The Bobcat Nation

So is there any buzz back in Montana about how Rob Johnson is doing with the Mariners? Seems to be getting more playing time lately. The M's broadcasters say that he works well with the pitching staff. Offensive stats aren't eye popping. He had better numbers with the AAA club (Tacoma Rainiers) last year. Good to see a Montana product playing in the big leagues.

I don't think there's any question that Wak has decided to go with Johnson over Jo due to his defense and the way he calls games. The lack of Kenji to call a good game has been a complaint of pitchers since he arrived.

However, I do wish that Wak would pinch hit Jo for Johnson late in close games more often (tonight in the 7th was a prime example). But overall, I think the M's are very, very pleased with Rob.

Last week the Missoulian had a good story on him through about the all-star break.

Bill Foley has been writing about him quite a bit in the Montana Standard, but the couple stories I read were more about Foley bragging about knowing an actual big leaguer. I dont' recall seeing anything about him in the Helena papers or on the local news lately. Al Marks did a couple of stories when Kenji was on the DL, but not much since then. Of course, Helenan's are apparently required to be Brewers fans, since that's our minor league affiliation. If you want to know anything and everything about Milwaukee, just watch KTVH

sorry to get on a tangent....

Johnson is a much better catcher defensively, and in my opinion, that's more important than his batting average.

I've been following him. I stopped for awhile after Jo returned but just scanning the box scores I noted he was getting a lot more time. Even the FSN guy the other night made an observation about how much Johnson's bat has improved.

I'm trying to do my part by letting all my Seattle friends know about the guy from Butte who's playing for Seattle. Some of them are actually interested in Butte because the daughter of the Pork Chop Johns owners lives and works out there in the company I used to work for.

Clearly Rob is now the designated Mariner "catcher of the future". With the Clements trade and the job Rob is doing behind the plate, the Mariner management has made him their guy. Just needs to work on bringing the batting average up which I have no doubt will happen. He's been hitting the ball well, just at people.

Anyone else watch Johnson gun down Podsednick last night at 3rd base in the top of the 10th? Strong throw!

That pickoff was absolutely huge in that game.