He said Australia's manager, Jon Deeble, was disappointed but understood that Rowland-Smith didn't want to risk a major league job by missing at least 10 days of camp beginning March 2. He told Deeble he definitely wants to play for Australia in the next WBC four years from now.

"I'm better served here," said the brawny 26-year-old, one of seven candidates for five spots in Seattle's rotation. "I didn't want to derail what I'd worked for all offseason.

"It was a tough, tough, tough decision, but this is what's more important."

The Mariners have an all-new coaching staff trying to get to know the pitchers in these first days of camp, but they had left the choice up to Rowland-Smith. Pitching coach Rick Adair said Saturday he would support Rowland-Smith in whatever he chose and insisted he wasn't encouraging him to stay.

"The preference is for him to do what's best for him," Adair said. "How many times does a guy get to have that opportunity, to play for his country?"

Then Adair added, "How many times does a guy get to be in a position he is in with this team?"

Rowland-Smith was 3-2 with a 3.50 ERA in 12 starts last season. His first major league start came July 1. From Aug. 21 through season's end, his 2.56 ERA was the lowest among starters in the American League.

Australia, in a WBC pool that includes tough Cuba and Mexico, isn't expected to get out of the first round that runs March 5-12 in Mexico City, but Rowland-Smith said he couldn't risk a longer absence if Australia pulled a surprise and advanced.

"I can't afford missing two or three weeks," he said. "I was pretty happy with what I did last year, and I hope that benefits me this year.

"If I want to do something, I should do it 100 percent. I want to be in this rotation. All or nothing."