Randy Johnson will throw out first pitch at Mariners' home opener

Randy Johnson, who drew six opening-day assignments for the Mariners, will be getting one more.

The M's announced Thursday that the Big Unit, who announced his retirement earlier this month, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at their home opener, April 12 against Oakland.

No word if he'll bring out "Mr. Snappy" one last time.

"If he throws a strike, maybe we'll leave him in there," joked team president Chuck Armstrong.

Armstrong said the idea came from marketing vice president Kevin Martinez shortly after Johnson's retirement announcement. Armstrong liked it, and so did CEO Howard Lincoln. Armstrong put in a call to Johnson's agent, Alan Nero, who ran it by Johnson.

"Alan called me back immediately and said Randy said yes immediately as well," Armstrong said. "He said Randy was psyched and honored to get the invitation, and was looking forward to connecting with you guys (the Mariners) now that his playing days are over. A very important part of his career was as a Mariner, and he hopes he stays connected the rest of his life.

"All that is good. We're pleased and honored Randy will come on opening day. Randy won more games with us than any other team he pitched for. He's a fan favorite. He's been very much a gentleman every time he's come back for the opposition."

This would seem to be a precursor to Johnson joining the Mariners Hall of Fame, which requires former players to be two years out of the game and be voted in by the Mariners board of directors. There are currently just four members — Alvin Davis, Dave Niehaus, Jay Buhner and Edgar Martinez.

"That's a vote of our board, but I would certainly think that Randy Johnson ought to be in the Mariner Hall of Fame," Armstrong said.

Good news on Griffey

Trainer Rick Griffin gave an optimistic report on Ken Griffey Jr., who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in October to remove a bone spur.

"He had a lot of discomfort last year," Griffin said. "He's better now than at any point last year. We anticipate him coming into camp without his knee bothering him quite as much, and being able to do a little more. He was running around 10 days after surgery."

Griffin saw Griffey about a month ago and said he had lost 6 or 7 pounds after promising general manager Jack Zduriencik at the end of the year he'd return in spring "ripped."

Said Griffin: "He knows he has to lose some weight, and I think he will. I'm not saying he will look like he did in '95, but I think he will look a little better (than last year)."

Manager Don Wakamatsu said Griffey "evolved into a tremendous leader" last season, and envisions him getting considerable playing time at age 40.

"I think we are going to go similar to what we did last year," Wakamatsu said. "Let's ease him into it, but when he can play, he's going to be in there."

Keeping an eye on Bedard

In other health news, Griffin is monitoring free-agent pitcher Erik Bedard. While he reports Bedard is playing catch and "feeling very good" in his recovery from shoulder surgery on Aug. 14, Griffin added, "When he had his surgery last year, Dr. (Lewis) Yocum said it was a 10- to 12-month process, and he's at about seven months now. He has a ways to go, but he's working and rehabbing."

Griffin gave positive reports on pitchers Ryan Feierabend (Tommy John surgery), Chad Cordero (labral repair recovery) and Sean White (shoulder tendinitis) and catcher Luis Oliveros (knee). Griffin said all should be ready to compete in spring training.

Catcher Rob Johnson, coming off three surgeries (wrist and both hips) said he feels great and expects to be fully ready for spring training. Griffin, however, said the team plans to take it slow with Johnson early in camp and monitor him closely.

Notes

• Wakamatsu said "if we broke today, Chone (Figgins) is going to play third base." There has been recent speculation that Figgins might get some action at second base because Jose Lopez is a better defensive fit at third. "I promise you this: Staff-wise, front office-wise, we are going to sit and dissect this club and turn it upside down and every which way to try to break camp with the best club. That includes positions," Wakamatsu said.

• Despite Figgins' presence, Ichiro is still the Mariners' leadoff man, Wakamatsu said, unless Ichiro tells him in spring training he's ready to move down in the batting order. "The beautiful thing about Chone Figgins is he wants to win and he's willing to do whatever. To have a player of that magnitude come in with no ego is a beautiful thing. We'll see, but right now Ichiro is our leadoff hitter."

Larry Stone: 206-464-3146 or lstone@seattletimes.com