Edgar returns, struggles

KIRBY ARNOLD, FOR THE OLYMPIAN

Originally published Saturday, March 16, 2002

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Edgar Martinez, who hadn't played since Monday because of a sore quad muscle in his left leg, went 0-for-4 in his return Friday and said he felt fine.

Center fielder Mike Cameron, who hasn't played since Monday because of back spasms, is close to returning.

Backup catcher Ben Davis, who has a strained muscle near his rib cage, isn't.

Piniella said he's not worried about the injuries, even though the Mariners' offense has suffered without some of its regulars.

"The only one that could have any length to it at all is big Ben Davis and his oblique muscle," Piniella said. "Outside of that we should be getting back to normal in short order."

- FLOCKING TO THE M'S: How far have the Mariners come in 25 years? Friday's crowd of 12,758 not only shattered their single-game home record for spring training, it was more than the home crowds the Mariners drew during all of spring training until 1982.

Attendance wasn't even kept the first two years -- 1977 and 1978 -- and the season attendance each of the next three years was 11,778 in 1979, 8,147 in 1980 and 12,381 in 1981. Friday's crowd beat the old single-game record of 12,207 last year against the Chicago Cubs.

The Mariners are averaging 8,081 through seven home games. Only the Yankees, Diamondbacks, Giants and Cubs are averaging more.

- UP IN THE BOX: Bret Boone took a step forward in the batter's box and a step backward with his spring training average when he went 0-for-4 Friday. His first three at-bats, against curveball specialist Kirk Reuter, resulted in a strikeout and two fly outs to right field. Boone is hitting .290.

"The last three games I've felt great," he said. "Today, he had me out front, but I'm not upset about it. I haven't faced many lefties this spring and this is the first time I've faced one of those soft-throwing thumbers (curveball pitchers). He's good and he had me out front."

So, in his second and third at-bats, Boone moved up in the batter's box to try and negate the soft stuff.

"Didn't work, did it?" he said without concern. "I feel strong. I feel fine and I'll be ready to go in two weeks. I feel ready to go now. It's just that some days you don't get any hits."

- BUHNER RETURNS: Jay Buhner is back in Peoria for the second time in spring training, this time to work with the minor league players. He was here late last month helping out in the major league camp. His duties this time?

"I have no idea," he said. "I'm heading to a meeting to see what they have planned for me. I don't know if I'm going to like what they want me to do or not. If I do, great. If I don't, I'll tell them."

The Olympian Copyright 2002

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