More of Moore a good sign
While Johnson heals, M’s like what backup offers
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Adam Moore became the first catcher to start on consecutive days for the Seattle Mariners, and there’s a reason.
The Mariners love how he is playing so far and want him catching as many of the starting pitchers as possible in the event Rob Johnson isn’t ready to start the season.
Johnson had surgery on both hips early in the offseason and, while the Mariners still believe he will be ready for opening day, they’re being cautious with his workload.
Moore will catch Felix Hernandez on Sunday and Johnson will catch Cliff Lee on Monday, even though Johnson has all but become Hernandez’s personal catcher.
“We think Rob will be ready, but if he’s not we need to be prepared,” manager Don Wakamatsu said. “Rob and Felix worked extremely well together last year and the plan is to keep that going as much as we can during the season. But you never know about injuries, and the more we can cross-catch different guys I think it will be beneficial.”
Wakamatsu said Johnson ran hard in Thursday morning’s practice and his legs responded well.
“Our target is next Monday (to start Johnson),” Wakamatsu said. “Then we have an off day and we will work him in slow. Sometimes it’s a blessing to have a chance to catch Adam a lot right now.”
Wakamatsu called Moore the star of the Mariners’ 6-2 victory over the San Francisco Giants. Moore threw out a base stealer, fielded two bunts and threw out the runners with strong throws, and went 1 for 2 with two walks to push his exhibition batting average to .571.”
Who needs hits?
Chone Figgins continued his hitless spring in Thursday’s victory over the Giants, but also his ability to be the perfect complement to Ichiro Suzuki at the second spot in the batting order.
Figgins went 0 for 1 but walked three times and scored twice. He has seven walks in 16 appearances and a .438 on-base percentage.
After Ichiro doubled off Tim Lincecum to start the game, Figgins walked and they pulled a double steal that set up Ryan Garko’s two-run single. The Mariners definitely will live with that.
“Those two guys at the top of the lineup are going to be like gnats,” Giants manager Bruce Botchy said.
Ian Snell pitched well in his second exhibition start, allowing a single to the first hitter he faced, Aaron Rowand, before mowing down the Giants the rest of his three innings.