Williamson still making his pitch

Scott Williamson's major league accomplishments are more than impressive.

The right-hander was the 1999 National League Rookie of the Year, earned a spot in an All-Star Game and played for the 2004 Boston Red Sox, who won the World Series.

But that isn't what Williamson remembers most about his big league career.

The friendships he formed with teammates and the camaraderie in and out of the clubhouse stand out and give Williamson, 32, even more incentive to work his way back to the majors.

Williamson joined the Tacoma Rainiers, the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners, on Sunday. He pitched the ninth inning Friday, allowing one run, in the Rainiers' 14-7 win over the 51s at Cashman Field.

"Not because of the stats or accolades, but 1999 was my favorite year because we had such a great group of guys," said Williamson, who began his major league career with the Cincinnati Reds. "I played on some great teams in Boston, but that team in '99, we were so close. It was so much fun to go to the ballpark and play.

"You definitely don't forget those guys or somehow not realize what you had."

Williamson racked up 243 strikeouts in 205 innings during his first two big league seasons with the Reds and was 12-7 with 19 saves in 1999.

Williamson moved to the bullpen before that season and joined Danny Graves, Scott Sullivan, Stan Belinda, Gabe White and Dennis Reyes in what became one of the top bullpens in the majors.

"I was very fortunate I had the bullpen guys I had in Cincinnati," Williamson said. "Stan really took me under his wing."

Williamson struggled early in 1999, but Belinda helped him get back on track.

"He said I just needed confidence," Williamson said. "He told me, 'You're not giving up a run until I tell you to.' I went from the end of April to somewhere in June without giving up a run. If he wasn't there at that time for me, I probably would have been sent to the minor leagues and never would have had the confidence."

Injuries, though, began to sidetrack Williamson, who had elbow surgery in 2001 and again in 2004. He was traded to the Red Sox in 2003 and was a part of Boston's championship team in 2004, albeit with an arm that caused him constant pain.

"That season was a real grunt," Williamson said. "I got seven cortisone shots and tried to fight through a ligament that wasn't there."

Williamson, who has a career record of 28-28 with 55 saves and a 3.36 ERA in the majors, hasn't been the same since.

He has been in seven organizations since 2004, including three this season.

Williamson began spring training as a part of the San Francisco Giants organization, was released and signed with Atlanta to pitch at Triple-A Richmond. The Braves released Williamson, who then latched on with the Mariners.

"This year has been kind of a crazy year for me," Williamson said. "It's kind of frustrating, but it feels good to go out and compete."

• NOTES -- Right-hander Brian Akin was brought up to the 51s from Double-A Jacksonville on Friday to take the spot of Ramon Troncoso, who was called up by the Los Angeles Dodgers. ... The 51s also activated outfielder Greg Jacobs from the disabled list. ... Tucson's 18 hits matched the season high allowed by the 51s.