Johnson Needs A Little Magic

According to Seattle Mariners trainer Rick Griffin, “everyone seems to have an answer” to what ails Randy Johnson’s finger.

Griffin has received numerous faxes and messages with remedies to get the “Big Unit” back on the mound faster.

One concerned Mariners fan even called to explain a “magic object.”

“All you need to do is tape it on the (sore) area overnight and he’d be cured.”

In reality, Griffin says continued rest and patience is the only thing that will get Johnson healthy.

Griffin doesn’t believe Johnson will be affected much by the time off and thought the extra rest may actually be a benefit.

Johnson will play catch again Friday or Saturday as a next step.

“Until he can play catch pain free we won’t know when he’s going to be able to pitch,” Griffin said.

Griffin talked with former closer Goose Gossage and Dodgers starter Hideo Nomo, who have each had similar injuries.

“Nomo said he was sore for about a month. Goose said it was two or three weeks,” Griffin said. “If you go by those two, we’re right in the middle of them.”

Anderson update

Mariners No. 1 draft pick, Ryan Anderson of Dearborn, Mich., had said if he didn’t sign with Seattle, he would attend the University of Michigan, but when Michigan classes began Wednesday, Anderson was not there.

The Mariners will contact Anderson’s family and advisers again this morning to continue contract negotiations.

Notes

The Mariners purchased designated hitter Dan Rohrmeier’s contract from Triple-A Tacoma and reinstated outfielder Lee Tinsley from the 15-day disabled list. The Mariners also recalled right-handers Ken Cloude and Bob Wolcott from Double-A Memphis. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Mariners designated second baseman Brian Raabe for assignment.

Rohrmeier, 31, and Raabe, 29, were Pacific Coast League all-stars this season. Rohrmeier hit .297 with 33 home runs and 120 RBIs for Tacoma.