mariners’ suggestion that Kevin Appier doctored the ball during his victory Wednesday, the Mariners did their best to downplay the issue.

Appier, who is scheduled to face the Mariners again next weekend in Anaheim, was not pleased with the implication that he was tough to hit because he was cheating.

“I think that’s weak,” he said. Later, he added, “I’m complimented and insulted at the same time.”

During Wednesday’s 5-1 Angel victory, the Mariners collected several balls used by Appier, all with scuff marks they considered suspicious. After the game, Seattle outfielder Mike Cameron told the Seattle Times, “Whatever works, he throws up there. Cutters, fastballs, changeups, spitters....”

Cameron neither confirmed nor denied the quote Thursday. “If I did say it, I was just rambling,” he said.

Seattle Manager Bob Melvin said Thursday the Mariners did not plan to forward any collection of balls to the league, acknowledged any criticism of Appier would sound like “sour grapes” and said, “Nobody accused him of anything. Nobody has more respect for Kevin Appier than I do.”

Melvin, who caught Appier with the Kansas City Royals in 1992, said Appier was using an unfamiliar pitch. That would be a cut fastball that Appier said he added to his repertoire this spring. Melvin also suggested Appier was “raising the seams” on the ball, to which Appier responded, “He’s going senile.”

Angel Manager Mike Scioscia vehemently denied Appier was doctoring the ball. During batting practice, Melvin spoke privately with Appier and then with Scioscia. The latter conversation ended with Scioscia’s walking away and Melvin’s appearing to dismiss Scioscia with a wave.