Griffey Pines For L.A.’S Nomo

Ken Griffey Jr., pointed to the Diamond-Vision screen during the Seattle Mariners’ batting practice Saturday when the National League leaders in strikeouts were listed.

“We could have had Nomo,” said Griffey, referring to Los Angeles’ rookie pitcher Hideo Nomo and his 109 strikeouts.

Griffey was one of the major league players who toured Japan in 1992. He said he faced Nomo “about three times in eight days. I might have took him deep, I don’t know.

“I told him he could have pitched for us,” Griffey said, “but I guess $2 million is just too steep for him.”

Amaral’s thievery

There’s a reason third base has become the hot corner for the Mariners.

After Rich Amaral stole third in the third inning Friday night against Texas, Seattle had stolen third base a stellar 16 of 17 times in 1995.

“It’s about knowing the pitcher and picking a good time to run,” said Amaral, who has been perfect in seven attempts. “There’s also a little bit of luck involved.”

Amaral hurt his right hand during the slide, but told manager Lou Piniella before batting practice Saturday he was fine.

Crowd conscious

After what appeared to be a foul ball down the left-field line by Benji Gil was ruled a home run by thirdbase umpire Greg Kosc in the fourth inning Friday, the Kingdome crowd displayed its own selective eyesight two innings later.

Edgar Martinez fouled a Kevin Gross’ pitch down the right field line and suddenly the crowd was on its feet.

The fans sarcastically greeted the foul ball as if it was a home run, screaming loudly and giving the round-tripper signal as Martinez returned to the batter’s box.