M's Notebook: Johjima seems to catch on quickly

PEORIA, Ariz. — Mariners manager Mike Hargrove liked what he saw from catcher Kenji Johjima in the spring's first intrasquad game Monday.

"I thought he received the ball well," Hargrove said. "I liked the way he bounced around behind the plate."

Johjima, who singled and walked in two trips to the plate, gunned down Yuniesky Betancourt trying to take second on a pitch in the dirt.

"That was a good play," Hargrove said. "I didn't think he had a chance."

Other highlights from the three-inning game included home runs by Matt Lawton, Jeremy Reed and Greg Dobbs, and a smooth, sliding play in the hole by Betancourt in the second inning.

One lowlight was the performance of veteran right-hander Kevin Appier, a non-roster invitee hoping to win a job. He retired only one of the six batters he faced, allowing four runs on five hits.

The teams, managed by bench coach Ron Hassey and Tacoma Rainiers manager Dave Brundage, played to a 5-5 tie (Brundage's team got an extra at-bat, but that run did not count in the score).

"It was a typical first game," Hargrove said. "Some good fielding plays and some ugly ones."

Hargrove was pleased with the team's aggressive baserunning, but was unhappy with the pitchers' inability to throw strikes. There were five walks.

Another intrasquad game is scheduled today with a dinner on the line for Hassey and Brundage. The losing manager has to buy.

• 2B Fernando Vina was held out of workouts Monday with a hip flexor strain. "We'd like to get that under control before we start the exhibition season," Hargrove said. "I don't think it's anything bad, but it's one of those things we'd like to get a handle on."

• RHP J.J. Putz (back spasms) worked out but did not throw, and C Rob Johnson (back spasms) did not work out but is expected to return today.

• Scheduled to pitch in the Mariners' exhibition opener Thursday against the San Diego Padres are Felix Hernandez (one inning), Appier (two), Matt Thornton (one), Marcos Caraval (two), Georgie Sherrill (one) and Jacob Woods (one or two).

Scott Hanson of the Seattle Times staff contributed to this report.