PEORIA – Dan Wilson said the best catching coach he ever worked with was Seattle’s roving minor league catching instructor, Roger Hansen – and now Wilson enjoys working with him on a different level.
In camp with the Mariners for a few days, Wilson is helping Hansen and others coach 17 minor league catchers.
“I enjoy working with the kids, but it’s tough to get away from home for more than three or four days,” said Wilson, who lives in Seattle with his wife and four children. “My kids go from 8 to 15, so there are a lot of activities.”
Like Jay Buhner a few weeks ago, Wilson represents a piece of the Mariners’ past, and brings big-league credibility when he talks to young players.
“They listen to me because they have to,” Hansen said Saturday. “They listen to Danny because they know he was a successful big-league catcher.
Wilson, who turns 41 this month, retired after the 2005 season having played 1,299 major league games – 1,251 of those with the Mariners.
As much as anything, Wilson watches young catchers like ’09 draft pick Steven Baron go through drills, then talks to them about what he sees. He makes suggestions, gives tips and offers encouragement.
And, of course, Wilson has fun. When Hansen left briefly to work with a few big-league catchers, he turned first to Wilson.
“I’ll only be gone a little while, don’t mess them all up,” Hansen said.
Much as he enjoys the brief time with players, Wilson isn’t sure he wants to give up family time to coach full time.
“Coaches work longer hours than players,” he said. “I had a little more trouble than I thought I’d have when I left the game, but I’ve discovered how many other things there are to life. Baseball is so insulated it cuts you off from the outside world to an extent.
“I’ve enjoyed rediscovering other aspects of my life.”
Wilson may do occasional radio or television work for the Mariners this season.
Bedard’s work paying off
Left-hander Erik Bedard is ahead of schedule in his comeback from shoulder surgery. He wasn’t expected to throw from a mound this month, but now he’s scheduled to throw a light bullpen session on March 23.
That doesn’t mean Bedard’s late-May return has been pushed up – there could still be setbacks. What it does mean is that his work is paying off.
“Erik’s worked really hard and done everything we’ve asked,” trainer Rick Griffin said. “He’s come a long way.”
Bedard has built arm and shoulder strength playing long toss for more than a month, but beginning the 23rd, he’ll start working on a mound again.
“I’ll feel like a pitcher,” Bedard said.
Short hops
Catcher Rob Johnson, who has spent all spring rehabbing his surgically repaired hips, will catch his first game today in Tucson. “This is as good as I’ve felt in two years,” Johnson said. “It’s time to get up to game speed.” … Doug Fister’s bid for that fifth spot in the Seattle rotation wasn’t helped by his second Cactus League start. Falling behind most hitters, Fister gave up six hits, two walks and a home run in three innings. Only one of the four runs he allowed was earned – an error by shortstop Josh Wilson hurt him in the first inning – but Fister had trouble putting hitters away. ...When the Mainers scored in the fifth inning, they did it thanks to the sweat and blood – literally – of outfielder Eric Byrnes. Byrnes doubled, sliding headfirst into second base, banging his head hard and momentarily stunning himself. After a trainer worked with him for a moment, Byrnes stayed in the game and scored on a Franklin Gutierrez single. … Michael Saunders hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning, but the Mariners lost to the Giants, 8-4. …Chone Figgins made two errors in the eighth inning, and manager Don Wakamatsu said his infielders are dealing with an infield that is dry and forces bad hops – no matter how much the grounds crew waters it pregame. “Spring training gives you some odd conditions,” Wakamatsu said. … Felix Hernandez, making his first spring start today, is scheduled to throw three innings or 50 pitches, whichever comes first. Hernandez is excited about batting in a National League park, and coach Ty Van Burkleo had the line of the day. “We’re going to tell him just to track pitches, not to swing,” Van Burkleo said. … The battle for the fifth spot in the rotation appears to be down to Jason Vargas and Fister, with a slight edge to Vargas. … Relievers Mark Lowe, David Aardsma and Danny Cortes will skip the Tucson trip and pitch a simulated game today.
On tap
Seattle plays Colorado in Tucson at 12:05 p.m. today, a game that will be broadcast on 710-AM radio. Probable starting pitchers: Felix Hernandez vs. Ubaldo Jimenez.
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